Surfing Euskadi

Euskaloha!

Welcome to Basque Country Surf

A pioneering destination Surfing first came to the Iberian Peninsula via the Basque Country. With more than 50 breakers to suit all levels and a range of experienced professional surf services integrated in the club SURFING EUSKADI, the Basque Coast is acknowledged as one of the main surf destinations in Europe to learn, practise and even watch surfing. An unbeatable mixture of plans to combine surfing and tourism. Visit the Guggenheim in the morning and surf in the afternoon. Have fun trying to catch a wave with the family and charge your batteries with the best pintxos. Try the legendary T-bone steak. Go to a sagardotegi (cider house). Stroll round San Sebastian while you keep an eye open for the best moment to hit the water. Take a trip to a txakoli vineyard or to the Rioja Alavesa if there are no waves, or visit the must-see places along the coast, such as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Lekeitio, Getaria or Hondarribia.

The waves

zonas de olas: Muskiz, Sopela, Plentzia, Gorliz, Bakio, Mundaka, Mutriku, Deba, Zumaia, Getaria, Zarautz, Orio, Donosti

La Arena

Size: 1,5 m
Tide: Low and rising
Type of sea bed: Sand
Wind: S, SE
Swell: Quite heavy NW

The waves of La Arena beach are very suitable for beginner surfers as well as experts. The beach is characterised by having several zones of breakers, being the busiest beach at holiday times. Its star wave is the Pobeña left-hander.

Barinatxe / La Salvaje

Size: 1,5 m
Tide: All
Type of sea bed: Sand-rock
Wind: S, SE
Swell: Medium NW

In this beach we find quality waves in an environment of dunes and reed beds. The outstanding wave is the Triangular, a far-travelling breaker that can hold quite a size.

Arriatera

Size: 1 - 1,5 m
Tide: Rising
Type of sea bed: Sand
Wind: S, SW, E
Swell: Medium NW

One of the most important beaches in the Basque surfing scene, home to international events and the cradle of important surfers like the Acero brothers. Ideal for surfing beginners, with an excellent range of surf schools and services.

Plentzia - Gorliz

Size: 1 - 1,5 m
Tide: Neither high nor low, rising
Type of sea bed: Sand
Wind: W, SW
Swell: Strong NW

Sheltered within a beautiful bay, it has perfect surfing conditions for beginners, or even to take your first steps on a longboard. It becomes an alternative spot for days with heavy seas.

Zentrala / La Central

Size: 2 - 3 m
Tide: Rising
Type of sea bed: Rock
Wind: S
Swell: Medium NW

Located in the municipality of Lemoiz, below the old nuclear power station. It is considered one of the best waves in Europe for bodyboarding. It is an ever-changing wave with impossible tube sections.

Bakio

Size: 1 – 2m
Tide: Rising
Type of sea bed: Sand
Wind: S, SE, NE
Swell: Medium NW

The cradle of great surfers and home to international events. The constancy of its waves throughout the year is its main value. A suitable beach for beginner surfers.

Mundaka

Size: 1 - 3,5 m
Tide: Low and receding
Type of sea bed: Sand
Wind: S, SW
Swell: N, NW

Considered the best wave in Europe and one of the 10 best waves in the world according to the international surfing community. Located in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, it is a must-visit for surfers of all types. It requires a certain level of proficiency.

Laga

Size: 1m
Tide: Low and rising
Type of sea bed: Sand
Wind: S, SE
Swell: Medium NW

One of the wildest beaches on the Basque Coast, far from built-up areas and also located in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Its waves and landscape make an ideal combination for surfing beginners.

Deba

Size: 1 - 2,5 m
Tide: Variable (preferably rising)
Type of sea bed: Sand and rock
Wind: S, SE, SW
Swell: N, NW

Deba beach is the ideal place to learn to surf. With only a slight slope and with peaks from the left and right that change according to the sandy shallows. Its far-travelling waves are suitable for surfers of all levels.

Zumaia

Size: 1 - 1,5 m
Tide: All
Type of sea bed: Sand and rocks
Wind: S, SE
Swell: N, NW

The waves of Itzurun beach are ideal for both surfing and bodyboarding, because they rebound off the cliffs and form take-off "ramps" for the most radical manoeuvres. The Flysch cliffs act as a background.

Zarautz

Size: 1 – 2 m
Tide: All
Type of sea bed: Sand
Wind: S, SE, slight NE
Swell: Quite heavy NW

The capital city of Gipuzkoan surf. It plays host to important dates in the competition calendar like the surfing world championships in spring. Ideal for learning to surf thanks to its waves and wide range of surf schools.

La Zurriola

Size: 1 – 1.5m
Tide: Low and rising
Type of sea bed: Sand
Wind: Slight S, SE, NE
Swell: Small or medium NW

The urban beach by excellence of the Basque Coast. Its waves are of a very constant quality throughout the year. Being able to enjoy the city of Donostia-San Sebastian after a surf session is its greatest appeal.

Big wave surfing

In the Basque Country, big wave surfing finds one of the most prolific coasts in the whole of the European continent. From the river estuary at Bilbao to the city of San Sebastian, surfers of these waves and amateur members of the public can experience the real force and strength of the Cantabrian Sea in intense sessions which will remain in the memory. The best sessions take place in the autumn-winter season, from the month of October until the month of February, but there is always the chance of surprises.

Punta Galea

Located in Getxo, at the entrance to the Port of Bilbao, and situated beneath the cliff of La Galea, from where one can watch big wave surfing in action.

Meñakoz

Located in the cove of the same name between Sopela and Barrika, it is a true sanctuary for lovers of traditional big wave surfing. From the cliff you can see all the power of the waves, as well as from the cove.

Mundaka

From the town lookout point the spectacle on any day Mundaka breaks in impressive with a to-ing and fro-ing of people, cameras and a great atmosphere.

Izaro

Can be seen from the road between the towns of Bermeo and Mundaka.

Sorginetxe

Sessions can be seen from the promenade of Deba without missing a single thing.

Planeria / Playa Gris

News of its sessions usually goes round the world. On days when it is in action, the traffic jams are monumental along the N-634 road that runs between Getaria and Zumaia, but the spectacle, which can be viewed from hardly 100 metres away, is unbelievable.

Roka Puta / Izustarri

A real spectacular aquatic park where once can be observed from different angles in the Orrua cove, located on the road between Getaria and Zumaia.

Agiti

Hidden behind the bay of La Concha, it is one of many impossible wave options along the Basque Coast.

Club Surfing Euskadi

Authorised surf schools, offering surfing classes with the best equipment. Surfcamps in incredible places. Surf-friendly accommodation where you can clean your wetsuit, store your surfboard and consult the wave forecast. In addition, guides, tourist information offices and specialised receptive agencies.They are all deeply committed to surfing, the environment and quality of service, so that your surfing experience in the Basque Country is... worth repeating!

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