Need some inspiration for your next Spanish surf trip?
Look no further; we’ve got you covered with a carefully curated list of our favourite surf spots along the Spanish coast with pumping points and epic beachies.
Let’s dive straight in with one of the top surf destinations in Europe.
Mundaka
Mundaka is, without a doubt, the jewel in the crown of Basque Country surf spots.
If you arrived here when it’s flat, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a fairly sleepy fishing village with a beautiful coastline.
But as soon as a ground swell arrives from the Atlantic, this becomes one of Europe’s most popular surf spots.
A long, peeling left-hander breaks at the top of the point before speeding down a carefully groomed sandbank for hundreds of meters.
This wave is FAST!!
Best suited to experienced surfers, the lefts here are no joke offering long barrels for those who can make it out.
Local surf legend Aritz Aranburu is always a stand-out when the surf conditions get serious.
It used to be home to a World Surf League Championship tour event, and fingers crossed we see it on the rotation again soon.
Mundaka has a dedicated crew of chargers that will surf it whenever it breaks, so be respectful and don’t expect to be swinging on the best-set waves.
Zarautz
We switch over to a much more urban setting for our next surf beach.
Zarautz, located in the Spanish Basque Country, is a punchy beach break with lots of options for surfers.
The town is situated along a beautiful bay, boasting a two-kilometres of sandy beach with a range of peaks suitable for surfers of all levels.
With waves breaking over sand, it’s an ideal spot for beginners, particularly in summer.
In addition to the great surf, Zarautz features a picturesque promenade for leisurely strolls and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene with excellent restaurants and bars.
Set amidst the stunning hilly and mountainous landscape of the Spanish Basque Country, Zarautz is a perfect base for exploring other breaks around this coast of Spain.
My only issue with Zarutz was when I surfed, there was quite a lot of rubbish on the beach, but this was several years ago and may have improved.
Sopelana
Sopelana is situated in the Basque Country on the north side of Bilbao, with picturesque scenery and stunning rocky backdrops.
The beach breaks in Sopelana work throughout the year, but the best time to surf is during autumn and winter when powerful swells hit the coastline.
The waves are smaller in the summer, but the water temperature is pleasant, and you can pull out your foamie or a groveller.
The city of Sopelana has a vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere that captures visitors. Surf bars are popular evening hangouts where tourists and locals gather to share a beer after a long day of surfing.
Don’t miss the tapas dishes on offer here, which are some of the best in the world.
San Sebastian
San Sebastian is a perfect mix of great food and quality nightlife, with plenty of surf camps and schools.
Zurriola is the main surfing beach in the city, with consistent swell coming off the Atlantic Ocean all year round.
It’s predominantly a right-hander with a fast-breaking left for the goodies.
Best from two to six feet, it can start to close out in larger swells making for a gruelling paddle out.
It’s probably one of the most famous surf breaks in the Basque Country, so be prepared for a crowd.
La Concha in the old town is one of the best spots to learn to surf, with several surf schools along the beach.
One of the best waves in the area can be found at the western end of Playa de Ondarreta.
It’s a powerful left-hand point, so it’s typically packed with the best surfers in the local area, but if you can snag a wave, it’ll be worth it.
Rodiles
Rodiles is a must-see if you want a slightly more relaxed experience than Mundaka, both in terms of the wave and the crowd.
The river mouth combes the sand here to form a perfect left-hand point break.
It’s nowhere near as steep or fast as it’s better known, big brother, but you can still find some great sections and hollow waves.
The beach has some great waves with lefts, rights, and several peaks to choose from.
As with much of the coast, your best bet is September to November, but you can surf here all year round, providing a swell is running.
Winds are offshore from the southwest; you can even find some shelter from easterlies if they’re not too strong.
Word of warning this is known to be a bit of a hot spot for car theft, so make sure not to leave any of your valuables out on show while you surf.
Playa De Somo
Playa De Somo may sound like a sumo wrestling club, but it’s actually a quality beach break in the Cantabria region of Spain.
It’s got plenty of room to spread out and offers some shelter at either end of the beach.
It’s got waves suitable for all levels, with smaller swells offering nice peeling waves perfect for a mini-mal or a longboard.
When the waves pick up, it can be one of the best surfing beaches in Spain, with heavy barrels and long, powerful walls offering multiple sections for turns.
With a ground swell from the north, you can surf all through the tide, but it gets busy, so aim for early mornings to get the best of it.
Wrapping Up
Now you’re all set to start planning your next surf holiday, and with spots like Mundaka and Rodiles, it’s hard to overlook Northern Spain and the Basque Country.
Spain is one the best places to really get off the beaten track and explore, so while we recommend checking out all the spots on this list, don’t forget to go on a few adventures; you never know what’s around that next headland.
Now don’t miss out on how to plan a stress-free surf trip with our handy step-by-step guide.