The best beaches in Spain to surf: Complete Guide to 2025
Indice
Spain, with its almost 8,000 kilometres of coastline, is much more than sun, sangria and nap. It is a paradise for lovers of the surf, a surf destination that offers a diversity that few countries can match. From the powerful and cold waves of the Cantabrian Sea to the warm waters and reefs volcanic island of the Canary Islands, Spain has it all.
If you’re planning your next surf trip or just dream of catching your first wave, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a tour epic for the best beaches in Spain for surfing. We will analyze what makes it special to each region, where to find the best waves according to your level and why this country has become a mecca for surfers from all over the world.
Are you ready? Grab the wax, set the keels and let’s go to the water!
Why surf in Spain?
We may not have the mystique of Hawaii or the consistency millimeter of Indonesia, but surfing in Spain is a full experience. It is not just the quality of the waves, which is very high, but everything that surrounds them.
Diversity of Waves: you Have beach breaks (waves that break on sand) perfect for learning, point breaks (waves breaking on rocky bottoms or out) kilometer and reefs (funds of rock or coral) powerful and tuberosos.
Culture and Cuisine: What better way to get out of an epic surf in Zarautz and eat a few pintxos? Or do you enjoy “fried fish” in Cadiz after a morning in The Palmar? The surf here is mixed with a rich culture and a food spectacular.
Environment: The environment and surf in Spain is a welcoming, vibrant, and has grown tremendously. You will find an unbelievable infrastructure of shops, surf houses , and schools.
Climate: You have two worlds. The north, green and wet, with his season strong in autumn and winter. And the south, and the Canary islands, where you can surf in a swimsuit or wetsuit short for much of the year.
The origins of surfing in Spain
To understand the present, one must look to the past. Did you know that the Cantabria region is considered the birthplace of surfing in Spain? The history dates back to the 60s, when Jesus Fiochi brought the first surfboard on the beaches of Santander, after a trip to France.
What started off as an eccentricity of a few brave in the Beach of Somo, became a fever. Little by little, the culture of the table is spread throughout the cantabrian coast, jumping to the Basque Country, Asturias and Galicia, and later, exploding in the south, and the Canary islands. This story is not just a story; it is the basis of the authority and the deep culture of surf that breathes in the north.
The best destinations for surfing in Spain,
Not all rides are created equal, nor are all the days are good ones on the same site. The Spanish geography divides the surf in three major areas: the North Coast, the South (Andalusia) and the Canary Islands. We will desglosarlas.
North coast: The bay of Biscay of the Wild (Cantabria, the Basque Country, Asturias and Galicia)
in The north is the jewel in the crown of the surf Spanish. It is consistent, potent and overwhelming natural beauty. The water is cold, especially in winter (get ready for a good 4/3 or even a 5/4), but the waves make up for it.
1. Playa de Somo (Cantabria) – The birthplace of surfing in the north
Here it all began. Somo is not only a beach, is a beach giant of 7 kilometres (next to the playa de Loredo) with views to the bay of Santander.
Type of Wave: Beach break with multiple peaks. Waves of the right and the left, maneuverable and, in general, do not excessively peat bogs.
Best Moment: it Works with almost all tides, although the average tide rising tends to be the favorite. Withstands winds of the south (surada), which act as offshore (wind of the earth) and let the waves clean and tidy.
Level: All levels. Is, without a doubt, one of the best beaches in Spain to learn to surf. Its waves long and spread are perfect to make progress, but with a good swell (swell) of the northwest, can offer rides in high-quality for advanced surfers.
2. Beach of Zarautz (Basque Country) – The paradise of surf and pintxos
Zarautz is in the Basque Country, which Somo is a Cantabria: the epicenter of the surf culture. With 2.5 km, is the longest beach in the Basque country and a real magnet for waves.
Type of Wave: Beach break very consistent. Offers rides along the beach. It is the home of surfers, world-class as Aritz Aranburu.
Best Moment: it Works all year round, although in summer the waves are smaller and perfect for beginners. Fall and spring bring in the best swells.
Level: All levels. The western area of the beach is more quiet for schools, while the centre and the canal zone offer peaks are more powerful. The atmosphere on the promenade full of bars and surf shops, is unbeatable.
3. Beach Mundaka (Basque Country) – The wave to the left legendary
we Talk about big words. Mundaka is not only the best wave of Spain; for many, it is the best wave to the left of Europe.
Type of Wave: Point break left. A wave lengthy, incredibly tuber, which it breaks on a sand bank, formed by the estuary of Urdaibai.
Best Time: Doesn’t always work. You need very specific conditions: swells powerful in the northwest (NW) and winds from the south or south-west (S/SW). Tends to break in the fall and winter.
Level: Only experts. is Not a game. The wave is fast, powerful, and breaks down near the pier. See her break away from the port with the pros riding tubes of hundreds of meters is a spectacle.
4. Playa de Salinas (Castrillón, Asturias) – north Classic to surf in Spain
Salinas is another of the big names of the surfing asturian and national. It is an urban beach, long and very exposed to the sea, which guarantees waves almost every day of the year.
Type of Wave: Beach break with several peaks. Waves to maneuver and enjoy.
Best Moment: Very consistent. To be so exposed, the days of light winds or offshore are the best. It is the headquarters of major festivals and competitions.
Level: All levels. There is plenty of space for schools and experienced surfers.
5. Playa de Pantín (Galicia) – Where the waves break more mythical
Galicia is a region of heavy. More wild, more cold, and, often, with waves more powerful. Pantín, in the province of A Coruña, is its greatest exponent.
Type of Wave: Beach break of very high quality. Breaks regularly, and offers spikes of left and right very good.
Best Time: Throughout the year, but it is famous for the Pantín Classic, a test of the world tour (WSL) that is held at the end of summer, attracting international stars.
Level: All levels, though with sea background, it demands respect. Currents can be strong.
6. Playa de Razo (Galicia) – pure Nature and rides for all
Along with Pantín, Razo is another great surfing mecca gallego. A arenal immense in a protected natural environment (Natural area of Razo-Baldaio).
Type of Wave: Beach break very exposed. Capture absolutely all of the swells of the North Atlantic.
Best Moment: because of its exposure, the days of low wind or wind of the south are magical. In summer it is a delight to learn.
Level: All levels. Its size allows everyone to find their site, from foam to beginners up to high waves in the middle of the beach.
South of Spain (Andalusia)
Change of scene. The south, bathed by the Atlantic ocean in the province of Cádiz and Huelva, offers a surf different. The water is warm and the atmosphere is more boho and relaxed. The high season here is winter when the atlantic storms sent waves. In summer, it is usually very dish (without waves).
7. Playa de El Palmar (Cádiz) – free Spirit, and rides for all
The Palmar is, without a doubt, the surf capital of Andalusia. A long beach of fine sand that has become the meeting point of the community of accomodation in the south.
Type of Wave: Beach break with countless spikes. Rides easy, long, and very fun.
Best Time: Winter. Need swell of the Atlantic. With winds from the levant (east) strong, it is impossible to surf. The best days are with wind from the west (west) soft or terral (north).
Level: All levels, especially beginners. The beach is full of schools and the atmosphere is young and carefree.
8. Tarifa (Cádiz) – More than wind
Fee is world-famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with its winds of Levante and Poniente. But don’t be fooled, we are also surf!
Type of Wave: it Depends on the spot. The Spa (at the same Rate) can give good waves with swell from the west. Nearby, in Barbate, the Playa de la Yerbabuena offers a right of point break high quality, one of the best in the south. Other nearby options are Caños de Meca or Conil.
Best Time: Winter.
Level: Variable. Yerbabuena is for mid/high level, while other beach breaks are a good fit for everyone.
Canary islands – The “European Hawaii”
The “fortunate islands” are a world apart. Here you surf all year round thanks to its subtropical climate and its position in the middle of the Atlantic. The waves are well-known for being fast and powerful, as the most breaking over volcanic funds (reefs).
9. Playa de Las Americas (Tenerife) – Surf all year round
, Tenerife is one of the great surfing destinations in the Canary islands, and The Americas, in the south of the island, is its beating heart.
Type of Wave: Several peaks of reef and volcanic. The most famous are “The Left of The Palm trees” (a long wave and manoeuvrable, ideal for longboard and half level), and “The Right of the Poster”.
Best Time: All the year! The winter brings the swells of the most powerful, but in the summer there are always waves to enjoy.
Level: All levels, though it must have respect to the background of rock. It is, without doubt, the epicenter of the surf on the island. If you’re thinking of visiting, you’ll find a vibrant community. The demand is so high that the options to take surf lessons tenerife are almost infinite, adapting to all those who come. It is not surprising, since the conditions here allow you to progress quickly. Many travelers are looking directly class surf tenerife when you arrive, ready to jump in the water. And if you want the full experience, sign up to a surf school tenerife guarantee you to learn in safety and good material in the best spikes.
The environment in The Americas is incredibly international. When you walk by the coast, you will hear many languages as waves break. This has made the offer becomes globalized. The best schools know that they need to communicate with all. For example, your primary web tends to have an English version to facilitate the booking. It is normal for beginners to look directly in their language, with terms such as surf lessons for beginners in tenerife south For those looking for a more personalized attention, the option of private surf lessons is very popular. And for a total immersion, the packages surfcamp in tenerife south are the preferred option.
The same thing happens with the growing tourism in Italian, which assesses the quality of the surf canary islands.
10. Playa de Las Canteras (Gran Canaria) – The fickle city
In the heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is one of the best urban beaches in the world. The area of The cícer area (a section of the beach), is a hotbed of surfing.
Type of Wave: Beach break and reef volcanic. Rides to suit all tastes.
Best Time: All year.
Level: All levels. The cícer area is fantastic to learn, while right next to it is the spot of “The Lloret”, for surfers to the most experienced.
11. El Confital (Gran Canaria) – Only for experts
Also on The Palms, but on the other side of the bay, you will find The Confital. This is the counterpart of Mundaka in the Canary islands.
Type of Wave: One of the best surf right in Europe. A reef break volcanic creates long tubes, quick and very powerful.
Best Moment: winter Season, with swells of the north.
Level: Only expert. The fund is lava sharp-and the wave is very demanding.
Surf in Spain for beginners
If you’re just starting out, don’t go Away on the first day. Spain is full of perfect beaches to learn, characterized by funds of sand and gentle surf and progressive.
Our top recommendations for beginners are:
Playa de Somo (Cantabria): For its size, its multiple schools and their rides noble.
Playa de El Palmar (Cádiz): ideal Environment, rides easy in winter and spring.
Beach of Zarautz (Basque Country): Especially in summer, when the waves are smaller.
Playa de Las Americas (Tenerife): Certain peaks as “The Medium,” or “The Left” are great for moving from beach break to the reef.
Las Canteras beach (La cícer area, Gran Canaria): gentle Waves, and many schools in an urban environment.
What is the best time to surf in Spain?
This is the million dollar question, and the answer depends on the region:
North Coast (Cantabria, the Basque Country, Asturias, Galicia):
Fall (Sep-Nov): The best of times. The first swells powerful reach, the water is not freezing cold and the winds tend to be favorable.
Winter (Dec-Mar): Waves larger and more powerful. For experts only and brave (very cold water).
Spring (Apr-Jun): Very good era, similar to the autumn, although with colder water.
Summer (Jul-Aug): small Waves, ideal for beginners.
South (Andalusia):
Winter (Nov-Mar): it Is the only season of the real. It is when they enter the atlantic storms.
Rest of the year: Generally plate, with a few exceptions.
Canary islands:
All around the year. It is the “eternal spring”.
Winter (Oct-Mar): it Is the high season of surf. The swells of the North Atlantic come with force, activating all the spots.
Frequently Asked questions (FAQs) about the surf in Spain
What are the best surf beaches in Spain?
Depends on your level and what you’re looking for. For many, the best quality of wave are Mundaka (Basque Country), and El Confital (Gran Canaria). For a full experience (environment, consistency and rides for all), Zarautz, Somo and The Palmar are unbeatable.
What are the best beaches to learn to surf?
The best beaches for beginners are those with a bottom of sand, gentle waves, and many schools. The most noteworthy are the Beach of Somo (Cantabria), Playa de El Palmar (Cádiz), spain and Playa de Las Canteras (La cícer area) (Gran Canaria).
What is the beach with more rides in Spain?
“With more waves” usually means “more consistent”. The beaches are more exposed to the north, as well as Beach of Razo or Pantín in Galicia, and Zarautz, the Basque Country, pick up almost any swell of the Atlantic, ensuring the waves almost 100% of the day, although they are not always of high quality.
What is the cradle of surfing in Spain?
The birthplace of surfing in Spain Cantabria, specifically the Beach of Somo, where Jesus Fiochi surfed the first wave in the 60s.
What is considered the best beach in Spain?
It is subjective. If “best” means the wave of higher quality in the world, many would say Mundaka. If “best” means the best place to live in the surf, with a great atmosphere, consistency, and options for all, Zarautz , or The Americas (Tenerife) would be at the top of the list.
Where do you do surf for beginners in Spain?
You have excellent options in all the coasts: Somo (Cantabria) in the north El Palmar (Cádiz) in the south, and The Americas (Tenerife), or Las Canteras (Gran Canaria) in the Canary Islands.
Conclusion: surf in Spain, much more than rides
to Tour Spain in search of waves is one of the best experiences that a surfer can have. It is a journey of contrasts, from the verdant cliffs of Asturias to the volcanic landscapes of Tenerife.
Each beach has its own personality, its own magic. Whether you’re an expert looking for the tube of your life in Mundaka or a total beginner dreaming to stand in Somo, Spain is waiting for you with open arms, and a series ordered.
The best of the surf in Spain is not just the wave you picked up, but the pintxo after that, the people that you know at the peak and the scenery that you are recorded in the retina.
Hope to see you in the water!