Northern Spain coastline
Let’s go surfing in Spain: the country of football and flamenco, olive groves and ancient caves, delicious ham and sangria.
Coastal regions with good ecology, rich history, and tourist-oriented traditions welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
The four northern regions of Spain: Pais Vasco, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia – are a mecca for water sports enthusiasts.
Surfing is highly developed in the north, where various spots feature reefs, rocks, and sandy beaches.
There’s a wide choice of locations for both professionals and beginners to enjoy.
A city in northern Spain
Climate
Northern Spain
The northern coast of Spain is exposed to winds from the Atlantic.Summer in northern Spain is moderately warm, with air temperatures around +25°C (77°F), and water around +18°C (64°F). A light wetsuit might be useful.
Winter is characterized by rain and winds, with air temperatures around +16°C (61°F) and water temperatures at approximately +14°C (57°F).
From March to May, a steady northeast wind creates stable surfing conditions.
The main surfing season in Spain runs from March to the end of October.
- Beginners typically head to the northern beaches from May to September, while the rest of the year caters to experienced riders and enthusiasts.
Basque Country
Pais Vasco is the eastern region bordering France. It boasts 27 surf spots in areas such as San Sebastián, Zarautz, Zumaia, Lekeitio, Mundaca, and Bakio.
Pais Vasco late at night
San Sebastián
Donostia, San Sebastián
The Basque city also has another name – Donostia. It is Spain’s most prestigious resort on the Bay of Biscay, with a population of about 183,000.
San Sebastián is steeped in a surfing atmosphere: the city is full of surf schools and shops, and competitions are regularly held.
Donostia features three main beaches:
- La Concha Beach, stretching 1300 meters (4265 feet) in a crescent shape along a gorgeous bay, is one of the “12 Treasures of Spain.”
La Concha Beach, Spain
This beach is well-equipped and sandy, with shallow waters. Strong waves are blocked by Santa Clara Island.
Surfers’ favorite spot is at the far end of La Concha Beach: the part of the bay open to the ocean generates the most impressive waves.
The tides are pronounced. People surf both the traditional way and with stand-up paddleboards (SUP). The spot features right-hand waves. Along the bustling beach, you’ll find a row of cafés, shops, and a picturesque promenade.
- La Concha connects to the exquisite Ondarreta Beach via a narrow passage. Waves here are powerful, with both lefts and rights.
Ondarreta Beach in San Sebastián
The infrastructure is superb. In summer, children play in two pools, and there’s canoe rental available. The southern area, closer to the city, is a nudist section, while surfers gather on the northern side of Playa de Gros.
- Further from the center is Zurriola Beach, which is open to ocean winds, producing a variety of strong waves. There’s a board rental service (10 euros per hour) and a strong surf school here.
Zurriola Beach, Spain
Daily lessons with a wetsuit and board cost 80 euros per week. In summer, children flock to a kids’ club here. The lively area around Zurriola Beach is filled with shops and cafés.
Architectural landmarks of the resort include:
- The Baroque-style Church of Santa Maria, the neo-Gothic Cathedral of the Good Shepherd (Buen Pastor), and the Dominican Monastery.
View from below of the majestic Church of Santa Maria
- On either side of the bay rise two mountains offering unparalleled views of the city and bay. At the base of Mount Igueldo on the left, you’ll find a park with modern sculptures, attractions, and the royal Miramar Palace from the 18th century.
Miramar Palace, San Sebastián
- Mount Urgull to the right is home to the ancient La Mota fortress, which houses a history museum, a park, and, at its summit, a statue of Christ.
Statue of Christ in San Sebastián
San Sebastian – a city of traditional festivals: fireworks, cinema, jazz; the wine battles of San Vino, and the “Running of the Bulls.”
San Vino in Spain
At the foot of the hill lies the Old Town, bustling with life and filled with bars.
Dish from the chef of Mirador de Ulía restaurant
Donostia is the culinary capital of the Basque Country, with 19 Michelin-starred restaurants!
Another Michelin-starred restaurant - Arzak
The resort offers a wide range of accommodation options: from hostels for €10 to comfortable apartments and hotels.
Restaurant in one of San Sebastian's hotels, Spain
Life is vibrant in the surrounding international camping areas.
Affordable housing is available in the Gros neighborhood near the Old Town.
The city features a bus station, a railway station, and an airport located 20 km from San Sebastian.
Zarautz
Northern Spain attractions
To the west of San Sebastian lies the rocky and picturesque Costa Basque coastline, an area with many ancient towns.
Just 20 kilometers from Donostia is the coastal town of Zarautz, whose population of 23,000 triples in summer.
The beach, which spans 2.5 km, is divided into sections for beginners and advanced visitors.
Zarautz Beach
A well-known surf spot with diverse waves awaits riders of all skill levels. Spanish champions train here, and a world surfing championship takes place every September.
Zarautz hosts five surf schools with campsites as well as several private centers. For €50 per day, you get wetsuits for surfing , surfboards , lessons, and accommodation in a single or double tent.
Looking for a variety of experiences? Choose a comprehensive tour that includes surfing, mountain biking, paddleboarding, exploring nearby towns, and gastronomic trips.
Accommodation is in a hostel, with a 10-day stay priced at €1,100.
One of the hotels in Zarautz
Prices for pensions, hotels, and hostels in Zarautz start from €14.
Getaria Hotel, room with a view of Zarautz bay
For water tourism enthusiasts, the town offers a well-developed infrastructure: rental spots, surf shops, entertainment venues, and an old golf club.
Right on the beach, you’ll find a restaurant run by the famous Spanish chef Karlos Arguiñano.
Karlos Arguiñano's restaurant and hotel in Zarautz
Zarautz boasts a beautiful promenade lined with noble estates, the royal Narros Palace, and three fascinating churches: Santa Maria, Santa Clara in baroque style, and the Franciscan temple.
Two museums are located here, dedicated to photography and art history. Zarautz is connected to other towns by bus and rail services.
Narros Palace, Spain
Santa Clara Monastery Museum in Zarautz
The highway running along the coastline toward Bilbao passes through fishing villages like Getaria, Zumaia, and Lekeitio.
Lekeitio from a bird's-eye view
Beach in Lekeitio, Spain
These towns are lively with bustling cafes, cozy family hotels, and historic houses. Surfing is available in each of them.
Green Zumaia, Spain
In Getaria (Hetaria), there are two well-equipped sandy beaches with lifeguards, both suitable for watersports. The town is renowned for its fiestas and its beautiful 14th-century church, San Salvador.
Cathedral of St. Salvador, Spain
In Zumaia, there are two beaches: Itzurun and Santiago. Other activities include kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
Santiago Beach, Spain
Tourists are attracted by the stunning cliffs, ancient caves with layered flysh rocks, art and craft museums, and the local church.
Mundaka
Resort in northern Spain
Mundaka, with its 2,000 inhabitants, sees its population increase fivefold from July to October due to tourists.
Nearby beaches include Sukarrieta, Laida, Laga, and Ogono.
Eastern winds here create a rare left-hand wave for Europe, extending up to 400 meters. In Mundaka, professional ASP surfers train in the fall, and in October the season concludes spectacularly with a stage of the world championship.
Water activities in Mundaka
Summer is the ideal time for longboarders and beginners. For accommodation, there are 3 cozy hotels with prices starting at 54 euros, as well as a camping option.
Mundaka Hotel
There are surf shops and restaurants that serve delicious lubina – a local fish specialty.
A typical restaurant meal in Mundaka
It is highly recommended to visit the neighboring city of Bilbao, which boasts stunning panoramas and bridges.
Breathtakingly picturesque Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum is unique in its architecture, resembling a futuristic ship. Its collection includes installations, modern sculptures, and paintings. Bilbao Airport is located 25 km away.
The extraordinary Guggenheim Museum
Bakio
Basque Country landmarks
Close to Bilbao, in the town of Bakio, you’ll find a beach popular among surfers and divers.
There are various types of waves, making it a destination suitable for all skill levels. For reference: what types of ocean waves exist .
The beach has been awarded an environmental certificate.
A large surfing school operates here, offering affordable packages, experienced instructors, and excellent equipment.
The incredible beach in Bakio
The town has a well-established tourist infrastructure: rental outlets, shops, 8 restaurants, and numerous bars. There are four excellent hotels, but prices start at 96 euros per night.
One of the cozy hotels in Bakio
In the evenings, well-dressed locals enjoy pintxos – local bites served on slices of bread, as well as seafood and wines.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Monastery near Bakio
A Spanish lunch costs around 20 euros for two, while sandwiches are half that price. Be sure to try txakoli (“chakoli”) – a local sparkling wine – in Costa Basque.
Sports center in Bakio
Cantabria
Cantabria is the cleanest region in Spain. It is shielded from winds by the Cantabrian Cordillera, which creates a mild climate. Over 70 stunning beaches on the Green Coast are covered with fine sand. The area is surrounded by eucalyptus groves and agricultural fields. The coastline is dotted with picturesque coves that offer protection from the winds.
The region is a magnet for family-friendly beach vacations.
The coastal area features 27 surf spots, most of which are suitable for beginners. The waves here are soft and long, with short paddling distances. Predominantly beach breaks can be found here, but there are a couple of reef breaks for the more advanced surfers.
Cantabria, Spain
Towns and villages along the La Marina coast where the surf industry is well-established include (from east to west): Castro Urdiales, Laredo, Santona, Santander, Liencres, and Suances.
Castro Urdiales
Castro Urdiales
This resort town located in a river delta offers two beaches: Ostende (or Urdiales) and Brazomar, both ideal for surfing and canoeing.
The historic charm includes sights such as the Santa María Church, the 14th-century Castle of Saint Anne, and old mansions and palaces.
This town of 32,000 residents is home to many hotels, bars, and shops.
Laredo
Laredo, Spain
Laredo, with a population of 12,000, is nestled in a delightful location surrounded by a cozy bay. The bay is bordered by the white sandy beach La Salvé, which stretches about 4 km long.
The shallow waters mean they warm up quickly under the sun.
Along the wide promenade, you’ll find numerous stalls and bars. On the beach, you’ll find lifeguard services, changing rooms, and rental points.
Beach in Laredo, Cantabria
Surfing schools such as Surf Holidays and La Curva receive high praise. These schools are known for excellent organization, small group sizes, valuable recommendations, affordable packages, and proximity to the beaches, which make them a favorite among water sports enthusiasts.
The resort has 14 hotels with room rates starting at 30 euros, as well as a hostel, camping facilities, numerous restaurants, and both bus and train stations. The city of Santander and its airport are just a 30-minute drive away.
Laredo is home to many historical landmarks from the 13th to 18th centuries, including the Gothic Santa María Cathedral, the town hall, ancient towers, and the San Francisco Monastery. Two marinas add charm to the bay.
Santa Maria Cathedral, Laredo
San Francisco Monastery, Laredo
Crowds of tourists fill the town during the August “Battle of Flowers,” the September theatrical reenactment of a 16th-century festival, and the February carnival.
Battle of Flowers, Laredo
Bright Colors of the Battle of Flowers
An extraordinarily wide beach stretching 3.5 km is located near the neighboring town of Somo. Gorgeous views and excellent conditions are loved by surfers. The Escuela Cántabra de Surf on Somo Beach boasts twenty years of experience. Accommodation is offered at the Surf House. Lesson prices start from 60 euros.
The unique vibe of Escuela Cántabra de Surf
Santoña, a small town in the bay, is famous for its canned food production. Nearby on the ocean shore lies Berria Beach, surrounded by forested hills. This beach is well-equipped and known for its strong waves. A convenient place to stay is the Hostal de Berria, which has its own surf school.
Real Inn Hotel, Laredo
Backyard of Hotel Miramar, Laredo
Santander
Santander photo
The capital of Cantabria, Santander, located on the La Magdalena Peninsula, is the perfect destination for those who enjoy combining surfing with urban life.
This quiet university city, with a population of 180,000, mostly attracts Spanish visitors. Colorful sails cut across the bay, and 13 well-maintained beaches stretch along the shores.
Playa El Camello is open to the ocean waves. Striking black monoliths rise out of the sand here.
Playa El Camello, Spain
The stunning “bankers’ beach,” La Sardinero, is divided into two sections by a rocky cape.
Playa La Sardinero, Santander
There’s a children’s playground with animators. Its clean, shallow bottom attracts surfers. A two-hour lesson at the surf school located on the beach costs about 50 euros. Nearby shops sell and rent wetsuits and boards.
Santander appeals to divers, sailing enthusiasts, fishermen, and golfers.
In addition to the Royal Palace of La Magdalena, the city offers a racetrack, casino, bullfighting arena, zoo, and museums of maritime and fine arts.
La Magdalena Palace
Santander Cathedral
El Sardinero Stadium, Santander
The resort is rich in gorgeous squares and parks. Order a glass of wine in one of the many bars, and you’ll be served a complimentary tapas sandwich.
Cepa Riojana Tavern, Bar-Restaurant
De Luz Restaurant, Santander
Santander has 49 city hotels where rooms start from 50 euros, as well as campsites. The international Santander Airport is located just 6.5 km from the city.
Don Carlos Hotel, Santander
Liencres
Liencres, Cantabria
The natural park of Liencres is a region of dune fields, surrounded by pine forests and rugged cliffs.
Near this scenic area lies the village of Liencres, which boasts several surfing beaches: Somocuevas, Portio, and Cerrias.
A path through the pine forest leads to the long Valdearenas beach, a popular spot among thrill-seekers. The waves are strong everywhere.
Five excellent hotels offer accommodations with prices starting at 22 euros.
Suances
Suances, Cantabria
A 30-minute bus ride from Santander brings you to the quiet resort spot of Suances, featuring two dozen hotels.
On one side is a harbor surrounded by cliffs; on the other side lies the ocean.
Los Locos (“The Crazy”) Beach, located on an ocean cape, is subject to strong year-round winds. It’s a training ground for surfers.
Los Locos Beach, Suances
The beach is well-equipped, though there are no lifeguards. A promenade lined with palm trees hosts garden areas and bars with shaded seating.
El Castillo Hotel
From the hilltop cape, crowned by El Castillo Hotel, you’ll get the best view of the beaches on both sides. Hotel rates start at 45 euros.
Key attractions include the churches of St. James and St. Peter, as well as a fortress on the shore.
The Basque Country and Cantabria are two stunning regions of Spain where natural beauty is complemented by the charm of well-preserved heritage.
The warmth of the locals, breathtaking ocean sunsets, and gentle waves make northern Spain unforgettable!
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beaches of the UK or Aquitaine .
Surfing Find out why you should try surfing and where it might take you by reading the article linked below the image.
Explore the most breathtaking attractions of Ireland .
The highs and lows of great surfers
