The 25 Best Surf Spots in Spain

Arguably Spain’s most famous surf spot is Mundaka. Those in the know say the natural conditions on this scenic stretch of Basque Country coastline create perfect waves of up to 12ft (3.6m), which are not only extremely enjoyable for experienced surfers but suitable for intermediate surfers, too. Recommended by Clare Speak.

This beautiful beach, with both sandy and rocky areas, is known for a variety of waves suitable for all levels. It also has a reputation for attracting some of Spain’s best surfers, and some say this is the most popular – and often crowded – surf spot in the country. Recommended by Clare Speak.

This stunning beach west of San Sebastian is a sandy stretch surrounded on all sides by miles of lush green natural parkland. It’s getting increasingly popular thanks to the high quality surf suitable for all levels, and also as the WQS (World Surf League) competition is held here every September. Recommended by Clare Speak.

Zurriola is one of San Sebastian’s three beaches, and is best for city centre surfing with lots of big swell and plenty of facilities such as surf schools and rental places. It’s great if you don’t want to have to travel far for the surf and don’t mind sharing the sands with other tourists and locals alike. Recommended by Esme Fox.

Crossing over the border into the French side of the Basque Country, Biarritz is a much-loved surf destination, which is known throughout the world. There are various surf beaches close to Biarritz, from the famous Grand Plage in the centre of the city to La Côte des Basques and Le Miramar on either side. The swell is good here year round, but particularly great around May and June and September and October. There are plenty of surf schools in Biarritz for beginners too. Recommended by Esme Fox.

This infamous extreme surf spot has long been known among Europe’s top surfers, but it’s now getting more popular. Locals have little time for inexperienced surfers taking their chances here as the dangers – sharp rocks, strong currents and a high potential for broken boards, and even bones – is just too high. Expert surfers will love the challenge, with powerful waves reaching up to 18ft (5.5m). Recommended by Clare Speak.

Another famous French Basque surf spot is Anglet, which lies just to the north of Biarritz. The area has a whopping 4.5 kilometres of beaches, just perfect for hitting the surf. It’s more natural than the beaches of Biarritz, with few facilities and vast wild stretches. Recommended by Esme Fox.

The closest surf spots from Barcelona can be found within 15 minutes’ walking distance form Las Ramblas. These spots are always crowded whenever there are waves. Barcelona’s most popular surf spot has a beach break, and waves break on the sandy seabed. This is the type of wave amateurs would like to surf in. The shifting sandbars at this spot cause the waves to form to the right as well as to the left. Parking spots are hard to find in this area, getting there by public transport and foot will save you a headache. The only hazard of this spot is theft: just don’t leave your valuables on the beach to be grabbed, and enjoy the waves to the fullest. Recommended by Tamara Kiewiet.

The Cemetery is a spot at Sitges, which has a long surfing tradition and is one of the favorite spots for Catalan longboarders. The city offers a lot more than just a popular stretch of beaches, it also has tasty seafood restaurants and a buzzing nightlife scene. Because it’s such a popular spot, parking can be hard. But with good conditions, the sweet barrels at this beach are totally worth it. The location, close to the Sitges cemetery, has given this spot its name. Recommended by Tamara Kiewiet.

Here, you will find the longest waves of the area just up north from Barcelona. Wind swells provide waves to the left at Masnou, up to a meter and a half. But rumors tell us that it can grow to three meters when the Mediterranean gets rough. The waves here are at their best when winter comes and the wind starts blowing fiercely to the east and south-east. No matter at what level you are surfing, Masnou has great waves for you to catch. It’s a beloved beach break, so it can get quite busy here. Recommended by Tamara Kiewiet.

The long stretch at Montgat has plenty of beach break peaks. Whenever the spots near Masnou get too crowded, Catalonian surfers take cover at the variable and changing peaks of Montgat. Be respectful of their secret hide-out and you will have found yourself an enjoyable hang out. The break provides both left- and right-hand waves for starters as well as intermediate surfers. The only down side to this spot is parking. The parking spaces are a bit far compared to other options. Recommended by Tamara Kiewiet.

This small bay is one of the most picturesque surf spots, the old fishermen’s huts on the beach and houses scattered all over the cliff have shaped its unique appearance. During winter, spring and autumn, Garraf is just the spot for the wave-riders that like more quiet beaches. Parking at this location is fairly easy, except for the summer period. But then again, in summer the sea tends to be mostly flat. Garraf also has a beach break with waves both on the right and left. Near the pier is where most waves appear. The bay is located half-an-hour’s drive south from Barcelona between Castelldefels and Sitges. Watch out for the slightly rocky bottom. Recommended by Tamara Kiewiet.

Could it be the winds generated by the constant arrival and departure of airplanes at Aeropuerto de Barcelona – El Prat? Or are these waves caused naturally, just like in other spots of the Catalonian Coast? Regardless of the answer, El Prat’s beach break offers waves for the right and left handed. The spot is situated in the delta of the Llobregat river, with waves up to two meters for surfers at any level. Catalonian surfers favor this spot, and when the conditions are just right, El Prat has a full line-up. Get there by public transport on these days, because parking spots are like needles in haystacks. Recommended by Tamara Kiewiet.

While most spots at the Catalonian Coast are beach breaks, this one differs from all the others. At Río Besos waves break onto a rocky point to the right, meaning that it’s a point break. And that’s not the only difference. This spot is located at the mouth of the river Besòs at Sant Adrià de Besòs, less than ten kilometers north of Barcelona. This is a secret gem among the Catalonian surf spots for the more advanced surfers. Recommended by Tamara Kiewiet.

A one and a half hour’s drive north from Barcelona, you will find Sant Pere Pescador, a town at the Golf de Roses. the coastal area of Sant Pere Pescador is a very relaxing place for a kite-based trip. The sea breeze at Golf de Roses is amazingly reliable and generally blowing with a constant strength of 12 to 24 knots. The wind is side-onshore, from the right. That makes it an excellent lower intermediate spot. Add up the beautiful beaches and an abundance of charming Catalonian eats and this is the perfect stress-free kite spot. You will find multiple schools at this spot offering lessons and material for rent. Recommended by Tamara Kiewiet.

Does the name of this spot ring a bell? The idyllic town of Castelldefels is known for its over five-kilometers-long beach; and for its famous residents, including many footballers – Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi were nearly neighbors in this town. Anyhow, Castelldefels’ beach is also a popular and regulated kite zone located just above Sitges. The international Barcelona-based kitesurf school Mojokite offers lessons and rentals at this great spot. Wind conditions are pretty reliable and it’s just half an hour’s drive from Barcelona. Recommended by Tamara Kiewiet.

A perfect spot for a relaxing surf holiday in Cantabria, this beach has all the facilities you could want, from surf shops to campsites and bars. You could spend a whole summer here without getting bored of surfing the consistently perfect small-to-medium waves suitable for all levels. Recommended by Clare Speak.

El Sardinero is Santander’s main city beach, so it offers lots of facilities for surfers, such as showers, changing rooms, snack bars, lifeguards, as well as a couple of surfing schools. Conditions here include an average beach break with a northwest swell, but it’s generally best for surfing when storms are brewing, when the swell can reach up to two metres (6.5 feet). Because of its location, it can get very crowded, especially on weekends. Recommended by Esme Fox.

Langre is a pretty spot, around half an hour’s drive east of Santander. It’s both remote and secluded, so you’ll never find it too crowded, and in winter it’s almost deserted. There aren’t many facilities here, it’s all natural, although you will find a campsite nearby, as well as a surfing school. The beach has an average break, which is best at low tide. You’ll also find the best swells here in autumn and winter. Recommended by Esme Fox.

The vast Liencres Beach is surrounded by craggy rocks and cliffs. It lies right on the edge of the picturesque Natural Park of the Dunas of Liencres, around 19 kilometres (11.8 miles) east of Santander. It has an excellent, consistent beach break and a good groundswell, but conditions are really only suitable in winter. It can get busy when conditions are at their best, but there should still be plenty of space. Recommended by Esme Fox.

El Brusco is a massively long sweep of golden sand, which lies in between Playa Trengandin and Playa Berria, approximately 43km west of Santander. Backed by verdant green mountains and punctuated by rocky formations, you can’t beat this for natural beauty. It offers a great-quality hollow beachbreak, which is especially good at high tide. There are limited facilities here, so bring what you need with you. Recommended by Esme Fox.

Playa Berria is located 44 kilometres (27 miles) west of the city and is framed on either side by lush green hills. It’s a long, two-kilometre (1.2-mile), golden sand beach and offers good waves with a good swell when the tide is rising. When the conditions are at their best, it also offers peaks and tubes. There is a carpark with a couple of facilities 10-15 minutes walk away. Recommended by Esme Fox.

The best surf spot in the whole area is on the Island of Santa Marina, which sits just off the coast to the western edge of Playa Somo. The beach here has a world-class righthand reef break with barrel waves and large swells. There are no facilities or accommodation on the island, but you can find camping on the mainland at the village of Laredo. Recommended by Esme Fox.

This long, open stretch of beach looks like paradise, and it’s also where you’ll find some of the most perfect waves in Spain. It’s a quiet spot and has consistently good (if not huge) waves, making it one of the best places in Spain for learning to surf or practising your technique. It’s an unbeatable surf holiday spot, with campsites and surf schools nearby. Recommended by Clare Speak.

A favourite spot for local surfers, Rodiles in Asturia is a tricky surf recommended only for intermediate to advanced skill levels. The beach does get crowded but it’s a lot of fun and the landscape around is breathtaking. Recommended by Clare Speak.