Top 10 Surf Spots in Basque Country
The Basque region combines an ideal climate for year-round surfing with a vibrant culture and beautiful scenery. From Bidart to Ponta Galea, discover the best surf spots in the Basque Country for beginners and experts alike.
In this article, you will discover the top 10 surf spots in Basque Country, France. While you might not initially think of France when it comes to surfing, the Basque coastlines actually offer some seriously epic surf spots. As such, there’s certainly no shortage of places to surf in this region. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an eager beginner, there’s always a surf break well-suited to you.
If you’re feeling ready to take on some bigger waves, there is an array of point breaks and stronger beach breaks up and down the coast, stretching from Anglet all the way down to San Sebastian in Spain. For example, Chambre d’Amour in Anglet, Grand Plage in Biarritz, Uhabia in Bidart or Zurriola, to name just a few.
You’ll have no trouble renting a board nearby many of the surf breaks. Often they have a large selection of boards from big to small, from bodyboards to longboards. The great thing about the Basque Country in summer is that the sea is warm enough to surf in a 2mm shorty wetsuit, boardies or even a bikini. It is recommended you wear a rash guard for a bit of extra sun protection, though!
Anglet
First up on the list of the top surf spots in Basque Country is the beautiful Anglet. The beaches and surf spots in Anglet are easy to find – considering it’s just one long stretch of sand and ocean! Starting from the north end you can visit La Barre, a surf spot situated next to the river mouth. As you work your way down to the south end of Anglet, there are 6 other surf breaks to discover, including an amazing beach break beneath a lighthouse.
The waves along this stretch of beach are heavier than other waves you may find in the area but they offer a great opportunity for barrels and fast sections. Make sure to book a surfing activity in Anglet to get accompanied by local surf instructors!
Biarritz
The perhaps most well-known beach in the French Basque Country is Grand Plage in Biarritz. Located in front of the famous Casino and Hotel de Palais, the setting couldn’t be more ideal for surfing activities in Biarritz. While these waves aren’t quite as gentle as the waves at Cote des Basques, they are considered super fun for slightly more experienced surfers who are comfortable in the water.
The Marbella spot, close to the Côte des Basques, is more intimate and is generally surfed by locals. But watch out for the hourly rates on these high spots, as the waves come straight off the rocks and it can be dangerous if you are not used to it.
Bidart
Next up on the list of the top 10 surf spots in Basque Country is Bidart. Just a 10-minute drive down the coast from Biarritz, you can take a surfing lesson in Bidart. This is a very traditional Basque town with classic architecture and paintwork. The beach at Bidart Centre offers a mix of left and right breaks with a bit of a kick! If you catch a wave breaking to the right at low tide that is! The Uhabia surf break is just next door and is another super fun beach break with enough waves to handle the crowds.
Thanks to practical exercises and tailor-made advice, you'll be able to catch your first waves in no time! If you want to improve your skills or style, surfing courses are perfect for you. Over a period of several days, these courses allow you to explore the world of surfing in depth.
Guéthary
This quaint little town of Guéthary is one of the best surf spots of the Basque Country! It is right next door to some spectacular hidden reef breaks. Surfing excursions in Geuthary are great for longboarders, shortboards and thrill-seekers alike. Parlamentia in particular is an amazing spot for longboarders all year round. This break can really hold some sizable swell, so check the report before you paddle out to this reef break.
Next, there is Cenitz offering a selection of beginner-friendly waves which break over a rocky seafloor. This location can only be surfed at high tide, so make sure to inform yourself about the conditions before going. You can also visit Lafitenia, a right-sided point break suited for more advanced surfers.
Hendaye
Surfing in Hendaye is known for being THE quintessential French spot for water sports. It’s unique in that it’s particularly safe and fun, especially for beginners. This is due to the fact that the waves are not very big nor are they very powerful compared to the other surfing spots in Basque Country. This heavenly location has a large bay with countless different breaks, ideal for those starting out, thanks to the number of different waves breaks. You'll have a good chance of getting a nice long ride.
An instructor will work with you individually to give you fast, personalised support. Choose the surf weekend, the 3-session course or the 5-session course, during which you can benefit from constant monitoring to consolidate your knowledge and improve faster.
San Sebastian
San Sebastián, known as Donostia in Basque, is a premier surfing destination located in the Basque Country of northern Spain. Its combination of beautiful beaches, reliable waves, and vibrant surf culture makes it a favourite among surfers of all levels.
Surfing lessons in San Sebastian are a bucket list must! The best spot in San Sebastian to surf is La Zurriola, a beach located near the centre of town. This popular beach break is home to lovely lefts and radical rights. The surf spot consistently breaks all year round. Just be careful to check the surf report as this spot works best on smaller swells and tends to close out once it gets over 5 feet. The prime surfing season in San Sebastián runs from September to April, when the waves are bigger and more consistent, though summer months also offer good conditions for beginners.
Mundaka
If you are looking for a break that can hold its own when a big swell comes to town, then Mundaka is your spot! Only a 30-minute drive from Bilbao in Spain, Mundaka is a small coastal town within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
Considered one of the world’s best-left-handed breaks, this long, barrelling wave is reserved for advanced surfers only! The take-off is very steep and hollows out into a fast, wide tube. Mundaka really is the perfect wave when the ideal conditions align. This is even a spot where the world’s best surfers have competed annually for the past 10 years during the World Championship Tour of Surfing.
Sopelana
Only 20 minutes away from Bilbao is the next marvellous destination on this list, Sopelana. This is a very consistent beach break with multiple different peaks. All the variety is ideal to accommodate the crowds and is during small to medium-sized swells.
This beginner-friendly spot is home to many surf schools and shops. You have the option to jump right in and give it a go or take a surf lesson first. There are plenty of board rentals available so you can get started working on your surf technique. Surrounded by high cliffs and sandy beaches, Sopelana is sure to take your breath away with its beauty, and when you nosedive into a wave as well!
When the ocean’s flat and you can’t surf, another fun activity you can try in Sopelana is paragliding. It’s a wonderful way to see the beaches and landscapes from the air with the wind blowing in your face.
Zarautz
Next on the list of best spots to surf in Basque Country is Zarautz. This surf spot near Pais Vasco offers a very reliable beach break with your choice of left and right opening waves. The surf here is generally best around high tide.
Zarautz also offers a large beach, perfect for relaxing in-between surf sessions. Beginners can take lessons at Zarautz Beach in Pais Vasco from one of the many surf schools here, or even sign up for a surf camp. Professionals are ready to provide you with expert coaching to improve your surf skills or help you catch your very first wave. Zarautz is home to a variety of short-boarding and longboarding competitions throughout the year, showcasing the world’s best surfing talent.
Punta Galea
The last location on this list of the best surf spots in Basque Country is Punta Galea. Breaking in the mouth of the Nervion River in Getxo is a big wave break. This right-hand point break is known mainly as a place where local Basque Country big wave surfers come to show off. It’s even featured occasionally on the Big Wave World Tour.
This wave certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted and is strictly reserved for very experienced surfers. You must be equipped with the proper safety gear and support team if you choose to surf here. If you do manage to catch a wave when a big swell rolls in here, then you’re guaranteed an unbelievable ride!
Don't forget your board...
One of the best things about the Basque Country is that you’re unlikely to run out of fun and interesting things to do. From surfing on the waves to hiking in the mountains, this area is filled with opportunities to do outdoor sports. Check out our article on the things to do in the French Basque Country this summer for ideas!
If this article has piqued your interest in surfing, don't hesitate to check out our article on surfing expressions you need to know in order to look like a pro even if you're a beginner!
And if you want to admire some great scenes and images before booking your surf session, watch the best surf films ever made!