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Each location is refreshed once every three hours. The hourly view, 7-day forecast, luck factor and packing notes come from the same stored update.
We compare the 7-day forecast with the version-matched historical observations available for the same time of year at Sopelana. The delta shows whether conditions look better, worse or about the same as a typical late July.
We score each day of the 7-day forecast using the same algorithm as the leaderboard, and highlight the highest scorer.
Open-Meteo's Marine API (swell height, period, water temperature) and Weather API (wind and conditions).
Not much swell but keen eyes will find something to ride. Short-period chop. The waves lack any real push. Light onshore crumble taking the edge off.
PeakWave scores are planning signals, not safety clearance. Check local authorities, official bulletins and on-site conditions before you go. Read our editorial policy.
Sopelana is a highly dynamic, exposed beach break situated on the rugged Basque coastline near Bilbao, Spain. The bathymetry comprises a complex mix of mobile silica sandbanks interspersed with jagged limestone and rock reefs, all set beneath towering sea cliffs. Because the beach faces north-west, it acts as a primary receptor for unimpeded North Atlantic groundswells, capturing significant wave energy. A south-easterly wind provides the optimal offshore conditions, funnelling down the cliffs to groom the inherently choppy wave faces. The wave mechanics produce fast, punchy A-frame peaks that offer steep drops and carveable left and right-hand walls, frequently throwing heavy sections on the lower tides. Due to the high volume of water moving across the shallow sandbars and the presence of submerged rock hazards, the wave generates substantial hydraulic force and aggressive rip currents. The intense pace requires rapid pop-ups and immediate speed generation. Therefore, Sopelana is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers who can confidently negotiate powerful, shifting conditions.
Heads up: rip risk elevated, and jellyfish: high.
Indicators derived from forecast data, not official warnings. Always check local lifeguard or official advice.
The air here is 72% cleaner than the average comparison city right now.
Significantly cleaner air than a typical city. Ideal for outdoor exercise with minimal respiratory strain.
Not a pollutant. Ozone is naturally higher at altitude and near the coast, and lower in cities where traffic exhaust breaks it down. High readings here typically indicate clean air. Can cause short-term airway irritation during intense exercise but is not linked to the long-term health risks of particulate pollution.
Additive health score: each pollutant contributes points relative to its WHO 2021 guideline and long-term health impact (PM2.5 9, NOโ 5, Oโ 3, PM10 2, SOโ 1 at WHO limits). Data via Open-Meteo. City markers show live readings. Red line marks the WHO guideline. Updated 15:24
Crystal clear water: ~22m visibility
Daily scores over the last 12 months at Sopelana
Historical quality only. Safety is not reconstructed for this view.
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Create Profile โPartly. The model uses stored spot geometry, swell ranges and tide preferences where configured. It cannot see changing banks, crowds, access, closures or everything visible on a local cam, so treat it as a starting point.
The best week for surf at Sopelana is the week of 16 November (score 3/5) with low crowds.
This guide was generated from conditions data. Know this spot? Submit your own tips below.
Sopelana (Sopela) is a quality beach and reef break on the Basque coast, between Bilbao and Getxo. Several beaches (Atxabiribil, Arrietara, Barinatxe) sit below dramatic sandstone cliffs, offering varied waves from mellow beach break to powerful reef. Barinatxe (La Salvaje) is the most exposed and powerful. The cliffs and wild setting give it more character than the urban beaches closer to Bilbao.
Picks up north and north-westerly swells from the Bay of Biscay. A southerly wind is offshore. Works on all tides. Consistent October through April. Each beach has a slightly different character: Atxabiribil is more sheltered, Barinatxe is exposed and powerful. The 3-6ft range is ideal.
Choose your beach based on ability and conditions. Atxabiribil has a defined reef peak for intermediates. Barinatxe is bigger and more powerful. Arrietara sits between the two. Each beach has multiple peaks.
Reef sections have shallow rock. Barinatxe is powerful and exposed. Cliff access paths can be steep and muddy. Currents between the beaches near the rock outcrops. Choose your beach according to your level.
Pay car parks above each beach. Steep paths down the cliffs (5-10 minutes). The walk keeps the crowd slightly lower than easier-access spots. Facilities at the top.
Less crowded than Getxo or San Sebastian due to the cliff access. Good days see 15-20 people spread across multiple beaches. The Basque surf community is strong but the variety of options here disperses people. A more relaxed atmosphere than the city breaks.
Sopelana offers variety: mellow to powerful depending on which beach you choose. The cliff-top paths between the beaches make it easy to check several spots before committing. The lookout above Barinatxe gives an excellent view of conditions. Metro connection from Bilbao makes it car-free accessible. Pintxos in Sopela village are excellent.
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Combining historical conditions with school holiday crowd pressure to find the sweet spot.
The timing score combines two signals: historical conditions quality (how good the skiing or surfing typically is in a given week, based on 5 years of weather data) and crowd pressure (how many of this destination's feeder markets have school holidays that week).
Crowd pressure is weighted by each feeder country's share of visitors. If 40% of a resort's visitors come from France and France is on holiday, that contributes 0.40 to the crowd pressure score. Crowds can reduce the timing score by up to 35%, ensuring conditions still matter most.
Scores: 5 = great conditions with low crowds (the sweet spot). 4 = great conditions with moderate crowds, or good conditions with low crowds. 3 = average. 2 = below average conditions or very crowded. 1 = poor conditions or peak holiday chaos.
Last 30 days of logged conditions.
Based on historical weekly averages
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