Basque Country surf forecast

Surfing in Basque Country

The Spanish Basque coast between San Sebastián and Getxo faces broadly north to north-west into the Bay of Biscay, so it relies on west and north-west Atlantic swell and cleans up when the wind blows from the south. It is a compact, varied stretch where city beaches, long sandy bays, a famous rivermouth and rocky points all sit within about an hour or so of each other.

In Gipuzkoa, San Sebastián's Zurriola is an urban beach break with wedgy sandbar peaks, best on solid west to north-west swell with an incoming tide; the city's sheltered La Concha bay rarely breaks. Zarautz, a short drive west, is a long beach with several peaks that is popular with surf schools and intermediate surfers and comes alive on north-west swell with a morning southerly breeze. Deba is more exposed and rockier, better suited to experienced surfers.

In Bizkaia, Mundaka is the headline wave: a long, hollow left that breaks off the sandbar at the mouth of the Urdaibai estuary. It needs a big north-west swell and generally works best around low tide, it has strong currents on the dropping tide, and the line-up is crowded and protective of its locals. Sopelana, close to Bilbao, has several peaks over sand and reef and holds a decent size, while Getxo offers easier beach breaks nearer the city.

Late autumn through winter is when the region is most consistent and when Mundaka has its best chance of breaking. Summer is smaller and better for learners. Water is cold for much of the year, so a 4/3 wetsuit is normal in winter and a lighter suit in summer. Localism is a recognised issue at the better known breaks, so patience and good etiquette help.