Northern Spain surf forecast

Surfing in Northern Spain

Northern Spain's surf coast runs west from the French border through the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias to Galicia in the far north-west. Most of the Cantabrian coastline faces north into the Bay of Biscay, so it depends on west and north-west Atlantic swell and is cleanest when winds blow from the south. Galicia is different: its coast wraps around the corner of Iberia and has beaches facing north, north-west and west, which means there is usually somewhere sheltered from the wind.

In the Basque Country, San Sebastián, Zarautz, Sopelana and Getxo offer beach breaks, while Mundaka is a world-famous rivermouth left for experienced surfers. Cantabria's Somo, across the bay from Santander, is a long sandy beach lined with surf schools and is one of the region's best places to learn. In Asturias, Salinas near Avilés is a consistent beach break with a strong local surf scene. In Galicia, Pantín near Ferrol has a north-west orientation that catches almost any swell and hosts a long-running pro contest, while Razo, west of A Coruña, is a long open beach with room to spread out.

The coast can be surfed all year. September to April brings the most size, with autumn often the sweet spot for consistent groundswell and quieter beaches. Winter has the biggest waves but more storms, and summer is smaller and suits learners. The water is cool for Spain, so expect a 4/3 wetsuit and boots in winter, with a 5/4, gloves and a hood often needed in Galicia, and a lighter suit in summer. Hazards are the usual ones for an exposed Atlantic coast: rips on the beaches, rocks around points and reefs, and crowds at the famous breaks.