The Ultimate Surfer’s Guide to the Spanish Coast
Spain’s coast offers almost 3,100 miles of coastline where you can find some of the most magnificent waves and surfing experiences in the world. Whether you’re a beginner just learning the sport or a seasoned surfer ready to step up to a challenge, you’ll find it all in Spain. From one end of the coast to the other you’ll find waves just begging for you to get out on the water year-round, but there’s no denying there are better, more consistent swells in certain areas of the country.
The eastern side of Spain is going to have some decent waves, but for world-class surfing head over to the northwestern coast. Then, try to plan your trip for sometime between September and April. While going out on the water in colder months may sound counterintuitive, when it comes to surfing the Atlantic it just makes sense. The waters are out to play in full force this time of year, so if you’re looking to experience true power of the ocean, this is it!
Waves for Every Surf Level
Razo
For surfers of all levels looking for A-frame waves, look to the long stretch of sand and waters, Razo. Razo offers consistent waves of a nice quality that will present a challenge for some and good practice for others. Because of its easier nature and relative seclusion, this is also one of the best places for new surfers to learn the sport in the country. There’s a surf school nearby for anyone interested in some extra help and plenty of beautiful sights for you to enjoy when you’re taking a break from the waves!
Sopelana
Sopelana is a great Spain surfing location for anyone not afraid to fight their way through some crowds for some good waves. It’s an excellent place for surfers of all levels to work their way into surfing and get some practice in before heading out to bigger, more challenging waves. What makes it a great practice ground? There’s a wide variety of waves that can be more difficult to find elsewhere! So you can really test yourself and your adaptability as each wave comes coursing through.
Waves for Intermediate-Level Surfers and Beyond
Mundaka
If you’re a surfer, then you’ve most likely heard of Mundaka! Hailed as home to some of the world’s most perfect waves, and the world’s best river mouth wave, Mundaka is a must-surf destination for surfers that have their fair share of experience out on the water. While not recommended for surfers at the beginner level, intermediate-level surfers and beyond will find thrilling waves as tall as 12-feet that will keep them paddling out for more. Bring a Go Pro or something similar for this one, because it’s an experience of a lifetime that you absolutely do not want to miss!
Rodiles
Rodiles has some strong rips, which keeps it in the intermediate to expert-level surfer category, but it’s a slightly smaller sister wave to Mundaka. By no means does that mean it’s any less fun, however! This is definitely a difficult surf that more experience surfers will quickly take a liking to, even if they’re more likely to be tossed into the water. The only problem is the beach here tends to fill up pretty quickly, so be prepared for crowds.
Waves for Expert Surfers ONLY!
Meñakoz
If you aren’t a confident, experienced surfer, then Meñakoz is not a surfing destination for you (sorry, beginner surfers!). The locals here are known to not take kindly to anyone below the expert-level, mainly due to the high level of danger of the waves that come rolling through these waters. This one is truly a challenge, so don’t head out unless you are absolutely prepared and know you can handle the sharp rocks, strong rips and two-wave hold downs that are going to be waiting for you. Broken boards are common here, as are broken bones, so please really take our words of caution to heart before planning to take on Meñakoz!
Know Your Surfing Abilities!
Before you plan your surfing trip in Spain, the number one thing to know is what type of waves you’re ready for! Don’t take risks you aren’t confident you can overcome, but if you’re ready for a true challenge then Spain definitely has some waiting for you!