Best places to surf in Spain

Spain is well known for her calm Mediterranean waters and beautiful beaches, that make it a magnet for millions of European tourists each year. While the majority of tourists head south in summer, surfers should head to Northern Spain where warm weather and waves will welcome you all year round. Along the ragged northern coast of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country are some of the best surf spots in Spain, and arguably the whole of Europe.

Small coves concealed by steep cliffs, wild dunes and golden sandy beaches are encrusted into the lush emerald landscape. Thankfully some of the best beaches are also the best surf spots, they include Mundaka beach at Mundaka (Basque Country), Rodiles beach at Villaviciosa (Asturias), Tapia beach at Tapia de Casariego (Asturias), and Razo beach at Carballo (Galicia).

These amazing locations provide a diverse variety of quality wave formations that are frequent and suitable for surfers of all levels. Waves range from rolling beach breaks perfect for beginners, to powerful waves of over 5 meters for the more courageous surfers. So whatever your level of surfing, you’re guaranteed to find a special surf spot to suit you.

Razo (Galicia)

Situated along the Atlantic coast, Razo has a fine white sandy beach where surfers can always enjoy consistent waves. Although experts recommend September and October as the best months, beginners and intermediate surfers enjoy the waves here all year round.

Galicia in the North West of Spain has a jagged coastline of rocky ridges and cliffs, which are softened by beautiful beaches. These beaches are some of the best for surfing in the country and enjoy a far lower tourist population than their Mediterranean counterparts. The very topography of the land often discourages the casual beach user who is reluctant to brave the rock face for the golden sands beneath. All year long, but during the autumn months especially, it is blessed with the best surf in Europe. Not so long ago, it was possible to be the only surfer out, with entire coves undisturbed by swimmers and sunbathers.

However, in recent times, surfing has exploded in Europe. Now surfers travel from all over Europe, happy to scale the rocky facades and grab some of the wildest Atlantic waves. Surfing is now a booming industry in Galicia, with many quality surf schools and shops popping up to help boost surfing’s popularity.

Mundaka (Euskadi)

Mundaka is the original “mecca” for surfers in Spain. Local and travelling surfers have been making their pilgrimage to this longest of European lefthanders since the sixties. Nowadays Mundaka is now established on the pro tour map. This is one of Europe’s genuinely world class waves with long peeling lefts and divine tubes regularly up for grabs.

Playa de Rodiles (Asturias)

The beach of Rodiles is off the beaten track, it has an undiscovered and wild feel about it. To get there you need to navigate a forest of pine trees and undulating dunes. Rodiles, has similar waves to Mundaka – fast, strong and tubular. The waves begin to break at the Villaviciosa inlet and continue for at least 100 meters. Not for the faint hearted or inexperienced.

Culturally rich, geologically gorgeous and oceanically idyllic, the surf scene in Northern Spain is beyond superlatives.

This article was written by Sergio Alabau who is a local at Razo and helps out at Art Surf Camp.

A talented Spanish surfer called Xabier Merino has got in touch and recommended Menakoz, near Bilbao. Here’s his video to whet your appetite: