01/07/25
I see postcards of California, from San Francisco to Big Sur, its great green cliffs, facing the sunset, with long waves breaking on the rocks and in the coves and on long beaches, nestled between mountains. And yes, it's the same feeling as in the Basque Country. It's the same geography, the same power of the ocean and the same contrasts.
We are lucky to live in one of the best places for surfing, we have little to envy California.
We locals know this, but it's time for the world to know it too. The California of Spain is on the north coast of Spain, and here we bring you the best spots to enjoy consistent surfing all year round with a nature to remember :
Sonabia Beach
Half an hour from Bilbao and on the border between the Basque Country and Cantabria, a cove unfolds surrounded by two barriers of cliffs, shaped by the waves that enter the beach through an impossible corridor.
Spectacular nature and a wave that can be aggressive and short in winter, or gentler and longer in spring and even summer.
Hundreds of metres of limestone rock carved out by the water rise above the surfer's head. It's like surfing in a roofless rock cathedral.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/p3piK5iuNynodtfh6
The two beaches of Sopelana
There are two, not one. Sopelana has two sides, one, Barinatxe, the Wild, which leads to the open sea, with the famous and experienced Triangu wave, or endless breakers along the wave.
The second one, Atxabiribil, where the waves break closer to the sand, more violently, or, on the contrary, in front of the stratified rocks, in the middle of the beach, in the sea, for longer waves.
In summer there is a bus service (Sopelbus) that connects the town centre with the beach.
The right wave of Meñakoz
Next beach on the list, past the two in Sopelana, down a dangerous cliff, but with a path that is easy to follow, is one of the secrets of the big waves of Vizcaya. Only a few days a year, the right-hand break in front of the eastern cliff of Meñakoz beach, a natural paradise without buildings, is worth seeing. Check the conditions.
Webcams
https://turismo.sopela.eus/webcam-y-olas/
Bakio and Game of Thrones
With the old convent of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in the background, filming location of Game of Thrones, surfing in this enclave far from the hustle and bustle of the city can guarantee you a quieter session of similar quality to Sopelana beach.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/iajkUf8SeCrGjD3K9
Zarautz
The surfing capital of the Basque Country, this sport has transformed the town so much that you could say the coastline is dedicated to surfing, especially in summer. There are schools and shops selling equipment, with lots of rental options, along a long, quiet stretch of beach.
Whatever the conditions, you'll find something to suit you here, whenever you come.
https://quiksilver.es/surf/webcams/zarautz.html
La Zurriola, San Sebastian
The most photogenic beach, surfing within the city and Basque culture. The perfect blend of tourism and sport. Zurriola is a large beach that allows many people to surf. The waves vary from calmer ones next to the breakwater to the west of the beach to professional and aggressive ones on the rocks to the right of the beach, next to the wall.
Hendaye Beach
The perfect beach for learning, with no strong currents. The best for longboarding and mid-lenghts boards in the Basque Country. Quiet and safe, large, only crowded in summer. There are schools and numerous rental shops on the beachfront.
https://quiksilver.es/surf/webcams/hendaye.html
Parlamentia
A rocky beach for heading out to the open sea at high tide, when the sea covers the rocks, and surfing with a longboard. Calm waves.
https://www.bidarttourisme.com/es/loisir/plage-de-parlementia/
https://quiksilver.es/surf/webcams/guethary.html
Biarritz Côte des Basques
The birthplace of surfing in Europe, there is no beach with more history and prestige. Waves in the sea, next to the rocks, countless peaks and endless sunsets. Beauty is guaranteed.
https://quiksilver.es/surf/webcams/biarritz-cote-des-basques.html
We offer guided tours focusing on culture, surfing and nature in Hendaye and San Sebastián.
If you would like to explore this area with a local guide and surfer, here's the links :
https://www.paisvascobyignacio.com/services/take-a-walk-on-a-wild-side-hendaye
https://www.paisvascobyignacio.com/services/day-walk-hendaye
We'd love to hear from u, contact us!
Ignacio F.A.A.
