Best Surf Beaches in Spain — Zarautz, Mundaka, and the Basque Country
If you’re looking for the best surf beaches in Spain, the Basque Country is your destination. With a coast exposed to the Cantabrian Sea, waves all year round, and a deep-rooted surf culture, northern Spain hosts some of the best spots in Europe. In this guide, we tell you all about Zarautz, Mundaka, and the best places to surf in the Basque Country.
1. Zarautz — The Surf Capital of the Basque Country
Zarautz is undoubtedly the best surf beach for beginners and intermediate levels in the Basque Country. With 2.5 km of continuous sand, multiple peaks, and consistent waves all year, it’s the most complete spot in Gipuzkoa.
- Level: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced
- Wave type: Beach break — sand break, safe and versatile
- Best season: All year round. Summer for beginners, autumn-winter for advanced surfers
- Wave size: 0.5 m in summer up to 3–4 m in winter
- Featured event: Zarautz Pro — WSL world circuit competition
Zarautz has surf schools, equipment shops, and a promenade with all the necessary infrastructure. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent a surfboard, wetsuit, or SUP in Zarautz from €10 and be in the water within minutes.
2. Mundaka — Europe’s Most Famous Wave
Mundaka is legendary. Considered one of the best waves in the world, this perfect left over a sandbank at the mouth of the Oka River produces tubes up to 300 meters long. It’s the dream of any advanced surfer.
- Level: Advanced — not suitable for beginners
- Wave type: River mouth — long, hollow left over a sandbank
- Best season: Autumn and winter (October–February), with north swells
- Wave size: 1–5 m. On big days, only for experts
- Featured event: Mundaka Pro — historic WSL circuit competition
Mundaka is just a 45-minute drive from Zarautz. A common route is to surf in Zarautz in the morning (more accessible, with equipment rental available) and then head to see or surf Mundaka in the afternoon if the conditions allow.
💡 Tip: If you’re going to Mundaka for the first time, watch from the cliff before entering. The current and take-off are demanding even for experienced surfers.
3. Sopelana — Bizkaia’s Most Accessible Spot
Sopelana is the most popular surf beach in Bilbao and surroundings. Just 20 minutes from Bilbao city center by metro, it combines good waves with easy access and an established surf vibe.
- Level: Beginner and intermediate
- Wave type: Beach break — consistent and well-formed
- Best time: Autumn and spring
- Ideal for: Surfers visiting Bilbao who want to combine city and surf
4. Bakio — Long Waves for All Levels
Bakio is a 1.5 km beach in Bizkaia with long, gentle waves, perfect for progressing. Less crowded than Sopelana, it offers a calmer atmosphere and good conditions for beginner-intermediate levels.
- Level: Beginner and intermediate
- Wave type: Beach break — long and progressive waves
- Best time: Spring and summer
- Highlight: Less crowded, ideal for learning without stress
When is the Best Time to Surf in the Basque Country?
The Basque Country has year-round surfing thanks to its exposure to the Cantabrian Sea. Here’s the seasonal summary:
| Season | Waves | Water temperature | Wetsuit | Recommended level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | 0,5–1,5 m | 18–22°C | 3/2 | Beginner ✅ |
| Autumn (Oct–Nov) | 1–3 m | 14–18°C | 4/3 | Intermediate–Advanced |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 1,5–5 m | 10–14°C | 5/4 + hood | Advanced |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 1–2,5 m | 13–17°C | 4/3 | All levels |
Surf Gear Rental in Zarautz
If you’re going to surf in the Basque Country and don’t have your own gear, Zarautz is the best base point: accessible beach, waves for all levels, and rental service available right on the beach.
At CaranvaSports you can rent a surfboard, wetsuit, or SUP in Zarautz from €10, with direct pickup at the beach and free cancellation up to 24h before.
| SURFBOARD | WETSUIT | BOARD + WETSUIT | SUP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 € | 10 € | 20 € | 15 € |
👉 Book your surf rental in Zarautz →
Conclusion — What is the Best Surf Beach in Spain?
If we had to choose just one answer: Zarautz for surfing, Mundaka for dreaming. Zarautz offers the perfect combination of consistent waves, full infrastructure, and accessibility for all levels. Mundaka is the epic experience for advanced surfers seeking one of the best waves in the world.
The Basque Country has surfing for everyone. You just need the desire — we provide the gear.
📞 Contact: WhatsApp +34 699 631 613 | info@caranvasports.com
