Surfing in Spain
From the Bay of Biscay to the Canaries: where to catch waves, when to go and which beaches are good for beginners.
Key points
- The best surfing areas are the Bay of Biscay coast, Galicia, the Costa de la Luz and the Canary Islands.
- Autumn and spring bring the best waves to the north; summer, with calmer seas, is ideal for learning.
- Tarifa and Fuerteventura are world references for kitesurfing and windsurfing thanks to their steady wind.
- Respect wave priority, buoyed swimming zones and the lifeguard's flags.
The main surfing areas
Bay of Biscay
The Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias have schools and waves for every level: Zarautz, Mundaka and its famous left-hander in the Urdaibai estuary, Sopela, Somo, Liencres, Salinas and Rodiles.
Galicia
An Atlantic coast with consistent waves and cold water: Razo, Doniños, Pantín, A Lanzada and the beaches of the Costa da Morte.
Costa de la Luz
El Palmar, Los Caños de Meca and Conil for surfing; Tarifa, Valdevaqueros and Los Lances for kitesurfing and windsurfing with the levante or poniente wind.
Canary Islands
Waves all year: Famara (Lanzarote), northern Fuerteventura, Las Canteras and El Confital (Gran Canaria) and El Médano (Tenerife) for wind sports.
If you are starting out
- Find a schoolA lesson with an instructor teaches you to paddle, stand up and choose waves.
- Pick sandy beachesWith a sandy bottom and white-water waves, no rocks.
- Check the forecastWaves and wind: each beach page shows the coming days.
- Follow the rulesThe surfer closest to the peak has priority; do not drop in.
Map of surfing beaches
The surfing beach map shows beaches with surfing, windsurfing or kitesurfing according to OpenStreetMap, with their wave and wind forecast.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season for surfing in Spain?
On the Bay of Biscay and in Galicia, autumn and spring bring the best waves; in summer the sea is usually calmer, ideal for learning. The Canaries have waves all year.
Where can I learn to surf in Spain?
On long sandy beaches with gentle waves and surf schools, such as Somo (Cantabria), Zarautz (Gipuzkoa), Salinas (Asturias) or El Palmar (Cádiz).