Top 10 Surf Spots on the Basque Coast

For beginners and experienced surfers alike, many spots are accessible on both the French and Spanish sides of the region. BARNES reveals its top 10 surf spots on the Basque Coast.

Les Cavaliers, Anglet

A neighbouring town of Biarritz, Anglet has many beaches perfect for surfers. Les Cavaliers is one of the most popular among locals due to its wind exposure that creates two tubular waves. The spot now hosts international surfers through competitions such as the Billabong Pro Anglet Mundaka and the O’Neill Surf Challenge. Check out our vacation rentals in Anglet to plan your surf trip to Les Cavaliers.

La Côte des Basques, Biarritz

In Biarritz, the Côte des Basques spot suits beginners and experienced surfers alike, and many locals enjoy it year-round. This spot is a beach break, meaning the waves break over a sandy bottom. Depending on the tide, the spot can become less accessible as at high tide the waves crash against the rocks, making it harder to exit. To plan the perfect surf getaway, browse our vacation rentals in Biarritz just steps from the Côte des Basques.

Plage des 100 Marches, Bidart

South of Biarritz, the small village of Bidart has a very pleasant beach for surfing, whatever your level. With waves breaking both left and right, Plage des 100 Marches is one of the spots accessible at low tide and mid-tide. Discover our vacation rentals in Bidart to enjoy this legendary spot on the Basque Coast.

Punta Galea, Biscay

On the coast of the Spanish province of Biscay, the Punta Galea wave is a highly prized surf spot for experienced surfers. Part of the Big Wave World Tour, this wave requires a very high level and proper safety measures. The best surfers will appreciate and tame Punta Galea and its exceptional riding sensations.

Parlementia, Guéthary

The village of Guéthary has three main surf spots: Lafitenia, Cenitz and Parlementia. The Parlementia spot offers a right-hand wave that holds large swells. A very demanding spot reserved for the most experienced, the Parlementia wave breaks over rock bottom and works at both low and high tide. To stay as close as possible to the Parlementia waves, check out our vacation rentals in Guéthary.

Grande Plage, Hendaye

Located on the Spanish border, the Hendaye spot is one of the largest in the region. The Grande Plage in Hendaye welcomes beginners who can practise on smaller waves. When the swell is too strong, Hendaye beach is also a fallback option for many surfers. To enjoy this ideal spot for family beginners, discover our vacation rentals in Hendaye.

Lafitenia, Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Among the few point breaks in the region (waves that break over sand or rock), the Lafitenia spot in Saint-Jean-de-Luz is one of the most appreciated by experienced surfers. Working at low tide, the right-hand wave can peel for over a hundred metres when conditions are optimal. Discover our vacation rentals in Saint-Jean-de-Luz for an unforgettable surf stay in the Corsairs’ City.

La Zurriola, San Sebastián

Among the main cities of the Basque Country, San Sebastián is a very popular tourist destination that welcomes many surfers. The large La Zurriola spot near the city centre offers small waves accessible to beginners as well as waves exceeding 5 feet for the most experienced.

Arrietara, Sopelana

Near Bilbao, the small town of Sopelana is an ideal spot for beginners. The Arrietara spot works on small and medium swells, allowing surfers to practise on accessible waves without danger. Besides being a good beginner spot, Arrietara offers an exceptional natural setting.

Zarautz Beach, Zarautz

For intermediate or advanced surfers, Zarautz beach is a very interesting spot. With left and right-handers working at high tide, this spot offers great sensations and even hosts several surf competitions. This small town near San Sebastián is an ideal place to enjoy the waves of the Basque Coast.

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From Anglet to Zarautz, the Basque Coast packs into 150 kilometres of coastline conditions that few regions in Europe can match. Each spot suits a different profile, from the beginner looking for whitewash in Hendaye to the experienced rider tackling Parlementia or Punta Galea. It is this diversity that attracts surfers from around the world every year, and that wins over those who end up settling here.

If these spots make you want to settle by the ocean, whether for a getaway or for good, BARNES Côte Basque supports you. Whether you are looking for a property for sale in the Basque Country right next to the surf spots or a vacation rental in the Basque Country facing the line-up, our team knows every town and every market along the coast inside out. Feel free to contact our agencies to discuss your project.

To extend your exploration of the Basque coast beyond the surf spots, also discover our selection of the most beautiful beaches in the Basque Country.