Discover the thrill and the fun of surfing in Spain

Not only are there spectacular surf beaches in Spain, but Spain’s waves draw in crowds from around the world. On the northern Atlantic coast, powerful waves roll into the rugged shores of the Basque Country, Asturias, and Galicia. In the south, Andalusia and the Mediterranean provide mellow waves perfect for beginners, while the Canary Islands boast warm waters and consistent surf year-round. On dry ground, the surf towns in Spain perfectly blend local charm, vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine. You also won’t be short of surf schools, making it a top destination, even for surf newbies. Due to the popularity of surfing in Spain, numerous prestigious surf festivals, often combining cinema, yoga and music, have popped up across the country attracting keen observers and fans of the sport.

Your Spanish surfing holidays don’t have to be restricted to surfing in its traditional sense. There are so many varieties and styles of surfing to try. If you are planning your beginner surfing holidays, you may want to try bodyboarding using a shorter board that you lie on top of to ride across the waves. Thrill seekers will love kneeboarding, kneeling on a short board and using flippers to propel you across the water. Longboarding is also a popular choice for those planning a surf holiday for beginners - the longer, wider board makes it easier to get to grips with the stability and buoyancy of riding the waves. Stand-up paddleboarding involving a board and paddle requires exceptional balance but once you master staying upright it proves to be a fun and enjoyable experience that’s quick to get the hang of.

The good thing about Spain is that surfing is possible (nearly) all year round. You just have to know where to go. For autumn and winter holidays, from September to November, you want to head to the northern regions where the Atlantic swells are more consistent. For full-on winter waves without the chilly temperatures, the Canary Islands are a top choice, and the spring and summer months are ideal for catching some calmer waves on Spain’s southern coast.

Pinpoint your map with these top destinations for surfing holidays in Spain, where world-class waves, stunning coastlines, and vibrant surf cultures await. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to ride your first wave, Spain has something for everyone. From the powerful swells of the Basque Country to the sun-drenched beaches of the Canary Islands, here are the best surf spots to add to your itinerary:

The Basque Country feels fiercely independent, rooted in nature and fuelled by good food and more importantly, the rush of saltwater. It is no surprise that it is a Mecca for surfers with deep ties to the global surf community and some of Europe’s most coveted waves. Check into one of the best hotels in the Basque Country and enjoy easy access to world-class beaches to combine cultural immersion with saltwater adventures. 

Talking about beaches, famed for its legendary left-hand barrel, Mundaka is a dream spot for experienced surfers, just 40 minutes away from Bilbao. Nestled in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, this wave is one of Europe's best and attracts surfers from around the globe. Yet, just down the coast, the vibe shifts. Zarautz, one of the top surf spots in Spain, offers a more open, accessible surf scene with a long beach break that welcomes all levels. It’s where wetsuits hang from every balcony and surfboards lean against pintxos bars, and where the rhythm of the waves is perfectly in sync with the easygoing pace of local life.

If the Basque Country is where Spanish surf culture begins, Asturias is where it deepens – quieter, rawer, and laced with untamed beauty. This region is famous for its cider production and its rich emerald valleys, misty hillsides, and sleepy seaside towns, where surfing feels like something you stumble into, rather than seek out. When visiting the region, many choose to combine a spot of sightseeing with outdoor adventure.

If you are looking for the ideal surfing spot in Asturias, Rodiles is the standout option. It’s often compared to Mundaka – a powerful left-hand river mouth wave that rewards those with skill and nerve – but here, the setting is even more serene. Think grassy dunes, eucalyptus forests, and a far cry from your usual touristy surf town. You’ll often have the lineup to yourself, save for a few locals who know just how special this place is.

Away from the beach, savour slow-cooked stews cooked by locals in the traditional way in sleepy fishing villages that still feel untouched by time. It’s ideal for travellers who want their surf served with a side of solitude – and maybe a mountain hike before breakfast.

When dreaming of surfing in Spain, visiting Galicia may not be the first thing that springs to mind. In fact, Galicia feels like a secret – even to many Spaniards. Tucked into the far northwest of the country, this region delivers some of the most consistent waves in Spain, alongside breathtaking coastal scenery and a strong, under-the-radar surf culture. Some may even think of it being the Spanish version of Cornwall. So, be sure to check it out if you fancy surfing in Northern Spain.

The best beach for surfers in Galicia? Pantín. This is the best-known beach, home to the annual Pantín Classic Pro championship and it is a reliable year-round wave magnet. It’s rugged, open, and backed by hills that glow golden in the late afternoon light. Alternatively, just south of Pantín lies Razo, which offers long, mellow beach breaks ideal for beginners, with a handful of excellent surf camps and a refreshingly uncrowded vibe. Here, you’ll find wide sands, grassy dunes, and the kind of light that makes everything look like it belongs in a surf film.

Then when you are looking for some inland adventures, Galicia continues to surprise – think lush valleys, stone villages, and ancient Celtic culture. Be swept up in the wilderness of the Atlantic coast and the buzz of this region’s vibrant cities.

While many may think of Andalusia as offering nothing more than flamenco rhythms, Moorish architecture and seaside holidays, it is actually a hotspot for those looking for surfing in Europe for beginners. For surfers, the Costa de la Luz – Andalusia’s western coast – offers some of the best beginner-friendly surf in mainland Spain, especially during the quieter winter months. In fact, when staying in Andalusia, this is the place to be.

Anyone looking to catch some waves in Andalusia should head to El Palmar, just a 16-minute drive from the Barceló Conil Playa. A low-key surf town near Vejer de la Frontera, it’s all sandy roads, smoothie bars, and longboarders coasting beneath pastel sunsets. The beach is long and open, with easy waves and a warm, friendly vibe. Cabopino, just a 30-minute drive from the Barceló Marbella, is an exposed sandbar break that offers one of the best places to surf in Marbella – especially for families or travellers dipping their toes into the surf world for the first time. This is due to the consistent, low-level waves that are particularly good in the summer but can be enjoyed throughout the entire year. The best spots are at either end of the beach with the western side providing some exciting right-hand wedges when the conditions permit. Holidays in Marbella have plenty to offer other than being a good place for surfing in Spain for beginners, so it’s a good choice if you only want surfing to be an added extra to your Andalusia holiday, but not the main focus.

Often flying under the radar when it comes to surfing, the Valencia region surprises those in the know with its occasional but rewarding Mediterranean swells – especially from late autumn through early spring, when east or north-easterly winds stir the sea into motion. Famous for being the home of Paella, Valencia offers visitors picturesque beaches like El Saler, one of the most reliable surf beaches in the region, just 15 minutes from the city centre. Backed by dunes and pine forests within the Albufera Natural Park, this stretch of coastline offers long, open waves when conditions line up – perfect for intermediate surfers or beginners looking for manageable swells. If you are looking for lessons during your surf holidays in Valencia, Playa de Gandía is another solid option known for its wide beach and mellow waves. When easterly storms roll through, it becomes a fun playground for longboarders and learners alike. When not surfing, the easy rhythm of Mediterranean life will make you fall in love with the area. Relax at chic beach bars, and seafood restaurants and pick up some souvenirs at stylish boutiques - all before hitting the waves again the next day.

Off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands feel like a world apart – volcanic, sun-drenched, and blessed with warm water year-round. When thinking about surfing in Spain, these islands are often overlooked due to their distance from the mainland. Yet, for surfers, this archipelago offers the most reliable conditions in Spain, with waves to suit all levels and a laid-back island pace that makes you forget what month it is.

There’s great surfing all over the Canary Islands, but Fuerteventura is particularly good for beginners and families. The water here is generally warmer than it is on beaches in mainland Spain as it’s further south than you might think. Book yourself into the Barceló Corralejo Sands to be in the heart of the buzzing beach town and moments away from the famous Rocky Point Beach, also known as Punta Elena. This beach is ideal for all levels with reef-break waves and a high season from November to March. Enjoy surfable peaks for both left and right waves, just be careful at low tide for the shallow reef. 

If you are looking for waves that push your surfing skills to the max, book a holiday to Lanzarote, now! Often called the "Pipeline of the Atlantic," El Quemao is a heavy reef break that produces world-class barrels. Some may even say that this is one of the best beaches in Spain for surfing.This spot is strictly for expert surfers due to its powerful waves and rocky bottom. So, don’t be tempted to try this if you are still shaky on your board, it is better to admire the pros who do their thing from the safety of the shoreline.

Holidays in Tenerife may conjure up images of bucket and spade breaks, but it is actually a popular surf hub in the Canary Islands. Las Américas, one of the best Spanish surfing beaches in Tenerife, boasts a variety of breaks suitable for different skill levels. With warm waters and a lively beach town, it's a top choice for those staying in the nearby Royal Hideaway Corales Beach- Adults Only Resort. Yet, it is worth taking note that the waves here are stronger in the winter months than in the summer. That being said, there are different surf spots in Las Americas for all seasons and all levels. El Medio is the most popular surfing spot on the beach with waves all year round and it is here that many surf schools host their classes. It is definitely one of the best places to learn how to surf on the island. La Piscina is a popular spot for the summer, as is El Bunker. Yet the La Izquierda (Palmeras) is more of a winter and spring spot with the World Surf League competition being held here for many years.