Want to get started and learn to surf without travelling halfway around the world? Spain is one of the best destinations in Europe for beginners. Its sandy beaches, consistent waves and pleasant climate make it the perfect place to learn in complete safety.
Whether you dream of a lively surf camp in the Basque Country, a wild beach in Galicia or guaranteed sunshine in the Canary Islands, you’re sure to find a spot that suits your level. If you’re still unsure about where to go surfing, Spain is one of the best choices for a successful first surf trip.
Why choose Spain to learn to surf?
If you want to discover surfing without travelling to the other side of the world, Spain is an ideal destination. With 8,000 kilometres of coastline, endless sandy beaches and a sunny climate, it offers perfect conditions to learn to surf. Whether you are a complete beginner or want to progress gently, you will find spots for your level, supervised by recognised surf schools.
Unlike some French coastlines, which are overcrowded in summer, Spanish beaches have a more relaxed atmosphere. Add to that the local culture, gastronomy and affordable prices outside the high season, and you have the perfect destination for your first surfing trip.
In summary: learning to surf in Spain combines rapid progress, a great atmosphere and cultural discovery.
The advantages of surfing in Spain
Spain is attracting more and more European surfers, and not just experienced ones. Here’s why it’s an excellent choice for beginners:
- An immense and varied coastline: from the green Atlantic coast in the north to the volcanic Canary Islands.
- Perfect beach breaks for improving: sandy seabed, consistent waves, ideal conditions for learning without risk.
- A pleasant climate all year round: temperate summers in the north, eternal spring in the Canary Islands.
- A welcoming atmosphere: no surfing snobbery, just a friendly community.
- An exotic setting: between tapas, fiestas and incredible landscapes, surfing can also be enjoyed outside the water.
It is this unique combination that makes Spain one of the best countries in Europe for a beginner’s surfing trip.
Where to learn to surf in Spain? The main regions
Learn how to surf in the Spanish Basque Country
The Spanish Basque Country is the historic heartland of surfing in Spain. Surfing culture is well established here, the beaches are suitable for all levels and the atmosphere is festive.
- San Sebastián – La Zurriola: a renowned urban beach, perfect for beginners in a lively atmosphere. You can enjoy a session in the morning and sample pintxos in the old town in the afternoon.
- Zarautz: just a few kilometres from San Sebastián, this huge beach is an ideal playground for beginners. There are many schools and surf camps here, making it a must-visit spot for learning.
Cantabria: gentle waves for beginner surfers
Just west of the Basque Country, Cantabria is less touristy but just as suitable. Here, people come seeking peace and quiet, nature and accessible waves.
- Somo: an iconic spot for surf schools. With its huge sandy beach and long, gentle waves, it’s the perfect place to catch your first waves. The atmosphere is relaxed and very focused on learning.
Galicia: surfing off the beaten track
Galicia is more rugged, less frequented, but it hides gems for beginner surfers.
- Pantín: known for hosting international competitions, this spot remains accessible to beginners, especially at the right tide. It is a unique experience: learning to surf in a natural setting, far from the crowds.
The Canary Islands: learn to surf all year round
If you want to combine learning with guaranteed sunshine, the Canary Islands are a safe bet. The waves are there all year round and several beaches are ideal for beginners.
- Famara (Lanzarote): a large bay protected with regular waves, with numerous schools and a super relaxed “surf camp” atmosphere. Here, you can improve without any pressure, under the sun, even in the middle of winter.
Find out more in our guide to surfing in Lanzarote and surfing in the Canary Islands.
The 5 best spots to start surfing in Spain
To sum up, here is a comparison table of the best spots to learn to surf in Spain:
| Spot | Region | Level | Why start here? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somo | Cantabria | Beginner | Long waves, sandy bottom, numerous schools |
| The Zurriola | Basque Country | Beginner / Intermediate | Urban spot, festive atmosphere, surf culture |
| Zarautz | Basque Country | Beginner | Huge beach, numerous surf camps, lively atmosphere |
| Pantín | Galicia | Beginner | Legendary spot, unspoilt nature, accessible out of season |
| Famara | Lanzarote (Canary Islands) | Beginner | Sunshine all year round, relaxed atmosphere, renowned schools |
Each spot has its own unique characteristics: Somo for gentle learning, La Zurriola for its urban vibe, Zarautz for its infrastructure, Pantín for its wild nature, and Famara for surfing in the sun.
When is the best time to learn to surf in Spain?
- North coast (Basque Country, Cantabria, Galicia): the best season to start is from May to October. In summer, the waves are smaller and more regular, perfect for progressing. The water is warmer and the schools are in full swing.
- Canary Islands: you can surf there all year round. Conditions are ideal from October to March, but the waves are still accessible in summer. Huge advantage: you can surf in a shorty wetsuit in winter while Europe shivers.
What wetsuit should you wear for surfing in Spain?
| Season | North coast (Atlantic) | Canary Islands |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | 3/2 mm or shorty | Lycra or 2 mm |
| Mid-season | 4/3 mm | 2 mm |
| Winter | 5/4 mm + booties | 3/2 mm |
Don’t panic if you don’t have the equipment: surf schools usually provide wetsuits suited to local conditions. In any case, surf schools will provide you with a suitable wetsuit if you don’t have your own gear.
Surf camp or road trip in Spain?
Two ways to experience your first surfing trip in Spain:
- Surf camp: ideal for a hassle-free holiday. Accommodation, lessons, equipment and sometimes meals are included. It’s perfect if you’re travelling alone, want to meet other beginners and want to progress quickly with professional coaching.
- The road trip: hire a car or van and travel along the Spanish coast at your own pace. You can try out different spots, discover coastal villages and soak up the local culture. This is the most flexible and adventurous option.
If you are hesitating between several surf destinations in Spain, Tenerife is a safe bet. You can also read our guide to surf camps in Tenerife to plan your stay.
Spain, the perfect place to start surfing
Whether you choose the friendly atmosphere of Somo, the urban energy of San Sebastián, the immense beach of Zarautz, the raw nature of Pantín or the sunshine of Lanzarote, Spain guarantees you an unforgettable surfing experience.
Learning to surf in Spain means improving in the best conditions, while enjoying an exotic and accessible setting. Between morning sessions, tapas on the terrace and friendly encounters, your surf trip will be much more than just a holiday dedicated to sport.
FAQ
Yes, Spain is one of the best places in Europe to learn to surf. The country has many beaches with beginner-friendly waves, especially on the Atlantic coast. Regions such as the Basque Country, Cantabria and the Canary Islands offer ideal conditions and plenty of surf schools.
Several destinations are known for beginners:
San Sebastián and Zarautz (Basque Country): easy spots with many surf schools
Somo and Santander (Cantabria): perfect beaches to learn, with consistent waves
Fuerteventura and Tenerife (Canary Islands): mild weather all year and varied waves
These destinations often have long beaches and gradual waves, ideal for learning.
Yes, lessons are strongly recommended for beginners. An instructor teaches you the essentials: water safety, reading the waves, positioning on the board and how to stand up. You progress faster and avoid the usual mistakes.
Prices vary by region and surf school. On average:
Group lesson (2 to 3 hours): €35 to €60
Private lesson: €80 to €120
Equipment is usually included.
Yes, many schools offer lessons for children and courses designed for families. The wide beaches and gentle waves of some spots are ideal for a first surf experience.
A surf camp is ideal to progress quickly, as it combines accommodation, surf lessons and full immersion for several days. Day lessons are perfect to try surfing or practise now and then during a holiday.