Marbella is the beach south of the Côte des Basques, held by rocks to the north and a breakwater to the south.
It is a more demanding spot, working mostly with a small swell. For the other spots, read our guide to surfing in Biarritz.
At a glance: Marbella
| Wave type | Hollow beach break |
| Bottom | Sand and rocks |
| Level | Depends on the swell, watch out for the rocks |
| Swell | Small swell |
| Tide | Mid tide on the dropping tide |
| Best period | Small days |
| Hazards | Rocks at the end of the wave, submerged rocks |
About Marbella (Biarritz, Basque Country)
Marbella is a hollow but fickle beach break, held by rocks to the north and a breakwater to the south.
With a big swell, the wave breaks far out: you paddle a lot for few waves. It is better with a small swell.
When to surf Marbella?
Aim for small days, at mid tide on the dropping tide. With a big swell, go elsewhere.
Marbella surf calendar: swell size by month
Marbella forecast
Before you paddle out, check the swell, wind and tide: here, the level of the spot changes with the size of the waves.
- Windy weather map (43.4679, -1.5733): swell, wind and live conditions.
- GoSurf webcam at the Côte des Basques, just to the north : the waves live before you go.
Marbella: what level?
Beginners: only with an instructor
With a small swell, with a school, and watch out for the rocks at the end of the wave.
Intermediate and experienced surfers: depends on the swell
With a small swell, the hollow wave helps you improve. Stay away from the rocks.
Experienced surfers: small days
With a big swell, the wave breaks far out and the spot loses its appeal.
How to get to Marbella?
You reach the beach from the impasse de Marbella, then about fifty steps.
Like the other Biarritz beaches, it has lifeguards from April to the end of October.
Spot location
GPS coordinates (approximate): 43.4679° N, 1.5733° W. Marbella, Biarritz, Basque Country.
Open the full map on OpenStreetMap
Where to stay near Marbella?
Stay in Biarritz or in Bidart, just to the south.
What to do near Marbella?
La Milady beach is just to the south, and the Cité de l’Océan a few minutes away.
FAQ: Marbella
Only with an instructor, with a small swell: watch out for the rocks at the end of the wave.
With a small swell, at mid tide on the dropping tide.
From the impasse de Marbella, then about fifty steps.
In short
Marbella is a hollow beach break south of Biarritz, to surf with a small swell at mid tide on the dropping tide, keeping an eye on the rocks.
Other spots to check out nearby: Grande Plage surf spot and Côte des Basques surf spot. To compare with other regions, see our guide to surfing in France.
Information may change. This guide is for general guidance only: surf conditions, temperatures, access, opening hours and prices can change. Before your trip and every session, check the forecast, local conditions and information from local providers. A spot description and its suggested level are no guarantee of safety: always match your session to your level and the conditions on the day. Learn more
Sources: Plages.tv, Ultimate France, Destination Biarritz.