In Green Spain, no two beaches are the same: those with dunes or cliffs, surrounded by forests and meadows; developed and undeveloped; we even have some backed by top-tier protected natural areas, inhabited and visited by dozens of bird species. But the most important thing is their waves, a treasure discovered by the first foreign surfers in their search for the perfect wave. Whether you are an expert surfer or just starting out, welcome to the wave paradise of southern Europe.
Doniños Beach, in Ferrol (A Coruña, Galicia)
A (small) guide to surfing at Doniños beach
Doniños is one of the best beaches with sand breaks in Galicia. It is nearly two kilometers long, very open to the Atlantic, and west-facing. Its proximity to Ferrol (just over five kilometers away) makes it the favorite beach of local surfers.
- The most popular (and crowded) waves are in the Outeiro area, in the north of the beach. Depending on the tide and sea conditions, waves range from short, hollow, and barreling to long waves with multiple peaks.
- At the southern end, at Penencia Point, is the area that receives the most swell, even on relatively calm days, and is less crowded. You can also surf powerful, hollow waves here when conditions are ideal.
- It boasts very good waves most days of the year, and given its size, it offers a great variety of waves, making it an ideal spot for those just starting to surf.
- It has all public amenities (blue flag, lifeguards in season, large parking areas…) and especially for surf lovers, with schools and gear rental shops.
What can you do in Doniños after surfing?
- Watch a spectacular sunset from the nearby Gabeiras Islands viewpoint.
- Take a walk around Doniños Lake, a (idyllic) protected natural area great for birdwatching.
- Head into Ferrol for some tapas in popular areas such as Pardo Baixo Street, Ferrol Vello, or María Street.
Ribamontán al Mar Beaches (Cantabria)
A (small) guide to surfing at Ribamontán al Mar beaches
Back in 2012, Ribamontán al Mar declared its beaches and breaks a ‘Surf Natural Reserve’, becoming a pioneer in granting this protection. What does that mean? That in this privileged area of cliffs, beaches, and a good number of legendary waves, surfing is more than just a sport. Located east of the Bay of Santander, this Cantabrian municipality concentrates some of the best surf spots in the north of Spain and a unique natural and historical setting.
- Somo Beach. With over seven kilometers of sand, it is the best-known and most visited. It has breaks for all levels and very consistent sea conditions almost all year round.
- Langre Beach. Spectacular and enclosed between cliffs, it’s a double beach (with one large and one small sandy stretch), where the waves vary with the tide.
- Loredo Beach. The eastern sister of Somo beach, more sheltered and ideal for beginners.
- Galizano Beach. Less crowded and less developed than its neighbors, offering several breaks over rock and sand bottoms.
What can you do in Ribamontán al Mar after surfing?
- Walk along the cliffs of Galizano until you reach the Cucabrera cave, with its stone table perfect for a picnic.
- Visit the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Latas between Loredo and Somo, one of the most revered temples in the region.
- Try some Cantabrian culinary specialties. Examples? Grilled fish from the Cantabrian Sea, squid with onions, or hake in green sauce.
Tapia de Casariego Beach (Asturias)
A (small) guide to surfing at Tapia de Casariego beach
The Tapia de Casariego beach is located in an urbanized bay and is made up of several small sandy stretches such as Aguileiro, Ribeira, and Murallón. It has parking, all services (including rental shops and surf schools), and excellent access.
- It was here, in Tapia, where it all began in 1967: that year, two Australian brothers, Peter and Robert Gulley, arrived in a van to spend the summer surfing. Riding waves was, at the time, a nearly unknown pastime.
- The impact of this new sport on local youths was such that two years later they founded the Bajamar Club, and in 1971, a competition counting toward the Spanish Championship. After Peter’s death in 1991, it became the Peter Gulley Memorial. The event is still held every April and is part of the European circuit.
- The beach is almost half a kilometer long and usually offers quality waves suitable for all levels. Multiple peaks often break depending on sandbank conditions, and the swell works even with little sea.
What can you do in Tapia de Casariego after surfing?
- Explore the nearby Eo River estuary, which is part of the Río Eo, Oscos and Tierras de Burón Biosphere Reserve.
- Wander around Tapia’s fishing port in search of the perfect restaurant to try typical Asturian seafood dishes.
- Relax looking at the horizon (especially at sunset) from the Cape Cebes viewpoint, sitting on the meadows that reach the sea.
Sopela Beach (Bizkaia, Euskadi)
A (small) guide to surfing at Sopela beach
Very exposed sandy beach surrounded by flysch cliffs, Sopela consists of two beaches, Atxabiribil and Arrietara. Its particularity lies in its mixed bottoms of sand and rock, which guarantee very high-quality waves nearly all year round, regardless of the sandbanks’ condition.
- Despite its wild look and imposing cliffs, it has all services (including schools and rental shops), and its surroundings boast an extraordinary surf atmosphere.
- It is one of the most popular areas in Euskadi for surfing (close to legendary spots like La Salvaje or Meñakoz, in Barrika), so it can get very crowded with local and visiting riders.
- It offers a great variety of waves that break both left and right, with walls and hollow sections up to two meters high. It doesn’t need much swell to generate good waves, which means a very high average quality most of the year.
What can you do in Sopela after surfing?
- Discover the fishing village of Plentzia by exploring its narrow streets or walking along its estuary.
- Visit the Bizkaia Bridge, which connects Getxo and Portugalete, popularly known as the Hanging Bridge and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- Immerse yourself in Algorta’s Old Port, one of the most charming places in Euskadi to enjoy ‘potes’ and pintxos.
