Zarautz and El Palmar share an advantage that greatly simplifies planning: there are waves all year round. In Zarautz, you can see experts, families, and students in the water in any month, and in El Palmar, the best waves usually arrive in spring, autumn, and winter. This guide organises Spain's surf destinations according to the season in which each one works best, with the supporting source.
Zarautz: waves all year round for any level
The longest beach in Gipuzkoa has a sandy bottom and great exposure to the North Atlantic swells. That combination makes it very consistent and suitable for all levels, so you can come to learn or to improve without depending on a specific time of year. At the final stretch of the beach lies the Iñurritza Protected Biotope, formed by dunes, marshes, and an estuary. Book your class in advance if you travel in high season and count on warm water gear outside of summer.
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Mundaka: long left in autumn and winter, for advanced level
Mundaka is a point break in the Basque Country that offers a left, and boasts being home to one of the longest left-hand waves in the world. The best time to ride this wave is in autumn and winter, with the low to mid tide rising. It is a demanding wave and not suitable for beginners: a fairly advanced level is recommended. If you are going to try it, plan your session according to the tide and check the report before heading out.
Sopelana: La Triangular and El Peñón, best in winter
Sopelana is in Sopela, Bizkaia, Euskadi, and brings together two peaks with their own character. La Triangular is the most famous peak in Barinatxe: it breaks over a rocky bottom and offers long, noble rights, ideal for longboarding. El Peñón, in Atxabiribil, offers lefts and rights that break over rocks that emerge as the tide goes down. Winter is the best time to catch waves here, although summer also provides waves to enjoy. With a rocky bottom, check the tide before going in.
Somo: surf all year round, with October among the best months
Somo beach always offers good conditions for surfing and works well with low to mid swells. Many local surfers consider October one of the best months due to the quality of the waves, the weather, the winds, the water temperature, and the few people on the beach. The season marks the level: summer is the ideal season if you are a beginner, autumn is perfect if you seek quality without crowds, spring is your time if you want gentle conditions to improve, and winter awaits you if you are experienced and seek challenges. The beach has a large car park, showers, several surf schools, a bar, and lifeguards. Picuco organises Advanced surf classes in Somo — perfecting in the Cantabrian Sea for anyone wanting to polish their technique in the Cantabrian Sea.
Razo: waves from autumn to spring and summer for beginners
Razo is in Carballo, Bergantiños, A Coruña. According to Carballo tourism, the waves of Razo and Baldaio are ideal for surfing especially between September and April, and summer is the best time for beginners. In Razo, there are several surf schools with courses for all ages, so if it is your first time, aim for summer.
El Palmar: beach break from September to June and gentle waves in summer
El Palmar is an open 4.2 km beach in Vejer de la Frontera, in the heart of the Costa de la Luz, with a sandy bottom beach break. The waves break on sand: they are safe, consistent and for all levels. The best waves arrive with the Atlantic swells from September to June, while summer is ideal for starting out. Autumn, especially October and November, is the best time for many surfers to surf in El Palmar. If you choose summer, take the opportunity for your first experiences with gentler waves.
Famara: waves all year round, big in winter and gentle in summer
Famara Beach, with golden sand and vigorous waves, is a reference destination for surfing and windsurfing, situated at the foot of the Risco de Famara. Famara works all year round, although conditions are more consistent in winter, from December to February, when the largest waves arrive. In summer the sea level drops and the waves are smaller, good for your first surf lessons. To get there, you can follow the signs from the centre of Teguise and, upon arrival, you will find a car park where to leave your car. Picuco organises Surf lessons for all levels in Playa de Famara, Lanzarote if you want to get into the water with accompaniment.
Playa de Las Américas: stronger winter wave and summer wave
Playa de Las Américas, in Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is an urban beach in the Canary Islands with surfing all year round. There are spots for winter (from October to March or April) and for summer (from April to September), and it is worth knowing that the winter wave is stronger. If you arrive by plane, there are taxi stands right at the exit of the arrivals terminal of the Tenerife Sur Airport, a quick option if you are travelling with a lot of luggage. Picuco organises Group surf lessons in Playa de Las Américas, Tenerife for those who prefer to learn in a group.
How to choose the season according to your level
The season changes the type of wave and, with it, the level you need. In El Palmar, winter brings waves that can reach 3-4 metres, while summer is the time for first experiences. Match your level with the season of the destination that interests you before booking and adjust your equipment and lessons to those conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where to surf in winter in Spain?
Mundaka is an option for autumn and winter, with the tide rising from low to mid; it is a demanding wave, not suitable for beginners, and a fairly advanced level is recommended. In Sopelana, winter is the best time to catch waves, although there are waves in summer too. In El Palmar, winter brings waves that can reach 3-4 metres.
When is the best time to surf in the Canary Islands?
Famara works all year round, with more consistent conditions in winter, from December to February; in summer the waves are smaller, good for first lessons. In Playa de Las Américas there are winter spots (from October to March or April) and summer spots (from April to September), and the winter wave is stronger.
Where to surf in summer in Spain?
In Razo, summer is the best time for beginners. In El Palmar, summer (from June to August) is ideal for starting out. In Famara, summer softens the waves and makes them smaller and friendlier, perfect for your first surf lessons.
Where are there waves in autumn?
In Somo, many local surfers consider October one of the best months due to the quality of the waves, the weather, the winds, the water temperature and the few people on the beach. In El Palmar, autumn, especially October and November, is for many surfers the best time to surf. In Mundaka, the best time is autumn and winter, with an advanced level.