The Basque Coast
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Positives
- Variety of reef and beach
- Beginner or big-wave zone
- Same day snow and surf
- Cultural interests
- Rich surf culture
Negatives
- Wet climate year-round
- Pollution and crowds in summer
- Cold water in winter
- Expensive
The Basque Coast surf travel guide
The Côte Basque shares many characteristics with the north-facing Spanish coast and is blessed with some decent submarine geology. Slabs of reef dot the coast, focusing some of the most organised and unadulterated swell trains into scary, big-wave arenas, but there are also calm beginner coves, points such as Lafitenia and famous reefs like Parlimentia, offering a cornucopia of fun waves for all abilities and surfcraft. This short coastline curves from the exposed WNW-facing spots of Bidart to the sheltered, northerly aspect of the beginners’ beach at Hendaye, creating cross/offshore conditions when winter south-westerlies blow.
Surf spots in The Basque Coast
Research the 13 surf breaks in The Basque Coast and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 13 breaks in The Basque Coast.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to The Basque Coast
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 89,322,000
- Population
- 65,273,511
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- EUR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1 Euro EUR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +33
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- French
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ek
Visas
France is a Schengen state and citizens of most European countries, USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand do not require visas. All others, including South Africans and those planning to stay more than three months, must obtain a visa from the French consulate in their home country.
Getting There
It’s a 1hr expensive internal flight with Air France from Paris, but many low cost airlines fly direct to Biarritz (BIQ), including many from all over Europe, the UK, and also Canada.
It takes 6hrs to get from Paris to Biarritz on the TGV. Rent cars in train stations and airports.
Getting Around
The road network is very efficient, with a busy three lane highway running down the coast of the Pays Basque. There are car parks close to most spots but they get quickly rammed in summer and autumn. There is a train connection from Gare de Biarritz which stops in Guéthary and St-Jean de Luz. Cycling around here is tough, because of steep hills, rain and traffic. Great scenic path along the coast from Bidart to Hendaye.
Accommodation
Many hotels, from budget up to 4-star. On the N10, you can expect a double from $35, but the average in town is $50, especially in high season. Campsites are plentiful from May to September but beware of the wet climate. Typically, a restaurant bill is $20 not including wine. Hypermarkets have a huge selection of cheap food for self-caterers.
Activities
Lots of festivals in October. The combination of sea and high mountains found in the Basque country make this area one of the most beautiful and enjoyable places in the world. Local sports that are well catered for include golf and mountain sports in the Pyrenees, whilst Pelote and Course du Vaches (jumping over charging cows in a bull ring) are interesting spectator sports.
Hazards & hassles
Jetty rocks and shallow reefs can be threats. River runoff and tourist crowds equate to bad summer pollution, especially after storms. In the winter, beaches get covered in rubbish washed in by the big storms. Driving and parking are nightmarish during July and August.
Handy Hints
This is a developed area with everything you will need in the BAB (Biarritz, Anglet, Bayonne) city area. Some surf shops are open year-round and gear is expensive. You will need a gun to surf the reefs when they’re big. The minor roads can be annoyingly slow and the motorways are expensive, especially for vans. Apprenez du Français!
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.