Pais Vasco
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Positives
- Magical Mundaka!
- Heavy tubing waves
- Easy access
- Fabulous scenery
Negatives
- Crowded Hotspots
- Few summer spots
- Windy and Rainy
- Large tidal range
Pais Vasco surf travel guide
The Basque Country is the most popular surfing area in Spain and it is not only because it is home to the world-class rivermouth called Mundaka. All types of reef can be found along this coast including mellow triangular peaks for longboarders or crazy, big-wave bombs for the chargers. There are also some good-quality beachbreaks, although these are not as prevalent as those in neighbouring France or Cantabria. The Basque Country or Pais Vasco in Spanish, picks up less swell than the rest of the north coast, particularly if it comes from the W, but in winter, there is rarely any lack of swell. There are also a host of spots surfable in stormy conditions and sheltered from strong W or SW winds. With its proximity to France and the highly populated coastal cities of San Sebastian and Bilbao, Pais Vasco has the highest level of surfing, the most crowds and the largest number of surf shops.
Surf spots in Pais Vasco
Research the 25 surf breaks in Pais Vasco and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 25 breaks in Pais Vasco.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Pais Vasco
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Pais Vasco.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 82,773,000
- Population
- 46,754,778
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- EUR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1 Euro EUR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +34
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- Spanish (also called Castilian), Catalan, Galician and Basque.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- f
Visas
Spain is a Schengen state and citizens of most EU countries do not need a visa. Citizens of USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand do not require visas for visits up to 90 days. All others including South Africans and those planning to stay more than three months, must obtain a visa from the Spanish consulate in their home country.
Accommodation
A myriad of accommodation options in the cities and most towns will have some surfer-friendly hotel or pensión for a reasonable price. Mundaka Portuondo campsite is open year-round and has low season 3 bed bungalows from $98/n. Pensions or hotels in Mundaka/Bermeo, start from $76/dble in low season, but farm guest houses are a good option in this area. Tapas bars are a great Spanish institution.
Activities
With San Sebastian and Bilbao to choose from, entertainment is not hard to find. Visit the Guggenheim or head to the nearby city of Pamplona in July for Spain’s biggest street party, the Fiesta San Fermin with the famous Running of the Bulls. Urdaibi Valley is a UN protected biosphere with caves and monasteries worth visiting.
Hazards & hassles
You have to be fit to survive a Mundaka session, the clean up sets, impact zone, long paddles and the rips quickly tire you out. Some guys wear helmets when it’s packed. Localism used to be very severe, now it’s just a very competitive line-up. Avoid week-ends, noon and the best tide.
Handy Hints
This is the home of Pukas, Europe’s largest board shaping factory, which burnt down in 2017, but reopened in 2018 and has surf shops in Zarautz and San Sebastian. Mundaka Surf Shop has the full spectrum of equipment for sale or rent. Early risers will get a bit more space in the line-up. Free-camping the car parks in your van will attract attention and tickets in the summer.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.