By ryan-msw - Published on 16th October 2008

Spain in the autumn draws travellers from all over the surfing world. For UK-based surfers, being able to reach Northern Spain on a chilled-out overnight ferry from Plymouth to Santander is a great excuse to get away this autumn. With a party scene as radical as the waves, stretching away to the east and west of Santander is an awesome coastline full of vibrant living, culture and multiple spots to check out. Mundaka is the jewel in the Spanish surfing crown – a world-class, freight-train lefthander in the mouth of the river Guernika. Autumn surfing in Spain is so good the ASP World Tour stops here in early October. Beyond Mundaka, multiple bays and coves dot the coastline, well placed to meet the ample swell and providing a huge variety of waves, suitable for every surfer from the beginner to the expert.


Playa De Soma© 2008 - errantsurf.com

Northern Spain is really diverse, with each region boasting its own mood and culture. Equally diverse are the waves, with everything from gnarly big wave spots to pleasant little coves. Water quality outside of the cities and industrial areas is good, and crystal clear water is not uncommon on the sunny days. Spain is the second largest country in Europe, after France, and much of the long, undulating coastline faces north and west into the Atlantic. From the French border, Northern Spain is divided into four distinct regions. Euskadi is the easternmost, then Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia extend to the west. Each of these regions is diverse and different, boasting unique culture, people and waves. From the city beaches to the most remote spots imaginable, the Northern Spanish coastline extends for hundreds of miles of classic surfing country.

For those looking for a more nocturnal trip, Northern Spain is one of the party capitals of Europe. When a fiesta kicks off, the idea of sleep goes out the window, and the dark-eyed beauties become hazier and hazier the more the sangria flows. Spain also boasts incredible food, with a restaurant and café culture serving excellent tapas and seafood to satisfy any taste. For those after high living, cities such as Santander, Donostia San Sebastian, and Bilbao offer luxury accommodation, cosmopolitan living and some excellent galleries. Outside of the cities, the tiny hamlets and towns offer a much more relaxed pace of life, many of them seemingly unchanged in hundreds of years.


Santander© 2008 - GabrielTomate

Mundaka itself is a major drawcard for pro surfers and European travellers alike. Whether you are drawn by the tales of the fabled rivermouth lefthander that sucks sand for hundreds of metres, or you’d just like to see the pros in action, Mundaka is an awesome spectacle. A racing lefthand tube that gets even the ASP Top 44 excited, the wave at Mundaka deserves its place in the history books as one of the best waves in the world. The Billabong Pro Mundaka is one of the star events in the ‘dream tour’ the best surfers chase around the world. Although the wave was threatened by dredging some years ago, word is that the bar is in great shape again this year, ready to turn it on and throw up some of those famous barrels.

Mundaka has played host to its fair share of legends, and a local crew dominate the first section. Being very polite and respectful, and not paddling out into waves beyond your ability, are the keys to scoring the session of a lifetime out here. When Mundaka really turns on, all sorts of world-class surfers converge on the sport for a serious tube-fest. The scary thing is, the wave can really handle the swell, converting serious Atlantic juice into long, warped cylinders for the committed. Let’s hope the pros see some of that at the Billabong Pro this year! Spain has a serious contingent of local chargers and big-wave riders. Spots such as Menakoz, Roca Puta, Playa Gris, and Isla de Santa Marina are serious, world-class big wave spots. Menakoz looks after itself, with Hawaiian style clean-up sets, jagged rocks, and a heavy, intimidating vibe and the other waves all have their own hazards and extra heavy features. All of these spots have tight crews of local chargers who do not tolerate inexperienced surfers putting lives at risk. Tread carefully if you decide to challenge the raw Spanish power.

Euskal Herria, the Basque Country, is a very distinct region with a unique culture and heritage. The Basque people are proud and passionate about their history, with warm hearts for those they accept. In El Pais Vasco, it pays to speak a little Euskara, and even a few words can go a long way in breaking the ice and meeting people. Whether you are looking for the best waves on the coast, or just the best party in town, speaking a little of the local dialect shows a willingness to make an effort, and it can be really worthwhile.

Heading west, Cantabria is much more rural, with beautiful countryside and a huge variety of surfing locations. With an awesome ferry link from the UK into the heart of Cantabria (Santander), this region of Northern Spain is often the first port of call for UK surfers. The Picos de Europa tower above the beaches, and surfing glassy waves whilst staring at snow-capped peaks is a classic experience. There are loads of waves to discover in Cantabria beyond El Brusco and Los Locos, and as many of the best spots are down unmarked roads, get out there and explore to get the most out of your trip.

Asturias is another wild and rural region, feeling more celtic in places than Cantabria. The most well known spot is Rodiles, a mini-Mundaka that, although localised, boasts a fantastic rivermouth sandbar. Like in Cantabria, the Picos de Europa are a stunning backdrop to many Asturian beachbreaks. Even further west, Galicia is another truly classic surfing area. From the sheltered rivermouths and beachbreaks around Foz, through to the swell-magnet west-facing coastline around Pantin and Doninos, Galicia is all about variety. Galicia also has a strong Celtic heritage, great seafood, and hundreds of spots to discover.


Near Rodiles© 2008 - WillSurfing


One tradition that extends throughout the different regions of Spain is a party! A true Spanish fiesta is a classic event, with all generations turning out for parties that rage right through the night and well into the next day. Dawn doesn’t necessarily mean bed in Northern Spain, and drinking Sangria watching the sun come up means an early surf is almost certainly out of the equation! Oh well, there’s always the evening glass-off or tomorrow!

Taking your own car or van to Northern Spain is a classic way to experience the country and get a real feel for the place. Being able to take your own boards (without being stung by baggage fees), and even your bed with you, is the perfect way to check out Spanish waves. Just remember to pack a good map, and a healthy desire to get out and experience Northern Spain. Book now with Brittany Ferries for the fastest ferry crossing between the UK and Spain. Board the luxury flagship Pont-Aven in Plymouth the afternoon, relax and enjoy a few drinks in the bar with an evening meal, and after sleeping sound wake up in Spain the next morning. What are you waiting for? Visit www.brittanyferries.com/surf now!!!