Surfing San Sebastian : A Guide to Northern Spain’s Surf Capital
Arguably the best surf town in Spain, San Sebastian is a must for anyone on a European surfing trip. Only a few minutes away from the French border, this place attracts more and more travelers every summer.
Beginners and advanced surfers will find their fix at one of the breaks along Zurriola Beach. Although the consistency here is probably not the best, the beauty of San Sebastian and its implemented surfing lifestyle will charm anyone paying a visit.
Only an hour drive away from Hossegor and 40 minutes from Biarritz, make sure to save a day or two for a little French getaway.
When to surf San Sebastian
The best time to surf San Sebastian is from September to December while early winter swells start pushing in and water is still warm. Summer is a good season for beginners who also want to enjoy the nightlife and warm nights.
Winter can offer bigger and more consistent swell conditions as well as smaller crowd.
January-February March-April May-June July-August September-October November-December
Suitable for: Intermediate
AdvancedIntermediate
AdvancedAll surfers All surfers Intermediate
AdvancedIntermediate
Advanced
Air temperature 9°C
48°F11°C
52°F17°C
63°F21°C
70°F18°C
64°F11°C
52°F
Water temperature 12°C
54°F13°C
55°F17°C
63°F21°C
70°F20°C
68°F15°C
59°F
Crowd Empty Few people Fairly crowded Very crowded Fairly crowded Few people
Swell consistency 85% 75% 50% 40% 65% 80%
Swell height 8ft 7ft 5ft 4ft 6ft 8ft
Where to stay in San Sebastian
Best surf hotels in San Sebastian
Getting to San Sebastian
The best way to get to San Sebastian is to fly into the nearest major airport which is Bilbao. You can then rent a car or hop on the bus which is about 1 hour away. A good amount of people also get in from France and the Biarritz area which is less than an hour drive.
Surf Spots in San Sebastian
Zurriola
A beach break located in town center with good rights and nicer lefts. Works well for beginners as the best conditions are found with swells smaller than 4-6 feet.
- Wave direction : Right and left
- Bottom : Sand
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : NW
- Optimal wind direction : SE
La Concha
Main beach break in La Concha bay, this spot remains quite unpredictable and not so consistent. Good for all around fun and beginners.
- Wave direction : Right and left
- Bottom : Sand
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : NW
- Optimal wind direction : S
Ondarreta
This spot is a point break located on the very left end of La Concha Bay. Works on bigger NW swells, mostly over winter and produces a nice left. Can get crowded.
- Wave direction : Left
- Bottom : Sand
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : NW
- Optimal wind direction : SE