The Basque Country: World-class waves, timeless culture
The French Basque Country blends world-famous surf with rich local culture, dramatic landscapes, and historic coastal towns.
From the long rights at Lafiténia to the heavy beach breaks of Anglet and the beginner-friendly waves at Hendaye, this region offers something for every surfer. All set against a backdrop of cliffs, green hills, and charming villages.
When is the surf good?
The Basque Country fires best from autumn to spring (October–April) when northwest Atlantic swells consistently hit its varied coastline.
- Ideal swell: 0.8–1.4 m, 9–11 sec period for intermediates (larger days for advanced surfers)
- Best wind: East or southeast offshore
- Tide: Varies by spot — reef breaks like Lafiténia prefer low to mid, while many beaches work across most tides
In summer, expect smaller, more mellow conditions, perfect for longboarding and learning in the sheltered bays.
Why visit the Basque Country?
Beyond the waves, the Basque Country offers a rich cultural and culinary experience: explore Biarritz’s Belle Époque charm, stroll the cliffside paths of Bidart and Guéthary, or cross into Spain for pintxos in San Sebastián. The region is known for its vibrant surf scene, stunning coastal views, and a mix of French and Basque traditions, all adding extra depth to your surf trip.
In the next pages, we’ll break down the Basque Country’s best surf spots; how they work, who they suit, and why this iconic surf region continues to draw surfers from around the world.
The main surfspots in the Basque Country
Anglet – Les Cavaliers
Sandbar | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: Mid to high tide, E wind, with 1–1.4m NW swell and 9–11s period
A punchy, photogenic peak that can resemble Hossegor when it’s clean. Surrounded by surf shops and a promenade with food trucks and chill zones. Perfect sunset spot.
Biarritz – Côte des Basques
Beach break | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: Mid to high tide, SE wind, with 0.8–1.2m NW swell and 9–10s period
Longboarding heaven with scenic cliffs and a mellow vibe. Biarritz offers museums, markets, and fine dining just up the hill. Great for families and post-surf gelato.
Bidart – Plage Centrale
Beach break | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: All tides, SE wind, with 1–1.3m NW swell and 9–11s period
Offers varied peaks with less crowd than Biarritz. Bidart’s town center has great eateries, an artisanal market, and cliffside walks with spectacular ocean views.
Cenitz
Reef-rocky | Rights & Lefts | Experienced surfers
Best conditions: Mid to high tide, SE wind, with 1.2–1.8m NW swell and 10–12s period
Reef setup with fun walls and a beautiful setting. Close to Guéthary, a classy surf village with restaurants, tapas bars, and cliff trails for non-surfing companions.
Erretegia
Beach break | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: All tides, SE wind, with 1–1.3m NW swell and 9–10s period
Wild, raw beach vibe—less developed and perfect for escaping the crowd. Known for its untouched cliffs and walking trails through Basque countryside.
Hendaye
Beach break | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: All tides, S wind, with 0.8–1.2m W swell and 8–10s period
Best beginner option in the Basque region. Gentle, slow rollers make it ideal for practice days. Also good when everything else is too big. Town offers bay walks and day trips to Spain.
Lafiténia
Reef-rocky | Right-hander | Experienced surfers
Best conditions: Low to mid tide, E wind, with 1.2–1.8m NW swell and 10–12s period
A long, wrapping right when it’s firing. Requires confident paddling and positioning. The grassy headland is a prime picnic spot and lookout.
Sainte Barbe Inside
Reef-rocky | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: Low to mid tide, SE wind, with 0.8–1.3m NW swell and 9–10s period
A mellow reef setup sheltered by the St Jean de Luz bay, perfect for cruisy sessions. Also close to town markets and coastal trails with panoramic views.
