The Basque Country (SW France and Northern Spain)

Posted: Mark, Feb 06

What can I say? This part of Europe has a magic that is addictive. The water is warmer, the weather is too, and at the centre of the general area is Biarritz.

Getting There

You can now fly there direct from Dublin and Stanstead, and the airport is 10 minutes from the central surf beach. Car hire from there and bob's your uncle. Some guys fly there with all sorts of intentions, and just end up staying in Biarritz for the duration of their trip.

Staying There

The Basque Country in general has loads of hostels and campsites, so you can't go wrong there either. Biarritz has stacks of good surf spots, and is close to Anglets, another great place to try. Biarritz is expensive and a bit posh, but it is the avenue to so many of the most beautiful surf spots in Europe, among them Guethary, St Jean de Luz, Bidart and mighty Hossegor which holds many of the annual European pro surf competitions. All these spots are less than an hour from Biarritz.

Spain

Cross the nearby border with Spain and you’re only half an hour from San Sebastian with its surf beaches and amazing nightlife. On across West from there, you have Mundaka and the list just goes on and on all the way round further south to Portugal. This entire coast is amazing and has thousands of places to surf, and the cheap flight revolution has opened it all up to us.

Surf shops: only at the major spots
Breaks:all levels, although while places like like Hossegor are classed as beach breaks, they hold seriously heavy waves, with strong rips. Be well informed.
Gear: summer suit

Anything to add? If you've surfed overseas and would like to contribute send us an email.

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