Thinking of surfing in San Sebastian and the Basque country? We'll tell you the best time of the year to come, where and why.
One guarantee is you'll get waves whatever time of the year you come! The Basque coastline feels the full front of the Atlantic, with it's deep trench not far off the shore it picks up a lot of swell and makes it one of the most consistent places for surf.
There's a huge variety of waves to suit whatever surfer you maybe, from the pumping beachies of South West France to long pointbreaks and slabby reefs.
Lets take a deep dive into the real deal of surfing in this vibrant coastal region.
SPRING SWEETNESS
As the Basque countryside bursts into bloom, so do the surf possibilities. No frills, just consistent swells and relatively quiet beaches with a relaxed local crew. The water's still cold, as in a 13 degrees chill so the 4'3 wetsuit is on and there's that core crowd who don't mind the odd ice cream head. It's the season for the surfer who appreciates a quiet line up, chunky swells, cosy bars and a step into cider season with a post-surf sidreria.
SUMMER HAZE
Warm water, head high pealers, glassy mornings, hot, silky sunsets, surfing in boardies, surf schools and more surf schools. It's Summer and everyone's in the sea and it's blinking delightful. There's still swell but if you really want to get good waves this is the time to escape the hot mess of the city's and towns and head out to the countryside. Up to the lesser known beachies of South West France or West into craggy coast of Spain. There's plenty of spaces and places off the Euro surf hotline where you can get a quiet surf with easy vibes, nice peaks and pealers.
It's the smallest time of the year which makes it perfect for beginners, kids and it's a longboarding heaven.
Hazy days, festivals, beach chiringitos, alfresco everything, Summer is always a good plan in the Basque Country.
AUTUMN MAGIC
Hands down Autumn for us is the golden ticket. September comes and the general scene quietens down, kids go back to school, the world seems more relaxed and those ground swells start to appear on the long range.
In recent years Autumn has felt more like Summer; hot, dry and the water stays warm enough for boardies rolling into October. All those memories of surfing the good spots start to come back as the coast lights up and surfing becomes exciting once more. There's a mellow mood in the line ups as the forecast says offshore and waves for days.
There really is no where else we'd rather be surfing from September through to November in the Basque Country.
WINTER WONDER LAND
I mean is Winter really that cold in the Basque Country anymore?
Recently there's been no wetsuits hoods and only a few ice cream heads. More importantly empty beaches and quiet line ups with consistent swells. Winter surfing is not for the faint hearted, the swells are bigger, the currents are stronger and there's a chill but there's a rawness about surfing in winter with a camaraderie that goes with it. Post festivities the waves can get huge and the wind can howl onshore but there's always the in-between slices of dream, wintery scenes.
And you know if it doesn't all work out you can hotfoot it to the Pyrenees for some snow & vin chaud.
We have a fantastic team of surf guides and instructors, please see the full lowdown on all our surf experiences here
So the San Sebastian Summer of 2020 wasn’t quite what we expected. After the main lockdown finished we were relieved to see you still wanted to travel and come to San Sebastian but understandably a lot less than previous seasons which meant we had a lot more time on our hands.
It was great to spend it with friends and family and it gave us the perfect opportunity to go and explore and re-wild ourselves in the Basque Country once again.
We went on some crazy hiking missions, paddle boarded down rivers where no paddleboarder has ever been before, joined forces for extraordinary cycling tours, did far too many early bird surfing escapes and explored the depths of the back country where we found exciting new local experiences and real, traditional Basque food at its absolute best.
Here’s a glimpse of what we did. I think there will be some new San Sebastian Day tours on the horizon for 2021.
We provide San Sebastian day tours all year round. If you would like more details on our hiking, stand up paddle boarding or any of our other activities please get in touch https://www.experiencesansebastian.com/contact-us/
Reaching the top of Aneto at 3404m the highest peak in the Pyrenees.
There were some shallow parts on this new SUP adventure
With mountain bikes and 85km under our belts we rode some crazy single tracks.
The line up at Guethary never tasted so sweet with good swell, light winds and a mellow crowd.
Lumbier Canyon for an incredible hike, icy swim and vulture spotting.
Aralar area was full of surprises but this waterfall was our top spot.
San Sebastian’s been voted a top spot for foodies for many years but it has so much more than that, jaw dropping beaches being one of them.There are 3 beaches right on the cities door step all worth a visit but which one is for you?
La Concha Bay – A beautiful white natural sandy beach, the most famous of the three and the one that hogs the limelight. Its the beach closest to the old part, the centre of the city and the harbour. It gets busy in Summer especially on a big high tide but the further you walk the less people there are. It’s super safe with no waves and its fun to swim out to the floating platforms.
Ondarreta – A stunning wide enclosed beach and a firm favourite with locals. It’s usually calm in Summer although with a good swell small rideable waves peel down the city wall. Sitting in front of an affluent area of the city with the busily main street of Antiguo a short walk away. Its the closest point to Santa Clara island if you fancy a swim out for an ice cream with a pitstop at the diving boards. Absolutely great for families and well worth the walk.
La Zurriola – This is the cities surfing beach which works well for all levels you just need to choose your spot. Its a consistent beach break picking up waves with even the most smallest of swells and holds its size up to 2 – 3m. A large beach in front of the cool up and coming area of Gros with a good atmosphere and plenty of people spotting. Head to the far end for beers and to watch the sun go down.
Our top trip tip is to walk the 3 beaches including paseo nuevo, around a 10k stroll of gob smacking views and dreamy scenes. If walking isn’t for you join us on the San Sebastian City bike tour and cruise the shoreline for a real behind the scenes moment.
We provide San Sebastian day tours all year round. If you would like more details on our sightseeing, explore tours or any of our other activities please get in touch Contact us
Sunrise and Sunset and pretty amazing times to be out on the water in San Sebastian and you know it. After you guys requested it time and time again we are so pleased to have added those options to our tours.
So if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary?
For the early risers amongst you the Sunrise SUP trip is a very special time to be out in the bay, with perfect glassy conditions and nobody around, its an incredible way to start the day.
For those Sunset moments sailing in La Concha and out past the bay is the only place to be as the wind lightens and the sky turns red.
We provide San Sebastian day tours all year round. If you would like more details on our SUNRISE SUP tours and SUNSET SAILING trips or any of our other activities please get in touch https://www.experiencesansebastian.com/contact-us/
Sunrise SUP in the harbour we go.
The sun comes up and it’s just us on the island.
The best seat in the house.
That special time of the day.
Sit back relax and just take it all in.
Sometimes it just all comes together!
We headed East to France on our latest surfing tour, there was a light offshore breeze, perfect small waves and then the storm hit out back and then this rainbow happened. Be sure to have a memorable time what ever adventure you come on with us!
We provide San Sebastian day tours all year round. If you would like more details please get in touch https://www.experiencesansebastian.com/contact-us/
Waiting for the set with a good view
The city’s heating up and one things for sure, water sports is on top of menu on this months San Sebastian Tours.
We have been cruising down the river with the stand up paddle boards for lots of family fun. Kayaking action in the beautiful La Concha Bay. La Zurriola is clear as can be with sweet surfing conditions, especially now the waters feeling warmer. We also have a new San Sebastian sailing trip as part of our Bespoke offer so all aboard the incredible ninety seven year old, sixty foot yacht.
We provide San Sebastian day tours all year round. If you would like more details please get in touch https://www.experiencesansebastian.com/contact-us/
Kayak or Sup in beautiful La Concha bay
Surfing yes! Hiking yes! Mountain biking yes! We had an amazing 3 days with the Texas Dream Team who were up for anything. An absolute pleasure to hang out with these guys and show them the best secrets out of town.
If you would like more information our our unique adventure tours please get in touch and lets go on an adventure. [email protected]
What a weekend, we rode mountain bike along the coastal route of St James Way off the beaten track from the usual hikers. We stand up paddled down the super glassy calm river Oria stopping for swims along the way. We had a great gang who stood up for the first time in the surf. We enjoyed the sunshine and then got drench in the best lightening storm of the Summer so far. If these adventures are up your street please get in touch for all the details [email protected]
