Spain

Why the Basque Country

The Basque coast catches Bay of Biscay groundswell almost year-round. Zarautz is its mixed-skill anchor — a long bay with a forgiving inside and a punchier outside — while the Bilbao-side beaches at Sopelana and Bakio spread the crowd. The world-class left at Mundaka sits an hour east for the day it turns on.

When to go

• **Sep–Oct:** Cleanest groundswell, warm-ish water, thinning crowds.Sep–Oct: Cleanest groundswell, warm-ish water, thinning crowds.
• **Apr–Jun:** Spring into early summer — smaller, friendly, water climbing to 17–20°C.Apr–Jun: Spring into early summer — smaller, friendly, water climbing to 17–20°C.
• **Jul–Aug:** Smallest and busiest, still rideable for beginners.Jul–Aug: Smallest and busiest, still rideable for beginners.
• **Nov–Mar:** Big, cold, advanced-leaning.Nov–Mar: Big, cold, advanced-leaning.

Getting around

Fly into Bilbao (BIO) — 45 minutes from Zarautz. The coast road links every break, and the old town of San Sebastián is a half-hour day trip.