The Surf Window

Zarautz

Basque Country, Spain

Beach breakIntermediate

The Basque Country's longest beach, a 2.5km stretch of consistent beach-break waves backed by a picturesque hillside town with one of Spain's most established surf cultures.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowNNW–ENE (330°–60°)
Size4-10ft

Wind

NE

Offshore

Tide

Any

LowMidHigh

Season

October–March

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Punchy, hollow beach-break peaks

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate–Advanced
  • •Why: The beach break is punchy enough to challenge intermediates and deliver real barrels for advanced surfers.

Hazards

  • •Rips between peaks
  • •Can close out on bigger NW swells
  • •Crowded in summer and during the Zarautz Pro contest

Local Tips

  • •The annual Zarautz Pro surf contest (WSL QS) is one of Spain's most established events, great atmosphere in September.
  • •The pintxos bars in the old town are among the best in the Basque Country, post-surf eating here is exceptional.

Location

Map showing the location of Zarautz in Basque Country, Spain

43.2871, -2.1727