REGION:
WESTERN EUROPE
2-4 HRS FROM THE UK, 8 HRS UPWARDS FROM THE USA AND CANADA
YEAR-ROUND SURF
BEST FOR FAMILIES APR-OCT
ALL LEVELS, EXCELLENT SURF SCHOOLS
REGION:
WESTERN EUROPE
2-4 HRS FROM THE UK, 8 HRS UPWARDS FROM THE USA AND CANADA
YEAR-ROUND SURF
MAINLAND BEST APR-OCT/ CANARIES BEST OCT-APR
ALL LEVELS, EXCELLENT SURF SCHOOLS
SPAIN FAMILY SURF TRAVEL GUIDE
VIBRANT CULTURE, DIVERSE COASTLINE, AND WAVES FOR EVERY FAMILY
From the rugged, wave-rich northern coastline to the year-round sunshine of the Canary Islands, Spain offers an incredible variety of surfing experiences for families. Imagine sharing perfect waves with your loved ones, then exploring ancient cities, vibrant festivals, and feasting on tapas, seafood and Med-style cuisine. Whether your family dreams of catching their first gentle rollers or tackling powerful reef breaks, Spain delivers. With easy access from Europe and a wealth of cultural and outdoor activities beyond the surf, Spain is an great choice for your next family surfing adventure.
Spain Holiday Highlights
- A vast coastline with waves for all skill levels, from gentle beginner waves to world-class pro breaks.
- Numerous high-quality surf schools, equipment rental, and surf shops to cater for every need.
- Rich cultural experiences, from historic cities and flamenco shows, to tapas and fiestas.
- Diverse landscapes, including mountainous regions, volcanic islands, and sandy beaches.
- Easy travel connections from throughout Europe.
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere and excellent value for money.
Spain Overview
Spain’s extensive coastline, embracing the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands, creates a truly diverse surfing landscape. The Atlantic regions, particularly Northern Spain and the Canary Islands, are the most renowned for consistent swells and a vibrant surf scene. While the Mediterranean often sees smaller, less consistent waves, it can still offer fun surf, especially during the winter months.
Beyond the waves, Spain is a country of vibrant contrasts, offering families everything from stunning architecture and ancient history to lively fiestas, a sociable, family-friendly culinary scene, and breathtaking natural parks. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and a strong emphasis on family life, making it easy to create unforgettable memories both in and out of the water.
Featured Spain Surf Trips
Accommodation for family surfing holidays in Spain is coming soon.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT SPAIN AS A FAMILY SURF DESTINATION
Getting there: Major international airports are located in cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Santander, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Malaga, and on the Canary Islands (Tenerife South, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura). Direct flights from the UK are frequent and affordable.
Getting around: Spain boasts an excellent road network, making car rental an ideal option for exploring coastal regions. High-speed trains connect major cities, and local buses serve smaller towns. Inter-island flights and ferries are essential for the Canary Islands.
Surf season: Spain offers year-round surfing, but conditions vary significantly by region:
- Northern Spain: Autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May) generally offer the most consistent swells with pleasant temperatures. Summer (June-August) brings smaller, more user-friendly waves, ideal for beginners and families. Winter can deliver powerful swells for advanced surfers.
- Canary Islands: Known as Europe’s Hawaii, the Canaries offer consistent, warm-water surf year-round. Autumn and winter see the biggest swells, while summer is great for all levels.
- Atlantic Coast (Andalusia): Best from autumn through spring, with consistent waves often accompanied by strong winds (ideal for wind sports too). Summer can be less consistent for surf.
- Mediterranean Coast: Less consistent, with waves mainly generated by strong winds, especially in autumn and winter.
Surfing level: Spain caters to all levels, from complete beginners to world-class professional surfers. You’ll find a wealth of quality surf schools offering lessons and equipment hire.
Climate: Spain’s climate ranges from oceanic in the north (mild winters, warm summers) to Mediterranean in the south (hot, dry summers, mild winters) and subtropical in the Canary Islands (warm and sunny year-round).
Wetsuit: In Northern Spain, a 4/3mm or 5/4mm is typical for winter/spring, moving to a 3/2mm or shorty in summer. In the Canary Islands and Southern Spain, a 3/2mm or shorty is often sufficient year-round, with boardshorts/bikinis possible in summer.
Time zone: CET (UTC+1), with DST. Canary Islands: WET (UTC), with DST.
Currency: EURO (€)
Family Surf Co says:
ELLIOT WALKER
“Spain truly blew us away as a family surf destination. The variety of waves meant everyone from our little one on the foamy to my experienced teenagers found their perfect ride. Plus, the food, the culture, the relaxed pace – it was an adventure for the whole family, in and out of the water.”
Read on to discover the best locations to surf, play, eat and stay on your family surfing holiday in Spain.
SURF: WHERE TO GO FOR YOUR FAMILY SURF HOLIDAY IN SPAIN
Spain’s expansive coastline offers a diverse range of surf zones, each with its unique character and wave types.
Northern Spain (Cantabria, Basque Country, Asturias, Galicia)
This region, often called “Green Spain,” is the heartland of Spanish surfing, offering consistent Atlantic swells and stunning green landscapes. You’ll find a vibrant surf culture, numerous surf schools, and plenty of options for families.
- Basque Country: Known for its powerful and iconic waves, attracting pros and enthusiasts alike.
- Mundaka: World-renowned for its incredibly long, hollow left-hand barrel, often considered one of the best rivermouth waves globally. This is a pro-level wave and highly demanding.
- Zarautz: Spain’s unofficial surf capital, boasting a long, sandy beach ideal for all levels. It’s excellent for learning and also hosts international competitions.
- La Zurriola (San Sebastián): A popular city beach with fast, powerful waves, great for experienced surfers but also offering white water for beginners near the shore.
- Bakio: A reliable beach break nestled between rugged cliffs, offering a mix of beach and reef waves suitable for various levels.
- Cantabria: Another surf-rich region with a mix of beach breaks and rivermouth waves.
- Playa de Somo: A long, golden sandy beach perfect for beginners and intermediates, with numerous surf schools lining its shores.
- Loredo: Adjacent to Somo, offering similar user-friendly conditions.
- El Sardinero (Santander): Urban beach breaks that can offer fun waves, especially when the city needs a quick surf fix.
- Isla de Santa Marina: An uninhabited island with a famous, powerful reef break – strictly for advanced surfers only.
- Asturias: Features dramatic coastal scenery and consistent, uncrowded waves.
- Rodiles: A classic rivermouth left-hand wave, often compared to Mundaka, requiring specific conditions but offering incredible rides for advanced surfers.
- Salinas: A popular beach break known for its consistency and the annual Longboard Festival, catering to all levels.
- Galicia: The wild northwest, offering countless uncrowded beach breaks and a raw Atlantic feel.
- Playa PantÃn: Famous for hosting the PantÃn Classic Pro, this powerful beach break offers consistent waves for experienced surfers but also has mellower sections.
- Playa Razo: A long, open beach with multiple peaks, good for various levels and often less crowded than more famous spots.
Canary Islands (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, Gran Canaria)
Often dubbed “Europe’s Hawaii” due to their year-round warm waters and consistent swells, the Canary Islands are a top choice for families seeking sun and surf. They offer a mix of volcanic reef breaks and sandy beaches.
- Lanzarote: Known for its volcanic landscapes and powerful reef breaks, primarily for experienced surfers.
- Famara: A vast sandy beach with numerous peaks, great for all levels, and home to many surf schools.
- La Santa: A challenging, world-class reef break that breaks both left and right, for highly experienced surfers only.
- Fuerteventura: Famous for its long sandy beaches and consistent waves, particularly in the north.
- Corralejo: A lively town with easy access to various spots, including Flag Beach (beach break, good for all levels) and Rocky Point (mellow reef break).
- El Cotillo: A charming fishing village with beautiful lagoons and consistent beach breaks, often great for beginners.
- Lobos Island: A short boat trip away, offering an incredibly long right-hand wave, for intermediate to advanced surfers.
- Tenerife: Offers a mix of reef and beach breaks, with good options for all.
- Playa de Las Américas (South Tenerife): Home to several popular breaks, including the famous left-hand reef break La Izquierda, best for experienced surfers. There are also more accessible beach breaks in the area.
- El Médano: A windy bay on the south coast, popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing, but also offering waves for surfers.
- Gran Canaria: Diverse island with waves ranging from mellow to powerful.
- Las Palmas (La Cicer, El Confital): City breaks, with La Cicer being a popular beach break for all levels and El Confital a powerful right-hand reef break for pros.
Atlantic Coast (Andalusia: Tarifa, Cadiz)
While famous for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to its consistently strong winds, this region also offers surf, especially around the Strait of Gibraltar.
- Tarifa: While primarily a wind sport hub, Playa de Los Lances can offer fun beach breaks, especially on smaller days. Good for learners.
- El Palmar (Vejer de la Frontera): A long, open beach break that picks up swell reliably, making it a popular spot for all levels, with many surf schools.
Mediterranean Coast
Surf on the Mediterranean is less consistent, relying on strong local winds or rare groundswells, usually in autumn and winter. When it works, it can be fun, but it’s not a primary surf destination for families seeking guaranteed waves.
- Valencia and Barcelona: Can occasionally offer small, fun beach breaks after strong winds. Good for keen learners when conditions align, but highly inconsistent.
Featured Spanish Surf Trips
Accommodation for family surfing holidays in Spain is coming soon.
PLAY: THINGS TO DO ON A FAMILY SURFING HOLIDAY IN SPAIN
Spain offers a vibrant tapestry of experiences for families beyond the waves, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Explore Historic Cities: Wander through ancient streets, discover stunning cathedrals, and marvel at architectural wonders. In Northern Spain, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the old town of San Sebastián are must-visits. In Andalusia, explore the historic cities of Seville, Granada (with the Alhambra), and Cadiz. The Canary Islands offer unique volcanic landscapes and charming towns like La Laguna in Tenerife (UNESCO World Heritage).
Indulge in Gastronomy: Spain is a food lover’s paradise. Enjoy tapas crawls, sample fresh pintxos in the Basque Country, savor delicious paella on the Mediterranean coast, or feast on fresh seafood everywhere. Don’t forget churros with chocolate for a sweet treat!
Nature & Outdoor Adventures:
- Northern Spain: Hike in the Picos de Europa National Park, explore picturesque fishing villages, or cycle along coastal paths. Many areas offer opportunities for canyoning and river activities.
- Canary Islands: Discover volcanic landscapes like Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote, hike Mount Teide in Tenerife (Spain’s highest peak), or go whale and dolphin watching in the Atlantic waters. Water parks are also popular on the larger islands.
- Andalusia: Explore the vast Parque Natural del Estrecho (Strait of Gibraltar Natural Park), go horse riding on the beach, or take a day trip to Tangier, Morocco.
- Festivals and Culture: Experience local fiestas, flamenco shows (especially in Andalusia), or learn some basic Spanish phrases. Many towns offer cultural workshops and events suitable for families.
- Relaxation: Simply unwind on Spain’s beautiful beaches and enjoy the Mediterranean or Atlantic sun.
EAT: FOOD & DRINK FOR ALL THE FAMILY IN SPAIN
Spanish cuisine is incredibly diverse and universally loved, making it easy to find something for every member of the family.
Tapas & Pintxos: Enjoy a culinary adventure trying small plates like patatas bravas, croquetas, jamón serrano, and tortilla española (Spanish omelette). The Basque Country is famous in Northern Spain for its pintxos – small bites often served with bread.
Seafood: Being a coastal nation, fresh seafood is a highlight. Look for grilled sardines, paella de marisco, gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), and countless varieties of local fish.
Local Specialities: Each region offers its own unique flavours. Try fabada asturiana (bean stew) in Asturias, queso Idiazábal (sheep cheese) in the Basque Country, or gazpacho (cold tomato soup) in Andalusia.
Sweet Treats: Indulge in churros con chocolate, turrón (nougat), or a classic crema catalana.
Drinks: Enjoy fresh juices, horchata (a sweet tiger nut drink popular in Valencia), or tinto de verano (red wine mixed with lemonade) for adults.
STAY: FAMILY-FRIENDLY SURF HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION IN SPAIN
Spain offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodation, from charming guesthouses and apartments to dedicated surf camps and luxurious resorts. Many options are specifically designed for families, offering pools, kids’ clubs, and easy access to surf spots. You’ll find a strong emphasis on providing amenities and activities that cater to all ages.
THE WRAP: Your Spanish Family Surf Adventure Awaits!
Spain truly offers an unparalleled family surf adventure, blending world-class waves with a vibrant culture, incredible food, and diverse landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to the powerful breaks of the north, the sunny shores of the Canary Islands, or the laid-back vibe of the southern Atlantic coast, Spain has something special for every surfing family.
Pack your bags, grab your boards, and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Spanish surf and culture.
About The Author
Surf Trips for Your Next Family Surfing Holiday
