Guéthary & Hendaye · France
Surfing Lafitenia
A right point in Guéthary & Hendaye, France, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeRight Point
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-8 ft
- Best monthsSep-Apr
- Crowd4/5
The wave
Lafitenia is a fast right point just south of Guéthary, breaking off a small headland into a cove. The point shelters it from cross-shore wind, so it often stays clean when the open beaches are messy.
It has long, lined-up walls and works from fun size to quite powerful, best on a south-west or west swell. Because it's so good and so reliable, the local crowd is strong and surfs it well.
43.41, -1.62 · SW-W swell · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Lafitenia
Lafitenia is at its best from September to April. Conditions it likes: SW-W swell. This is how the year looks across Côte Basque:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| October to March | Prime | Big, powerful swell, mild Basque winter |
| April to June | Good | Reliable swell, festival season starts in October |
| July to August | Quiet | Smaller swell, packed beaches, festival crowds |
In season: January · February · March · October · November · December
Waves near Lafitenia
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalanche | Guéthary & Hendaye | Reef | Pro | 2 km |
| Sainte-Barbe | Guéthary & Hendaye | Reef | Advanced / Pro | 2 km |
| Alcyons | Biarritz & Anglet | Reef | Advanced / Pro | 8 km |
| Côte des Basques | Biarritz & Anglet | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 9 km |
| La Grande Plage | Biarritz & Anglet | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 10 km |
| Hendaye Plage | Guéthary & Hendaye | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 13 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Guéthary & Hendaye
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Guéthary & Hendaye surf guide →
A week here costs from about $390 with flights from Europe, or around $1,032 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Lafitenia: common questions
When is the best time to surf Lafitenia?
Lafitenia works best from September to April. Ideal conditions: SW-W swell.
Is Lafitenia good for beginners?
No. Lafitenia is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Côte des Basques in Biarritz & Anglet, about 9 km away.
How crowded is Lafitenia?
Lafitenia is usually busy: 4 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Lafitenia?
Lafitenia is in Guéthary & Hendaye, in the Côte Basque region of France (43.41, -1.62). The nearest wave we cover is Avalanche, about 2 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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