Mundaka & Bizkaia · Spain
Surfing Sopelana
A beach break in Mundaka & Bizkaia, Spain, for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate / Advanced
- Size1-6 ft
- Best monthsYear-round
- Crowd4/5
The wave
Sopelana is a beach break just outside Bilbao, under cliffs of layered flysch rock, and one of the most surfed beaches in the Basque Country. It works on most swells and suits a wide range of levels, unlike Mundaka.
There are several peaks along the beach, surf schools and shops, and a big local surf scene. The metro from Bilbao gets you there.
43.38, -2.98 · Any swell direction · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Sopelana
Sopelana is at its best from year-round. Conditions it likes: Any swell direction. This is how the year looks across Basque Country:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| October to March | Prime | Consistent, powerful NW-W swell, cold but firing |
| April to June | Good | Reliable swell, milder crowds |
| July to August | Quiet | Smaller swell, packed beaches and high season prices |
In season: January · February · March · October · November · December
Waves near Sopelana
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakio | Mundaka & Bizkaia | Beach Break | Intermediate | 15 km |
| Mundaka | Mundaka & Bizkaia | Left Point | Pro | 23 km |
| Zarautz | Zarautz & Gipuzkoa | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced | 67 km |
| Zurriola | Zarautz & Gipuzkoa | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 81 km |
| Ribadesella | Gijón & Central Coast | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 168 km |
| Rodiles | Gijón & Central Coast | Left Rivermouth | Intermediate / Advanced | 196 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Mundaka & Bizkaia
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Mundaka & Bizkaia surf guide →
A week here costs from about $331 with flights from Europe, or around $946 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Sopelana: common questions
When is the best time to surf Sopelana?
Sopelana works best from year-round. Ideal conditions: Any swell direction.
Is Sopelana good for beginners?
Yes. Sopelana suits beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers.
How crowded is Sopelana?
Sopelana is usually busy: 4 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Sopelana?
Sopelana is in Mundaka & Bizkaia, in the Basque Country region of Spain (43.38, -2.98). The nearest wave we cover is Bakio, about 15 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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