Zarautz & Gipuzkoa · Spain
Surfing Zarautz
A beach break in Zarautz & Gipuzkoa, Spain, for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate / Advanced
- Size1-7 ft
- Best monthsYear-round
- Crowd4/5
The wave
Zarautz is one of the longest beaches on the Basque coast, with peaks along its whole length, so even busy days don't feel too crowded.
It works on most swell sizes and directions, which makes it the main beach for learning in the area and popular with longboarders and shortboarders. The peaks near town are easier and the ones further along have more power. San Sebastián is about 25 minutes away.
43.2833, -2.1667 · Any swell direction · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Zarautz
Zarautz 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 Zarautz
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zurriola | Zarautz & Gipuzkoa | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 16 km |
| Mundaka | Mundaka & Bizkaia | Left Point | Pro | 45 km |
| Bakio | Mundaka & Bizkaia | Beach Break | Intermediate | 55 km |
| Sopelana | Mundaka & Bizkaia | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced | 67 km |
| Ribadesella | Gijón & Central Coast | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 234 km |
| Rodiles | Gijón & Central Coast | Left Rivermouth | Intermediate / Advanced | 262 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Zarautz & Gipuzkoa
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Zarautz & Gipuzkoa surf guide →
A week here costs from about $331 with flights from Europe, or around $946 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Zarautz: common questions
When is the best time to surf Zarautz?
Zarautz works best from year-round. Ideal conditions: Any swell direction.
Is Zarautz good for beginners?
Yes. Zarautz suits beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers.
How crowded is Zarautz?
Zarautz is usually busy: 4 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Zarautz?
Zarautz is in Zarautz & Gipuzkoa, in the Basque Country region of Spain (43.2833, -2.1667). The nearest wave we cover is Zurriola, about 16 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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