Summary
Arguably the best surf town in Spain, San Sebastian is a must for anyone on a European surfing trip. Only a few minutes away from the French border, this place attracts more and more travelers every summer.
To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!
Beginners and advanced surfers will find their fix at one of the breaks along Zurriola Beach. Although the consistency here is probably not the best, the beauty of San Sebastian and its implemented surfing lifestyle will charm anyone paying a visit.
Only an hour drive away from Hossegor and 40 minutes from Biarritz, make sure to save a day or two for a little French getaway.
When to go
The best time to surf San Sebastian is from September to December. While summer is when the town really gets buzzing, winter can offer more consistent swell conditions and smaller crowd. September through December is a very good compromise where water is still kind of warm and the waves start getting better and more consistent.
January-February March-April May-June July-August September-October November-December
Suitable for: Intermediate
AdvancedIntermediate
AdvancedAll surfers All surfers Intermediate
AdvancedIntermediate
Advanced
Air temperature 9°C
48°F11°C
52°F17°C
63°F21°C
70°F18°C
64°F11°C
52°F
Water temperature 12°C
54°F13°C
55°F17°C
63°F21°C
70°F20°C
68°F15°C
59°F
Crowd Empty Few people Fairly crowded Very crowded Fairly crowded Few people
Swell consistency 85% 75% 50% 40% 65% 80%
Swell height 8ft 7ft 5ft 4ft 6ft 8ft
Surf Camps in San Sebastian
Find the perfect surf camp in San Sebastian, starting at US$403
7-day Private Spanish Course And Surf Camp in San Sebastian
US$659, including:
- 5-hour surfing lessons
- 15 Spanish one-to-one lessons
- Beginner and intermediate surfers’ sessions
- Use of surfboard and neoprene wetsuit
- Professional surfing instructor
- 6 nights’ accommodation
8-day Surf and Yoga Camp in San Sebastian
US$446, including:
- Introductory surf lesson
- Daily wetsuit and board hire
- Daily pickups to and from Zarautz
- Daily surfing with experienced surf guides
- Daily yoga class with a qualified instructor
- Guided hikes in the Pagoeta national park
- 7 nights dorm accommodation in the Stoke Surf House
- Healthy homemade breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day
Where to stay in San Sebastian
Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation in San Sebastian
Best surf hotels in San Sebastian
Getting there
Nearest major airport is Bilbao. A good amount of people also get in from France and the Biarritz area.
Surf Spots in San Sebastian
Zurriola
A beach break located in town center with good rights and nicer lefts. Works well for beginners as the best conditions are found with swells smaller than 4-6 feet.
Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : SE
La Concha
Main beach break in La Concha bay, this spot remains quite unpredictable and not so consistent. Good for all around fun and beginners.
Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : S
Ondarreta
This spot is a point break located on the very left end of La Concha Bay. Works on bigger NW swells, mostly over winter and produces a nice left. Can get crowded.
Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : SE