08 Jul 2016

Take a walk through the golden gates: this is Basque Country, a bona-fide surfer’s heaven. This place is home to the Basque people in the western Pyrenees that spans the border between France and Spain on the Atlantic coast. With clean breaks and a consistent swell, there’s a wave for you whether your surfing capabilities resemble that of the next Kelly Slater or a monkey on a roof tile. We’ve rounded up the top five spots to shoot the curl (or eat some foam) along this magnificent stretch of coastline.

1. Zarautz

Zarautz has a curved shape that allows all sizes of wave to break around the same area, so you can surf the same beach as the big dogs and feel like a boss. However, the Atlantic swell can sometimes come in pretty strong, at which stage you can choose to take it on guns blazing, or fake a leg cramp and swim ashore for a beer.

2. San Sebastian

San Seb is a small, glorious city that’s pretty much built on surf culture. Pick your spot at one of the city’s three beaches: Zurriola for bigger waves and crowds to match, La Concha or Ondaretta if you want a more mellow vibe. When your noodle arms can paddle no further, take a stroll to the Old Town for some pintxos and local cider.

3. Biarritz

Cross over into France from San Seb and you’ll reach this classy resort town, where the wines are as good as the waves. Once the hot vacation spot for dukes and dames of ages past, it’s a bit more glossy than your typical surf town. All the action’s at La Grande Plage–and if you’re feeling flush after your surf, head to the beachfront casino to throw some chips.

4. Anglet

If you’re the indecisive type, a visit to Anglet, France will guarantee you 11 surfing spots over a 4.5km stretch, catering to most tastes and experience levels. Hop on a bike and suss them all out–from the small, clean breaks at Chambre d’Amour and the world-class barrels of Les Cavaliers, to the historical La Barre, where the first Surfing World Championships took place in 1968.

5. Hendaye

If you’re a beginner and feeling a bit timid, this is the perfect spot, as the large number of surf schools will attest to. That being said, getting a good wave can sometimes require a bit of patience–and watch out for rocky outcrops, unless you enjoy the feeling of barnacles being embedded in your shins.

Now that we’ve made it easy for you, you have no excuses not to pick a spot and hone your surfing finesse. Even better? Take a tour of them all with Stoke Travel Surfari–you’ll even be taken to some secret gems by their qualified and experienced instructors. Cowabunga, dude.

by Holly Bailey