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Surf in Cantabria: Best beaches and prices
Come to northern Spain, where you'll find the best waves for surfing. We'll tell you everything to surf in Cantabria!
Surf in Cantabria is a dream for many surfers, whether they live in Spain or are just visiting. With over 200 kilometers of coastline, open beaches on the Cantabrian Sea, and consistent waves year-round, the region offers some of the best spots to enjoy this water sport.
We’ll cover the best time of year to surf in northern Spain, the types of waves you’ll find, and how much lessons typically cost. Go ahead and experience the Cantabrian waves like a true surfer!
The 5 best places to surf in Cantabria
If you’re a surfer visiting Spain, the north is the place to be. Whether you’re a tourist, an exchange student, or living in the area while working remotely, we’ll show you the best spots to start surfing or take your skills to the next level.
1. Somo Beach, Ribamontán al Mar
Somo Beach stretches over four kilometers along the Trasmiera coast in Santander and is considered the heart of surfing in Cantabria. In fact, it is Spain’s first official Surf Nature Reserve. The beach hosts major events like the Somo Surf Festival and the Spanish Surf Championship, along with various local competitions.
If you have little or no experience, it’s one of the best places to learn, thanks to areas with beginner and intermediate waves. You’ll also find several surf schools that rent boards and offer surf camps with accommodation, such as Escuela Cántabra de Surf, Escuela de Surf Somo, and Escuela de Surf Sunset.
2. Liencres Beach, Liencres Dunes Natural Park
About 15 kilometers from Santander, in the town of Liencres, you’ll find this wild beach framed by dunes and cliffs. It’s a favorite spot for surfers, but it’s best suited for those with experience. The waves here are powerful and hollow, making it an ideal place if you’re looking for a real challenge.
This beach is less crowded than Somo and, being located within a natural park, it doesn’t host major surf competitions. However, you can catch events like the Family Surfing Challenge or local surfer meetups and free sessions. Surf schools here include Escuela de Surf de Santander, Boosting Escuela de Surf, Escuela de Surf Liencres, and Bear Surf School.
3. Los Locos Beach, Suances
Los Locos Beach in Suances, in northwest Cantabria, is known worldwide for its excellent waves. The surf is strong and breaks quickly, making it suitable only for experienced surfers.
One of the most well-known competitions held here is the Los Locos Surf Championship, along with a few smaller events. Like the other beaches we’ve mentioned, this one also has several surf schools and camps, such as Escuela de Surf Los Locos and Kangaroo Escuela de Surf.
4. Berria Beach, Santoña
Berria Beach, just two kilometers from Santoña, is perfect for anyone trying surf in Cantabria for the first time. The waves are gentle and consistent, ideal for beginners or a family outing. Plus, with Monte Buciero to the east and Monte Brusco to the west, you’ll enjoy stunning views while you surf.
If you’re looking for beginner lessons, you can check out Berria Surf School or Waves Sound, both of which also offer accommodation. Once you’re ready, you can even take part in some of the competitions held at the beach, like La Vaca Gigante or Super Liga Siroko.
5. Beaches of San Vicente de la Barquera
Finally, we wrap up our tour of the best spots to surf in Cantabria with two beaches in San Vicente de la Barquera: Merón, ideal for beginners, and Oyambre, suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. With stunning views of the Picos de Europa, these beaches offer the perfect combination of surfing and nature. You can enjoy gentle waves at Merón or slightly faster ones at Oyambre.
This is where events like the Open Surf Oyambre and Surf Buena Onda take place. The surf schools in the area include Escuela Cántabra de Surf, Escuela de Surf Merón Surf Camp, and Planet Surfcamp Spanien.
Connectivity while surfing in Cantabria
Surfing in Cantabria is a great way to relax and enjoy the water, but it is still a good idea to check the weather and sea conditions online or to share your surf videos with friends and family. If you are visiting for a few days, Holafly’s eSIM for Spain is an easy way to stay connected, offering unlimited data for just the days you need.
For longer stays, we recommend Holafly’s monthly plans, which let you enjoy 5G coverage month by month with no long-term commitment. You can also use the same eSIM in over 160 destinations worldwide. Choose between the unlimited plan or 25 GB, and connect multiple devices at the same time.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Recommended seasons for surfing in Cantabria
If you’re lucky enough to live in Spain year-round, you can head to Cantabria for surfing in any season. Each season, however, brings different conditions, so it’s important to choose based on your experience and goals. Here’s a closer look at the best times to surf.
- Spring: From March to June is the best time to surf in Cantabria. The waves are consistent but not as big as in winter, and the water temperature is around 14 °C. Another advantage is that the beaches are less crowded than in the summer months.
- Summer: July to September is ideal for beginners, as the waves are smaller and gentler. The water temperature is around 22 °C, but since it is peak tourist season, surf school prices tend to be a bit higher.
- Fall: From October to November, the season brings bigger, more powerful waves, especially at Los Locos, Liencres, and Oyambre. The weather is still mild, the water is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists around.
In winter, surfing in Cantabria is not recommended unless you are an experienced surfer. The waves are big, powerful, and frequent, and the water temperature drops below 12 °C, so you will need a thick wetsuit.
Costs for surfing in Cantabria
Once you know where to surf in Cantabria and the best season for your skill level, the next step is to check prices for lessons, equipment, and accommodation. Costs can vary depending on the beach and how touristy it is, but we’ve put together a table with approximate prices.
| Service | Rates |
| Equipment rental (board and wetsuit) | From $11.55 for 1 hour or $28.88 for 4 hours. |
| Beginners group class | From $40 |
| 3-class pack | From $78 |
| Private lesson | Between $80–132 for 2 hours |
| Surf camp with accommodation and lessons | From $433 for 5 days |
Although many surf schools include accident coverage in the water, it is still worth considering a travel insurance policy that covers this type of sport. This way, you can be protected in case of any incident and have access to medical assistance, hospitalization, or repatriation if needed.
How to start surfing in Cantabria
If you’re thinking about starting to surf in Cantabria, it’s important to know the steps to follow and avoid heading to any beach without understanding the risks. Surfing is fun and exciting when done responsibly, but it can also be dangerous because of strong currents and large waves. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, here’s a guide for surfing on the beaches of Cantabria:
- Choose the right beach: If you’re a beginner, it’s best to stick to Somo and Berria, where the waves are gentler. If you’re at an intermediate or advanced level, you can head to Los Locos, Oyambre, or Liencres for stronger, more challenging waves.
- Book a reputable school: Look for a surf school at the beach where you plan to go that has certified instructors, good reviews, and includes accident insurance.
- Decide on the best class: A private lesson gives you more personalized attention and helps you progress faster. On the other hand, if you go with friends, a group lesson is more affordable and can be a lot of fun.
- Pack your bag: Bring a swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, and waterproof sunscreen. You can rent a board and wetsuit at the school.
- Learn to read the sea: Familiarize yourself with maritime terms such as peaks, currents, and rip currents, and check the sea conditions before going in.
- Be responsible: Always surf with a partner and never alone. Pay close attention to your instructor, who will teach you essential skills, such as how to handle strong currents safely.
Frequently asked questions about surfing in Cantabria
If you’re a beginner, summer is the best time to surf, as the waves are gentler. If you’re at an intermediate or advanced level, spring and autumn offer more consistent conditions and are a better choice.
We recommend the beaches of Somo, Berria, and Merón, as they have sandy bottoms, gentle waves, and many certified surf schools.
No, you can rent both boards and wetsuits at the surf schools.
You can fly into Santander Airport and then take a bus or rent a car to reach beaches like Somo, Los Locos, or Liencres, all about a 35 minute drive away. It’s also easy to get to San Vicente de la Barquera or Berria by train, which takes roughly an hour.
Surfing is not recommended if you can’t swim, as you need to be able to handle yourself in the water. If you don’t know how to swim, it’s best to take swimming lessons first for your own safety.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
