Located in the heart of the Basque Country, Zarautz is one of Spain’s most iconic and consistent beach breaks. Stretching over 2.5km, this long sandy beach delivers fun peaks that cater to all levels—from mellow summer rollers perfect for beginners to punchy autumn walls for seasoned shortboarders.
Zarautz breaks over sand and offers both lefts and rights, with multiple peaks spread along the beach. Some sections get long and playful, while others pack a bit more punch, especially on the northern and southern ends. The banks are constantly shifting, so the lineup changes throughout the year.
What are the best surf conditions for Zarautz?
Zarautz works best on a mid tide, with clean offshore winds from the East to Southeast. It’s open to a wide swell window, but performs best with a West, Northwest or North swell. Wave size ranges from waist-high to well overhead, and it handles swell surprisingly well.
While you can surf Zarautz all year round, the best time for consistent, clean waves is Autumn (September–November). April to October also offers decent conditions, with summer being ideal for learners and longboarders.
Zarautz is a surf town through and through. There’s a strong local surf culture, plenty of schools and surf camps, and the beach often hosts surf competitions. It can get crowded in summer, but with so much beach to choose from, there’s usually a quieter peak if you’re willing to walk.
Nearby Surf Breaks
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Getaria: Just around the headland to the west, this is a more sheltered option with reefs and beach break setups. Good for small days and less crowded than Zarautz.
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Orio: A lesser-known beach break to the east. Fun on a mid-size swell and usually very quiet.
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Mundaka: World-famous rivermouth left, about an hour’s drive west. Long, hollow barrels when it’s on—strictly for experienced surfers.
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Zurriola (San Sebastián): City beach vibe with punchy peaks and a consistent wave year-round. Gets busy, but super fun when firing.
Whether you’re chasing clean autumn swells, mellow summer sliders, or just want to soak up the Basque surf culture—Zarautz delivers.
Yeeew!
