Back to Dashboard
Reef
left
Level 7/10

Guéthary

Basque Country, France
🪸Sharp reef🪨Rocks👊Localism

Guéthary is where European surfing ventures into serious territory—a powerful reef break tucked beneath the charming Basque village that transforms into a genuine big wave arena when Atlantic storms unleash. The main peak offers heavy, left-breaking walls that can hold well overhead surf, while the outer reefs light up for experienced chargers during the largest swells. The local crew is tight and proud, with decades of history at this wave, so respect in the lineup isn't optional. When the harbor wall is getting swamped and the sets are marching in, Guéthary reminds everyone that European surfing has teeth.

Spot Details

Swell Requirements

Optimal direction
NW (310°)
Direction range
280° - 340°
Size range
1m - 3.5m
Ideal period
14s+

Wind Requirements

Optimal direction
ESE (120°)
Offshore range
80° - 160°
Best window
morning

Tide Requirements

Optimal tide
low to mid
Optimal range
0.4m - 1.5m

Water temp

16°C

Wetsuit

4/3mm fullsuit

Difficulty

7/10

Crowd level

6/10

Access: Jump off harbor wall or paddle from beach.

Getting There

Airport
BIQ
Drive time
20 min

Best Season

Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Secondary: Apr, May

Autumn-Spring. Needs solid swell. Handles size well.

Data Quality

verified

Verified by French surf federation