Menakoz
Meñakoz is the Basque Country's big-wave proving ground—a heavy right-hand reef that only awakens when massive winter swells slam the northern Spanish coast. This is not a recreational wave: rock-jump entry, powerful currents, and lips that detonate on shallow reef make Meñakoz the domain of experienced big-wave surfers only. The cliff-path approach and dramatic setting create an amphitheater effect for spectators, while the surfers below commit to one of Europe's most intimidating cold-water slabs. When Sopelana is maxed out, the big-wave crew heads to Meñakoz.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (320°)
- Direction range
- 295° - 350°
- Size range
- 2m - 6m
- Ideal size
- 4.8m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 140° - 220°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2m
Water temp
14°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
3/10
👥 Summer Holidays (Jun 20 – Sep 7) — expect extra crowds
Access: Cliff path and rock jump.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Menakoz?
Menakoz works best on a mid to high tide, ideally between 0.5m and 2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Menakoz?
Offshore wind at Menakoz blows from the S (180°). Anything in the 140° to 220° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Menakoz?
Menakoz wants NW swell (295° to 350°) between 2m and 6m, with a period of 16s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Menakoz?
The main season at Menakoz is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Oct, Mar. Big wave spot. Only breaks on big winter swells.
How do I get to Menakoz?
Fly into BIO, then allow about 25 minutes by road. Cliff path and rock jump.
What kind of wave is Menakoz?
Menakoz is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 9/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Oct, Mar
Big wave spot. Only breaks on big winter swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Sopelana
🚇 Metro-accessible surf • Bilbao's beach • Urban convenience
Punta Galea
🌊 Europe's big wave coliseum • 50-foot faces • BWC venue
Mundaka
🌊 Europe's best barrel • Medieval Basque village • 400m of tube time
Somo
🇪🇸 Cantabrian gateway • Ferry-access adventure • All-levels beach
Loredo
🌊 Cantabrian space • Multiple peaks • Somo alternative
Zarautz
🏘️ Basque surf town • Two-kilometer beach • All-level access