Zarautz
Zarautz is the Basque Country's longest beach—over two kilometers of sand producing multiple peaks that cater to all skill levels and spread crowds across a wide area. The town has embraced its surf heritage, with quality surf shops, schools, and a culture that celebrates wave riding as central to local identity. The wave works across most tides and conditions, making it one of the region's most reliable options. Summer brings crowds and mediocre surf; autumn through spring delivers the real goods when Atlantic storms send consistent swells toward this north-facing coast.
Zarautz surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (340°)
- Direction range
- 325° - 20°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.5m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 140° - 220°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 2m
Water temp
15°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Town beach with all facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Zarautz?
Zarautz is a beach break in Gipuzkoa, Spain, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Zarautz?
Zarautz picks up swell from the NW round to the NNE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NNW. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.5 to 2m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 8s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Zarautz?
A S wind is dead offshore at Zarautz, and anything from the SE round to the SW keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Zarautz?
Zarautz has a preferred tide range, roughly 0.3m to 2m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Zarautz?
The most reliable run of swell at Zarautz comes Oct to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Sep too. Year-round but winter is best.
How cold is the water at Zarautz?
The water at Zarautz averages around 15°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Zarautz good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. It gets busy (crowd 8/10), so mind the pecking order. Very popular beach - crowded in summer.
How do I get to Zarautz?
The nearest airport on our list is EAS, then it's roughly a 25-minute drive. Town beach with all facilities.
What other surf spots are near Zarautz?
The closest breaks we track are Zurriola (16 km), Belharra (42 km) and Mundaka (45 km), handy when Zarautz isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, Sep
Year-round but winter is best.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Zurriola
🏛️ Europe's most elegant surf • San Sebastián beauty • Urban beach perfection
Belharra
🇫🇷 France's giant • 2.5km offshore • Some winters stays silent
Mundaka
🌊 Europe's best barrel • Medieval Basque village • Long rivermouth tubes
Lafitenia
🇫🇷 Intermediate perfection • Long right walls • Basque Country classic
Guéthary
🇫🇷 Basque big wave territory • Heavy reef • Respect the locals
Les Cavaliers
🏖️ Anglet surf strip classic • Sandbar-dependent peaks • French beach culture