THE 5 BEST WAVES IN GALICIA TO SURF: WHERE THEY ARE AND HOW TO SURF THEM
Galicia, magical land. Galicia is one of the most special coastal regions of our country. Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea, it is one of the most visited destinations in summer due to the infinity of attractions it offers: wild coast, mountains, paradisiacal beaches, quiet towns... and not to mention its gastronomy. In Galicia you eat scandalously. There is no place like it to enjoy good food: the best seafood, fresh fish, meat, empanada, peppers. But if Galicia stands out for something, it is for the beauty and quality of its landscapes.
With a coast of 1.500 kilometres, in Galicia there are beaches of all kinds: wild beaches, beaches to go with the family, beaches to surf, hidden beaches that only locals know about... If you like surfing, Galicia is a mandatory stop. The conditions of its beaches, the quality of its waves, with peaks both to the left and to the right, waves of all sizes... it is a paradise for lovers of surfing. The best thing about Galicia for surfing is that, unlike other places with good surfing beaches, here you can surf practically alone, without having to fight with anyone to catch the best wave. Of course, get ready, the water is freezing! We reveal the 5 best waves in Galicia to surf:
1. PANTÍN BEACH, VALDOVIÑO
The Playa de Pantín is our favorite beach for surfing in Galicia and also that of the most “pro” in this sport. It has the Blue Flag and is located 30km from Ferrol. For more than 25 years every summer it has been the scene of the Classic Surf Pro, better known as Pantín Classic, a test of the WSL (World Surf League). It doesn't surprise us; This wild beach has the best features: different peaks along its 950m of sand, waves of all sizes perfect for all levels, it works with any sea condition...
Its most mythical peak is the one that rises on the right side of the beach. It has different surf schools that will teach you and leave you with all the necessary material. Do not hesitate to come, and if you can, choose the last week of August or the first week of September, which is when the Pantín Classic is usually held. You will enjoy the performance of the best surfers, there are live performances, stalls that sell food. It's a real hit!
2. DONIÑOS BEACH, FERROL
Also very close to the city of Ferrol is the Playa de Doniños. This sandy area of about 2 km in length is another paradise for surfing. This beach break offers wonderful conditions all year round. The wind that best hits this beach is from the west and the best swell is from the west-northwest.
The best time is when the tide is rising and there are waves of all sizes. Being in the open sea, in times of high seas, very large waves are formed. The best peaks are to the right and in the center of the beach. However, the extreme left side of the beach, known as Punta Penencia, is another perfect spot for surfing, although it is more recommended at high tide. To tell the truth, all the beaches between Pantín and Doniños are a real luxury for surfing. If you have the opportunity, take the car and discover others like Ponzos, Campelo, Santa Comba, San Jorge... Ah, in Doniños the Spanish Surfing Championship is held every year! For seven days the beach receives the best surfers in the country, from sub-12 to open surfing.
3. RAZO BEACH, LA CORUÑA
The Playa de Razo is located in the town hall of Carballo, in La Coruña and is the second largest beach in the entire community, behind Carnota (7km ). Its sandy area of more than 5 km is one of the best places to practice this sport. Its waves are incredible, perfect for any level, you can surf at high or low tide. It has different peaks, among them: Pico de la Cabreira, the most secluded and with smaller waves, offering both right and left; Pico del Art, ideal for lefts and rights; Cordobes Peak; Pico del Teirón, which has a rock bottom; Pico de la Explanada and Pico del Río. Its conditions are so good that it has hosted different regional and national tests. In 2012, it hosted for the first time the WAHLRD Pro Junior, an international level championship. In 2016, the final of the European Championship Rip Curl GromSearch was held here.
4. LA LANZADA BEACH, THE GROVE
Between the municipalities of O Grove and Sanxenxo is La Lanzada Beach. This beach has hosted many local and national championships. It is a sandy area that supports different winds very well. It has peaks all over the beach, left and right that reach up to two meters. When they exceed two meters, it is usually quite past. It is a perfect option if you do not have a very high level in surfing.
5. SABÓN BEACH, ARTEIXO
The Playa de Sabón is a privileged destination for surfing. Located in the municipality of Arteixo, this beach needs some sea, since it has a breakwater in the outer port that slows down the waves. You will surf one of the best waves in the area. There are different peaks along the beach and it is very comfortable, since it works well with any tide. In addition, there is a surf school aimed at all levels, a perfect option if it is your first time or even if you want someone who knows its waves to advise you well. The best wind for surfing in Sabón is the south wind, with a west and northwest swell.
WINTER OR SUMMER?
Surfing in Galicia is a joy at any time of the year. Depending on the season, the sea and the conditions change considerably. In the winter months, for example, the winds blow stronger, it rains a lot, there are storms... and much bigger waves are formed. It is the perfect time for those who have experience and dare with more demanding waves, since it is when there are more swells. Also, given the conditions, there are a lot fewer people in the water.
If, on the other hand, you are new to surfing, we recommend that you go in milder months. Any week of summer will be great, or also months like May, September, October... In the latter the beaches will not be as crowded as in summer, and you will continue to have warm temperatures, the water will not be so cold, the winds will not be so aggressive…
WHAT YOU NEED TO SURF
The water temperature in Galicia is very, very low, both in winter and in summer. Depending on which season you come you will need a neoprene suit or another. When the cold is pressing, the water can touch 10ºC, while in summer, the hottest days reach 19ºC. In winter, the ideal is to wear a 5/4 mm neoprene suit . But that's not enough, it's best to also buy some socks, gloves and even a hat. In summer, a 4/3mm suit will suffice.
And for when you get out of the water? Very easy! The trucker cap from
These are our 5 recommendations for Galician beaches where you can enjoy good surfing. Now that you know the best spots, you will surely pack your suitcase, take your board and dare to discover them. We warn you: once you know this land you will only want to return. Pretty, cool, calm... but above all cosy, Galicia falls in love.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- WHERE TO SURF IN GALICIA?
In Galicia there are thousands of beaches where you can surf, wilder beaches, more sheltered beaches... Our top 5 are the beaches of Pantín, Doniños, Razo, La Lanzada and Sabón. Likewise, we recommend you take the car and get lost in this paradise. You will find the perfect beach for you!
- WHERE IS PANTÍN BEACH?
The beach of Pantín is located in the municipality of Valdoviño, very close to Ferrol, in La Coruña.
- WHAT SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE HELD IN GALICIA?
For years, Galicia has been the scene of many surfing championships. The most important event held here is the Pantín Classic, a test on the international WSL circuit. However, it also hosts the international WAHLRD Pro Junior in Razo, the European Rip Curl GromSearch or the Spanish Championship in Doniños.
- WHERE TO SURF IN THE RÍAS BAIXAS?
If you want to surf in the Rías Baixas, we recommend La Lanzada Beach in O Grove. It has both left and right peaks, supports any wind, etc.
- WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SURF IN GALICIA?
That will depend a lot on your level and the quests. If you dare big waves and cold, then go in winter. If, on the other hand, you want to try surfing and enjoy a more pleasant climate and a calmer sea, it is best to go in the summer or spring months.
- WHAT NEOPRENE DO I WEAR TO SURF IN GALICIA?
If you are coming in summer, a 4/3mm neoprene suit will suffice. If you decide to come in winter, always use a 5/4mm and get some gloves, booties and a hat.
