The Best Surf Guide: Galicia

The Atlantic heartbeat of surfing. The definitive guide to discover the wild waves, the breathtaking nature and the authentic gastronomy of Galicia. Get ready to explore endless beaches, breathe fresh air and immerse yourself in the maritime culture that makes every surf session in Galicia, a unique experience.

Galicia is not only ocean, it is the heartbeat of the Atlantic made coastline and beaches that seem to have no end . This land offers authentic and varied surfing for all levels. From open peaks for beginners to try their first waves to more challenging sections where advanced surfers can test their technique and speed.

In this complete guide to surfing in Galicia you will discover the best spots for each level, when is your best timing to catch waves, recommended schools, travel logistics, surf lifestyle and also plans to disconnect between sessions.

Get ready to combine waves, nature and culture in a trip that goes beyond that goes beyond surfing.

Surf Galicia: What can you expect?

Surfing in Galicia is to accept that the ocean rules but in return, it gives you some of the best waves in the north of the Peninsula and an unparalleled variety:

More than 1,500 km of coastline mean almost infinite options. Open beaches, hidden coves, quiet peaks and more demanding areas. There’s always a place working if you know how to look (and move).
Constant waves during most of the year. Here you learn to read the sea for real.
Spots for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers. Galicia allows you to start, progress and demand more from yourself, all in the same journey.
Waves on sandy bottom (beach breaks), more technical rocky areas (reef breaks) (reef breaks) y varied peaks for all levels.
Surfing atmosphere, local people, respect in the water and a surf culture linked to the sea.
Wild and unfiltered nature. Cliffs, open beaches, morning fog, dreamy sunsets and green everywhere. Surfing in Galicia is to do direct contact with nature.

After the bath, it’s time to get your strength back. Here after surfing is not an extra, it is part of the plan.

The Best Beaches for Surfing in Galicia

Pantín Beach (Valdoviño, A Coruña)

The epicenter of Galician surfing

Tide: Medium and low
Wind: East / Northeast (offshore)
Background: Sand
Swell: Northwest
Difficulty: All levels
Access: Very easy, parking nearby
Address: Multiple peaks
Wave length: Medium-high
Swell required: Medium
Surfers: 20-40

Skate is synonymous with consistency. Here there are almost always waves and enough space for everyone. It is no coincidence that it hosts the Pantín Classic Galicia Pro, one of the most important European surfing events, attracting world-class surfers since 1988. It is a perfect spot to learn, progress and train. It offers long, clean sessions with lots of Atlantic flow.

Riazor and Orzán-A Coruña Beaches

Tide: Low to medium
Wind: South/southwest
Background: Sand
Swell: Northwest / North
Difficulty: Intermediate

The beach of Orzán and Riazor, form the classic urban sandy area of A Coruña where surfing is also practiced regularly. Although it is better known as an urban beach, here are generated beach break waves when it comes in from the northwest.breaking on both rights and lefts and offering fun waves for those who already have some experience.

Being an urban area conditions can vary greatly depending on the tide and wind.and tends to work best at low or medium tide and wind. Due to its location, you will also find local surfers and a bit more crowdsespecially on weekends, but the view of the boardwalk and the energy of the place give it a unique urban surfing vibe.

Bastiagueiro Beach – Oleiros (A Coruña)

Tide: Medium / High
Wind: South / Southwest
Background: Sand
Swell: Northwest / North
Difficulty: All levels

Bastiagueiro is one of the most surfing beaches around A Coruña and one of the favorite places for beginners and intermediate surfers. beginners and intermediates. Located to the east of the city, it offers smoother and more constant waves because of its sandy bottom and protected orientationwhich makes it ideal for learning to surf.

Here the waves are usually beach break type with variable peaks although the space in the water can be quite busy, especially on good days and out of low season. The beach has a blue flag and basic services, and it is normal to see it full of local surfers and groups of beginners.

Santa Cristina Beach – Oleiros

Tide: Medium / Low
Wind: South / Southwest
Background: Sand
Swell: Northwest / North
Difficulty: Beginners and intermediate

Santa Cristina is another long sandy beach in Oleiros, just west of Bastiagueiro, with a slightly quieter atmosphere but equally popular with surfers. Its waves, although not usually very powerful, work as accessible and consistent beach breakIdeal for those who are taking their first steps in surfing or looking for a more relaxed session. Being a long beach, it is easy to find less crowded peaks.
In general, its sandy bottom and sandy bottom and orientation make it comfortable and predictable for casual for casual surfing.

Doniños Beach (Ferrol)

Tide: Media
Wind: East
Background: Sand
Swell: West / Northwest
Difficulty: Beginners and intermediate

Wide, open and very noble beach. Ideal for those who are starting or looking for quieter sessions. On days with a bad temperature it can get serious, but most of the time it gives away long, soft and very grateful waves.

Razo Beach (Carballo)

Tide: Medium and low
Wind: East
Background: Sand
Swell: Northwest
Difficulty: All levels

One of the longest beaches in Galicia. If there is swell, you always find some peak working. Perfect for long surf tripssessions and days when other beaches are saturated.

A Lanzada Beach (O Grove – Sanxenxo)

Tide: Media
Wind: North / Northeast
Background: Sand
Swell: West / Northwest
Difficulty: Beginners and intermediate

Very popular in summer and surrounded by surf schools. Clean, consistent waves and good atmosphere. Ideal for combining surf, vacation and postcard sunsets.

Traba Beach (Laxe)

Tide: Media
Wind: East
Background: Sand
Swell: West / Northwest
Difficulty: Intermediate

Wilder and less crowded. It offers fast waves with character. A perfect place for those looking for a little more adrenaline without giving up the scenery.

Rio Sieira Beach (Porto do Son)

Tide: Medium / Low
Wind: East / South
Background: Sand / some rock.
Swell: Northwest
Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced

Rio Sieira is a less crowded beach than the classics, located in the municipality of Porto do Son. Here the waves can be more powerful and with long sections when strong swell enters, and is a place valued by surfers with some experience who want waves of greater character.

Beach of Patos (Nigrán, Rías Baixas)

Tide: Medium / Low
Wind: Northwest
Background: Sand
Swell: Northwest / West
Difficulty: All levels

Patos is one of the best known surfing beaches in the Rías Baixas of Galician Rías Baixaswith a consolidated surfing tradition and consistent waves.
Here you will find peaks that work at different tides and sizes, making it a great option for both intermediates and beginners on medium days. It has an emblematic area called Pico de Patos with good left and right sections, and often surfing in front of spectacular views of the Cíes Islands.

Recommended Surf Schools in Galicia

Galicia has a long long surfing tradition and a community deeply rooted in the sea. That shows in the quality of their schools, many of them managed by local surfers who know every beach, every tide and every wind change.

Outstanding schools:

Prado Surf School (Pantín)

One of the best known in Galicia. Very good for learning from scratch and to improve technique in Atlantic waves. With the purpose of promoting and making surfing accessible to anyone in Galicia, they have surfing, paddle-surfing, longboarding and bodyboarding classes that are taught throughout the year on the beaches of Galicia.

Art Surf Camp (Razo)

Ideal if you are looking for a complete experience: surfing, accommodation and traveler atmosphere. Razo is huge, so there is always room to learn without stress. They offer camps with the mission to promote the destination of Razo as a multicultural meeting point for those who want to soak up the surf culture.

GZ Surf (A Lanzada)

Perfect for combining vacations and surfing. Very good option for beginners and intermediate surfers.

La Conservera Surf School (Valdoviño)

School with local character, good material and personalized attention. Ideal if you want to make real progress and not just “try surfing”. With 25 years of experience you will learn to surf with the best in small groups, in search of the best wave conditions with the best material. Betting on personal attention with a modern approach.

All of them offer courses for all levels, equipment rental and surf camps with accommodation included.
Perfect both to take your first steps and to polish your technique.

When is the best time to surf in Galicia?

The good news is that Galicia works almost all year round.And the best news is that every season has its charm (and its challenges).

The Galician Atlantic pulse, season by season.

Fall (September – November):

The best time of the year. Clean swells, less wind, water still bearable and spots working with a lot of quality.

Winter (December – February):

Big, powerful and very consistent waves. Ideal for experienced surfers . Of course: good wetsuit and strong mentality and post-surf hot coffee is a must.

Spring (March – May):

Variable conditions, but very surfable. Days with more wind or rain mixed with other calmer days. Perfect to move and explore.

Summer (June – August):

Smaller but constant waves. Ideal for beginners, longboard and surf courses. More people in the water, but very good atmosphere.

Surfing here depends on the weather since the wind and tide have to fit. When they do, the session is simply perfect. And when not… there is always plan B: eat well and come back tomorrow.

Essential Equipment for Surfing in Galicia

In Galicia the cold is not an enemy, it is part of the experience.
The key is to be well equipped.

Recommended neoprene

Winter: 4/3 mm or 5/4 mm
Summer: 3/2 mm

Other must-haves

Booties (highly recommended)
Cold water kerosene
Lip balm with SPF
Spare dry clothes: Seems obvious, but more than one has learned this lesson the hard way.

Surf and Culture in Galicia

Monument dedicated to surfers

On the promenade of A Coruña, between the beaches of the Matadero and the Orzánis a monument monument dedicated to the surferscalled Fountain of the Surfers o Surfers FountainIt was inaugurated in July 1992 and it is made in bronze by the Galician artist José Castiñeiras. Represents two surfers in full motionthis sculpture celebrates the local surfing local surfing community and its connection to the sea.
In addition, next to the sculpture, there is a plaque in memory of Roberto Fariña “Tito el Viejo”. a plaque in memory of Roberto Fariña “Tito el Viejo”, one of the pioneers of surfing in Galicia.one of the pioneers of surfing in Galicia, veteran surfer known for discovering and sharing surf spots all around the Galician coast.

Surfing events and festivals in Galicia

The region hosts important events such as the Pantín Classic Galicia Proone of the oldest and most prestigious surfing competitions in Europe, which brings together elite surfers every year.

Museums or local surfing history

In Valdoviño, there is a strong historical link with surfing, it is said that in that area surfing is practiced almost all year round and contributes to the culture of the sport in Galicia.

Other complementary and related activities to surfing

Surf Yoga and mobility

Ideal for stretching after several sessions in a row. Improves balance, flexibility and helps prevent injuries. It is also perfect for those days of active rest when the body asks for calm, but the mind is still in surfing mode.

Biking and nature trails

Ideal to move around coastal areas and unload legs after several baths in a row. In addition, Galicia offers landscapes that make the effort worthwhile.

Paddle surf

Very useful on days with little swell or calmer seas. It helps to work on balance, endurance and reading the sea. It also allows you to explore and visit protected areas without leaving the water.

Longboard and alternative surfing

When the sea drops in size, taking out the longboard or an alternative board is the best way to keep enjoying. Galicia also has perfect days for flow, smooth maneuvers and long sessions.

Fishing and traditional activities

The relationship with the sea in Galicia goes far beyond surfing. Fishing, shellfishing and local activities are part of the landscape and help to better understand the maritime culture of the area.

How to get around Galicia if you come to surf

There are no shortcuts here, to surf Galicia well, you have to move. The coastline is huge, the beaches very different from each other and the conditions change fast. To stay on one beach is to miss out on much of the magic.

Car or van (essential))

It is the best way to follow the swell, dodge the wind and find the peak that is working that day. Having a car allows you to adapt the plan according to the weather. In Galicia, many sessions start with “What if we try that beach we saw yesterday from the road?

Camper van or camperized van

If you come from a long surf trip, the camper is almost the perfect option. You wake up near the sea, look at the waves with your coffee in your hand and decide whether to go in or continue exploring. Total freedom and zero rush.

Public transportation: limited to beaches

It works well to move between cities, but not to get to most spots. If you depend only on bus or train, you will end up surfing always the same spots… and usually the most crowded ones.

How to get to Galicia

Aircraft

Main airports in Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña and Vigo.with good national and international connections.

Train

Good connections from Madrid and northern Spain. Comfortable, although you will need a car to get to the sites.

Car

The best option if you travel from the mainland. It gives you total freedom from the first day and allows you to improvise according to the sea. Once there, the car becomes your best friend. It doesn’t just take you to the beaches, it will take you to the best surfing decisions of the trip.

Natural areas and routes to disconnect near Galicia

Between surf sessions, Galicia can also be enjoyed out of the water. out of the water. The natural environment is part of the trip and helps to lower revolutions when the body asks for rest.

Costa da Morte

Wild, mystical and spectacular. Endless cliffs, solitary lighthouses and a very special energy. Ideal for walking, thinking… or just looking at the sea.

Fragas do Eume

Infinite green and total silence. Perfect to stretch the legs, oxygenate the head and compensate for so many days of salt and neoprene. A full-fledged natural restart.

Cíes Islands

Crystal clear waters, postcard beaches and a feeling of being in another place. Perfect plan for a day without waves (or to give your shoulders a rest).

Rías Baixas

Calmer, brighter and cozier. Incredible sunsets, fishing villages and a more relaxed pace. Ideal for taking pictures.

Lodging in Galicia

Galicia has options for all travel styles from backpacker surf trips to all-inclusive hotels and many can be found on Booking, Surf camps and specialized surf houses.

Surf Camps / Surf Houses

Camino Surfcamp Galicia Full surf experience in Valdoviño, near classic spots in A Coruña.
Artsurfcamp Artsurfcamp: Camp in front of the sea in the area of Carballo.
Raz SurfCamp One of the most historic surf camps in Europe in Razo, ideal for varied levels.
LAOLA SURF CAMP GALICIASurf camp with relaxed atmosphere and sea view in Valdoviño.
Alawa Surf Camp Surf School in PantínPerfect if you want to combine accommodation near Pantín.

Other Types of Lodging

In addition to the surf camps, you can also book:

Coastal hostels in surf cities like A Coruña, Ferrol or Pontevedra (Searching in Booking for “surf hostel” + Galicia you will find several options).
Apartments and rural houses near the beaches.
Campsites and camper areas on the coast (perfect if you travel by van).

Tip: Book early in high season (summer and fall), because many seaside accommodations fill up fast.

Galician Gastronomy: The Best After Surfing

After an Atlantic session, there are few pleasures better than a good Galician meal with fresh seafood, octopus and local beer. fresh seafood, octopus and local beer..

Restaurants and popular places to regain strength

In A Coruña and surroundings

A Taberna de Cunqueiro Traditional tapas, seafood and local atmosphere.
Seafood restaurant in Arcade: Classic for a mariscada near Pontevedra.
Casa da Crega Restaurant Seafood straight from the Atlantic, highly recommended if you want authentic flavors.
Restaurant O BarcoVery well known in Sanxenxo with sea views.
Redes Compostela – Seafood & Tapas: Perfect for tapas and seafood in Santiago.
A Fonte Do ViñoIn Cambados, a good place for wine and seafood in the Rías Baixas.
Los Caracoles Restaurant Good place in Santiago to try Galician dishes with a local touch.
Restaurant O FadoIn front of the promenade, ideal for surfing and dinner with a view.

Local dining advice

Search “casa de comidas” o “seafood restaurant”. near the beach areas. This is where the cooler
In cities such as A Coruña, Vigo or Santiagothere are also tapas routes where you can mix typical dishes.
In Galicia you will find octopus á feira (polbo á feira), seafood, Galician empanadas and Galician broth everywhere and always accompanied by a cold Estrella Galicia (yes, that also counts as sports recovery).

The best sites in Galicia to see after your surfing hours

Santiago de Compostela

The most famous most famous city in Galicia and final point of the Camino de Santiago.

Cathedral of Santiago: majestic, with its imposing baroque facade, cloisters and the famous botafumeiro. Perfect for a walk that disconnects you from the salt and sand.
Old town: cobbled streets, lively squares and bars where you can try Galician tapas. Ideal for a cultural after surf.

Finisterre

Known as “the end of the world“before Google Maps existed.

Finisterre lighthouse: Atlantic views that remind you why Galicia is perfect for surfing.
Wild beaches: even the most experienced surfers will find challenging waves and quiet corners to try new maneuvers.

Explorer’s Tip: strolling along the cliffs at sunset is the best way to reset body and mind. reset body and mind after an intense day of surfing.

Combarro

One of the most photogenic photogenic villages of Galiciawith a rustic charm that seems stopped in time.

Hórreos on the seashore: those barns on pillars that seem to float on the water are the classic Galician postcard.
Narrow streets and stone houses: perfect for getting lost among artisan stores and seafood restaurants.
Tip surf & chill: after surfing in nearby beaches, tasting the empanadas and pulpo á feira de Combarro is a must.

A Coruña and the Tower of Hercules

A vibrant city with urban beaches and historic culture.

Tower of Hercules: Roman lighthouse and World Heritage Site, with spectacular views of the Atlantic.
Urban beaches: Orzán and Riazor allow surfing without leaving the city. Perfect for combining a morning swim with local brunch.
Old town and nightlife: lively streets, bars with tapas and music, ideal for recovering after an intense day on the water.

The Footprint of the Atlantic

We come to the end of this trip through Galicia, land of waves, cliffs and endless seas. A surftrip here is never just surfing, it is a total immersion in nature, history and Atlantic culture. It is the smell of saltpetre with Atlantic rain, the sound of the waves breaking against the cliffs and the taste of the first bite of octopus á feira or fresh seafood accompanied by a cold Estrella Galicia. Every corner, from Pantín to Traba, has its own character and leaves its mark.

So, now it’s your turn to use this guide as a map, explore hidden beaches, talk to locals and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the Galician coast. Surfing in Galicia is not just about catching waves, it’s about feeling, discovering and connecting with a land that you won’t forget.

May your sessions be long, your wipeouts short and your memories indelible. Galicia awaits you.

And if this adventure ignites your explorer’s streak, remember that the world is full of undiscovered waves and you can always get inspired with the best surf guides from many other amazing cities and destinations.

See you next time!

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