Surfing in Biarritz
The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Biarritz: A Surfer’s Paradise
Introduction to Biarritz: where surf meets luxury and natural beauty
Nestled along the stunning Basque coastline of southwestern France, Biarritz stands as an iconic surfing destination that has captured the hearts of wave riders worldwide. Once a favorite retreat for European royalty, this elegant seaside town has transformed into a surf mecca while maintaining its sophisticated charm.
With its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and consistent Atlantic swells, Biarritz offers an unparalleled surfing experience for everyone from first-timers to seasoned professionals. The unique blend of French elegance, Basque culture, and surf lifestyle creates an atmosphere unlike any other surf destination on the planet.
Surf conditions: What makes Biarritz special
Biarritz enjoys a favorable position along the Bay of Biscay, receiving consistent swells from the Atlantic Ocean throughout the year. The region benefits from:
- Year-round surfability with approximately 200+ days of rideable waves annually
- Surprisingly warm water temperatures even during winter months
- Diverse wave types ranging from gentle beach breaks to powerful reef breaks
- Protected bays that offer shelter during larger swells or unfavorable winds
- Multiple facing beaches allowing you to find offshore conditions regardless of wind direction
The prime surfing season runs from September to November when water temperatures remain pleasant and crowds thin out after the summer peak. Winter (December-February) brings bigger, more powerful swells suited for experienced surfers, while spring and summer offer gentler conditions perfect for beginners and intermediates.
Top 9 surf spots around Biarritz
Whether you’re looking for your first gentle wave or a challenging barrel, the Biarritz region has a spot for you. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the 9 best breaks:
1. Tarnos Plage
Spot Type: Beach Break
Surface: Sand
Best Wind: East
Best Tide: All tides
Difficulty: All levels
What to Expect: A spacious beach break with multiple peaks that spread crowds nicely. Less frequented than other spots, making it perfect for a more relaxed session.
2. Anglet – Cavaliers
Spot Type: Beach Break
Surface: Sand
Best Wind: East
Best Tide: Low to Mid
Difficulty: All levels
What to Expect: Part of Anglet’s 4.5km stretch of beaches, Cavaliers offers consistent peaks that work well for surfers of all abilities. When conditions align, expect fun, punchy waves with occasional barrels.
3. Anglet – VVF
Spot Type: Beach Break
Surface: Sand
Best Wind: East
Best Tide: All tides
Difficulty: Advanced
What to Expect: More powerful than its neighbors, VVF delivers hollow, fast waves that challenge even experienced surfers. The strong currents and heavy shoredump demand respect.
4. Biarritz – Grande Plage
Spot Type: Beach Break
Surface: Sand & rocks
Best Wind: East
Best Tide: Low to Mid
Difficulty: All levels
What to Expect: The iconic central beach of Biarritz offers fun waves right in the heart of town. Suitable for all levels, though beginners should stick to the southern end. Gets crowded during peak season.
5. Biarritz – Cote des Basques
Spot Type: Beach Break
Surface: Sand & rocks
Best Wind: Southeast
Best Tide: Low to Mid
Difficulty: All levels
What to Expect: The birthplace of French surfing, this south-facing beach offers protection from northerly winds and westerly swells. Perfect for beginners and longboarders with its gentle, rolling waves.
6. Bidart
Spot Type: Beach Break
Surface: Sand & rocks
Best Wind: Southeast
Best Tide: All tides
Difficulty: All levels
What to Expect: A series of beach breaks offering more space than the central Biarritz spots. Various peaks cater to different skill levels, with certain areas producing punchy waves during larger swells.
7. Guethary
Spot Type: Reef Break
Surface: Rocks
Best Wind: Northeast
Best Tide: All tides
Difficulty: Advanced only
What to Expect: A powerful reef break producing world-class waves on the right swell. Not for the faint-hearted, Guethary demands experience, confidence, and respect for locals.
8. Lafitenia
Spot Type: Point Break
Surface: Rocks
Best Wind: Southeast
Best Tide: Low to Mid
Difficulty: Advanced
What to Expect: A dream right-hand point break near Saint-Jean-de-Luz that offers long, walling rides when conditions align. One of the region’s crown jewels but requires solid surfing skills.
9. Hendaye Plage
Spot Type: Beach Break
Surface: Sand
Best Wind: Southeast
Best Tide: All tides
Difficulty: All levels
What to Expect: Protected by the bay, Hendaye offers gentle, forgiving waves perfect for beginners and longboarders. A great option when everywhere else is too big or blown out.
To summarize it:
| Nr | Spot | Spot type | Surface | Wind | Tide | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tarnos Plage | BB | Sand | E | All | All |
| 2 | Anglet – Cavaliers | BB | Sand | E | L-M | All |
| 3 | Anglet – VVF | BB | Sand | E | All | Advanced |
| 4 | Biarritz – Grande Plage | BB | Sand & rocks | E | L-M | All |
| 5 | Biarritz – Cote des Basques | BB | Sand & rocks | SE | L-M | All |
| 6 | Bidart | BB | Sand & rocks | SE | All | All |
| 7 | Guethary | RB | rocks | NE | All | Advanced |
| 8 | Lafitenia | PB | rocks | SE | L-M | Advanced |
| 9 | Hendaye Plage | BB | Sand | SE | All | All |
Spot types
BB = beach break
PB = Point break
RB = Reef break
Tide
L = lowtide
M = midtide
Spotlight on Plage de Marbella: The Hidden Gem
Situated at the southern end of Côte des Basques, Plage de Marbella deserves special attention as one of Biarritz’s most rewarding surf spots. This beach break offers:
- Wave Consistency: Approximately 150 surfable days per year
- Wave Quality: From good to exceptional, depending on conditions
- Average Wave Length: 50-150 meters (extending to 300+ meters on epic days)
- Best Conditions: Low to mid tide with southwest swells and north winds
- Swell Size Range: From 1 meter for beginners to 2.5+ meters for the experienced
Marbella shines as an intermediately challenging break that offers both left and right rides with occasional barreling sections. The sandy bottom provides some forgiveness, though be aware of occasional rock outcroppings at lower tides.
Insider Tips for Marbella:
– Arrive early morning for cleaner conditions and fewer crowds
– Watch for rips and currents, especially during larger swells
– Respect the locals who frequent this spot
– The southern end tends to be less crowded and more beginner-friendly
Guide for every surf level in Biarritz
For Beginners
Biarritz offers exceptional learning opportunities with:
Best Spots: Côte des Basques (southern end), Hendaye Plage
Best Season: April-October when waves are smaller and water warmer
Recommended Equipment: Minimum 8ft foam board with high volume
Safety Tips:
- Always surf between the flags on lifeguarded beaches
- Start with smaller waves (under 1m)
- Consider taking lessons from one of the many reputable surf schools
- Be aware of rip currents and learn how to identify them
Etiquette Essentials:
- Don’t paddle out to crowded peak areas
- Give way to more experienced surfers
- Practice turtle rolls or duck dives away from the lineup
For Intermediate Surfers
Ready to challenge yourself? Here’s what you need to know:
Best Spots: Grande Plage, Anglet-Cavaliers, Bidart, Marbella
Best Season: May-November offers the best balance of wave quality and conditions
Progression Focus:
– Work on generating speed and linking maneuvers
– Practice reading wave conditions to find the best peaks
– Develop your bottom turn and cutback
Equipment Considerations:
– Experiment with different board shapes (5’10”-6’6″ range)
– Consider a step-down from your beginner board
Local Knowledge:
– Anglet works better with NW swells
– Grande Plage can handle larger swells than it appears
For Advanced Surfers
For those seeking the thrill of challenging waves:
Best Spots: Guethary, Lafitenia, Anglet-VVF
Best Season: September-April for the most powerful swells
Challenge Yourself:
– Guethary’s hollow reef waves test even pro surfers
– Lafitenia offers world-class right-hand point breaks
– Heavy winter swells transform beach breaks into serious waves
Equipment Notes:
– Bring a step-up board for bigger days (6’2″-6’8″)
– Consider a wider tail for Lafitenia’s long walls
– Extra leashes recommended for powerful winter swells
Pro Tips:
– Dawn patrol essential for uncrowded sessions
– The reef at Guethary requires precise positioning
– Respect local surfers, especially at the premium spots
The Pros and Cons of surfing Biarritz
The Good
- Diverse Breaks: Something for everyone regardless of skill level
- Consistent Waves: Reliable surf throughout most of the year
- Warm Water: Surprisingly comfortable temperatures even in winter
- Rich Culture: Blend of Basque and French influences creates unique atmosphere
- Excellent Facilities: Modern amenities, quality surf shops, and professional schools
- Family-Friendly: Safe beaches with lifeguards and activities for non-surfers
- Hedonistic After-Surf: World-class dining, shopping, and nightlife
The Challenges
- Summer Crowds: Peak tourist season (July-August) brings packed lineups
- Occasional Flat Spells: Summer can bring periods of smaller waves
- Wind Exposure: Some spots are vulnerable to certain wind directions
- Premium Prices: Higher cost of living than some surf destinations
- Localism: Some spots (especially Guethary) have established hierarchies
Accommodation options in Biarritz
Biarritz offers lodging for every budget and preference:
- Luxury Hotels: Hotel du Palais, Radisson Blu, Sofitel
- Boutique Options: Hotel Edouard VII, Hotel de Silhouette
- Budget-Friendly: Hotel Palacito, Premiere Classe Biarritz
- Surf Camps: Surf Training House, Surf Hostel Biarritz
- Camping: Our top recommendation is Camping Pavillon Royal, located just south of Biarritz. Perfect for surfers seeking an outdoor experience with convenient beach access.
Beyond the Surf
The Biarritz region offers plenty for days when you’re not surfing:
- Cultural Exploration:Basque museums, historic sites, and traditional villages
- Gastronomy: World-class Basque cuisine featuring fresh seafood and local specialties
- Hiking: Spectacular coastal paths and nearby Pyrenees mountains
- Golf: Several championship courses within easy reach
- Shopping: Designer boutiques and local craft stores
- Day Trips: San Sebastian (Spain), Bayonne, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Essential gear and preparation
What to Pack
Wetsuit Guide:
- Summer (June-Sept): 2/2mm shorty or just boardshorts/swimsuit on warmer days
- Spring/Fall (April-May, Oct-Nov): 3/2mm fullsuit
- Winter (Dec-March): 4/3mm fullsuit with boots, gloves optional on coldest days
Check our full wetsuit guide
Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
Board Selection: Consider bringing multiple boards or renting locally
Safety Essentials: First aid kit, ding repair kit, spare leash
Local Surf Shops
- Hawaisurf Biarritz: Extensive selection of boards and equipment
- Quiksilver Store: Brand-name gear in the heart of town
- The Surfing Etcetera: Quality rentals and friendly local advice
- Pukas Surf Shop: Premium boards and knowledgeable staff
Conclusion
Surfing in Biarritz represents the perfect blend of world-class waves, cultural richness, and sophisticated amenities. From the gentle rollers of Hendaye to the powerful reef breaks of Guethary, the region offers an incredible diversity of surfing experiences all within a short drive.
Whether you’re taking your first steps into the surf world or seeking to challenge yourself on advanced breaks, Biarritz welcomes you with open arms and consistent waves. Come experience the magic where the Pyrenees meet the Atlantic, and discover why generations of surfers have fallen in love with this enchanting corner of France.
Have you surfed in Biarritz? Share your experiences in the comments below!
