Discover the best surf spots on the Landes coast and in the Basque Country. The gentle waves ofAnglet and the tubes ofHossegor are just waiting for you, while the beaches of Capbreton andOndres offer more demanding challenges. Explore the spots on the Côte des Basques, from Biarritz to Guéthary, via Bidart, before ending your surfing holiday at the legendary “Belharra” in Urrugne.
THE BEST SPOTS ON THE LANDES COAST
Hossegor
Our surf-trip begins in Hossegor, the surf capital of Europe. With its fast, hollow waves, Hossegor is a must for experienced surfers. The famous shore-break at La Gravière is one of the best-known spots in the South-West, offering thick, round tubes. But beware, La Gravière is reserved for experienced surfers, as waves can reach 4 to 5 metres in height.
Capbreton
Let’s continue our journey towards Capbreton a lively, authentic surfing town. Capbreton ‘s surf spots are numerous, but the one that makes wave hunters dream is Santocha (plage de la Savane). This multipics beach-break works at both high and low tide. It’s a pretty tough spot, so make sure you’re in good physical condition before throwing down your board.
Labenne
Just a few kilometers south of Capbreton, Labenne is the most southerly beach in the Landes. The Centrale spot is ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers, with gentle, consistent shore-break waves. The waves are quite small, between 1m and 1m50, but fun to ride on good swell days. The bar can be hard to pass. Beware also of the sometimes violent currents.
Ondres
Just a few kilometers from our Lou P’tit Poun campsite, Ondres is a popular spot for local surfers. The waves are generally powerful and hollow for experienced and expert riders. Facing due west, the beach effectively captures even the smallest swells. The spot works well at high tide and two hours before low tide. Beware: at full tide, the waves form particularly powerful shore-breaks.
Tarnos
In the far south of the Landes département, Tarnos is a lesser-known and less-touristy surf spot, but well worth a visit for surfers looking for tranquility and solid waves. The Métro beach and La Digue are for advanced surfers. The waves here are often bigger and more powerful than in Ondres or Labenne, but they’re also harder to surf. If you’re an experienced surfer looking for more challenging waves, Tarnos could be the place for you.
MYTHICAL SPOTS ON THE BASQUE COAST
Anglet
Nicknamed “Little California”, Anglet is home to surf spots for all levels. The Cavaliers beach spot is particularly popular, offering gentle, consistent waves that are perfect for beginner surfers. Advanced surfers will probably prefer the Chambre d’Amour spot, with its fast, hollow waves offering spectacular tubes.
Biarritz
Considered one of the world’s best surf spots, Biarritz is the historic surfing capital of Europe. Accessible to surfers of all levels, the Côte des Basques was the first place to witness the birth of surfing in France in the 1950s. La Grande Plage, La Milady and Miramar are also suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. Advanced surfers will find more powerful and demanding waves on Marbella’ s spots, which follow on from the Côte des Basques.
Bidart
A handful of kilometers south of Biarritz, Bidart enjoys an excellent reputation among surfers, with spots for all levels. Among them, Erretegia beach offers long, fast waves, with hollow sections and tight tubes. Advanced surfers will also appreciate the Parlementia spot, with its world-renowned left- and right-hand waves. The spot is more accessible in light swells.
Guéthary
In Guéthary, a well-known destination for lovers of big waves. The Lafitenia spot is a legendary spot on the Basque coast, reserved for the most seasoned surfers. At the southern end of Guéthary Cenitz is a surf spot for beginners and intermediate surfers. Also worth discovering is the Alcyons spot, a fairly hollow wave that breaks on the left.
Urrugne
We end our surf-trip in Urrugne, where the legendary “Belharra”, considered Europe’s biggest wave, breaks. Off the coast ofUrrugne, this giant 10 to 15-meter-high wave is only surfed by professionals towed by a water scooter (in town-in). For the others, see from the cliffs of the Corniche Basque between October and March.
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