Zarautz, located on Spain's northern coast just along from the more well-known San Sebastian, is home to some of the area's best surfing (if not some of the best in Europe!). Its long flat sandy beach is the perfect place to learn the technique while the waves are smaller in the summer - perfect for beginners (more experienced surfers should head there from September to May when waves are bigger and there are fewer crowds).
Away from the beach, the town has a lot to offer. Wander the medieval streets, try some of the excellent pintxos (Basque tapas) or enjoy the lively nightlife.
Thanks to its location on the Atlantic coast, the lush, green Basque country is cooler and wetter than the rest of Spain, so temperatures aren't as unbearably hot there as they can be in the south. Culturally distinct, it has its own language, cuisine and traditions and is a fascinating place to visit. If possible make time to see San Sebastian and/or Bilbao during your stay.
Surf camp near San Sebastian
This surf camp just outside San Sebastian is a great way to learn the basics of the sport and explore this fascinating corner of Spain. Stay at the surf hostel in Aia (15 minutes' drive from the town of Zarautz with its surfing beach), take 2 hours of lessons each morning, then eat lunch at the beach or back at the hostel and spend the afternoon as you wish; take a yoga lesson on the terrace, hike the hills behind the house, head back into Zarautz or nearby San Sebastian, or chill out and see what's on at the hostel; see below for a list of activities. Brilliant fun!
Highlights
- Learn to surf or improve your skills with a qualified instructor
- Discover the culture and cuisine of the Basque country
- Enjoy the friendly vibe at the surf hostel
Included
- Accommodation in mixed dorm room at surf hostel
- Healthy homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner every day
- Pick up from Zarautz train station on arrival day (details below)
- Daily transfers to and from Zarautz for surfing lessons
- Daily 2 hour surf lessons with wetsuit and board included
- Experienced surf guides and transfers to local beach break
- Local activities and party nights
- Daily yoga class with qualified instructor
- Guided hikes in the hills of the Pagoeta national park
- Access to equipment like yoga mats, skimboards, skateboards, half pipe, slackline, beach games and poi balls
- Free unlimited beer, sangria, and traditional Basque sidra for your entire stay
- 2 professional surf photos
- Surf theory lesson - Get the upper hand with some extra surf knowledge
Excluded
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Beverages not specified above
- Anything not specified above
- Insurance
Extra activities include:
• Unlimited beer and sangria (€10/night),
• Van Surfari Spain & France upgrade (€10 surcharge - available for groups on request)
• BBQ in the forest and Casa
• Guided hiking with wine and cheese at the top of the mountain with amazing views
• Wine and cheese events with no hiking involved
• Sporting competitions such as rugby, oz-tag, touch, surf comps, basketball, handball and more
• Day trips to Biarritz, Hossegor, Mundaka, Game of Thrones locations Zumaia and Bakio
• Paintball
• Horse riding through the national park
• Sidra House dinners (unlimited cider and 4 course basque dinner in great old traditional house in the Sidra District)
• San Sebastian pintxos tours
• San Sebastian pub crawl
• Photo packages
• Winery tour (local wine called txakoli)
• Paragliding
• Cliff jumping
• Private surf lessons (€20)
Please Note
Pick ups from Zarautz station are at 9am, 1pm and 7 pm. Please let us know your travel plans at least 24 hours beforehand if you require a pick up.
Restrictions
As you would expect, a moderate level of swimming ability is required.
Extras/Upgrades
If you don't want to surf but are travelling with people who do, just let us know before you book, we can organise a Spanish language course and paella cooking class among other activities. Price available on request.
This colourful surf hostel located in Aia (30 mins by car from San Sebastian) offers basic, no frills accommodation for budget travellers in the heart of the Basque countryside.
You will sleep in mixed dorm rooms with bunk beds, with non feather pillows and sleeping bags provided (you can always bring your own if you prefer). There are communal bathrooms and towels are provided. Free WiFi is available.
There is a large communal area with bar, shared kitchen and a washing machine is available.
A healthy, homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided (all dietary requirements catered for on request) and there are regular activities and events organised like yoga lessons, Spanish language classes, movie nights, pub crawls, and cultural tours (see overview tab for add-ons).
Please note if you have allergies that there are a cat and dog resident on site.
Nearest Airport: Biarritz airport (1 hour)
Other airports: Bilbao airport (1 hour)
By Car
From Biarritz take A63/E5/E70/E80 from Boulevard Marcel Dassault/D810. Follow A63/E5/E70/E80 and AP-8 to Irita Kalea. Take exit 38 from AP-8. Follow N-634 to GI-2631 in Aia
By Public Transport
There are hourly buses from Bilbao airport to Zarautz.
From Biarritz airport take a French SNCF train to Hendaye, change to the nearby Euskotren station (located just outside the SNCF station) and take an Euskotren to San Pelaio, Zarautz.
It is possible to arrange a pick up by the hostel from San Pelaio station in Zarautz at 9am, 1pm and 7pm. Please confirm your pick up at least 24 hours in advance.
By Private Transfer
Taxi available outside airport, private transfer from groups available on request.
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