Surfing in Cantabria: 7 must-visit beaches

Cantabria is one of Spain’s most iconic surfing destinations. With over 100 beaches spread across 220 kilometres of coastline, the region offers waves for all levels, all year round. In this comprehensive guide, we reveal  the 7 best surfing beaches in Cantabria  and tell you the best time to visit them based on sea conditions and your surfing ability.

Why is Cantabria a top surfing destination?

Cantabria has a surfing tradition dating back to the 1960s, when Jesús Fiochi, a native of Santander, brought the first surfboards back from France. Since then, the region has established itself as a breeding ground for elite surfers, both nationally and internationally.

What makes surfing in Cantabria so special?

• Consistency of the waves:  Over 300 days of waves a year at many spots
• A variety of beaches:  from vast stretches of sand to secluded coves
• Different levels :  spots for beginners, intermediate and expert divers
• Natural environment:  Spectacular landscapes between the mountains and the sea
• Temperature:  Suitable for surfing all year round with the right wetsuit.
• Surf culture:  a vibrant and welcoming local community

1. Somo and Loredo Beach: 

Key features

Somo and Loredo form a stretch of sand  over 7 kilometres long  that links the two towns.   Spain’s premier surfing spot , this beach is undoubtedly the epicentre of surfing in Cantabria.

Technical specifications:

• Location:  Ribamontán al Mar, 15 minutes from Santander
• Length:  7 km (Somo + Loredo)
• Orientation:  North, facing the open sea
• Seabed type:  Sand
• Level:  All levels
• Favourable wind:  South-east (offshore)
• Ideal swell:  North, North-West

Top surf spots

• El Barco:  The most popular spot in Somo. Located near the old quay, it offers great waves breaking to the right and left. It is usually very busy, especially in summer.
• Former campsite:  Several spots suitable for different tides and swells. Ideal for spreading out when it’s busy.
• Loredo Centro :  Calmer waves, ideal for beginners. The beach is more sheltered and the waves are generally gentler.

When is the best time to go surfing in Somo and Loredo?

• Spring (March–May):  Excellent for all ability levels. Waves of 0.5–1.5 m, water still cold (12–15 °C), fewer people than in summer.
• Summer (June–August) :  High season. Ideal for beginners with gentle waves of 0.3 to 1 m. A lively, multicultural atmosphere. Water temperature: 18–20°C. Very busy!
• Autumn (September–November):  the best time of year, according to the experts. Consistent waves of 1–2 m (reaching up to 3 m), fewer people, and frequent offshore conditions. Water temperature: 15 to 18°C.
• Winter (December–February):  For experienced surfers only. Powerful waves of 2 to 6 metres. Frequented only by locals and keen surfers. Water temperature: 11–13°C.

Facilities and services

Somo and Loredo are brimming with surf schools, equipment hire, showers, car parks, surf houses, restaurants and bars. We have three spots in this area, all fully equipped for surfers.

Recommendation:Somo and Loredo are our playground. We know every spot, every tide, every condition. If you want to enjoy an authentic Cantabrian surfing experience, this is the ideal destination.

2. Liencres Beach (Canallave and Valdearenas): A surfer’s paradise

Key features

Located just 14 km from Santander, Liencres is one of the most popular surfing spots in Cantabria. Nestled in the heart of the  Liencres Dunes Natural Park , it offers a unique setting where surfing meets unspoilt nature.

Technical specifications:

• Location:  Piélagos, 14 km from Santander
• Length:  3 km (the two beaches are connected)
• Direction:  North
• Seabed type:  Sand
• Level:  Beginner to advanced
• Favourable wind:  South-east
• Ideal swell:  North-west

The two faces of Liencres

Canallave Beach:  More exposed and with stronger waves. Ideal for intermediate and experienced surfers. It offers left- and right-hand breaks, the position of which varies depending on the sandbank.

Valdearenas Beach:  The longest (3 km), with various points of interest along its length:

• The showers:  spacious, user-friendly and comfortable on the right
• La Copa:  Right and left, the best performance at high tide

When is the best time to go surfing in Liencres?

Best time to visit:  spring and summer (April–August)

Liencres is renowned as one of the best surfing spots in spring and summer. The conditions there are ideal for learning and improving.

• Waves:  from 0.5 m to 2 m, very versatile
• Water temperature:  14 to 20 °C depending on the season
• Traffic:  Heavy, especially in July and August
• Recommended wetsuit:4/3 mm in spring, 3/2 mm in summer

It also performs well in autumn and winter , although the waves are bigger and the conditions more challenging.

Why choose Liencres?

The natural setting is spectacular. The dunes, designated a natural monument, form a unique landscape. What’s more, the beach offers plenty of places to sit, making it easy to find a spot even when it’s busy.

3. Los Locos Beach (Suances): The Experts’ Challenge

Key features

Los Locos is one of the most respected and feared beaches in Cantabria. The name says it all: this spot offers powerful, fast and tubular waves that attract experienced surfers from all over Europe.

Technical specifications:

• Location:  Suances, 30 km from Santander
• Length:  750 metres
• Orientation:  North-facing
• Seabed type:  Sandy with rocky areas
• Level:  Intermediate to advanced
• Favourable wind:  North-east
• Ideal swell:  North, North-West, West

Characteristics of waves

Los Locos offers plenty of high-quality breaks, both left- and right-handers. The waves here are renowned for their power and their ability to form barrels in ideal conditions. It is a highly technical spot that requires experience, good physical fitness and a sound understanding of the currents.

When is the best time to go surfing at Los Locos?

Best time to visit:  autumn and winter (September–March)

Los Locos really comes into its own when the Atlantic swell is strong:

• Waves:  1.5 m to 3 m (can exceed 4 m on days with a strong swell)
• Conditions:  Offshore with north-easterly winds
• Required level:  Advanced
• Neoprene:  4/3 mm in autumn, 5/4 mm with hood in winter

In summer :  it’s still good, but the waves are smaller (0.5–1.5 metres). Perfect for intermediate surfers looking to improve. However, the beach gets very busy at this time of year. 

Important considerations

Los Locos has a very strong local culture. Please respect the surfing etiquette: don’t cut in on others and wait your turn. The local community is very knowledgeable and knows the spot inside out. Watch from the beach first before going into the water.

Alternatives to Suances:  If Los Locos is too big or too crowded, the beaches at La Concha and La Tablía offer a more relaxed atmosphere in the same town.

4. Berria Beach (Santoña): The jewel of the east

Key features

Stretching for over  2 kilometres , Berria is one of the most spectacular beaches in Cantabria. Located in Santoña, it offers an exceptional natural setting and excellent waves, suitable for all levels.

Technical specifications:

• Location:Santoña, 50 km from Santander
• Length:  2.2 km
• Exposure:  Very north-facing
• Seabed type:  Sand
• Level:  All levels
• Favourable wind:  South, South-East
• Ideal swell:  North, North-West

Characteristics of waves

Berria is a very versatile spot that offers different types of waves depending on the tide:

• Low tide:  Powerful, round waves, ideal for intermediate and experienced surfers.
• High tide:  Gentler waves, perfect for beginners

The length of the beach means there’s plenty of room for surfers to spread out, making it comfortable even when it’s crowded.

When is the best time to go surfing in Berria?

Best time to visit:  All year round

Berria is one of the few places in Cantabria that is open  all year round  and offers impeccable quality :

Spring–Summer (April–August):

• Waves: 0.5 m – 1.5 m
• Ideal for beginners and intermediate users
• Water temperature: 14–20°C
• Neoprene: 4/3 mm to 3/2 mm

Autumn–Winter (September–March):

• Waves: 1–3 m
• Steady swell
• Water temperature: 11–15°C
• Neoprene: 5/4 mm with accessories

Why choose Berria?

The beach boasts spectacular surroundings, with views of Mount Buciero and the Santoña marshes. It experiences swells in both winter and summer, guaranteeing waves almost all year round. The tides have less of an influence here than at other spots.

5. Langre Beach: The best-kept secret

Key features

Langre is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved beaches in Cantabria. Surrounded by  impressive cliffs  and offering a more intimate and natural atmosphere, it is the ideal destination for surfers seeking peace and tranquillity.

Technical specifications:

• Location:  Ribamontán al Monte, near Somo
• Length:  400 metres
• Direction:  North
• Seabed type:  Sand and rocks
• Level:  Intermediate to advanced
• Favourable wind:  South, South-East
• Ideal swell:  North-west

Characteristics of waves

Langre offers powerful, consistent waves, especially in winter. The cliffs surrounding the beach create unique conditions that can generate large waves even in moderate swells.

When is the best time to go surfing in Langre?

Best time to visit:  autumn and winter (September–February)

Langre reveals its true character when the Atlantic swells crash in with force:

• Waves:  1 to 3 m (may be much higher in stormy conditions)
• Required level:  Intermediate-advanced
• Water:  11–16°C
• Neoprene wetsuit  5/4 mm with booties, gloves and hood

Summer:  The waves are smaller, but the beach is ideal for enjoying the surroundings. Less suitable for serious surfing.

Why choose Langre?

The scenery is spectacular. The cliffs, unspoilt nature and peaceful atmosphere make Langre a magical place. It’s the ideal spot for surfers looking for a more authentic, less touristy experience. However, access is via a flight of steps, so be prepared to carry your board.

6. Oyambre Beach: Surfing in the nature reserve

Key features

Oyambre Beach is located in the  Oyambre Natural Park , near San Vicente de la Barquera. This vast stretch of sand combines unspoilt nature with gentle waves, making it ideal for beginners and those seeking a more peaceful setting. 

Technical specifications:

• Location:San Vicente de la Barquera, western Cantabria
• Length:  1.5 km
• Direction:  West
• Seabed type:  Sand
• Level:  Beginner to Intermediate
• Favourable wind:  East
• Ideal swell:  North-west, West

Characteristics of waves

Oyambre offers gentle, consistent waves, ideal for beginners. The beach is less exposed than other spots in eastern Cantabria, making it perfect when the swell is too strong at Somo or Liencres.

When is the best time to go surfing in Oyambre?

Best time to visit:  spring, summer and autumn (April–October)

Oyambre is ideal for beginner surfers or those looking for calmer waves:

• Waves:  0.3 m – 1.2 m
• Profile:  Smooth, long and predictable
• Water:  14 to 19 °C depending on the season
• Neoprene:  4/3 mm in spring/autumn, 3/2 mm in summer

In winter:  the beach may be closed in the event of heavy swells. It is best to choose other locations during this period.

Why choose Oyambre?

The natural setting is one of the most spectacular in Cantabria. The natural park, the breathtaking views of the Picos de Europa and the tranquillity of the area make Oyambre an ideal destination for a relaxing surfing holiday. What’s more, it’s less crowded than Somo or Liencres.

7. Laredo Beach: The giant of winter surfing

Key features

Stretching for  5 kilometres , Laredo is one of the longest beaches in Spain. Historically renowned as a leading surfing destination, this beach offers exceptional conditions, particularly when the rest of the coastline is closed due to storms.

Technical specifications:

• Location:  Laredo
• Length:  5 km
• Facing:  East (more sheltered)
• Seabed type:  Sand
• Level:  Beginner to Intermediate
• Favourable wind:  South-westerly
• Ideal swell:  North, North-West (filtered)

Characteristics of waves

Laredo Beach faces east, which makes it more sheltered than the others. That’s why it’s ideal in rough seas. The waves there are generally smaller and gentler than elsewhere.

Zone des Pins:  The best spot for beginners, with gentle waves and a consistently sandy seabed.

When is the best time to go surfing in Laredo?

Best time to visit:  winter (December–March)

Laredo shines when the rest of the coast is closed:

• Conditions:  If there’s a storm in Somo, Liencres or Los Locos, Laredo offers surfable waves.
• Waves:  0.5 m – 1.5 m (rarely exceeding 2 m)
• Level:  Ideal for beginners and intermediate users
• Water:  11–13°C
• Neoprene:  5/4 mm full-suit

Summer :  is nice too, even if the waves are usually very small. The beach is then packed with tourists.

Why choose Laredo?

It is Cantabria’s go-to beach. When other spots are off-limits due to storms, Laredo always offers a great alternative for surfing. What’s more, the town boasts a rich history, a charming seafront promenade and excellent cuisine.