From Peña Txuri Surf Eskola, we’ve always believed surfing has no borders. Our passion for this sport has taken us along the Atlantic, and Galicia is one of those places that sticks with you: wild nature, fishing villages, endless cliffs, and waves that—when wind and tide line up—test you and gift you sessions you won’t forget. This is our Galicia surf guide, built so you can plan your surf trip smart and hit the water ready to enjoy.
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Galicia, a surfers’ paradise in Northern Spain
Galicia offers more than 1,400 km of coastline open to the Atlantic, with beaches facing every direction. What does that mean for you? Consistent swell for much of the year and a variety of peaks to suit different levels. In a single day you can find quick shorebreaks in the Rías Baixas and longer open faces further north. If you’re coming from the Basque Country, you’ll love the sense of space, the untouched scenery, and the option to rotate between spots with less crowd. Heads up though: the water is cool and the tide rules.
What makes Galicia’s coast unique for surfing
- Real variety: long sandy beaches, mixed bottoms, and peaks for every level.
- Chilled vibe: friendlier lineups (respect always first).
- Nature: dunes, forests, and cliffs right by the shore—every session feels like a mini adventure.
Differences and similarities with the Basque Country
On big days, Pantín can feel like the power of our best days in Sopelana, and Razo has that “friendly” open-beach feeling we love at home. The main difference is water temperature and tidal influence, which really dictate when and where to paddle out. Want a detailed comparison with our home breaks? Check our guide to the best Basque Country surf beaches.
Best beaches to surf in Galicia
Razo Beach: consistency and a laid‑back vibe
Razo (Carballo, A Coruña) is the definition of a “trusty” beach. Sand bottom, multiple peaks spread along a huge stretch, and user‑friendly waves when the ocean gets organized. Small days are a playground for beginners; with medium swell you’ll get long walls to work lines and carves; and with solid swell—if the bank cooperates—sections run faster than they look from shore. The key is to move and read where each bank is best according to tide: mid‑tide pushing in is often sweet.
If you’re taking your first steps and want a solid base before the trip, we recommend our first surfing course. You’ll feel the difference in paddling, take‑off and positioning—and you’ll make the most of Razo from session one.
Pantín: Galicia’s competition mecca
Pantín (Valdoviño) is the real deal. It funnels swell beautifully and, with favorable wind, offers punch and clean faces for maneuvers and barrels. No wonder it hosts a classic competition: it’s demanding and technical. Intermediates will need sharp reading, positioning and commitment at the drop. With mid tides and a lined‑up NE wind, we’ve scored textbook sessions. Tip: warm up, watch the lineup for 10 minutes, and spot the bank that’s opening most consistently.
If you’re linking waves but need to polish timing, reading and speed, our intermediate (perfectioning) program helps you lock in technique and squeeze the most from Pantín‑type conditions.
Patos Beach: punchy waves over rock
Patos (Nigrán) gets straight to the point: rocky bottom, punchy waves and sections that demand precision. On good days it offers short, fast barrels; with crosswind it forces you to sharpen your reading and wave choice. Not ideal for learning, and with tide and current you need respect. If you’re into adrenaline, you’ll smile here. Gear tip: a responsive board with finer rails and slightly stiffer fins to hold the face.
For surfers chasing a technical edge and keen to refine lines in powerful conditions, our high‑performance / competition approach fits like a glove.
Doniños: wide, multi‑peak, and welcoming
Doniños (Ferrol) is one of those beaches where there’s always a plan. A long two‑kilometer bay, shifting sandbanks, and plenty of peaks to spread out. It handles N and NW swells well, and NE/SE winds usually groom it. Ideal days to learn bank reading, practice positioning, and pick less crowded peaks. Walk 5–10 minutes from the main access and the crowd thins—hidden gems await.
A Lanzada: versatility with views of the Ons Islands
Between Sanxenxo and O Grove, A Lanzada is pure Galician postcard: dunes, wooden walkways, and peaks for every taste along more than two kilometers. It works across most tides (best on low pushing if you want extra spark) and turns on with a light NE breeze. Small days are school‑friendly; medium swell is all‑round fun; big swell calls for selection—and early starts.
Sabón: varied peaks, easy access
Sabón (Arteixo) is a practical, go‑to beach: sand bottom, several peaks, showers and easy access. Super thankful with medium swell and S–SE winds. Perfect for “putting in the hours” and building technique without burning out on paddles.
O Rostro: wild nature and solid surf
In Fisterra, O Rostro is pure wild Galicia. Open beach, dramatic setting, and waves that reward patience for the right set. Best with NE/SE/E winds and mid to high tide. With big swell it can get heavy—be prudent and keep a plan B handy.
Lariño: hollow shorebreak for barrel lovers
Carnota guards this gem. Lariño is a fast, hollow shorebreak with right and left peaks; the section in front of the lighthouse is coveted. Mixed bottom—so keep a cool head when choosing sections—and bring a board that planes early. Shines with NE winds and mid/high tide.
Montalvo: quick tubes in the Rías Baixas
Sanxenxo also has its barrel park. Montalvo is short and punchy when banks align, with N/NE wind and N–NW swell. For intermediate and up—ideal to train fast take‑offs and line escapes.
Area Maior: long rights by Louro lagoon
Muros steals hearts. Area Maior offers several peaks along the bay, with a signature right near the start of the beach. In autumn and spring, with E/NE winds, you’ll find clean walls to flow. Usually fewer people than other beaches—great to stack relaxed sessions.
A Buraca: technical, uncrowded wave
Before Cabo Estai (Vigo area), A Buraca breaks over rock and requires knowing the access and lineup markers. Medium‑length waves, with a longer left and a right with more face. Go with a buddy and give the place due respect.
A Tóxica: only for the very experienced
Between O Portiño and the Bens water treatment plant, A Tóxica is a serious slab: rock bottom, tricky access, and thank‑you‑but‑brutal barrels. Come with experience, a cool head, and gear that can take a beating. If you’re hesitating—it’s not the day.
Tips for surfing in Galicia
Pick the spot by level and conditions
Galicia is an all‑you‑can‑surf buffet, but the forecast sets the menu: swell direction and period, wind, and tide. If you’re learning, prioritize wide sandy beaches and forgiving peaks (Razo, Doniños, A Lanzada) and avoid slabs or rocky bottoms until you’re confident. To learn how to read forecasts and make good calls, check our guide to sea conditions for surfing.
Essential gear for Galicia’s Atlantic
The water is cool most of the year: bring the right wetsuit for the season (3/2 mm in warm summer spells; 4/3 mm for most of the year; 5/4 mm with hood if you feel the cold in winter), booties, and cold‑water wax. Unsure about thickness or sizing? Here’s how to choose your surfing wetsuit. Traveling light and want to test gear before the trip? Consider renting and trying fins/boards with us so you arrive dialed.
Safety and respect in the water
Always follow lineup etiquette: priority, don’t drop in, communicate your line, and care for the environment. Galicia has rips and strong tides: watch the lineup for 10 minutes before paddling out, locate channels, and mark shore references. Revisit our rules for respect & safety and, if a rip grabs you, remember these steps to escape a rip current.
Beyond the waves
Part of Galicia’s magic is on land: seafood that tastes like the ocean, pulpo á feira, fishing villages made for post‑surf strolls, cliff paths at sunset, and viewpoints that leave you speechless. Plan your sessions so you can also enjoy the surroundings—reset and head back out with a fresh grin.
Put Galicia on your surf map
If you’re after a destination with character, authenticity, and variety, Galicia should be high on your list. We go back whenever we can: every trip teaches us something—about reading the ocean, about patience, and about enjoying surfing in its most natural form. If you want to arrive with solid technique and smart tactics to squeeze every session, come train with us in Sopelana.
Planning a longer escape or want a progression plan with a team that guides you in and out of the water? Our training camps are built for exactly that: technique, ocean reading, fitness, and coached sessions—so you hit Galicia (or any destination) brimming with confidence.