Cantabria
Slowing down the travel along the coast of Cantabria in Spain to see century old sights and go for loads of surf sessions. This is also the area, where I’ve spent most of my time, because there is just so much to explore!
For more general information about surfing and living in a car in Spain head over to the Introduction Page: The Atlantic Coast.
Islares
Cute Village surrounded by though looking mountains with a cool ruin that’s accessible during lowtide. It is a good stopping point along the highway for some snacks and a surf session.
The beach is protected and will serve fun waves during bigger conditions, but it is not the most consistent.
Noja
A cool stopping point on the way without surf, but with very interesting stone formations in the water. A little bit how I imagine Icebergs washing a shore in Greenland.
Langre
To feel connected to nature and the sometimes rough sea, this is the place to be. The surfspot is framed by cliffs with a nice path on top, which takes you along some corn fields, while having a constant view of the ocean. There is free parking without a height limitation with the view of the surfspot. But every time I was there it was super windy.
LOredo
Small city with loads of surfers and a wide beach break in front of a free, two meter height limited parking spot, that’s busy during the day. Latas Surf Lodge has a very nice Café with decent WiFi and cheap Coffee. There are a couple bars with a nice mix of locals, tourists and beer for 1,50€.
Santander
The last big city, on the way west. I would only visit it, if you really like lighthouses, because parking is hellish. It is surrounded by a big commercial area, which is awesome to stock up on things like camping gas or car wheels, or anything else you can imagine.
Liencres
Driving from Santander through forests arriving at the beach and parking for free in the dunes with a view of the partly rock-filled sea feels magical. There is always a big van community, so to meet people and have a chat definitely check it out.
The surfspot can get crowded from visitors from Santander (Localism ;)), especially with good weather. There are two breaks, one over sand and a peeling Left over reef.
comillas
A touristy town rich with beautiful buildings. There is a remarkable house designed by Gaudi, directly next to a palace with it’s own church overlooking the village over to the university. Try to park you car before you get into the town center, but the prices are acceptable at 60ct per hour.
San Vincente de la Barquerra
On the foot of the Picos de Europe lays this gorgeous medieval looking town. It trumps with a wide, sandy surf beach(Gerra) and cute alleys to explore. The Surf is very consistent, there is always people to chat to and as it is a bit further west most people aren’t stressed, but enjoying the middle of their holiday.
Fuente Dé
If the waves are flat for more than a day make sure to visit the Picos de Europe. The most accessible spot to get up high the mountains is Fuente Dé, where a Gondola takes you up to 1800m. The imminent area offers mountain lakes, small fields of snow and amazing views over the mountains. The drive into the country side takes 1.5 hours, but it is filled with gorgeous views already.
