Sopelana
Sopelana is Bilbao's go-to surf beach—a cliff-backed stretch of sand easily accessible by metro from the city, where multiple peaks offer options for surfers of varying abilities. The convenience of urban access means crowds, especially given the region's passionate surf culture, but the beach is long enough to find space. The dramatic cliff backdrop adds visual drama to every session, while nearby cafes and changing facilities provide creature comforts. For visitors to Bilbao seeking a surf fix, Sopelana delivers reliable waves within easy reach of the Guggenheim.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Direction range
- 285° - 350°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 140° - 220°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.8m
Water temp
15°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
7/10
👥 Semana Santa (Mar 28 – Apr 6) — expect extra crowds
Access: Metro accessible from Bilbao.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, Sep
Winter best. Close to Bilbao.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Sopelana
🚇 Bilbao's metro surf • Urban intensity • Reef & beach combo
Menakoz
💀 Basque heavy water • Big-wave reef • Experts only
Punta Galea
🌊 Europe's big wave coliseum • 50-foot faces • BWC venue
Mundaka
🌊 Europe's best barrel • Medieval Basque village • 400m of tube time
Somo
🇪🇸 Cantabrian gateway • Ferry-access adventure • All-levels beach
Loredo
🌊 Cantabrian space • Multiple peaks • Somo alternative