Liencres (Valdearenas)
The most consistent, powerful wave near Santander, inside the Liencres Dunes natural park.
Valdearenas beach, inside the Liencres Dunes natural park, picks up almost any north or north-west swell. The wave breaks hard over sandbanks with some rock below, and on good days it offers long lefts and rights.
For many it's the best wave around Santander, and that comes at a price: it's already busy on weekdays and packed at weekends.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | N, NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | S, SE, SW |
| Tide | Mid to high, rising |
| Size | 0.5–2.5 m |
| Best season | All year |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | Medium |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
Shortboard or fish for most days; in summer, when the swell is small, a funboard will get you more waves. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Liencres (Valdearenas)
The water is around 12 °C in winter and 20 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
There are lifelong local surfers and lots of people in the water: reports mention some localism on the main peaks. Respect priority, don't drop in and look for secondary peaks if you're still learning.
Surfing style
Powerful, varied beach-break surfing: turns and hollow sections on the good banks.
Hazards
Strong currents, especially near the Pas river mouth, and crowds.
Map
Shapers near Liencres (Valdearenas)
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Suances
Suances' quiet beach by the estuary: gentle waves to learn on.
Suances
Suances' surfiest beach: long peaks, a channel to paddle out and a hollow right by the cliff.
Suances
A powerful reef below the Suances cliffs, for experienced surfers on swell days.
Santander
A sheltered Santander cove that becomes a fun plan B on big days.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.