La Salvaje (Barinatxe)
A punchy beach break between Getxo and Sopela, with La Triangular, a classic rock right.
Barinatxe, better known as La Salvaje, is an exposed, powerful beach with sand and rock banks. Lefts dominate on the beach, while the rocky areas favour rights.
La Triangular, its best-known peak, is a local classic and holds plenty of size. Parking and access are easy.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | NW, N |
| Best wind (offshore) | S, SE |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 1–2.5 m (La Triangular holds more) |
| 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: a powerful wave that calls for a manoeuvrable board. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf La Salvaje (Barinatxe)
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 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
It's the home break of many local surfers: a good vibe if you respect the order and don't drop in, especially at La Triangular.
Surfing style
Powerful beach and reef surfing.
Hazards
Crowds (some suggest a helmet on busy days) and rocks.
Map
Shapers near La Salvaje (Barinatxe)
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Sopela (Bizkaia)
Bilbao's surf beach: Arrietara and Atxabiribil, with peaks for every level.
Sopelana / Barrika (Bizkaia)
Bizkaia's big-wave right, breaking over a rock slab.
Plentzia (Bizkaia)
Plentzia's sheltered bay: the plan B when the rest of Bizkaia is maxed out.
Bakio (Bizkaia)
A fast, hollow beach break, with a long right by Peña Roja.
All spots in the Basque Country (Spain) →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.