Sopelana
Bilbao's surf beach: Arrietara and Atxabiribil, with peaks for every level.
Below the Sopela cliffs, Arrietara and Atxabiribil beaches form the main surf spot of the Bilbao area. Beach-break peaks over sand with some rock, hollow and fun, working with almost any north or north-west swell.
It's very consistent and has surf schools and a strong surf scene, so it fills up when the swell is right.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | NW, N |
| Best wind (offshore) | S, SE, SW |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 0.5–2 m |
| Best season | All year |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | Medium |
Surf forecast
Loading the forecast…
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; funboard for the small ones. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Sopelana
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
Lots of people and lifelong local surfers: respect priority and look for secondary peaks if you're still learning. The overall vibe is good.
Surfing style
Varied beach-break surfing with hollow sections.
Hazards
Crowds and some rock at low tide.
Map
Shapers near Sopelana
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Getxo / Sopela (Bizkaia)
A punchy beach break between Getxo and Sopela, with La Triangular, a classic rock right.
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.