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The coastal geology of Cantabria is slightly less abrupt than that of the Basque coast, so it has a multitude of good beachbreaks but a smaller number of good reefs. Therefore, big winter swells are not appreciated here quite as much and the best spots are those that work on small to medium swells. Cantabria also has a number of areas where one can find smaller, cleaner waves in huge storms or strong W to NW winds. There are one or two big-wave spots like the excellent righthander of Santa Marina. The number of surfers per kilometre of coastline is much smaller than in the Basque Country. Unfortunately, however, locals tend to be more aggressive, particularly at a few places such as El Brusco. Surfboards are mainly shortboards, although a medium gun might be required a few days of the year. Star-rated spots include Liencres, a series of excellent and consistent beachbreaks, El Brusco, a hollow beachbreak and Santa Marina, which can be ridden up to around 15' (5m). Summer is a good time of year in Cantabria, with open west-facing coasts west of Santander working well on small swells.
When to Go
Surf Spots
Statistics |
J
|
F
|
M
|
A
|
M
|
J
|
J
|
A
|
S
|
O
|
N
|
D
|
| dominant swell |
NW -N |
NW -N |
NW -N |
NW -N |
NW -N |
NW -N |
| swell size (ft) |
5-6 |
4-5 |
3-4 |
2 |
4-5 |
5-6 |
| consistency (%) |
70 |
70 |
55 |
40 |
70 |
70 |
| dominant wind |
W -NW |
W -NW |
W -NW |
W -NW |
NE -E |
W -NW |
| average force |
F5 |
F5 |
F4 |
F3 |
F3 |
F5 |
| consistency (%) |
36 |
37 |
38 |
39 |
31 |
40 |
| water temp (C) |
12 |
13 |
15 |
19 |
17 |
14 |
| wetsuit |
4/3 |
4/3 |
3/2 |
3/2 |
3/2 |
4/3 |
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Travel Information
Weather
The climate is humid, with mild, year round temps, however weather patterns are unstable. Summer days are temperate, hovering around 25ºC (77ºF), but often cloudy. Winters are very mild and rainy, even though the mountains may be cloaked in snow. Spring remains overcast but heats up quickly. A 4/3mm winter suit will cover the coldest months, along with booties and a helmet for the rocks. During summer, a light steamer - springsuit combo will be needed as it gets colder further west. Spring thaws at the rivermouths are freezing!
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Lodging and Food
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Nature and Culture
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