In Asturias, the mountains run close to the coast, creating a rugged, difficult to access coastline of sheer cliffs and steep-sided valleys. Small offshore islets interfere with the swell and many rocky coves have poor waves, but there are some excellent west-facing beachbreaks that are offshore in the summer NE sea breezes. Regional classic rivermouth Rodiles works on larger autumn to winter swells so there is usually something to surf all-year-round.
When to Go
Swells arrive from the W and then shift to the NW and even due N while the low pressures track eastwards. Winds will start SW, sometimes at gale-force, before clocking W then NW as the front goes by. Summers suffer long flat spells and the light afternoon sea breeze is NW-NE. High pressure means constant S-SE in winter and morning offshores that can whistle down the valleys. Autumn is the best season but Dec-March can be a consistent period, with cool weather and potential for perfect surf. Tidal variation is huge (up to 4.15m), keeping surf session windows brief.
Surf Spots
Statistics |
J
|
F
|
M
|
A
|
M
|
J
|
J
|
A
|
S
|
O
|
N
|
D
|
dominant swell |
W -N |
W -N |
W -N |
W -N |
W -N |
W -N |
swell size (ft) |
5-6 |
4-5 |
3-4 |
2-3 |
4-5 |
5-6 |
consistency (%) |
80 |
70 |
60 |
50 |
70 |
80 |
dominant wind |
SW -NW |
SW -NW |
NW -NE |
NW -NE |
W -NE |
SW -NW |
average force |
F4-F5 |
F4-F5 |
F4 |
F3-F4 |
F4-F5 |
F4-F5 |
consistency (%) |
69 |
76 |
58 |
62 |
46 |
72 |
water temp (C) |
12 |
13 |
15 |
19 |
17 |
14 |
wetsuit |
4/3 |
4/3 |
3/2 |
3/2 |
3/2 |
4/3 |
|
Travel Information
Weather
The climate is humid, with mild, year-round temps, however weather patterns are unstable. Summer days are often cloudy and winters are very mild and rainy, even though the mountains may be cloaked in snow. A 4/3mm suit will cover all but the coldest winter days and spring thaws at the freezing rivermouths. During summer, a light steamer/springsuit combo will be needed as it gets colder further west.
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Lodging and Food
Almost every Spanish beach has a campground with amenities: Rodiles has 3! They are cheap and very lively in summer. If you want to stay dry, look for pensions (P), hostels (Hs), or hotels (H) depending on budget. Beach hotels tend to be expensive. Meals cost $18. Local tapas are tasty, but they can leave an empty stomach and wallet!
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Nature and Culture
Asturias offers 9th century “prerománica” architecture, in the old part of the Principado capital, Oviedo (with its Gothic cathedral) and Avilés. Check the high Picos de Europa (Covadonga), enjoy local music and apple cider fiestas in fall.
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