Surf camp in the Basque Country

Surf camp near San Sebastian

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This surf camp just outside San Sebastian is a great way to learn the basics of the sport and explore this fascinating corner of Spain. Stay at the surf hostel in Aia (15 minutes' drive from the town of Zarautz with its surfing beach), take 2 hours of lessons each morning, then eat lunch at the beach or back at the hostel and spend the afternoon as you wish; take a yoga lesson on the terrace, hike the hills behind the house, head back into Zarautz or nearby San Sebastian, or chill out and see what's on at the hostel; see below for a list of activities. Brilliant fun!

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Extra activities include: • Unlimited beer and sangria (€15/night), • Van Surfari Spain & France upgrade (€10 surcharge - available for groups on request) • BBQ in the forest and Casa • Guided hiking with wine and cheese at the top of the mountain with amazing views • Wine and cheese events with no hiking involved • Sporting competitions such as rugby, oz-tag, touch, surf comps, basketball, handball and more • Day trips to Biarritz, Hossegor, Mundaka, Game of Thrones locations Zumaia and Bakio • Paintball • Horse riding through the national park • Sidra House dinners (unlimited cider and 4 course basque dinner in great old traditional house in the Sidra District) • San Sebastian pintxos tours • San Sebastian pub crawl • Photo packages • Winery tour (local wine called txakoli) • Paragliding • Cliff jumping • Private surf lessons (€25)

Get ready to explore

Learn to surf or improve your skills with a qualified instructor

Discover the culture and cuisine of the Basque country

Enjoy the friendly vibe at the surf hostel

Included

Accommodation in mixed dorm room at surf hostel

Healthy homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner every day

Pick up from Zarautz train station on arrival day (details below)

Daily transfers to and from Zarautz for surfing lessons

Intro surf lesson

Daily surf guiding with wetsuit and board included

Experienced surf guides and transfers to local beach break

Local activities and party nights

Daily yoga class with qualified instructor

Guided hikes in the hills of the Pagoeta national park

Access to equipment like yoga mats, skimboards, skateboards, half pipe, slackline, beach games and poi balls

For a min 7 night stay:

Free unlimited beer for your entire stay

2 professional surf photos

Surf theory lesson - Get the upper hand with some extra surf knowledge

Excluded

Flights

Airport transfers

Beverages not specified above

Anything not specified above

Insurance

Accommodation

This colourful surf hostel located in Aia (30 mins by car from San Sebastian) offers basic, no frills accommodation for budget travellers in the heart of the Basque countryside. You will sleep in mixed dorm rooms with bunk beds, with non feather pillows and sleeping bags provided (you can always bring your own if you prefer). There are communal bathrooms and towels are provided. Free WiFi is available. There is a large communal area with bar, shared kitchen and a washing machine is available. A healthy, homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided (all dietary requirements catered for on request) and there are regular activities and events organised like yoga lessons, Spanish language classes, movie nights, pub crawls, and cultural tours (see overview tab for add-ons). Please note if you have allergies that there are a cat and dog resident on site.

Location

Zarautz, located on Spain’s northern coast just along from the more well-known San Sebastian, is home to some of the area’s best surfing (if not some of the best in Europe!). Its long flat sandy beach is the perfect place to learn the technique while the waves are smaller in the summer – perfect for beginners (more experienced surfers should head there from September to May when waves are bigger and there are fewer crowds). Away from the beach, the town has a lot to offer. Wander the medieval streets, try some of the excellent pintxos (Basque tapas) or enjoy the lively nightlife. Thanks to its location on the Atlantic coast, the lush, green Basque country is cooler and wetter than the rest of Spain, so temperatures aren’t as unbearably hot there as they can be in the south. Culturally distinct, it has its own language, cuisine and traditions and is a fascinating place to visit. If possible make time to see San Sebastian and/or Bilbao during your stay.

Day by day

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Biarritz airport (1 hour) Other airports: Bilbao airport (1 hour) By Car From Biarritz take A63/E5/E70/E80 from Boulevard Marcel Dassault/D810. Follow A63/E5/E70/E80 and AP-8 to Irita Kalea. Take exit 38 from AP-8. Follow N-634 to GI-2631 in Aia By Public Transport There are hourly buses from Bilbao airport to Zarautz. From Biarritz airport take a French SNCF train to Hendaye, change to the nearby Euskotren station (located just outside the SNCF station) and take an Euskotren to San Pelaio, Zarautz. It is possible to arrange a pick up by the hostel from San Pelaio station in Zarautz at 9am, 1pm and 7pm. Please confirm your pick up at least 24 hours in advance. By Private Transfer Taxi available outside airport, private transfer from groups available on request.

Good to know

Pick ups from Zarautz station are at 9am, 1pm and 7 pm. Please let us know your travel plans at least 24 hours beforehand if you require a pick up

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Do I need previous experience for rafting, kayaking or sailing?

No previous experience is required for most of our watersports holidays, our instructors and guides work with complete beginners as well as more experienced paddlers or sailors. Activities like Dolomites rafting or Croatia sailing and kayaking are tailored to the group's ability, with the necessary safety briefing given before you set off.

Is all the equipment provided, or do I need to bring my own?

All essential equipment, wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets, paddles, boats or boards, is provided as part of your package. You'll just need appropriate clothing underneath and a swimsuit. If you have specific gear preferences or your own equipment you'd like to bring, let us know and we'll confirm what's needed locally.

How is safety managed on activities like rafting and surfing?

Safety is central to every watersports holiday we offer, with qualified local guides or instructors, safety equipment provided throughout, and briefings given before each activity. Group sizes and routes are adjusted to conditions and ability on the day. If you have any health considerations, just flag them with us in advance.

What's the best time of year for surfing in San Sebastian or sailing in Croatia?

Conditions vary by activity and destination, with warmer months generally suiting sailing and kayaking in Croatia, while San Sebastian's surf can offer good waves across a broader season. Tell us when you're hoping to travel and we'll advise on the best timing and conditions for the activity you're after.

Can non-swimmers or nervous beginners still take part?

Many watersports activities can be adapted for nervous beginners, with buoyancy aids, calmer sections of water and extra guidance from instructors. Strong swimming ability isn't always essential, but it depends on the specific activity. Let us know your comfort level in the water and we'll recommend the right option for you.

Is there an age limit for activities like rafting or surf camps?

Age suitability varies by activity, with some watersports fine for older children accompanied by an adult and others better suited to teens and adults. Let us know the ages in your group when enquiring and we'll confirm which activities and departure dates are the best fit for everyone involved.