Biarritz, European surf capital
Since surf reached its beaches in the 1950s, Biarritz has become the epicentre of the continent's surf culture. Its waves, schools and atmosphere draw thousands of riders every summer, and its calendar fills with competitions, festivals and surf gatherings throughout the season, which runs from spring to autumn.
For many international surfers, the natural gateway is to fly into Bilbao Airport, with more connections and low-cost flights than the small Biarritz airport, and transfer afterwards to the French coast.
The best surf spots in Biarritz
- Grande Plage: the central beach, ideal for all levels and with the famous Biarritz atmosphere.
- Côte des Basques: the historic beach of European surf, perfect for longboarding at low tide.
- Plage Marbella and Milady: further south, with powerful waves for experienced surfers.
- Anglet (Les Cavaliers): a few minutes away, one of the most consistent spots in the area.
They are all a short distance apart, and from Bilbao Airport you reach any of them in a single journey.
The surfer's problem: boards and bulky luggage
Travelling with surfboards, bags and gear is incompatible with public transport on this route. Getting a board bag onto a crowded intercity bus, or making Euskotren train transfers carrying a 2-metre board bag, is simply unworkable.
This is where the private taxi makes the difference for surfers:
- Space for boards and luggage: we have roomy vehicles and higher-capacity options for groups with bulky gear (state it when booking).
- Door to door: we drop you straight at your accommodation, surf camp or beach, without dragging boards through stations.
- No transfers: from the airport to the wave in 1h30-1h45.
Book your transfer from Bilbao to Biarritz stating that you carry boards so we can assign the right vehicle.
How to get from Bilbao Airport to Biarritz
The journey is about 145 km on the AP-8, crossing the border into France at Irún-Hendaye, in 1h30-1h45. We break it down step by step in our distance, time and border guide.
| Option | Price | Time | Door to door |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private taxi (fixed price) | From €185 / vehicle | ~1h30 – 1h45 | ✅ Yes |
| Bus (with transfers) | Variable + tickets | 2h30 – 3h | ❌ No |
| Train + transfer | Variable + tickets | 3h – 3h30 | ❌ No |
| Rental car | Rental + fuel + parking | ~1h45 | Partial |
When to go: the surf season in Biarritz
Biarritz has waves practically all year, but each time of year has its crowd:
- Spring (April-June): good waves, fewer people and water starting to warm up. Ideal for progressing.
- Summer (July-August): festival vibe, gentler waves on the central beaches, perfect for beginners and for the city's surf atmosphere.
- Autumn (September-November): considered by many the best time: powerful Atlantic swells, still-mild water and fewer crowds.
- Winter: for experienced surfers chasing the Bay of Biscay's big waves.
Schools and surf camps: go straight to your accommodation
Biarritz and neighbouring Anglet are home to dozens of surf schools and camps. Many offer beachside accommodation, and the last thing you want after a flight is to lose an hour figuring out how to get there loaded with boards. The taxi drops you right at the door of the camp or apartment, ready for your first session.
What to bring and what to rent there
- If you travel with your board: let us know when booking so we assign a vehicle with enough space for the bag.
- If you prefer to travel light: Biarritz and Anglet have plenty of board and wetsuit rental, so you can fly with no gear and kit up there.
- Wetsuit: essential almost all year in the Cantabrian-Atlantic; in summer a thin one is enough.
Beyond the waves: Biarritz surf atmosphere
Biarritz is not just beaches: it is surf culture. It has historic shops, the Cité de l'Océan (ocean and surf museum), competitions throughout the year and lively nightlife in season. It is the perfect complement to your surf days, and everything is near the centre where the taxi drops you.
Combine it with the Basque coast
Many surfers use the trip to also discover the spots on the Spanish side. To combine Biarritz with San Sebastián and the coast, take a look at our Basque coast route and the Bilbao – San Sebastián – Biarritz triangle in 3 days.