Learn to Surf in Cantabria: Spain's Northern Coast Surf Camp

The day starts early-ish, usually with breakfast at the camp around 8:30. Surf lessons run in the morning, normally 90 minutes in the water with a short theory session on land beforehand covering paddling, standing up, water safety and surf etiquette. After lunch back at camp, there's free time — most people go back to the beach, join a yoga class, or nap in their tent. Late afternoon is often a second surf session or a volleyball game, and there's usually something on in the evening like a live music night or a sunset session on the beach.

Lessons run at three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. You'll be grouped with people at a similar stage, which means you're not stuck practising pop-ups if you can already ride a green wave. All surf equipment — boards and wetsuits — is provided free during lessons. If you bring your own board, that's fine, but check your airline's sports luggage policy first. The camp keeps a good stock of beginner-friendly soft-tops if you'd rather travel light.

What sets this camp apart from other surf camps is the location: the Oyambre nature reserve, with mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. It's quieter than the busy surf towns in the south of France or Portugal. The camp itself is small and independent — it's been running for over 15 years, which is longer than most surf camps in Europe. Instructors are fully certified (ISA, ASI, SGB, FCS) and qualified lifeguards (SLSGB), and they surf with you rather than watching from the sand.

The camp attracts solo travellers, couples and small groups of friends, mostly aged 18 to 35. If you're coming on your own, you'll be sharing a tent or mobile home with other guests, which is how most people end up making friends by day two. Groups of friends or university societies can book together and get better rates.

Optional excursions go to San Sebastián, Biarritz and Comillas — all within easy reach of the camp and worth a half-day trip if you want a break from surfing. Beyond surfing, there's yoga, beach volleyball and evening events. If you're after a week that's more active than a beach holiday but not a full-on surf bootcamp, this fits.

What's included

- Shared accommodation in bell tents, tipi tents or mobile homes - Breakfast, lunch and dinner on most days - 5 surf lessons (90 minutes each) plus 1 theory session - Surf equipment (board and wetsuit) during lessons - Daily yoga classes - Beach volleyball and group activities - Evening events (live music, sunset sessions, bonfires) - Wi-Fi in communal areas

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Airport transfers - Optional excursions (San Sebastián, Biarritz, Comillas) - Personal expenses - Meals outside of the camp - Surfboard rental outside of lessons - Wetsuit hire outside of lessons