Mundaka

World class river mouth with long peeling lefts.

Mundaka is a world-class left-hand rivermouth barrel in the Basque Country, widely regarded as one of the best waves in Europe. Breaking along a sandbar at the mouth of the Oka River estuary, this wave delivers fast, hollow tubes that can run for up to 400 metres when conditions align. It works best in the 6-to-10-foot range on strong northwest swells with light southerly offshore winds, typically between September and December, though truly firing conditions may only occur around 50 days per year. The wave is best at low to mid tide, where it forms the deepest barrels with steep, challenging takeoffs suited to advanced surfers. The small fishing village setting is picturesque, but expect a packed lineup when it is on — Mundaka's reputation draws surfers from across Europe.

Best months to surf Mundaka

Wave consistency

Inconsistent

Things to do nearby

• Explore the historic town of Mundaka and its beautiful harbor
• Visit the nearby Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve for hiking and wildlife watching
• Enjoy Basque cuisine in the local restaurants, particularly pintxos
• Take a day trip to the nearby city of Bilbao to visit the Guggenheim Museum