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Guéthary
Guéthary is a traditional Basque village known for its powerful waves and legendary surf spots like Parlementia and Avalanche. Wilder and less crowded than Biarritz, the village mainly attracts intermediate and advanced surfers seeking long, high-quality waves. As is the case all along the coast, it is essential to check surf reports before heading out, so you can choose the spot best suited to the day’s conditions.
The History of Guéthary
Guéthary, a village between land and ocean
Located between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Guéthary was originally a small fishing port, notably known for whaling until the 19th century. Today, the village preserves its Basque heritage, featuring white houses with red shutters, a fishing port, and scenic coastal views. Its location also makes it a prime spot for surfing enthusiasts.
Waves of international renown
In the 1960s, surfers discovered powerful waves in Guéthary that were well-suited to large swells. Parlementia quickly became the premier spot: a long, consistent wave capable of rolling for several hundred meters. Nearby breaks such as Avalanche and Les Alcyons rounded out the selection, attracting experienced surfers from across Europe. These conditions put Guéthary on the global big-wave surfing map.
A locally rooted surf culture
Surfing is now an integral part of Guéthary’s identity. The village is less touristy than its neighbors and maintains a focus on its surf breaks. It offers a handful of surf schools and shops, along with an atmosphere centered on the sport itself, attracting a crowd made up primarily of experienced surfers. Guéthary is thus considered a must-visit destination for those seeking powerful, technical waves.
Surf spots in Guéthary
Discover the best surf spots in Guéthary based on conditions, the tide, and your skill level.
Parlementia
Located between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Guéthary was originally a small fishing port, notably known for whaling until the 19th century. Today, the village preserves its Basque heritage, featuring white houses with red shutters, a fishing port, and scenic coastal views. Its location also makes it a prime spot for surfing enthusiasts.
Cenitz
Cenitz, located south of the village, offers several peaks (one left and two rights) that also break over a rocky bottom. Like Illbarritz, it is one of the few spots that works only at high tide. The wave is relatively soft but opens up and rolls perfectly. It is an ideal wave for longboarding or mid-lengths. There is a good vibe in the water, though it is always crowded.
Les Alcyons / Avalanche
Les Alcyons is a left-hand break over a rocky bottom; the wave can be beautiful, but the take-off zone is quite small, and locals may not let you catch many waves. When the swell picks up, the Alcyons wave becomes “unsurfable,” and the Avalanche wave comes into play—a long left-hander that only works during very large swells. This spot is reserved exclusively for experienced big-wave surfers.
How can I find out the surf conditions in Guéthary?
Where can I check the surf report and webcams for Guéthary?
For beginner surfers, the easiest surf report to check is Ya Du Surf. It allows you to quickly view key information such as wave height, swell period, tides, and wind conditions.
More experienced surfers often prefer Windguru, which provides more comprehensive and precise data for analyzing conditions at Guéthary surf spots.
Webcams are also available for watching the waves in real time; for instance, you can view Parlementia live on Go Surf.
How can you find out the right conditions for surfing in Guéthary?
As is the case along the rest of the Basque Coast, east and southeast winds are generally the most favorable. These offshore winds smooth the water’s surface and improve wave quality.
The surf spots in Guéthary often work best with large swells ranging from 1.5 to 3 meters and periods of 12 to 16 seconds. This is particularly true for Parlementia, famous for its long waves that truly come into their own when the swell is substantial enough. If the swell is too weak, some spots may lack power, whereas very large swells can create favorable conditions that are, however, suited only for highly experienced surfers.
As everywhere, the best sessions often take place early in the morning or late in the day, when the wind is lighter. Tides also play a significant role, strongly influencing wave behavior depending on the specific spot.
What is the best time to surf in Guéthary?
Surfing is possible year-round in Guéthary. Summer brings more accessible conditions and often smaller waves, while autumn and winter offer the powerful swells that have made the local spots famous.
The most popular time to visit is generally between September and November. Swells are more consistent, winds are often favorable, and the crowds thin out after the summer season. Conditions are often excellent at spots like Parlementia during this time.
How do you go surfing in Guéthary?
Learning to surf in Guéthary: schools, lessons, and courses
Although Guéthary is best known for its big waves and surf spots geared towards intermediate and advanced surfers, it is possible to take lessons there thanks to the schools located in the village and the surrounding area.
The schools we recommend are Parlementia Surf School, École de Surf de Guéthary, and H2O Surf School in Bidart, which offer various packages suited to all levels.
The price of a surf lesson in Guéthary generally ranges from €40 to €120, depending on the package chosen, the duration of the lesson, and the time of year. Multi-day courses remain the best option for making rapid progress while reducing the cost per session.
Most schools also offer classes for children. During the summer season, it is recommended to book several days in advance to guarantee a spot.
What is the best surf spot in Guéthary for beginners, and what equipment should be used?
Although renowned for its powerful waves, Guéthary is not reserved solely for experienced surfers. Nevertheless, the most famous spots, such as Parlementia or Cenitz, generally require a certain level of experience.
For an initial introduction, schools often favor the area’s most accessible spots or direct beginners to the nearby beaches of Bidart or Saint-Jean-de-Luz when conditions are more suitable. The waves there are generally gentler and easier to handle when learning the basics of surfing.
All equipment is provided during the lesson: a foam board (softboard), a wetsuit, and sometimes even the necessary accessories, depending on the season.
To get started, you will be provided with stable foam boards that make paddling, balancing, and executing your first take-offs easier. A wetsuit is recommended for most of the year, except during the height of summer.
How can a beginner learn to surf in Guéthary?
Guéthary is not the most suitable destination for learning to surf. Most spots, such as Parlementia or Cenitz, require experience and a good level of physical fitness. Beginners looking to get started would be better off at the nearby beaches of Bidart or Saint-Jean-de-Luz, which are more accessible and safer.
Where can you surf in Guéthary if you are an intermediate surfer?
For surfers already comfortable in medium-sized waves, certain sections of Parlementia can be suitable, particularly on days with smaller swell. While the spot remains technical, it offers long right-handers that allow for progress in maneuvers and wave reading. The left at Cenitz can also be a good wave for improvement; the take-off is relatively easy, and the wave isn’t overly hollow.
What are the best surf spots in Guéthary for experienced surfers?
Guéthary is best known for its big waves. Parlementia is a world-class spot when the swell kicks in, while Avalanche offers even more powerful conditions, reserved for seasoned surfers. These breaks require perfect technical mastery, the right equipment (big-wave guns and leashes), and often tow-in surfing when the waves exceed several meters in height.
What if there aren’t any waves?
A few things to do in Guéthary when there are no waves.
Try your hand at Basque pelota
The village of Guéthary features a large *fronton* (pelota court) in the town center, where *cesta punta* matches—a discipline played with large wicker gloves—take place throughout the summer. More accessible than *cesta*, you can try your hand at *pala*, which is played using small wooden rackets and a hard rubber ball (*pelote*). There is also a small “left-wall” court where you can play with a *paleton* (a wooden racket wider than the *pala*) and a rubber ball—a more approachable option if you don’t usually play racket sports.
The Guéthary Museum
For a more cultural interlude, the Guéthary Museum showcases the village’s history—including its whaling past—and features art exhibitions.
Housed in the magnificent Neo-Basque Villa Saraleguinea, set within a small park, the museum presents works by sculptor Georges Clément de Swiecinski, alongside temporary exhibitions of painting, sculpture, and photography.
Go stand-up paddleboarding
Guéthary—with its fishing harbor and lagoon—is one of the few spots on the coast where stand-up paddleboarding is easily accessible. There are no waves to break through here; you can set off calmly from the harbor and paddle between the waves at Parlementia and Avalanche (though do be careful not to get too close to the surfers).
Our top surf shops in Guéthary
Parlementia Shop
Located near the port of Guéthary, Parlementia is a boutique offering a selection of clothing and accessories inspired by the village of Guéthary and the Parlementia surf break. We recommend visiting this spot to discover the village’s spirit and pick up a souvenir from the Basque Coast.
Address: 4 Chemin du Port, 64210 Guéthary.
Hoalen Ocean Store Guéthary
Located in the heart of Guéthary, this concept store offers clothing and accessories inspired by surfing, the ocean, and the Basque coast. The Hoalen brand is known for its durable, seaside-inspired apparel and offers a selection of accessories and gear for ocean enthusiasts. Housed in an authentic Basque home, the shop reflects the traditional atmosphere of Guéthary.
Address: 301 Avenue Getaria, 64210 Guéthary.
Our top 3 places to eat in Guéthary
Le Madrid
A must-visit spot in the village, Le Madrid is located facing the ocean, featuring a terrace that offers one of the finest views in Guéthary. Here, you can enjoy grilled fish, seafood, and Basque dishes in a friendly atmosphere.
563 Av. du Général de Gaulle,
64210 Guéthary
Le Bahia Beach
Located facing the ocean between Bidart and Guéthary, Bahia Beach offers seafood, fresh produce, and a terrace with an exceptional view of the Parlementia surf break. Highly popular for its sunsets, it is the perfect spot for lunch after a surf session or for sharing a drink while gazing out at the ocean.
Chemin de Barognenia,
Parlementia Beach,
64210 Bidart
Hétéroclito
Perched on the cliffside, L’Hétéroclito is renowned for its tapas and exceptional setting overlooking the sea. It is a highly popular spot for drinks or a meal while enjoying the sunset.
Chem. de la Plage,
64210 Guéthary
Our top 3 picks for going out in Guéthary
Le Pasaia
Perched atop the cliff, this beach bar is known for its spectacular sunsets. It is a great spot to enjoy a drink on the terrace and a tapas platter, all while soaking up the friendly atmosphere that draws in both locals and visitors.
50 Prom. de la Plage,
64210 Guéthary, France
Le Madrid Bar
Next to the restaurant, the Madrid bar is a central spot in the village. It is the perfect place for a drink after a session, offering a simple, authentic atmosphere right at the heart of local life.
563 Av. du Général de Gaulle,
64210 Guéthary
Hétéroclito
In addition to its restaurant, L’Hétéroclito is also a lively spot for evening drinks. Its terrace overlooking the sea creates a unique atmosphere, especially on sunny days.
Chem. de la Plage,
64210 Guéthary
Our top 3 places to stay in Guéthary
Hôtel Balea
Housed in a renovated former school, Hôtel Balea offers a unique setting that blends history with modernity. The rooms are comfortable and tastefully decorated, and the hotel enjoys a convenient location in the heart of the village.
106 Rue Adrien Lahourcade,
64210 Guéthary
Villa Catarie
A charming Basque residence transformed into a boutique hotel, Villa Catarie captivates guests with its intimate atmosphere. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful stay with personalized service.
415 Av. du Général de Gaulle,
64210 Guéthary
Maison d’hôtes Arguibel
Perched on the heights of Guéthary, Arguibel is a stylish yet welcoming guesthouse. It offers spacious rooms, lush surroundings, and a friendly atmosphere—perfect for a relaxing stay just steps from the ocean.
1146 Chemin de Laharraga,
Guéthary
All Your Questions and Answers
Where can you surf in Guéthary at high tide?
At high tide, spots like Parlementia remain the most consistent. Indeed, Parlementia works at all tide stages and often performs better as the tide fills in. The local reef breaks become more powerful and cleaner, offering long yet challenging waves—especially when the swell direction is favorable. Spots like Les Alcyons can also be an alternative, though they require specific conditions to work well at high tide.
What are the least crowded spots in Guéthary?
In Guéthary, the least crowded spots are those away from major breaks like Parlementia or Cenitz, which draw big crowds whenever conditions are good. Les Alcyons can sometimes be a bit quieter, though it remains a spot known to locals. Ultimately, the real deciding factors are the time of day and the conditions; you will inevitably find fewer people out early in the morning or when conditions are average.
What is the best beach for longboarding in Guéthary?
The best beach for longboarding isn’t in Guéthary itself, but a little further south towards Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Erromardie Beach. This small reef break is ideal for longboards because the spot is less exposed to swell and wind, resulting in smaller, longer waves.
Is there a backup spot in Guéthary?
The main backup spot in Guéthary is Cenitz, located right on the border with Saint-Jean-de-Luz; it is more sheltered and performs better when Guéthary’s reef breaks become too challenging. You can also head to Uhabia Beach in Bidart, which is less exposed to the swell and offers more manageable conditions when the surf is heavy. These alternatives allow you to find smaller, easier waves when the primary spots are too powerful. There is also the Lafetenia spot (specifically the “inside” section at low tide).
What is the water temperature in Guéthary?
Water temperatures in Biarritz generally range from 12°C in winter to 22°C in summer. We recommend wearing a wetsuit when surfing, at least between November and May.
Which wetsuit to wear for surfing in Guéthary in summer, autumn, spring, or winter?
Season
Water temperature
Recommended Equipment
Winter
(december to february)
12°C to 15°C
4/3 mm wetsuit + booties + hood
(for the coldest or windiest days)
Spring
(march to may)
13°C to 16°C
4/3 mm fullsuit
Summer
(june to august)
18°C to 25°C
3/2mm wetsuit, shorty, or neoprene top, depending on the weather.
Automn
(september to november)
16°C to 19°C
3/2 mm fullsuit
