The rugged mountains and picturesque beaches of Galicia and Asturias had always been a place of yearning for Luca. With Northern Spain being highly recommended for climbing, the region seemed like the perfect combination of surfing and climbing. We embarked on a thrilling road trip along the Atlantic coast, starting in Moliets-et-Maa, France, and winding our way down to Porto, Portugal. Our mission? To discover hidden surfing gems and conquer challenging climbing routes, all while immersing ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of Northern Spain.
Surfing in France and Spain
After several days of surfing in consistent waves in Moliets-et-Maa in Les Landes, France, we crossed the border into Spain and explored the various surf spots along the northern coast. Some surfing spots we visited along the Atlantique coast were Zarautz, Langre, Playa de Vega, and Valdoviño.
The well-known surf spots like Zarautz and Langre in Eastern Northern Spain were at the top of our list, and we were looking forward to seeing these places in real life. However, these spots were also quite popular among other people. As we traveled further west, the spots became more isolated and remote, and we often had the whole lineup to ourselves.
Playa de Vega was a spot we really enjoyed. It’s an isolated beach with a small village where all the streets end. Apart from a few vans with other surfers, no one was there. We started our days with a good coffee in the local restaurant, warmly welcomed by the owners who were happy to have a guest. We surfed all day long at this scenic beach and finished our day with a cold beer during the sunset at the beach. Those were some really perfect days.
Our second favorite was Valdoviño in Galicia with its endless beaches, small villages, and impressive waves. The modern campground in Valdoviño, a few steps from the beach, made it perfect for a stay. We also had the opportunity to witness the excitement of professional surfers in Pantin, a world-class surfing spot in Galicia. Unfortunately, the waves were too high for our skill level, and a friendly local guy directly advised us not to go in the water. Later in the day, we saw a few surfers with broken boards, and no one caught a wave.
Exploring Porto
After our surfing adventures, we traveled south to the charming city of Porto, Portugal. A day spent exploring its historic streets, sampling local cafes, and admiring the stunning Douro River was a highlight of our trip. Porto was the westernmost point we reached and the main goal of our road trip along the coast. We had considered visiting Lisbon as well, but ultimately decided to allocate more time to the second goal of our trip – exploring climbing in Northern Spain.
Climbing in Northern Spain: Teverga and La Hermida
Inspired by the videos of James Pearson and Caroline Ciavaldini abourt climbing in Asturias, we were looking forward to explore the climibing spots in the Picos de Europa.
Our first stop was Teverga, a little remote village surrounded only by mountains. Most of the crags can be reached with a short walk from the village. The village itself offers a large free parking area where all the climbers stay with their vans, making it a nice place to meet other climbers. The climbing is quite diverse, ranging from overhanging tufa lines to technical vertical climbing. Teverga is quite popular in the hot summer months as the temperatures in the mountains are comfortable.
The second spot was La Hermida – a steep canyon with super long tufa lines. In contrast to Teverga, you will have to drive every day and it’s challenging to get one of those rare parking places. Also, the hikes up the canyon can be pretty exhausting. But the crags themselves are quite impressive with huge tufas and offer some awesome lines to climb.
Our last day of climbing we spent in Péchon, which is a really remote sector directly above the sea. From a sightseeing spot at the cliff, you take a steep hike down – and by steep, I mean really steep. But the spot is worth the hike as it offers you a unique place to be. Climbing directly above the sea with a view of the ocean and an untouched bay.
Surfing in Zarautz and the Scenic Drive
Our journey ended with a few days of surfing in Zarautz, a popular surf spot known for its consistent waves and vibrant atmosphere. The long beach directly in the city added to its appeal. On our way back home, we visited Luca’s grandparents, who have a fondness for Spain and visit as often as possible. Finally, we concluded our road trip where we started: in the beautiful village of Moliets-et-Maa in Les Landes, France.
Conclusion
Our surf and climb adventure in Northern Spain was an unforgettable experience. From the thrill of riding waves to the challenge of conquering climbing routes, we created lasting memories and discovered the beauty of this diverse region with its rugged mountains and picturesque beaches. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a developing climber, Northern Spain offers something for everyone.