Cantabria is home to some of the finest surf beaches in northern Spain, and for many families the ideal travel formula is staying at a campsite close to the water: waking up, checking the waves and being on the shoreline within five minutes. This guide covers the areas of the Cantabrian coast with the strongest camping and surfing traditions to help you choose.
Why a Campsite for a Surf Trip?
Staying at a campsite near the beach turns surfing into a daily routine rather than a day trip. Costs are lower than a hotel, the atmosphere is relaxed and you will often be surrounded by other surfers and families. Many campsites are also just a few minutes’ walk from the breaks, which greatly simplifies logistics when travelling with boards and wetsuits.
The Best Camping Areas for Surf Access
Somo and Loredo
The historic centre of surfing in Cantabria. A long beach, waves for all levels, surf schools, a surf atmosphere throughout the summer and several campsites traditionally associated with surfing in the area.
Noja, Berria and Helgueras
Wide, open and very family-friendly beaches. A good option for beginners with children, with well-established campsites that serve as a reference point in the eastern part of Cantabria.
Laredo
Known for its beach stretching over four kilometres, ideal for families. Gentle waves for most of the summer, with several campsites and a convenient town centre to use as a base.
Oyambre and Cóbreces
A quieter western coastline within a protected natural area. Wide beaches, green landscape and campsites with a more nature-focused feel, perfect for combining surf with walking.
Liencres and Isla
Scenically beautiful beaches with dunes and protected surroundings. Good for slightly more technical surf sessions and for families who value the natural environment over a lively atmosphere.
El Sardinero and Los Locos
Urban surfing in Santander and Suances respectively. Allows you to combine the beach with city amenities, restaurants and nightlife, with nearby campsites within easy reach.
What to Look for When Choosing a Campsite for Surfing
Actual distance to the water: how many minutes’ walk to the break? Carrying a board and wetsuit to the car every day is manageable, but walking to the water transforms the experience.
Surfer-friendly facilities: outdoor showers with good pressure, somewhere to rinse wetsuits, outdoor drying lines, lockers or a secure area for boards.
Type of pitch or accommodation: own tent, motorhome pitch, bungalow or glamping. The choice changes significantly depending on whether you are travelling with young children, as a couple or in a group.
Food nearby: after a surf session, hunger strikes hard. Having a supermarket, beach bar or restaurant within a short distance greatly improves the quality of the stay.
Schools and equipment hire: if you are travelling with children or without your own board, look for campsites with a partner surf school or hire available at the beach.
Types of Accommodation Within the Campsite
For a tighter budget
- Own tent pitch
- Caravan or campervan pitch
- Basic wooden cabin
For more comfort
- Equipped bungalow with kitchen
- Family mobile home
- Glamping (tipi, lodge, safari tent)
The Best Time for a Surf and Camping Trip
Summer (July and August) offers the mildest temperatures and smaller waves — ideal for beginners and families — but also greater occupancy. June and September are an excellent alternative: fewer people, still acceptable water temperatures and somewhat more consistent waves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to bring surfing equipment from home?
No. Virtually every beach associated with a campsite has schools and board and wetsuit hire available by the hour or by the day. For a first time, hiring on-site may be more convenient.
What other equipment should you bring to the campsite besides surf gear?
A sleeping bag or bedding if not included in the pitch, warm clothing (Cantabrian nights can be cool), a waterproof jacket, comfortable footwear and, if possible, a jerrycan or container for rinsing wetsuits.
Which area should I choose if I’m going with young children?
Wide, gently sloping beaches such as Laredo, Noja or Somo are the most welcoming for beginners and for children playing at the water’s edge. Avoid spots with strong currents or rocky entries when travelling with family.
Is it necessary to book in advance?
In July and August, especially for bungalows and mobile homes in areas such as Somo, Noja or Laredo, it is advisable to book several weeks in advance. For tent pitches there is more flexibility outside peak season.
What if the children are at a surf camp?
This is a very common arrangement: the children take part in the camp whilst the parents enjoy a camping trip near the beaches. They meet up for drop-off and collection and each enjoys their own version of Cantabria.
Looking for Supervised Surf for Your Children?
At Natuaventura we organise surf camps in Cantabria with official schools and qualified activity leaders, right in the surfing heartland of Somo and Santander.
We organise trips for primary, secondary and high school
School Trips
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alicante madrid barcelona more destinationsCamps from 6 to 17 years old, in different regions of Spain: Alicante, Madrid, Ávila, Cantabria and Cuenca.
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