Surf Holiday to Northern Spain

With Errant Surf Holidays

After 2 surfing trips to the west country already rolled over due to poor conditions and with more NE'lies blowing it looked like we were going to cancel yet another weekend in a row. Coincidently the same day we had to make the call, Chris Thomson from Errant Holidays got in touch to say there were two spaces at La Hosteria in Northern Spain free on that same weekend.

I hadn't really thought out of the box much since the first kid arrived 4 years ago, Northern Spain, last minute, just for the weekend seemed a big deal all of a sudden! But after a quick check of the flights it all added up. Two, one penny Ryan Air flights later and we were all on. We have to get to Stanstead but It's cheaper to get to than Cornwall (and probably Salisbury!).

Flying into Santander, Chris picked us up from the airport and La Hosteria is only 20 minutes away. La hosteria is a short walk from Somo beach, a 5 mile sandy beach and has waves perfect any level surfer. Straight out the front is the main peak, this was 4 to 6 foot solid over the three days we were there but a few hundred metres further up the beach were waves of a couple of feet for people not quite so confident or just wanting a fun wave. We were out there mixing with pro's and beginners every day. Crowds aren't an issue either, on the weekend we only saw about 10 Spanish surfers, a wave like this at the weekend in Cornwall and you'd be lucky to get 10 waves! There is also a well known point break off the island a short paddle out.

The surf here is very consistent all year round with offshore prevailing winds and of course there's the good weather and warmer sea temperatures! You can wear shorties from spring to Autumn and then after you'll only need a 3/2mm. The bay and La Hosteria is set it in the backdrop of the impressive mountain range "Picos de Europa", these were snow-capped while we were there, an awesome view from out back.

Other well-known surf spots within a very short drive include Noja, Playa de Ajo and Langre. The world famous wave of Mundaka is fifty minutes drive away and you can even get to Hossegor in France in two hours, making a day trip feasible.

La Hosteria itself has it's own private bar, café, surf school, wet room, WiFi and iPod docking stations in each room. The rooms were top class in my opinion, newly decorated with traditional freestanding furniture and new, clean en-suites, the sort of room you'd be happy for your parents to stay in!

To me it's redefined the weekend away now. Next time it won't be Devon or Cornwall, it'll be West country or Spain!