A Spanish town among the 100 best places in the world to surf

The charming little town of Mundaka, located on the left bank of the estuary of the same name, where the Oca River flows, on the Basque Cantabrian coast, is a parish of only 1,800 inhabitants.

However, it is internationally known by surf lovers.

Thousands and thousands of athletes come to it every year to practice this sport.

The Biscayan town

boasts of having the best and longest left-hand wave in Europe, and one of the most challenging, according to experts.

The wave forms precisely at the mouth of the estuary and rolls up on itself in a tube with a length of up to 400 meters, which makes it a desired

for expert surfers.

Despite the fact that the international competition circuit has not stopped in its waters for several years, the local surfing scene

This is confirmed in the specialized book that has just been published

(Lunwerg Editores; 24.95 euros), made by the editors and photographers (experienced surfers) of the

of this sport, the world-renowned specialized magazine

Panoramic view of Mundaka and the estuary.

From Australia to California, through emerging spots in West Africa, Japan and Norway, the authors have visited the best corners of the planet for surfing and have captured it in a complete guide with detailed information and incredible photographs.

Among those privileged corners is Mundaka,

The coasts of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are the other

recommended by experts.

The authors describe Mundaka as a unique place, thanks to the environment and the historical heritage of the town.

Regarding the destination, which they see as a mainstay of surfing in Europe, especially in autumn and winter, they describe it as one of the most challenging waves in the world due to the sandbanks and strong currents.

The village

Located very close to Bermeo, Mundaka is the typical small town that is worth visiting to stroll through its charming narrow cobbled streets and enjoy the beautiful views.

It is arranged around the picturesque fishing port, surrounded by colorful Basque-style houses.

It is also the meeting point for its inhabitants, since next to it there are many bars and restaurants, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, and the magnificent

(16th century), located on a watchtower, with its back to the sea.

Mundaka port.

About five minutes walking outside the town is the

, on a promontory in a privileged place with spectacular views from where you can enjoy the onslaught of the sea and control the entry and exit of the estuary.

Towards the other side of the town, there is the quiet and tiny

.

To enjoy some of the best beaches in Vizcaya, you have to cross the estuary, where the beautiful and extensive sandbanks of

are found and, a little further east, in the municipality of Ibarrangelu, the spectacular

, between forests and far from buildings.

Where to sleep

Eco-Hotel Mundaka (

Florentino Larrinaga, 9, Mundaka; 946 876 700).

Family business in a renovated historic building in the center of the old fishing village, four minutes on foot from the town's train station.

: from 97 euros.

Reservations here.

Hotel El Puerto

(Portu, 1, Mundaka, 946 876 725).

Charming hotel located in an old fisherman's house facing the sea, converted into a modern and comfortable place.

The rooms have sea views.

: from 90 euros.

Reservations here.

Where to eat

Grilled fish and homemade dishes with exceptional views from the terrace of

(Portuondo, s/n. Tel.: 946 87 60 50).

To eat

, with a great variety,

(Sorkunde, 2; 944 65 59 25).

Cod, baby squid, octopus and homemade desserts in

(Florentino Larrinaga, 13).

Hermitage of Santa Catalina.

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