Tapia de Casariego

Tapia de Casariego is a small fishing town in far western Asturias, close to the border with Galicia, that has grown a big reputation among surfers. Since the 1970s it has hosted one of Spain's oldest and best-known surf contests, held each spring.

The main wave is a right-hand reef that breaks near the harbour, peeling along the rocks into fast, clean walls when a solid north-west swell arrives. It is best suited to intermediate and experienced surfers who can handle the rocky bottom and takeoff. Nearby beaches such as Anguileiro provide sandier, more forgiving beach-break peaks for those still learning, so the area works for a range of abilities.

Autumn, winter and early spring bring the most consistent Cantabrian groundswell, and the annual Easter-time contest is timed to the season's reliable surf. Southerly offshore winds clean the reef, while summer tends to be smaller.

The town is a pleasant, low-key base, with a working harbour, coastal walking paths, seafood restaurants and modest guesthouses. Its position on the Asturias-Galicia border puts many other breaks within reach along a rugged, green and relatively uncrowded coast. Paths lead down to the reef and beaches from the town, and the relaxed, authentic feel is much of the attraction for travelling surfers.