What you can see on the Sopelana webcam
The camera stands high on the cliff and looks along Atxabiribil and Arrietara, which are really one beach split in two by a rock. You see the full width of the sand, the people on it, how far the tide has gone out and the lines of swell rolling in from the right. On clear days the coast towards Getxo and the industrial skyline of the outer port of Bilbao close the view. Unlike many beach cameras it streams live video, so you can watch the sets come through and count the surfers in the water.
Sopelana surf webcam: Atxabiribil and Arrietara
Sopela town council runs this camera from the clifftop above Atxabiribil, looking south-west along the beach towards Arrietara. The sand fills most of the frame, with the cliffs and their green tops on the left and the open sea on the right; in the far distance the coast runs on towards Getxo and the tall chimney and white buildings of the outer port of Bilbao.
It streams live video, which is what surfers want: you can watch the sets come in, see where the waves are breaking and count the people already in the water. At low tide the beach is huge and the shoreline shines like a mirror; at high tide the sea comes much closer to the cliffs. On some mornings sea mist drifts along the cliff face.
A beach made for surfing
The cliffs behind the beach are layers of grey and ochre rock that run down into the sea in long ledges, and the whole stretch is open to the swell of the Bay of Biscay. That makes Sopelana one of the busiest surf spots in the Basque Country, with surf schools on the sand and rideable waves in most seasons. Barinatxe, the next beach south, is better known by its nickname, La Salvaje: the wild one.
When to watch Sopelana
Sopelana is one hour ahead of the UK and Ireland. The swell is usually biggest from autumn to spring; summer waves are smaller and kinder to beginners. Watch the tide as well: the beach is far wider at low water, and the waves change shape as it rises. Afternoon light from the west makes the sea easy to read on the camera.
Around Sopelana
North along the cliffs lie Plentzia, with its sheltered estuary beach, and Bakio beyond. To the south, Getxo's beaches and its old fishing port are a few stops down the metro line.
Visiting Sopelana
The beach is reached on foot down steep paths and steps from the car parks on the clifftop; the nearest metro station is Larrabasterra. Currents can be strong on days with swell, so swim only where the lifeguards' flags allow.
