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Somo

ROAD TO SOMO: A SURFER’S PILGRIMAGE FROM ITALY TO SPAIN


Surf

Category

11 Days

Duration

Open to all

Experience

Light

Fitness

From 1 to 8

Participants


What you'll do

Trade the city streets for the rhythm of the tides on an epic pilgrimage from Milan to the raw beauty of the Atlantic. This is a classic European road trip designed for those who believe the journey is just as important as the destination. Riding together in a van, you’ll cross the diverse landscapes of France and northern Spain, building a unique bond with your fellow travelers long before the first wave is caught. Your destination is Somo, the heart of Cantabria’s surf culture. Known for its golden sands and consistent peaks, Somo offers the perfect canvas for every level of surfer. Our days are defined by the ocean: wake up to the salt air, refine your technique with expert instructors, and enjoy the freedom of sunset sessions as the sky turns to fire over the Bay of Biscay. Between swells, you’ll dive into the laid-back Cantabrian lifestyle, exploring hidden coastal trails and sharing local cider in sun-drenched plazas. By the time we head back toward the Alps, you’ll carry more than just new skills—you’ll return with the unmistakable glow of the road and a tribe of new friends. Buckle up, wax your board, and join us for the ultimate Atlantic odyssey.


Itinerary

Leave the city behind as we set off from Milan (Busto Arsizio) at 12 PM, trading the skyline for the open road. This is where the adventure begins—forging bonds over motorway miles and shared playlists as the van rolls through the changing landscapes of France. Ahead lies the Atlantic, but tonight is about the rhythm of the journey, the anticipation of the swell, and the freedom of life on four wheels.
Wake up in Clermont Ferrand and jump on the van to continue your journey. On the way, you can stop at the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s grandest sand cathedral, where the Atlantic horizon stretches infinitely before you. Then we keep driving, winding our way into the heart of the Basque Country. As the sun dips low, we’ll pitch our tents under a canopy of stars in Hendaye, resting on the edge of the Spanish border with the rhythm of the ocean as our soundtrack.
Morning on the road through Basque country and Cantabria, the coast green and dramatic on the left. Lunch somewhere on the road — a local bar, a roundabout café, the kind of place that doesn't exist on Google Maps. Check-in at the Somo surf house from 16:00. Somo is a long beach village on a peninsula east of Santander, reachable only by ferry or a long road, which keeps it quieter than it deserves. Briefing, first look at the beach, welcome aperitivo and dinner together.
First morning in the water. The instructors read the beach — Somo is a consistent Atlantic beachbreak, multiple peaks, forgiving for beginners and with enough power to interest surfers who know what they're doing. Lesson one, then free surf until the beach makes you tired. Lunch on the sand. Afternoon surfskate introduction: the board that translates ocean movement to asphalt, improving your pop-up and footwork every time you ride it. Sunset session. Dinner at the house.
Lesson two in the morning, then a slow beach walk back. After lunch and a surf theory session at the house, the afternoon takes the group to Happy Bay — a local shaping room where the boards are built by hand. Watching someone shape a board changes the way you think about what's under your feet in the water. Sunset free surf. Dinner at home.
Lesson three, lunch on the beach. Free surf and a long beach chill in the afternoon. As the light softens, the group walks up to the lighthouse at the point for aperitivo with the best view on the peninsula. Then the ferry across the bay to Santander — a proper Cantabrian city with pintxos bars, a fish market, and a seafront that has been feeding sailors and fishermen for centuries. Dinner in town, ferry back under the stars.
No surf lesson today — the ocean will still be there tomorrow. A day to go further: San Vicente de la Barquera with its medieval castle above the estuary, or Santillana del Mar, a perfectly preserved medieval village that Sartre called the most beautiful in Spain, or Bilbao for the Guggenheim and the old town. On-the-road lunch wherever the van stops. Back in time for a sunset free surf session for anyone who can't stay out of the water. Dinner at the house.
Lesson four in the morning, then lunch at home. In the afternoon, a stretch of the Camino del Norte — the northern coastal route of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, which passes through Somo and along this stretch of coast. You don't need to be walking all the way to feel what the path carries: centuries of people moving through, the same Atlantic light. Beach clean-up as the walk ends. Sunset yoga on the beach. Dinner at the house.
Lesson five — the last one. By now, the group has found its rhythm in the water; the last session always feels different from the first. BBQ in the garden, the kind of lunch that goes on until mid-afternoon. Last free surf session and a proper clean-up of the house. Sunset on the beach. Final dinner together in Somo.
Check-out by 11:00, van loaded. Lunch on the road as Spain and France slide past the windows. Night in a hostel in Avignon — a walled medieval city on the Rhône, worth at least a walk through the centre before sleep.
The journey comes full circle as we trace our way back through the golden light of Provence and over the majestic ridges of the Alps. Eleven days, two countries, five surf sessions, and one van full of shared memories later, we reach Milan by 3 PM. We return with salt in our hair, the rhythm of the Atlantic in our souls, and the bonds of a true road trip tribe. The road home is just the beginning of your next adventure.

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance
Medical and luggage insurance
Travel cancellation insurance
Sleeping tent and mattress
7 breakfasts
SurfWeek staff on-site 24/7
Santander by Night experience
Mini Camino de Santiago
WiFi connection
Surf Wetsuit Rental: 5 days
Surfboard Rental: 5 days
Certified surf instructor
5 surf lessons -10 hours in total
Transfer for Surf Lessons
SurfSkate Demo Test
Welcome Apericena
Introductory theory lesson
Round-trip van seat from Italy
Van seat for local transportation
Night in a tent in Hendaye
Night in a hostel in Clermont Ferrand
Night in a hostel in Avignon
7 nights in Surf Villa
Flight
Visa (if applicable)
Snacks and drinks
Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”
Expenditure of personal nature
Common fund for lunches and dinners (⁓100€/pp)
Common fund for fuel (⁓120€/pp)
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners during the van trip

Accomodations

Eklo Hostel (Night 1)


Basecamp for the start of our adventure, this modern hostel in Clermont-Ferrand offers the perfect blend of comfort and community. Relax in cozy shared rooms—prioritizing our group's privacy whenever possible—as we gather to share stories and excitement.

Aparra Surfcamp Auberge Hendaye (Night 2)


Rest and recharge at Aparra Surfcamp, where the laid-back surf spirit meets the comfort of a charming local auberge. Tucked away in the heart of Hendaye, these shared rooms offer the perfect space to swap stories with fellow adventurers after a day in the waves. Enjoy the authentic, communal atmosphere and the simple joy of living close to the ocean.

Wolfhouse (Nights 3–9)


The Surf House in Somo is a spacious 450 sqm independent villa spread over two floors, designed for a relaxed and social surf experience. Surrounded by an 800 sqm garden, it offers plenty of outdoor space to unwind, enjoy a BBQ, or connect with the group. Located less than 1 km from Somo and Loredo beaches, you can easily walk to the ocean for surf sessions or sunset views. The house features shared rooms (6 people), a fully equipped kitchen, five bathrooms shared with all the guests in the surfhouse, and includes linens and towels. WiFi is available throughout, making it a comfortable base for your SurfWeek.

Hostel in Avignon Nord Le Pontet (Night 10)


As we leave the shores of Somo behind, our journey turns east, winding through the lush landscapes of Northern Spain before crossing the border into the heart of Provence. En route to the historic city of Avignon, watch the scenery shift from rugged Atlantic coastlines to the sun-drenched rolling hills of France. We’ll settle in for the night in the City of Popes, resting up before the final leg of our adventure.


Guides

SurfWeek

SurfWeek

Our team is composed of dedicated professionals here to make your experience truly unique. You’ll be looked after by a trip manager who oversees every detail, along with one or more hosts who will join you in all activities and share nothing but good vibes. To keep you fueled, our chef will prepare delicious, high-energy meals throughout your stay. Surf lessons are led by certified instructors from local schools, who bring a wealth of knowledge, patience, and a deep-rooted passion for the Cantabrian coast to every session.


Meeting point

43.452403-3.7245273
 Somo


Frequently asked questions


Departures

All departures are guaranteed to run

August 2026
Fri
28 Aug
12:00 PM
Mon
7 Sep
3:00 PM

Confirmed

8 spots left
2490 €
2190 €
(722 € deposit)
Fri
11 Sep
12:00 PM
Mon
21 Sep
3:00 PM

Confirmed

8 spots left
2490 €
2190 €
(722 € deposit)

2490 €2190 €
(722 € deposit)