I'm planning my first surfing trip to Europe. A group of mates and I have been bitten by the surf bug big-time, thanks to a couple of weekends in Cornwall. We have our own boards and are ok, but not great surfers. Is Northern Spain a good first time target for us? Jed Brindley, Bristol

Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds: Oh yes, it's superb for you. The 50-mile stretch of Basque Country coast from Bilbao to San Sebastian packs in more than 20 great surf spots, and surf culture here is big, with surfer-centric shops, bars, hotels and campsites. Plus the localism that can be intimidating to non-local surfers visiting the Canaries isn't really a problem here.

You might want to watch the famous breaks at Mundaka and Roca Puta from afar, rather than paddle out, as they are rocky and dangerous at low tide, but otherwise there are plenty of sandy beach breaks, which are good for any level of rider, and best from September to April.

Include the pretty town of Zarautz in your plans, as it has a selection of good breaks and a party atmosphere, and the nice easy lefthander just to the east at Orio, where there's a good campsite. As with all the towns along this coast, keep in mind that parking can get tricky from the mid morning.

And don't miss the big bay breaks at Zumia, or the great scenery and waves at Playa de Laga.

For tons of useful information, look at Footprint's "Surfing Europe" guide (£24.99), and for online pictures and reviews of individual breaks, try www.beachwizzard.com

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