El Palmar Surfing

Why surf in El Palmar?

There are many reasons why you should surf in El Palmar. El Palmar is a small coastal town in Andalusia with a relaxed vibe, lots of sun and even more waves. This part of the coast, the Costa de la Luz, no longer belongs to the Mediterranean but to the Atlantic. This provides Playa El Palmar with first-class swell from September to June. Spanish surfers have known El Palmar for a long time and appreciate the qualities of the surf spot. Outside the country, El Palmar is still a real insider tip, but word is already getting around in the surfing scene. No wonder, because El Palmar has many advantages for surfers:

Advantages of El Palmar

Long beach break (8km)
Ideal for beginners and advanced surfers
Waves almost all year round (except July/August)
Even in winter mild temperatures of around 20 °C in winter
Beautiful nature
natural beach
Relaxed atmosphere
Surf schools & Surf stores right on the beach
Surf equipment rental
Surf camps right on the beach
Many good surf spots in the area
Activities such as yoga, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, sightseeing

El Palmar - the best surf spot in Andalusia

The surf spot in El Palmar is called Playa El Palmar. The long beach break offers plenty of space and numerous sandbanks. Surfers of all levels will find a more or less undisturbed spot here:

Especially beginner surfers will always find white water in El Palmar for their first attempts at surfing or, especially from May and in summer, small waves for practising.
Advanced surfers can look forward to wonderful and challenging waves in the line-up. Most of the better surfers use the rocky ground in front of "Homies", where the waves break more consistently and beautifully.
Intermediate surfers, i.e. anyone between beginner and advanced, have a lot of fun in the water here anyway.

The long beach break means that one peak follows the next. If you walk a few steps along the beach with your surfboard, you will almost always find a peak all to yourself.

In El Palmar, you can actually always surf in a relaxed manner. The vibe here is relaxed and there are usually no dangerous currents or rocks, so surfing in El Palmar is really nice and fun. Nevertheless, we always advise you to carry out an extensive surf spot check before every surf. Especially on days with bigger waves or more wind, currents can naturally arise.

A normal day in January: empty beach and little going on in the water

The best surf spots in and around El Palmar

If you want to surf in El Palmar, it is also worth visiting the other surf spots in the area. Surfing in El Palmar is fantastic, but there are also many other good surf spots. Caños de Meca, for example, offers a longboard wave and Barbate is a good alternative spot if the waves in El Palmar are too big for surfing. These are our favorites among the surf spots:

Playa El Palmar

Beachbreak - Our surf spot directly in El Palmar with fast waves for advanced and beginners

Fuente de Gallo

Beachbreak - in Conil de la Frontera. The wave breaks flat. Ideal for minimalibu, a fishboard or a longboard

Roche

Beachbreak - wind-protected surf spot, especially in strong easterly winds

Caños de Meca - Faro

Riff - Perfect righthander for the longboard. The best conditions are at low tide and north winds.

Caños de Meca - Marisucia

Reef - A-frame wave next to the Faro spot with very similar conditions

Caños de Meca - Apartamentos

Reef spot in front of the white apartments on the beach promenade. Left low-tide wave, more suitable for advanced surfers. Wave breaks relatively steeply and in good conditions there is not much water over the reef.

Punta Paloma

Riff - Righthander Pointbreak from a swell of approx. 3 meters: A friendly wave with a pronounced channel that can produce long rides.

Barbate

Beachbreak - city beach with plenty of space, suitable for all levels. The surf spot is surfable at almost all tide levels. Preferred wind direction: north

When is the best time to surf in El Palmar?

Surfing in El Palmar is possible all year round. The best time to surf in El Palmar is from September to June. Autumn usually brings the big swells. This is when both beginners and advanced surfers get their money's worth. In the high summer months of July and August, it can get really hot and there are usually no waves. It's also the vacation season and the beaches are full.

In our surf calendar created especially for you, you can find out in which month you need to pack which wetsuit, how warm the weather and the water are and what kind of waves you can expect. The calendar is of course only a guideline, as the weather can never be predicted exactly. But this table is based on our personal experience here in El Palmar since 2005.

Best surfing time

Climate and weather in El Palmar

El Palmar is mild all year round. Even in winter, when it gets really cold in northern Europe, temperatures in El Palmar rarely fall below 18-20 degrees. The water is also still warm enough to surf in El Palmar with a 4/3 wetsuit. This is due to the fact that El Palmar is only a few kilometers away from Morocco. On clear days, you can even see the African coast from the beach. Due to its proximity to Africa, Andalusia is warm all year round. El Palmar is therefore also a first-class place to escape or skip the cold winter in terms of the weather.

When to surf in El Palmar

El Palmar is known for its first-class wave conditions, which attract both beginners and experienced surfers. The region offers consistent waves all year round, but conditions vary depending on the time of year, making certain months particularly attractive for different levels of surfers. Here is some important information about the wave conditions and the best times to surf in El Palmar

Fall and winter (October to March)

This is the best time for experienced surfers, as the Atlantic storms create powerful swells that make for bigger and more powerful waves. The waves are often at their best during these months, with an average height of 1.5 to 3 meters. Temperatures are milder than in northern Europe, but a wetsuit is still necessary. September can still be quite summery, so surfing is often still possible without a wetsuit.

Spring (April to June)

Spring not only brings summer temperatures, but also smaller waves. The wave height is typically between 1 and 2 meters, which is ideal for surfers of all skill levels. Especially from May onwards, the swells are usually smaller, so that intermediate surfers can also practice paddling in the green waves in a relaxed manner. During Easter week (Semana Santa) and the week of May 1st, it can get quite crowded, otherwise El Palmar is quite empty and relaxed.

Summer (July, August)

During the Spanish summer vacations (July/August) the waves are really tiny to non-existent, so we close our surf camp during these months. Better surfers usually have little chance of finding satisfactory waves during this time.

Best times for different surfing levels

Beginners: The best times for beginners are the summer months and early fall. During this time, the waves are smaller and less powerful, which provides ideal learning conditions. Surf courses and schools are also well attended during this time, which provides additional support and community.
Advanced surfers: Advanced surfers should use the months in fall and spring. The waves are higher and more powerful, but still manageable. It's also less crowded than in midsummer, which means more space on the waves.
Experienced surfers: For experienced surfers, the winter months offer the best conditions. The bigger swells and stronger waves offer challenges and the opportunity to practise advanced techniques. The spots are less crowded, which allows for more intense and longer surf sessions.

Forecast & Webcam

A crucial factor for a great surfing vacation in El Palmar is knowing the current surf conditions. Daily surf reports and forecasts offer surfers the opportunity to plan their sessions optimally and catch the best waves.

Weather and tide information

Wind conditions: The prevailing wind in El Palmar comes from the north, which results in offshore conditions and therefore cleaner waves. With easterly winds, spots like Roche are more suitable.
Tides: The tides play a big role in the wave conditions. The best conditions at most spots are at low to mid-tide, as the waves then break more cleanly. High tide can often make the waves less consistent.

Surf Forecast El Palmar

El Palmar is known for its consistent waves, but conditions can vary greatly depending on the time of year and weather conditions. That's why reliable surf reports and forecasts are essential. Websites such as Surfline or Surf-Forecast.com provide detailed real-time data and forecasts that allow surfers to choose the best times for their sessions. This information not only helps to increase safety, but also maximizes fun and success on the water.

A comprehensive surf report should include the following elements:

Wave height and period: Information about the size and frequency of the waves.
Wind conditions: Current and predicted wind speeds and directions.
Tides: Times and heights of high and low tides, which are crucial for surfing conditions.
Weather forecasts: Temperature, cloud cover and other relevant weather data.

By providing this important information, surfers in El Palmar can better plan their sessions and get the most out of their surfing day. Whether beginner or advanced, every surfer benefits from an accurate and up-to-date surf report that prepares them optimally for the upcoming conditions.

Tip: If you don't know how to read a surf forecast, we recommend our blog post on this very topic. In it, we explain how you can read a surf forecast and what the individual details mean.

Surf schools and surf courses in El Palmar

El Palmar is an ideal location for surfers of all experience levels, and the numerous surf schools and courses help to ensure that everyone can get the most out of their time on the waves. The local surf schools offer a variety of courses to help both beginners and advanced surfers improve their skills and learn new techniques.

Course offers

Beginner courses: These courses are perfect for those who want to learn their first steps in surfing. They cover the basics, including water safety, paddling, getting up on the board and catching your first waves. The experienced instructors ensure that students feel comfortable and safe while learning the basics of surfing.
Advanced courses: For surfers who want to develop their skills further, the advanced courses offer the opportunity to learn more challenging techniques. This includes improving wave knowledge, mastering different turns and manoeuvres and surfing in different conditions.
Private coaching: Individual lessons offer a personalized learning experience. A private coach can focus on the student's needs and goals, which leads to faster progress and a more intensive learning experience.
Group courses: Group courses not only offer the opportunity to learn to surf, but also to meet new people and have fun together. These courses are often cheaper than individual lessons and create a motivating learning environment.
Surfing courses for children: El Palmar is ideal for a family surfing vacation. The Costa de la Luz is known for its sunny days and pristine beaches. Here, the kids have plenty of space to play and run around - and of course to surf. There are no dangerous rocks or currents at Playa El Palmar. There are also many surf schools that offer surf courses for children. These are usually offered from the age of 8. Take a look at our family offer. Here you can book a whole week family surf camp in El Palmar and have a really good time. You'll see: A surf vacation together will bring you even closer together as a family.

Special workshops

Special courses: At A-Frame we also offer special workshops, such as longboard surf courses and women's surf courses. On the rare days without waves, we also offer surf fitness workshops or surf skate training.
Surf Safaris: For those looking for adventure, some schools offer surf safaris to explore different surf spots in the area. These trips are a great way to discover new waves and test your surfing skills in different conditions.

Surf camps and retreats

Surf camps: Many surf camps in El Palmar offer surf courses. Accommodation, meals and daily surf lessons are included. These camps are ideal for a surfing vacation with like-minded people where you don't have to worry about a thing.
Surf and yoga retreats: Combinations of surf and yoga retreats are also very popular. These trips offer a holistic experience combining surfing and yoga to relax and invigorate both physically and mentally. At A-Frame we offer some yoga retreats in combination with surfing. But yoga and pottery, Facial Reflexory or women-only retreats are also very popular with us.

To the Surf & Yoga Retreats

The A-Frame Surfcamp & Yoga Retreats in El Palmar

The A-Frame surf camp in El Palmar offers everything your surfing heart desires. With its location right on the beach, you can be on the beach and surfing the best waves in seconds. Our guests enjoy all-round catering with fresh, regional products that leave nothing to be desired. The accommodation is cozy and stylishly furnished so that you immediately feel at home. They are located either directly on the beach or in the idyllic Oasis Camp, which is 350 meters away. Here, guests are provided with bicycles for easy access to the beach. In addition to first-class surf courses, which are tailored to both beginners and advanced surfers and led by experienced surf coaches, the camp also offers yoga classes in its own yoga house by the sea, ideal for relaxing and unwinding after intensive surf sessions.

Surfing and yoga just 50 m from the beach. Almost the whole team at A-Frame speaks German, the rooms are neat and spacious and all close to the main house. Great surf instructors and team. This time a longboard camp with coaching, video analysis, a visit to a shaper and more. We were there in less than an hour from Jerez by rental car. Highly recommended.

May 2024
The surf camp is a great recommendation. I don't know what couldn't be done better. The accommodation is very cold in December, but that's not the surf camp's fault. We were given extra heaters and blankets. The food is great and all the staff are super nice and helpful. I felt completely at ease. The accommodation is very close to the beach and the main house, those who are "further" away (150m) are given a bike. The atmosphere among the group was very relaxed. If you want, you can spend time on the beautiful roof terrace, but there are also plenty of options if you need time alone.

Dec 2023
We've been at the A-Frame surf camp for a week now and are absolutely thrilled. We've already been to El Palmar a few months ago, but back then we stayed at La Luz. Although La Luz is also really good, A-Frame is a class above. We were particularly impressed by the food, the facilities in the apartments, the super helpful/flexible staff and the wide range of yoga sessions! We would love to come back!

Jun 2023
A great, lovingly furnished camp with super nice people, top organization and dedicated surf instructors. And the location is fantastic: beautiful beach, good waves and wonderful sunsets. Many thanks for a great vacation!

Oct 2023

Terrace with sea view at the A-Frame surf camp

Ready for your surfing adventure?

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the waves of El Palmar and become part of our surf community. Book your unforgettable surf vacation today. Whether alone, with friends or family - the A-Frame surf camp offers the right package for everyone. Take the first step towards your next adventure and secure your place at the A-Frame surf camp in El Palmar!

Experience the magic of surfing on one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and immerse yourself in a world full of waves, sun and new friendships. We look forward to welcoming you to the A-Frame surf camp soon!

To our packages

Arrival and accommodation

A stay in El Palmar not only offers excellent surfing conditions, but also a variety of options to make the trip an unforgettable experience. From getting there to choosing the right accommodation, there are many aspects to consider in order to make the most of your time in this idyllic surfing paradise.

Arrival & Transportation

How to get to El Palmar: El Palmar is easily accessible from several airports in Spain. The nearest airports are Jerez de la Frontera (around 75 km away), Seville (around 150 km away) and Málaga (around 200 km away). From these airports, El Palmar can be reached either by rental car or public transport. Traveling by car offers the most flexibility and allows you to enjoy the beautiful Andalusian landscape. At our surf camp, we offer a pick-up service from the airport for an additional charge.
Local transportation options: There are various transportation options within El Palmar and the surrounding area. A rental car is ideal for exploring the various surf spots and sights in the region. Alternatively, there are also local bus connections and cabs.

Accommodation options

There are no hotels in El Palmar, but there are cozy little houses, a large campsite, pitches for campervans and motorhomes and, of course, surf camps. A surf camp is the best place to stay if you want an all-round pampering package.

Surf camps: The A-Frame surf camp has it all and every wish is fulfilled. You can stay here alone, with friends or with your kids. You live privately in pretty Andalusian cottages, can take part in surf courses, do yoga and let the chef's culinary skills wrap you around his finger.

There are also massages for tired surfing muscles, a children's room for toddlers and a lounge with billiards, darts, books and much more. And best of all: the surf camp is located in El Palmar right by the sea. The distance to the beach in El Palmar couldn't be shorter. Right next door is the yoga house with sea view, the restaurant with terrace and the wonderful surf store.
Holiday homes and apartments: Holiday homes and apartments offer a more flexible and independent option. They are ideal for families or groups of friends who want more space and privacy.
Tip: You can also book accommodation only at our surf camp. This is, especially in our Oasis Camp, with its own garden and fully equipped kitchen. So you have both: privacy and surf camp.
Hotels and guesthouses: For an even more comfortable stay, there are a variety of hotels and guesthouses, but not directly in El Palmar, but in the neighboring villages. There are no hotels in El Palmar itself, which in our opinion contributes to the charm of this small coastal town.
Campsites: More and more surfers are planning their surfing vacation with a campervan. This has been noticeable in El Palmar for a few years now. A few years ago there were hardly any campers parked on the beach, but now there are more and more.
All those traveling with a camper or motorhome will find a no-frills pitch right by the sea in El Palmar. Here you can wake up in the morning with a view of the Atlantic and check the waves from your car. You can use the Park4Night app to find more pitches, as there are now several in and around El Palmar. You can find a little more privacy and comfort at the campsite "Camping El Palmar", in Camino del Camping, S/N, 11159 El Palmar.
The journey from Germany to El Palmar is very long. Depending on where you start in Germany, it is around 3,000 kilometers. A trip in a campervan is really worthwhile if you have a lot of time. Many surfers come to El Palmar on parental leave or on sabbatical. If you only have 2 weeks' vacation, we advise you to fly and book accommodation or a surf camp.

Further tips

Language and culture: While Spanish is the main language spoken in El Palmar and the surrounding regions, the locals are often friendly and helpful, although English skills vary. It is helpful to learn some basic Spanish expressions to facilitate communication.
Safety and health: El Palmar is a safe place, but it is always advisable to take the usual precautions. Surfers should also make sure to use plenty of sunscreen and drink enough, especially during the hot summer months.
Local cuisine: The region offers a variety of culinary experiences, from fresh fish and seafood to traditional Spanish dishes such as paella and tapas. It's worth exploring the local restaurants and markets to enjoy authentic Andalusian cuisine.

Local culture and activities

El Palmar not only offers fantastic surfing conditions, but also a rich cultural experience and numerous leisure activities that will make your stay even more unforgettable. This region of Andalusia is known for its hospitable people, impressive nature and vibrant culture.

Leisure activities

Yoga and wellness: Many surf schools and accommodations in El Palmar offer yoga classes, which are perfect for relaxing and improving flexibility after an intense surf session. Yoga and surfing complement each other perfectly, as both activities promote balance, strength and inner peace. At A-Frame, we have our own yoga house on the beach, where both our own yoga classes and courses by external instructors take place. If you feel like a massage during your surf vacation at our camp, you can book one with our osteopath.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Another popular water activity is stand-up paddleboarding. This calm and meditative sport is ideal for the few wave-free days and offers a wonderful way to explore the coast from a different perspective.
Hiking, climbing, MTB: The surroundings of El Palmar are rich in natural beauty and offer many hiking trails that lead through the picturesque Andalusian landscape. Whether along the coast or inland, hikes offer a perfect opportunity to discover the local flora and fauna and enjoy spectacular views.
Riding on the beach: Riding along the beaches of El Palmar is a special experience. Several stables offer rides that are suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. Riding along the coast at sunset is an unforgettable experience.
Skating, carverboard: With the carverboard, you can improve your surfing skills in the "wave" and at Homies there is even a miniramp for the skaters among you.

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Restaurants & Cuisine

Local cuisine: The region is known for its excellent gastronomy. There are also some very good restaurants in El Palmar. Fish and seafood are the main ingredients of the local cuisine, as El Palmar is located right by the sea. Many restaurants offer freshly caught specialties. Typical dishes include paella, gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns) and pescado frito (fried fish). For a beer before dinner and a few tapas, we recommend the cervezeria. (Spanish) soccer matches are also often shown here. At Homies you can enjoy your coffee between two skate sessions. If you like pizza, you'll love Restaurante La Dolce Vita. You must try the tiramisú here.
Tapas tour: A tapas tour through the local bars and restaurants is a great way to discover the diversity of Andalusian cuisine. There are numerous tapas bars, especially in the neighboring town of Conil de la Frontera.
Markets and shopping: In nearby towns such as Conil de la Frontera or Vejer de la Frontera, there are weekly markets selling fresh produce, local delicacies and handmade goods. A visit to one of these markets offers an insight into the daily life and culture of the region.
If you want to dance in the evening, you can meet like-minded people at Gran Baba. The music here varies depending on the event. Live music or electro is often played.

You can find even more tips, details and pictures of things to do in and around El Palmar in our El Palmar Guide. With lots of great places and tips from our team.

Cultural sights

Whitewashed villages: The Andalusian region is famous for its picturesque white villages. A visit to towns such as Conil or Vejer de la Frontera, which is just a short drive from El Palmar, offers a fascinating insight into the region's traditional architecture and way of life.
Historical sites: The region around El Palmar is rich in history and culture. A trip to the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia near Tarifa or a visit to the historic city of Cádiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe, offer exciting discoveries for history buffs.
Flamenco and festivals: Andalusia is the home of flamenco, and there are many opportunities to experience this passionate art form live. Local bars and events regularly offer flamenco performances. There are also various fiestas and festivals throughout the year that celebrate the culture and traditions of the region.

El Palmar and its surroundings offer a wealth of activities and cultural experiences that will enrich your surf trip and give you a deep insight into the life and culture of Andalusia. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure or cultural discoveries, you are guaranteed to find the right thing in and around El Palmar.

Sustainability and environmental protection in El Palmar

El Palmar is not only a popular surfing destination, but also a place that places great importance on sustainability and environmental protection. The beautiful nature and unique waves are at the heart of this coastal resort and it is important to preserve them for future generations. In El Palmar, there are numerous initiatives and opportunities for surfers and visitors to contribute to environmental protection and act sustainably.

Tips for environmentally friendly surfing

Beach and sea clean-ups: Beach clean-ups are organized by local communities, surf schools and surf camps. These are a great way for guests to actively participate in protecting our beautiful coastline and keeping the beaches clean. By collecting litter and plastic, you help to protect the marine environment and reduce the risk to wildlife. At our surf camp, we regularly organize such beach clean-ups.
Using eco-friendly equipment: Surfers can reduce their environmental footprint by choosing eco-friendly surf equipment. Wax without harmful chemicals, sustainable surfboards made from recycled or biodegradable materials and eco-friendly wetsuits are some of the options that support environmental protection.
Saving water and energy: Conscious use of resources is another important aspect of sustainable surfing. Minimizing water consumption by taking shorter showers and using solar energy for hot water and electricity are simple but effective measures.
Local products and services: By supporting local products and services, you can help reduce your carbon footprint. Buying food from the region, supporting local craftsmen and using public transport or bicycles are ways to protect the environment and strengthen the local economy at the same time.
Conscious behavior on the beach: Surfers should make sure to always take their garbage with them and leave no trace on the beach. Respect for nature and the local environment is essential to preserve the beauty and cleanliness of the beaches.

Conclusion: El Palmar surfing

El Palmar Surfing offers an incomparable experience for surfers of all levels. With its endless, natural beach break and numerous peaks, every surfer will find the perfect spot. The relaxed atmosphere, nice restaurants and small surf stores make every visitor feel right at home. The A-Frame surf camp further enhances this experience by offering an excellent mix of first-class surf lessons, relaxing yoga classes and comfortable accommodation. Whether you stay right on the beach or in the idyllic Oasis Camp, the proximity to the sea and the opportunity to explore the surrounding area by bike make your stay particularly enjoyable. All-round catering with fresh, regional products rounds off the offer and ensures that body and soul are strengthened in equal measure. If you want to experience an unforgettable surf trip, you should definitely put El Palmar on your list.