The best surf spots in Andalusia

Playa El Palmar is our home break. It’s where our surf camp is located and we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!

El Palmar is Andalusia’s ultimate swell magnet. This west-facing beach break serves up consistent A-frame waves (meaning you can ride both left and right... giving you plenty of options in the lineup).

What makes the waves here so good? Beneath the sand there’s a rocky base that keeps the sandbanks stable, so the waves break clean and predictable. The vibe of the wave changes with the tide—low tide brings hollow waves while high tide mellows things out.

No matter your style or size preference, there are waves for everyone at El Palmar!

Just one town over in Conil you’ll find another great surf spot with a fun beach break.

The waves here are nice and mellow. This makes it perfect for boards with a little more volume. If you’re riding a mini-malibu, fish or longboard, guess what? You’re in for a good time!

Fuente de Gallo is usually best at low tide, so plan your session accordingly.

This spot is another fun beach break. What really makes it really special though is its natural wind protection from the cliffs.

The high rocks help shield the waves from the Levante wind, which usually blows offshore—great for clean waves! That said, when it gets too strong at other spots, Cabo Roche is the perfect choice.

The spot works on almost any tide, but the best conditions depend on how the sandbanks are shifting at the time. Either way, you’ll usually find something surfable here... especially when you need protection from the wind.

There are three excellent surf spots at Caños de Meca that we've been surfing since before 2009. At all three spots the bottom is reef, so they're only suitable for beginners who have progressed on to green waves (as opposed to those still practicing in white water).

Caños de Meca: Faro

The Trafalgar Lighthouse area is a dream for longboarders—one of the best quality waves around. Since it’s on the south coast, it needs a bit more swell to really turn on. But if El Palmar is too big, just cruise over to Faro in Caños de Meca for a perfect session.

On a good day, the righthander point break peels for 200–300 meters, making it a longboarder's paradise. Just be ready for a little paddle... it’s a bit further out. The magic happens at low tide with a northerly wind (hello, offshore perfection!). Note that the wave breaks over a reef, but don’t worry—the water’s deep enough to keep wipeouts worry-free.

If you love long rides and smooth lines, this spot’s calling your name!

Caños de Meca: Marisucia

Right next to Faro you’ll find a sweet A-frame wave that’s perfect for longboards and mini-malibus. It’s got a similar vibe to Faro but with fewer crowds (pssttt... that means more waves for you!).

The best time to surf here? Mid tide... especially if the wave next door is getting packed. It’s also a great spot for beginners looking to catch their first green waves without the stress of a crowded lineup.

Smooth rides, fun wave and plenty of room to surf—what’s not to love?

Caños de Meca: Apartamentos

As the name suggests, this spot sits right in front of the white apartments on the beach promenade. And if you’re an advanced surfer, you’re in for a treat!

At low tide, a steep and punchy left fires over the reef that's perfect for your shortboard or fish. Just keep in mind that when the conditions are good, the water can get pretty shallow. The take-off zone is also tight, so it fills up fast. The good news is that early birds will be rewarded with uncrowded waves and an epic session, so set that alarm!

If you like fast, clean lefts and don’t mind waking up early, Apartamentos is your spot.

When it’s blowing like crazy and the waves are way too big everywhere else, Punta Paloma comes to the rescue!

Once the swell hits around 3 meters, this righthander point break wakes up and starts firing. The best part? It’s a friendly and fun wave with a nice channel, so you can paddle out easily and enjoy long, cruisy rides without getting smashed.

Chaos everywhere else? Punta Paloma is where its calm.

Located on the south coast, Barbate is a spacious city beach break with waves for all skill levels. It’s actually our go-to alternative when El Palmar gets too big for our surf courses.

One of the best things about this spot? You can see the waves from miles away, making it easier to time your take-off and perfect your positioning. Whether you’re just getting the hang of catching green waves or looking for a relaxed session with plenty of room, Barbate’s got you covered.

It works at almost any tide too. And just like other nearby spots, a northerly wind keeps things clean. The saying around here is, "Too big in El Palmar? Barbate’s not far"!