A guide to some of the best spots for surfing in Andalucia
Surfing should be added to your bucket list and you can do that with one of the best Southern Spain guides – Surfing in Andalucia
Not only does it have a top-notch location as the meeting point between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, but you’ll also find a lot of beaches in Andalucia suitable for surfers with all skill levels.
With more than a thousand kilometers of beautiful coastline combined with its mild temperature, Andalucia makes the best spot for surfing in Spain.
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From Cadiz to Malaga, here are some of the best Southern Spain beaches you can go for surfing in Andalucia!
Top Places for Surfing in Andalucia
- Caños de Meca, Cadiz
- El Palmar, Cadiz
- Los Bateles Beach, Conil de la Frontera
- El Zapillo Beach, Almeria
- Santa Amalia Beach, Fuengirola
- Bil Bil Beach, Malaga
Best Places for Surfing in Andalucia – Cadiz
1. El Palmar Beach
Situated in Vejer de la Frontera, El Palmar Beach has gained popularity for being one of the best beach towns in Andalucia.
Known for its lively nightlife during the summer, El Palmar Beach is also one of the best places to surf in Spain all year round. – Get guided tours in Cadiz here.
While the tide and wind conditions may vary depending on the season, the waves at El Palmar Beach can be small to non-existent during the summer which makes it a great place to surf for beginners.
2. Beaches in Caños De Meca
One of the coastal towns in Cadiz, surfing in Caños de Meca is one of the best things to do in Andalucia.
The small town offers a lush view of Barbate Hill, which is unique compared to the other beaches at the Costa de la Luz such as El Palmar.
The main town of Caños de Meca is a typical Andalucian tourism resort, but you can go to the Trafalgar neighborhood to visit the best beaches in this coastal town.
Head east for the more powerful waves, and enjoy exploring the best out of this Andalucia beach.
3. El Balneario
Situated in the Straits of Gibraltar in Cadiz, El Balneario is the most popular spot for surfing in Tarifa, known for its world-class waves for surfers.
From El Balneario, you can also visit Isla de Las Palomas, one of the best places to visit in Andalucia, as the island is located in the southern point of Europe.
The surfing spot at El Balneario is not so far from the island, and you can also head over to El Foso for the stronger current if you’re an experienced surfer looking for more surfing challenges.
4. Yerbabuena Beach, Barbate
Among other Southern Spain beaches, Yerbabuena Beach in Barbate is one of the best beaches in Andalucia for surfing, with the historic lighthouse of Trafalgar as its icon.
Head to El Martillo to surf the lower wave on Yerbabuena Beach for an easier wave.
For more challenging adventures, you can also find higher waves close to Trafalgar that is more suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers.
5. Lugar Secreto
If you love surfing, Andalucia has plenty of beaches in Southern Spain suitable for the watersport with its world-class waves and beautiful weather.
Among some popular ones, you can also find a hidden gem like Lugar Secreto – which also means a secret place in Spanish.
Situated between Las Dunas and Bolonia beaches, you can ask the locals about this wonderful beach of Lugar Secreto.
Not only the beach has a great temperature for surfing, but it also has an excellent view to enjoy the best of Andalucia without too many crowds.
Related Cadiz content:
Best Places for Surfing in Andalucia – Conil de la Frontera
6. Los Bateles Beach
One of the best places to surf on the coast of Conil de la Frontera, Los Bateles Beach is known for its beautiful sandy shores and crystal clear water.
But on top of that, the beach is also one of the best places to visit in Andalucia if you’re looking for a spot that offers consistent waves for surfing.
Suitable for surfers of different skill levels, you can also book some surfing courses if you’re a beginner who wants to acquire the necessary skills to make the best day out of surfing in Andalucia!
7. Cabo Roche
If you’re looking for what to do in Andalusia, Cabo Roche is one of the best beaches in Southern Spain that offer so many things to do for visitors of all ages.
You can find some trekking trails around Cabo Roche to enjoy the beautiful view of the Bay of Cadiz.
Known for its rugged cliffs and natural beauty, Cabo Roche may not be your first choice if you’re looking for the best spot for surfing in Andalucia.
However, the location is strategic as it’s close to some of the best surf spots around Conil de la Frontera.
8. Rio Salado
If you want to learn how to surf and find the best beaches, Andalucia is the place to be. Among many beaches in southern Spain, the Rio Salado River can also be a great spot for surfing in Andalucia when the tide rises.
Without stones or current, Rio Salado is a great spot for surfing, even for beginners!
For the best experience around Rio Salado, you can add spending your sunset time here to the list of things to do in Andalusia.
Enjoy the magical view of the golden hour, as it’s one of the best spots to enjoy the sunset in southern Spain!
9. Playa de la Fontanilla
Playa de la Fontanialla is popular with local surfers, as the beach is the venue of the score tests for the Spanish Surfing Championship.
The beach is protected by cliffs that make it a great viewpoint, even if you’re not out there to surf.
The beach has no stone, and there’s no dangerous current in the surroundings which makes it also a great spot for beginners.
Playa de la Fontanilla is one of the main beaches around Conil de la Frontera.
Keep in mind that surfing at Playa de la Fontanilla is only allowed outside of bathing times so make sure to double-check with the authority first before exploring the beach with your surfing board!
10. Fuente Del Gallo
Situated a little bit further from Fontanilla, Fuente del Gallo is a beach on the outskirts of Conil with a combination of rocks and sands. Beware of the rocks if you decide to surf around the area.
Fuente del Gallo is also another great spot to see the sunset in Conil. To top it all, stroll around the street among the whitewashed houses to enjoy one of the most picturesque views in Andalucia.
Places for Surfing in Andalucia – Granada
11. Punta del Río Beach
Punta del Río beach in Granada is situated in Salobreña, one of the best places for surfing in Andalucia.
The beach generally has waves that reach up to a meter and a half, which can be fun for beginners and intermediate surfers who like to challenge themselves with long, gentle waves.
The beach is also popular for dog walkers, and you can take your dog for some fun dog paddling at Punta del Río de Salobreña too.
The wetland area around the beach is also an ideal spot if you’re into birdwatching. – Check out guided tours in Granada here.
12. La Carchuna Beach
Situated in the coastal town Carchuna, it is located on the Mediterranean coast of Granada.
It’s a sandy beach that extends from the leaning tower called “El Farillo” to the Sacratif Cape, and you can enjoy the crystal clear water and rich marine life population to top it all.
The wave conditions around La Carchuna Beach also make it a great spot for surfing and windsurfing.
Head over to the beach during the golden hour to face the Sacratif lighthouse, as you can enjoy the sunset while looking over the seaside castle to protect the coast as a fortress from pirate attacks.
13. La Chucha Beach
If you’re looking for one of the best surfing points in Granada, head to La Chucha Beach in Costa Tropical.
Situated in Motril municipality, the beach is a great place for surfing in Andalucia.
Suitable for moderate to experienced surfers, La Chucha Beach has mid to high-level difficulty of waves.
Even if you’re not going there to surf, La Chucha Beach is also great for relaxing and enjoying the view around the coasts in Andalucia.
The quiet beach may not be as popular as some other Southern Spain beaches, but it’s also one of the best beaches in Andalucia that offers wheelchair access to its visitors.
Related Granada content:
Best Surfing in Andalucia – Almeria
14. El Zapillo Beach
Stretched for around 2 kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea, El Zapillo Beach is a long sandy beach located in the urban area of Almeria.
Its strategic location makes it one of the city’s most popular spots, and the beach is also great for surfing in Andalucia!
Surfers can catch the waves when the westerly wind blows around El Zapillo Beach, and it’s also one of the best beginner-friendly spots for surfing in Spain.
15. Club de Playa, El Ejido
Situated in the Iberian Peninsula, El Ejido offers the Mediterranean climate with its location between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountain ranges of Sierra de Gador.
With mild winters and hot summers, combined with the low chance of rainfall, the conditions make it one of the best places to go surfing in Andalucia. – Get guided tours in Almeria here.
When in El Ejido, don’t forget to visit Almemimar to experience the best of this municipality. It’s one of the best resorts in Andalucia, and you can also enjoy some of the best beaches in Southern Spain.
Head to the Playa de San Miguel beach to enjoy surfing in Andalucia, or you can also go to Playa de Guardias Viejas to visit the 18th-century castle that’s become a site of Cultural Interest.
Add these two sites to the list of things to do in Andalucia, and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea at its finest!
16. Mojácar Beach
Mojácar is rich in history, as the village was once home to the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Moors.
The town began to flourish under the Moorish, which left behind the white-washed building and narrow winding streets that create a picturesque view with its preserved historic charm.
Head over to this historic town if you’re looking for fun things to do in Almeria and start with surfing.
With over 3,000 hours of sun annually, Mojácar Beach is one of the best places to surf in Spain, with its warm water and small waves that are suitable for beginners.
17. Los Genoveses Beach
Located in Cabo de Gata Nature Park in Almeria, Los Genoveses Beach is a long beach with shallow water suitable for visitors of all ages.
With its sandy bottom and beautiful surroundings around the Mediterranean Sea, it is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Cabo de Gata for surfing in Spain.
Once you reach the entrance of Los Genoveses Beach, turn left to find the surf spot on the beach and enjoy the slow waves, especially during the windy days.
Best Surfing in Andalucia – Malaga
18. Cabopino Beach in Marbella
Marbella is not only one of the best beach resorts in Andalucia but it’s also considered to be the most popular holiday destination in Spain.
While the beach town is mostly known for its lively nightclubs and pristine beaches, it’s also home to some of the coolest spots for surfing in Andalucia.
Cabopino Beach is ideal for surfing in Andalucia, especially if you’re a beginner looking to improve your skills. – Get guided tours in Malaga here.
Head over to the surfing spot between Cabopino Marina and the breakwater to enjoy the fantastic waves and game up your surfing skills.
And if you’re looking for things to do in Malaga in October, surfing here might be just one of the best.
19. Bil Bil Beach, Malaga
Situated next to the famous Benalmadena port, Bil Bil Beach is the best place for surfing in Andalucia.
It offers the biggest waves compared to any other beaches in Malaga, and its laidback atmosphere also makes it a great spot to relax, even if you’re not there to surf.
Stretched for 400 meters along the coast, you can walk down Paseo Maritimo along the beach to visit Castillo Bil Bil.
Built in 1927, it’s one of the most iconic buildings in Benalmadena, which you should add to the list of things to do in Andalusia.
20. El Chanquete Beach, Malaga
Located in the center of Costa del Sol, El Chanquete Beach is also known as El Dedo Beach for the locals, and it’s one of the most popular beaches for surfing in Malaga.
The beach offers great amenities for its visitors, as it’s connected to El Candado Sports Club.
A favorite among local surfers, head north to experience the stronger waves. If you’re a beginner surfer, the combination of the westerly and easterly winds on El Chanquete is still great to enjoy on the southern part of the beach.
When it comes to watersports in Malaga, there are for sure plenty of options for everyone and every level.
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Other Cool Places for Surfing in Andalucia
21. Santa Amalia Beach in Fuengirola
Santa Amalia Beach in Fuengirola is probably the most well-known spot for surfing in Andalucia.
Situated on Costa del Sol, you can find a lot of shops selling various surfing equipment as it’s one of the most favorite surf spots in Southern Spain.
For the best experience, plan your visit to Santa Amalia Beach around September to November.
During this period, the region experiences swell from the Atlantic Ocean that creates more consistent and powerful waves. – Check out guided tours in Fuengirola.
22. Los Lances Beach, Tarifa
With the wind blowing for around 300 days annually, Tarifa is undoubtedly one of the best beach towns for surfing in Andalucia.
Los Lances is an unspoiled beach with dazzlingly white sands, making it one of the main surf spots in Tarifa.
Los Lances Beach is also a historic place in Southern Spain, as it’s the site where the Battle of Tarifa took place in 1340.
The battle resulted in the Muslim army’s expulsion under King Abu-l-Hassan of Morocco after the Muslim domination in the Iberian Peninsula for six centuries.
23. Mazagón Beach, in Huelva
Situated around 20 kilometers from the capital city of Huelva, Mazagón is one of the best places in the south of Spain for surfers of all levels.
An unspoiled beach surrounded by beautiful nature at Doñana National Park, you can enjoy the combination of stunning lush pine forests with incredible dunes around Mazagón Beach.
Best visited during the winter, you can enjoy mid and low tide during this period which can be an incredible experience for surfing.
For the best spot, head to the end of Mazagón village and make the best out of daylight catching the waves in Andalucia!
24. Punta Paloma, Tarifa
Located at the end of beaches in Tarifa, Punta Paloma is a sandy beach surrounded by trees and moderate waves with views over Tarifa and North Africa.
Stretched for about 2.5 kilometers, Punta Paloma is known for its consistent and powerful waves with the combination of Atlantic swells and offshore winds, and it’s most suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers.
25. Casasola Beach Or Atalaya Beach, Estepona
With over 1.5 kilometers in length, Casasola or Atalaya Beach in Estepona is a great place to stroll around while enjoying its idyllic scenery.
On top of that, the beach is also a great spot for many water sports activities, including surfing.
Explore the Mediterranean waves while enjoying some picturesque views around Casasola-Atalaya Beach; it’s an excellent spot for surfing in Andalucia.
26. Playa Punta del Moral, Huelva
Situated in the western coastal region of Huelva, Playa Punta del Moral is an urban beach on Isla Canela.
Surrounded by pine wood, the beach may not be as pristine as the other beaches in Huelva, but it offers good waves to make it a great alternative spot for surfing in Andalucia.
Visit Punta del Moral for surfing during winter or springtime to experience the best of Andalucia.
Things to know before going surfing in Andalucia
Most beaches in Andalucia are best to visit from December to May, making it a great place to escape winter, especially if you love surfing.
With its abundant sunshine and warm climate, Andalucia is a great place to explore all year round but if you happen to visit Andalucia in Autumn, check out the weather in Andalucia in October.
Whether you’re looking for the best spot for surfing in Spain for beginners or an experienced surfer trying to find a new challenge, you’ll never run out of options for Andalucia beaches to visit when you’re here.
From Cadiz to Almeria, make sure to add some of these beaches to your 1 week itinerary in Andalucia.
Short FAQ about the best places for surfing in Andalucia
Where is the best place to surf in South Spain?
The best place to surf in South Spain is Caños de Meca but there are other incredible places for surfing like El Palmar and El Balneario.
What is the coolest surf town in Spain?
The coolest surf town in Spain is Mundaka which can be found in the Basque Country. Other cool surf towns in Spain are Galicia and Cantabria.
What month is best to surf in Spain?
The month for best surf in Spain is December and with that being said the best period for surfing in Spain is between September and April.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
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