El Palmar is Andalusia's surf oasis—a long, sandy beach near Cadiz that catches Atlantic swells wrapping around from the northwest before they enter the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar. The wave offers consistent beachbreak peaks in a region known more for wind sports than surfing. The bohemian village vibe, warm water compared to northern Spain, and reliable winter swells make El Palmar a favorite escape for those seeking Spanish surf without Basque Country crowds.
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
7/10
Access: Beach village access. Near Tarifa kite/wind hub.
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Oct, Mar
Winter Atlantic swells. Tarifa wind zone.
Verified by Andalusian surf community, Magicseaweed
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions