El Confital
El Confital is Europe's hidden gem—a world-class right-hand barrel breaking over volcanic reef on the northern tip of Gran Canaria, visible from the city of Las Palmas yet somehow remaining relatively uncrowded. When solid north Atlantic swells sweep down from winter storms, this wave produces powerful, hollow tubes that rank among the finest in Europe. The volcanic reef bottom creates predictable, mechanical sections that reward skilled tube riders. Accessible by a short walk from the city, El Confital offers genuine big wave surfing with urban convenience—a rare combination anywhere in the world.
El Confital surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 340°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.8m - 2m
Water temp
20°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
7/10
Access: Walk from Las Palmas city. Northernmost beach of Gran Canaria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is El Confital?
El Confital is a reef break in Las Palmas, Spain, that mostly breaks right. It's also a renowned bodyboarding wave.
What swell works best at El Confital?
El Confital picks up swell from the W round to the NNW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the W. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.1 to 2.9m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at El Confital?
An E wind is dead offshore at El Confital, and anything from the NE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 7am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at El Confital?
El Confital is at its best around the mid to high tide, roughly 0.8m to 2m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf El Confital?
The most reliable run of swell at El Confital comes Sep to May. Best September-May. North Atlantic winter swells.
How cold is the water at El Confital?
The water at El Confital averages around 20°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is El Confital good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. It gets busy (crowd 7/10), so mind the pecking order. World-class right. Can get crowded. Respect locals.
How do I get to El Confital?
The nearest airport on our list is LPA, then it's roughly a 15-minute drive. Walk from Las Palmas city. Northernmost beach of Gran Canaria.
What other surf spots are near El Confital?
The closest breaks we track are El Frontón (4.4 km), handy when El Confital isn't working. Fun fact: it's the third most southerly break we track in Spain.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Best September-May. North Atlantic winter swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
El Frontón
Gran Canaria slab • Expert bodyboard wave • NW swell magnet
La Izquierda
🌋 Canarian perfection • Tourist town treasure • Volcanic intensity
Spew Pits
🦔 Urchin-covered reef • Fast barrels • Respect the spikes
El Cotillo
🚢 Shipwreck backdrop • Cobblestone lefts • Surf village charm
El Hierro (The Bubble)
💀 Europe's Pipeline • Heaviest Canaries wave • Pros only
Los Lobos
🐺 Canaries' longest wave • 500m rides • Boat access island