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.
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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
- 2.8m
- 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
👥 Summer Holidays (Jun 20 – Sep 7) — expect extra crowds
Access: Walk from Las Palmas city. Northernmost beach of Gran Canaria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at El Confital?
El Confital works best on a mid to high tide, ideally between 0.8m and 2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at El Confital?
Offshore wind at El Confital blows from the E (90°). Anything in the 45° to 135° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at El Confital?
El Confital wants W swell (270° to 340°) between 1m and 3.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf El Confital?
The main season at El Confital is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May. Best September-May. North Atlantic winter swells.
How do I get to El Confital?
Fly into LPA, then allow about 15 minutes by road. Walk from Las Palmas city. Northernmost beach of Gran Canaria.
What kind of wave is El Confital?
El Confital is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Best September-May. North Atlantic winter swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
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