El Palmar
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.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Direction range
- 240° - 310°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 50° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2m
- Danger above
- 2.5m
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
7/10
👥 Summer Holidays (Jun 20 – Sep 7) — expect extra crowds
Access: Beach village access. Near Tarifa kite/wind hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at El Palmar?
El Palmar works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window. Above 2.5m it tends to swamp and stop breaking properly.
What wind direction is offshore at El Palmar?
Offshore wind at El Palmar blows from the E (90°). Anything in the 50° to 130° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at El Palmar?
El Palmar wants W swell (240° to 310°) between 0.8m and 3m, with a period of 13s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf El Palmar?
The main season at El Palmar is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Oct, Mar. Winter Atlantic swells. Tarifa wind zone.
How do I get to El Palmar?
Fly into XRY, then allow about 90 minutes by road. Beach village access. Near Tarifa kite/wind hub.
What kind of wave is El Palmar?
El Palmar is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Oct, Mar
Winter Atlantic swells. Tarifa wind zone.