Summer passes but the real waves arrive; the sea starts to pick up, and it's a perfect time to enjoy a surf trip in Cadiz: the surf reference in Southern Spain.
From Flysurf, together with our friends at The Feather Van, we propose several surf trip ideas suitable for all levels.
We've already shared our favorite destinations in Cantabria, Asturias, and the Basque Country
Cantabria Surf Trip: The Best Beaches in Cantabria
Surfing in Asturias – Surf Trips for this Summer
Surfing in the Basque Country: Surf Trip for this Summer
Best destinations for surfing in Cadiz
For this new installment of recommended surf trips, we leave our beloved North coast and travel directly to the south of the Peninsula: to Cadiz.
Cadiz is always a good option for a van getaway, whether you plan to do it during the summer months where you will enjoy long, hot days and a good atmosphere, or if you prefer to escape the cold winter of the rest of the Peninsula and look for warmer places.
As for surfing, the safest months to catch waves are from November to March, although as you know, with the sea, you never know. Also, whether you are a beginner or an expert surfer, here you can find the right wave for you. Let's get started!
Mandatory Surf Stop in Cadiz
You can start your tour through the more urban area and visit the city of Cadiz. Right at the entrance, next to its famous walls, is La Cortadura beach, an ideal place to have your first contact with the local waves. It is a wild beach, perfect for beginner surfers, offering its best conditions with mid-tide and north wind. Its sandy bottom, gentle waves, and lack of strong currents that could cause trouble, make it one of the best surf beaches for beginners in Andalusia.
Second surf stop
Although surfing is only allowed outside bathing hours in summer, La Fontanilla beach is one of the essential stops on a surf trip in Cadiz. This beach, located near Conil de la Frontera, is ideal for all surfing levels, and sometimes hosts trials for the Spanish Surfing Championship. Despite being a beach with some rocky bottom areas, this spot offers options for beginners on calm days or in the whitewash area. Plus, if you go in summer, you can enjoy the wide range of bars and restaurants until bathing hours end.
El Palmar, endless surfing options
Our next stop is probably the mecca of surfing in Andalusia. El Palmar is undoubtedly one of the most known and popular surf beaches in all of Spain. Located in Vejer de la Frontera and almost 4 kilometers long, it is the most consistent wave zone in the region. Its orography allows this beach to go from small and gentle waves suitable for all audiences (usually in summer) to 2-meter barrels only suitable for experienced surfers (more common in winter months), depending on the conditions. If your surf trip coincides with small sea days, it's your most consistent option. Additionally, if you want to take surf lessons to improve your level, or rent equipment, here you will find numerous options, such as the 9 Pies Surf School.
Natural beauty and surf vibe in Cadiz
We continue our journey towards the Barbate area, where we find Los Caños de Meca beach. A wonderful environment that maintains its practically unspoiled natural beauty, thanks to the absence of constructions around it. Its geographical location makes it a little more protected from sea and wind than El Palmar, so under certain conditions, it is highly recommended for beginner surfers. Its stone bottom means that when conditions are more demanding, it is more suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers. In addition, near the Lighthouse, it is a very common spot for longboard surfers, and an ideal place to enjoy your Cold Hawaii.
Fifth stop on our surf trip
We continue our route along the Costa de la Luz (an ideal area for surfing or SUP) and one of its best spots, La Yerbabuena Beach, also in Barbate. Located in the heart of La Breña natural park, surrounded by tremendous natural beauty, it makes it a magical place to catch waves and one of the reference points for surfing in Cadiz. In addition to the surroundings, its right-hand wave is one of the best in Spain and famous throughout the national scene. For this reason, the Open La Yerbabuena surf championship is held there. This spot needs a good swell to work and is recommended only for experienced surfers, as the current can easily carry you to the rocks.
Finishing our surf trip
To conclude, end your journey in windy Tarifa. Tarifa boasts numerous surf spots, but they are heavily dependent on conditions. Therefore, before heading to the European capital of wind, ensure that it is blowing with the correct direction and strength. If so, don't hesitate to give it a try. Here you'll find consistent spots for intermediate and advanced surfers, like "El Balneario" (Las Lances beach and Playa Chica), and calmer ones for beginners like Punta Paloma.
One of the best things about a surf trip in Cadiz is that the distance between its spots is very manageable, so you won't have to travel long distances on your journey. This gives you the advantage of being able to come and go depending on the conditions, as well as exploring beaches along the way in search of new spots.
Enjoy surfing in this natural paradise and live a new adventure!
See you in the water.
Flysurf Team.
