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Aerial satellite view of Salinas y Espartal surf break in Salinas, Northwest Spain, Spain
Salinas, Northwest Spain, Spain

Salinas y Espartal

43.592, -5.967
Edited by Thomas Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-verifiedCross-checked against 1 reference
A-frame · BeachBeginner → Advanced3–8 ftSep – Nov

A generous stretch of sandy bay on the Asturian coast, Salinas y Espartal runs from the rivermouth groyne at Punta del Gallo south to the urban beach of Playa de Salinas, producing long walling lefts and rights across all tides. It needs a medium NW groundswell to wake up, but when conditions align the peaks can get genuinely hollow and the quality pulls a large, tight-knit local crew. SE winds are ideal, and the western headland offers partial shelter in W or NW winds, extending the usable window. The break suits all skill levels when small, but rips and a heavy paddle-out demand respect when the swell builds past head-high. Bottom: sand. Season: year-round, best September to November. Consistency: moderate, swell-dependent. Water quality is fair at best and genuinely poor after rainfall, thanks to rivermouth run-off and urban outflows, so check conditions before paddling out.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Beginner → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Sep – Nov
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F
M
A
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Character
Long walling beach break lefts and rights, hollow in solid groundswell.

Conditions

When it works
Hazards
CrowdsRips and heavy when big.
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
13° to 20°C
Wetsuit
3/2 to 4/3 depending on season
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for solid groundswell days
  • Fish or funboard for smaller, softer days
  • Longboard when waist-high and gutless
Lineup
Heavy locals, respect required
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

When it's firing, expect a busy lineup with an intense local crew. Localism is real here, rated firmly on the intimidating end of the scale. Respect the pecking order, take your turn, and don't snake sets. Dawn patrol before the local crew arrives is the practical move on good days.

Access & Facilities

Street parking sits just behind the beach, with a dedicated car park in the middle of the bay. Urban amenities are close. Avoid the water for at least 48 hours after heavy rain given the rivermouth and urban drainage inputs. Watch for rips, especially when the swell is up.

Nearby Alternatives

Asturias has no shortage of beach breaks and point options along the coast. If Salinas is blown out or too crowded, explore the bays to the east or west depending on swell angle and wind, where less exposed stretches sometimes hold cleaner conditions on the same swell.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Salinas y Espartal surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Frequently asked

Before you paddle out

Salinas y Espartal is a beach break suited for beginner to advanced surfers. Confident beginners can give it a go on small days.
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