Montalvo
Sanxenxo · Galicia Sur · Spain
Today’s forecast: the current surf forecast for Montalvo (wave height, swell, wind, tide and a 0–10 rating for every hour of the next 16 days) are only shown on SurfCams. They change every hour, so this text doesn’t contain them. To check today’s surf, open https://surf-cams.com/spot/montalvo.
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Montalvo is a south-west facing beach of about 500 m in Sanxenxo, west of Portonovo. It sits between Punta Montalvo and Punta Paxariñas, backed by dunes and a protected pine wood. It is a short, hollow, powerful shorebreak, usually with three clear peaks, from about half a metre to 3 m, and it holds up when the wind is from the north. It needs some swell and is best in winter, when it throws hard tubes. It has surf schools and is busy in summer and at weekends, but the shorebreak suits surfers who can handle a fast take-off.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Break
- Beach break, sand
- Waves
- Lefts and rights
- Crowd
- Crowded
- Season
- autumn, winter
- Boards
- A shortboard; a spare is worth having on big days.
When it works
✓ A 1–2 m west or south-west swell with a light north-east wind on the rising mid tide.
When it doesn't
✕ South or south-west wind, swells above about 3 m, and summer, when waves come only now and then.
Watch out for
- shorebreak
- currents
- localism
- crowds
Best months
January, February, March, October, November, December
Local tips
Best for intermediate and advanced surfers: you need quick take-offs and a way out of the tube. On strong swells, currents form near the rocks at each end. Respect the locals and you'll be fine.
Getting there
Easy access with large car parks, about 3 km from Sanxenxo. Services are nearby.
Travel notes
- How often it works
- One of the more consistent beaches in Sanxenxo, working on roughly 150 days a year by one guide's count. Winter is the best time. Summer is often flat or choppy.
- Crowd and vibe
- Calm on weekdays but very crowded at weekends and in summer, with surf schools and a strong local crew. Some guides mention localism, but visitors say you'll be fine if you show respect.
- Camping and vans
- Camping Cachadelos is about 3 km north (April to October). For vans, the paid Autocamper Sanxenxo near Canelas (open all year) and the área at Playa Pragueira are both about 1.5 km away. Nearest campsite about 3 km away.
- Facilities
- Toilets, showers, a lifeguard post in summer, sunbed rental and large car parks.
- Water quality
- Holds Bandera Azul for 2026, which needs excellent bathing-water results the season before.
Ideal conditions
- Swell
- WSW–WNW best, SW–NW works
- Size
- 1–2 m offshore swell; starts at 0.5 m, holds to 3 m
- Period
- 9 s minimum, best from 12 s
- Wind
- Offshore N–ENE; handles onshore up to 12 km/h
- Tide
- mid best, on the rising tide
- Faces
- SSW (213°)
Live cam
No cam at this spot yet: the forecast and the guide are on the map.