Mataleñas
A sheltered Santander cove that becomes a fun plan B on big days.
Mataleñas is a small cove below the Cabo Mayor cliffs. It needs a big swell to get in, but in return it's sheltered from the north-west winds that ruin other beaches.
That's why it's the usual option on storm days: fun waves, few people and lovely surroundings.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | N, NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | S, SW, W |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 1.5–4 m |
| Best season | Winter, on big swells |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
Shortboard or fish; on calmer days a funboard will get you more waves. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Mataleñas
The water is around 12 °C in winter and 20 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
Few people and a relaxed vibe.
Surfing style
Fun cove surfing, with sections to turn on.
Hazards
Access by stairs; on big days, currents near the rocks.
Map
Shapers near Mataleñas
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Santander
Santander's city beach: it only wakes up with a big swell, and then it breaks hard.
Somo (Ribamontán al Mar)
Santander's surf-school beach: miles of sand with peaks for every level.
Somo / Loredo
Cantabria's most famous big-wave right: powerful, fast and for experts only.
Langre (Ribamontán al Mar)
A wild beach below the cliffs, with banks that work at low tide.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.