Doniños
Ferrol's go-to beach: very consistent, with barrelling peaks and a lagoon behind it.
Doniños faces west and picks up lots of swell. At low to mid tide with an easterly wind it produces barrelling peaks, especially at the north end, which is usually the best part of the beach.
It's one of the best-known beaches in Galicia and surfers come from Ferrol and A Coruña, so it gets busy on good days. Behind the beach is the Doniños lagoon, a protected natural area.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE |
| Tide | Low to mid for barrels |
| Size | 0.8–3 m |
| Best season | All year |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | Medium |
Surf forecast
Loading the forecast…
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
A shortboard most days; a step-up when the swell goes above 2 m. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Doniños
The water is around 12 °C in winter and 17 °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 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
There's localism on the best days, especially at the north peak. Say hello, don't drop in and, if the peak is crowded, look for another bank.
Surfing style
Powerful beach break with barrels.
Hazards
Strong currents and close-outs in big swell.
Map
Shapers near Doniños
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
A Coruña
Surfing right in the centre of A Coruña, with rights by the rocks and the promenade behind.
Oleiros
The sheltered beach in the A Coruña estuary: gentle waves and surf schools when it's huge outside.
Valdoviño
A beach several kilometres long with peaks everywhere and room for everyone.
Valdoviño
A small cove between Pantín and A Frouxeira with hollow, fast waves, mostly rights.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.