Malpica
The beach by Malpica's harbour: it works with a south-west wind, when almost everything else is blown out.
Malpica's Praia Maior is next to the fishing harbour and faces north. Thanks to that, it handles the south-west wind well, which is common in winter and ruins other beaches in the area.
In summer it's usually small or flat; from autumn to spring it's a safe bet with a north-west swell and a southerly wind.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | NW, N, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | S, SW |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 0.8–2 m |
| Best season | Autumn to spring |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Medium |
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
A shortboard or fish. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Malpica
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 a local group that surfs it often and some reports mention localism. Be polite and respect priority.
Surfing style
Beach break with fast walls.
Hazards
Rip currents.
Map
Shapers near Malpica
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Carballo
A big beach in Carballo, with many surf schools and camps and peaks all along the sand.
A Laracha
The beach of the fishing village of Caión: very consistent, with quality peaks.
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.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.