Montalvo
Sanxenxo's surf beach: sand and rock peaks when the Rías Baixas get swell.
Montalvo is on the Pontevedra estuary, facing south-south-west. It needs a big westerly or south-westerly swell, and then it has several sand peaks plus others over rock at both ends.
It's one of the beaches with the strongest surf scene in the Rías Baixas and it gets crowded on good days.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | SW, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | N, NE |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 1–2.5 m |
| Best season | Autumn and winter, with a big swell |
| 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 or fish; a funboard when it's small. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Montalvo
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 an established local community and reports mention localism at the rock peaks. Start on the sand peaks and respect priority.
Surfing style
Sand and rock peaks.
Hazards
Rocks at both ends and crowds.
Map
Shapers near Montalvo
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Sanxenxo / O Grove
The big beach of the Rías Baixas, between Sanxenxo and O Grove, which wakes up with a westerly swell.
Nigrán
Vigo's wave: sand and rock peaks that only work when the swell gets past the Cíes Islands.
Carnota
About 7 km of sand facing Mount Pindo: peaks to choose from depending on the wind.
Muxía
A wild Costa da Morte beach, with lefts by the river mouth.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.