Patos
Vigo's wave: sand and rock peaks that only work when the swell gets past the Cíes Islands.
Patos is in Nigrán, south of Vigo, and faces west towards the Cíes Islands, which shelter it from the swell. That's why it needs a big swell to work; when it does, it breaks with peaks over sand and rock that can be very good.
It's the go-to beach for Vigo surfers, so it's crowded on good days. In summer it's usually flat.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 1–3 m |
| Best season | Autumn and winter, with a big swell |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | High |
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; a step-up if a big storm swell arrives. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Patos
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 AmazonRock or urchins on the bottom: protect your feet going in and out.
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
According to surfer reports, it's one of the Galician beaches with the most localism: few good days and lots of people wanting to surf them. Arrive calmly, watch first, respect priority and don't surf as a group.
Surfing style
Powerful peaks over sand and rock.
Hazards
Rocks, buoys and crowds.
Map
Shapers near Patos
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Sanxenxo
Sanxenxo's surf beach: sand and rock peaks when the Rías Baixas get swell.
Sanxenxo / O Grove
The big beach of the Rías Baixas, between Sanxenxo and O Grove, which wakes up with a westerly swell.
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.