Surf spot guide · Gran Canaria, Spain
Fast, steep lefthander on Gran Canaria's north coast, wrapping over a boulder-and-sand bottom with long performance walls on W-NW swells.
Quintanilla is an underrated lefthander on Gran Canaria's north coast, visible from the main coastal highway near Bañaderos in the municipality of Arucas. The wave breaks over a submerged boulder-and-sand reef and produces steep, fast performance walls that wrap and bowl through a 200-500m ride when conditions align. Power comes from W through NW groundswells, with a westerly component firing the best walls; northerly swell angles also work but tend to produce shorter, more sectiony rides. Mid to high tide is the sweet spot, with rising tide generally offering the cleanest takeoffs before the reef deadens on a full high. A southerly wind is offshore and keeps the faces groomed. Wave size ranges from 1.5m to 3.7m, with the break genuinely improving as size builds, though weak paddlers will struggle against the bowl and the current on bigger days. The takeoff is vertical and demands commitment. The environment is striking, with a volcanic mountain backdrop framing the beach. Hazards are the boulders and urchins beneath the surface rather than any localism.
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Rarely crowded year-round. The break sits in plain sight from the main road but draws a small, knowledgeable local crew. Expect space even on good days.
Uncrowded performance left with volcanic scenery
Gran Canaria
Popular boulder-and-sand a-frame at Playa de San Andres, Gran Canaria - the go-to beginner wave when everywhere else is flat.
Gran Canaria
Forgiving sand beachbreak near Las Palmas with a wide swell window, slopey a-frame peaks suited to longboarders and beginners.
Gran Canaria
Slopey boulder-reef peaks on Gran Canaria's northeast coast, working best on N swells at low to mid tide.
+9 MORE →Target mid to high tide on a rising tide with 1.5m or more of W-NW swell for the longest walls
Wear booties to protect against urchins and boulders on the entry and exit
Study the lineup from the highway before paddling out to read which sections are connecting
A southerly offshore is the wind to wait for
When Quintanilla is too big or closing out, head west and have a look at Playa de San Andres
HAZARDS · KNOW BEFORE YOU PADDLE
Visible from the main north coast highway. Roadside parking available at no charge. Walk-in access to the beach. No formal car park. No facilities on site.
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