Surf spot guide · Mediterranean Spain, Spain
Consistent hollow beachbreak on Costa del Sol, split by Benalmadena port. The northern stretch runs fastest and best on E-SE swells.
Playa de la Carihuela is a long sandy beachbreak on the Costa del Sol, split by Benalmadena port. The northern stretch toward Torremolinos is the more rewarding section, catching E through SE swells that produce fast, hollow peaks on a well-covered sandy bottom. Waves run from chest-high to overhead on solid groundswells, with barrel sections and performance walls that suit intermediates looking to work cutbacks and top turns. The takeoff is vertical, and banks shift between sessions, so checking from the beach first saves wasted paddles. Offshore winds from the east groom the faces, though sea breezes build most afternoons. The setting is fully urban: hotels line the seafront, parking is metered and summer crowds are relentless. The surf is packed year-round, with a territorial local crew at the northern peak. Commercial runoff from the hotel strip makes it worth avoiding the water after heavy rain.
Fast, hollow peaks on shifting sand where the takeoff stays vertical.
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One of the most crowded spots on the Costa del Sol, busy year-round. The northern peak draws a tight local crew alongside visiting surfers and bodyboarders.
Urban crowd, hollow peaks
Mediterranean Spain
Slow, crumbly beachbreak north of Torremolinos producing short peaks on onshore Mediterranean swells.
Mediterranean Spain
Forgiving sand-bottom beachbreak on the Costa del Sol, firing on E-SE-S swells from November to May.
Mediterranean Spain
Punchy boulder-and-sand beachbreak on the Costa del Sol, lit up at night and working best on E to SE swells.
+2 MORE →Focus on the northern stretch between the port and Torremolinos for the most consistent and shaped banks
Arrive early before sea breezes kick in to catch cleaner faces
Avoid the water for 48 hours after significant rainfall due to commercial runoff from the hotel strip
Check the banks on foot before paddling out as peaks shift with each swell
Respect the established pecking order at the northern peak to avoid friction with locals
HAZARDS · KNOW BEFORE YOU PADDLE
Direct beach access along the seafront promenade. Paid street parking in the surrounding hotel zone. No formal surf school or surf shop recorded at the break. No lifeguard, restrooms or showers at the break itself.
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