Comillas

Surfing
Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Expert
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Comillas is a reef-break surfing destination centered on a powerful right-hand reef/ledge line that becomes hollow and very heavy on larger swells. The reef bottom is described as rocky with coral/sharp rocks, so conditions can be unforgiving if you’re not fully committed and properly prepared. For the reef break, access is a key factor: the harbor sits on the east of a cape and the right-hand reef line is on the western side. Getting to the main reef break generally requires a paddle of more than 20 minutes or a boat launch; this is not an instant walk-on launch. Because of the bottom hazards, plan your entry/exit and expect challenging bailing potential. The spot’s best surf window is tied to swell direction and tide. It is reported to start working around 2.0–2.5m (North/Northwest/West swell) and is typically best at low to mid tide positions. North, Northwest, and West swell are the favored directions, and ride lengths are often described as long—often around 50 to 150m, with good days extending up to roughly 300m. Wind can significantly affect wave shape here: south and southwest winds are described as offshore and therefore more favorable for grooming. One set of enrichment notes also highlights that wind reliability is low and that harbor-area wind shadows from cliffs/town buildings can occur. Safety considerations include strong currents possible during large Northwest swells and limited rescue availability, with lifeguards described as seasonal.

  • Hollow, ledgey right-hand reef break
  • Best with North/Northwest/West swell (starts around 2m–2.5m)
  • Long ride potential (often 50–150m, sometimes up to ~300m)
  • Offshore grooming winds reported from South/Southwest
  • Long access requirement for the reef break (paddle >20 minutes or boat)
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Right-hand hollow, ledgey reef break with powerful waves when swell arrives.
  • Offshore grooming winds are reported from the south and southwest.
  • Works best with North/Northwest/West swell and at low to mid tide windows.
  • Clean water is reported for the broader area.
Heads up
  • Reef/coral bottom with sharp rocks—higher injury risk on wipeouts.
  • Reef access usually requires a long paddle or a boat (not instant walk-on).
  • Wind reliability is described as low.
  • Summer weekends can be crowded and parking can be very difficult.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SW
Offshore directions
S, SW
Wind Type
Frontal — A frontal-type pattern is referenced, with strong seasonal change; winds are typically from the south/southwest at this spot.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
October, November, December, January, February, March
Shadow Zones
High cliffs and town buildings can create wind shadows in the harbor area.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Reef — Reef/coral-sharp-rock bottom is a defining feature for the main break; additional references describe sandy access areas for a beach break.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Beach/referential wave-size is described as small in one physical summary; reef performance starts around 2.0–2.5m+ swell.
Launch
Medium — Harbor/cape access for the reef; long paddle or boat is typically needed for the reef break.
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Reef break requires boat or a long paddle; beach-side access is easier in comparison.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
12–21 °C
Water Temperature
10–25 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–May: 4/3mm or 5/4mmJun–Sep: 3/2mm or shorty
Crowds by Season

Empty to low crowds in winter; the beach break can be crowded with tourists and beginners in July and August; summer weekends can make parking difficult.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain is frequent from October through April.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A classic right-hand reef break for more experienced surfers, best with North/Northwest/West swell. The reef is hollow and powerful, with a rocky/coral bottom that demands careful entry and strong swell management.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
N, NNW, NW, W
Swell Height
2–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Low, Mid — Best tide position is described as low and mid; low-to-mid is generally favorable.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Shelter is described as semi-sheltered/exposed depending on references; overall the reef/harbor cape context matters for wind/swell interaction.
Wind Effect
South and Southwest winds are described as offshore, grooming waves for this spot.
Bigger Swell
The reef holds large swells and becomes very heavy and ledgey.
Wave Quality
Good — Wave quality is described as good.
Wave Power
Powerful — Hollow, ledgey reef/ledge waves; becomes very heavy on bigger swells.
Wave Shape
Hollow — Hollow and ledgey over rocky reef bottom.
Peel Speed
Fast
Ride Length
Long — Normal rides are commonly 50–150m; on good days rides can extend to around 150–300m.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Normal rides are commonly 50–150m; on good days the reef can offer rides up to ~300m.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Comillas in the full forecast view.

Comillas wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–9 ktsGusts 18 kts
Direction
ESE110°
Strongest day
Wed, Oct 289 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.5–2.8 m10s period
Temperature
10–22 °C

Over the next 7 days, Comillas is forecast for daytime winds of 1–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.5–2.8 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Rocks
  • Reef
  • Coral
  • Sharp rocks
  • Strong currents possible near rocks during large NW swells
  • Submerged obstacles
  • Long paddle distance
  • Harbor wall
Ability Level: Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBootsWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited.
Emergency Info
Universal emergency number 112.
Localism / Vibe
None — Mild localism is mentioned in one set of notes, but another view indicates none.

Rules of the spot

Use only advanced/experienced judgment on the reef break; access may require a boat or a long paddle.

Restrictions
  • Experienced surfers only on the reef break.
  • Boat or paddle access required for the reef break.
Local Tips
  • The reef break usually needs a paddle of over 20 minutes or a boat launch from the harbor.
  • The right-hand reef break is on/near the harbor-capewest side; plan access carefully before committing.
  • Watch for sharp reef/coral and rocks on the bottom when entering or bailing out.
  • Surfing zones can be restricted during peak summer swimming hours on the main beach.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Comillas
Nearest Town
Comillas
Parking
Parking is very difficult on weekends in summer; parking is also noted as available near the harbor and along the beach front but can be very busy in summer.
Access
Harbor is on the east of a cape; the right-hand is on the western side of the same cape. Access to the reef break typically requires a paddle longer than 20 minutes or boat launch; no instant access.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
Accommodation
Near — Various hotels and guesthouses are available in the historic town of Comillas.
Food & Drink
Numerous restaurants and bars are located in the town and near the harbor area.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental is described as available at local surf schools.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: June to September for best weather and active thermal winds; October for the best surf conditions.
El Capricho de Gaudí1 km

Iconic modernist villa designed by Antoni Gaudí, known for its sunflower-patterned tiles.

Comillas Beachin town

Blue Flag beach and a major summer draw.

Palacio de Sobrellano1 km

Grand neo-Gothic palace overlooking the town, built for the Marquis of Comillas.

Sobrellano Chapel and Pantheonin town

Part of Comillas’ Art Nouveau heritage.

Pontifical University of Comillas1.5 km

Landmark institution associated with the town’s heritage.

Cementerio de Comillasin town

Historic cemetery and architectural site.

Plaza del Corroin town

Central square next to the church.

Oyambre Natural Park Hiking2 km

Coastal trails offering panoramic views of the Picos de Europa mountains meeting the sea.

Walking and sightseeing along the historic centerin town

Compact town layout supports short sightseeing walks.

Coastal beach time and sea-based recreationcoastal area

Described as suitable for outdoor activities in summer.

La Gaviota0.5 km

Traditional Cantabrian seafood restaurant located near the harbor.

Playa de Comillas0.1 km

Sheltered sandy beach suitable for swimming and sunbathing with kids.

Historic town sightseeingin town

Architecture and pedestrian center suit family visits.

Beach visitsin town

Beach is a major summer attraction for visitors.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Comillas?

The best overall months at Comillas are April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Comillas?

Comillas works with S, SW winds. Offshore directions are S, SW.

What skill level is Comillas suitable for?

Comillas suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.