La Ermita
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
La Ermita is a small, low-profile kitesurfing spot on a narrow stretch of coast between Arenales del Sol and Santa Pola, known for clear water and predominantly choppy conditions. The shoreline is rocky, with submerged hazards near the shallows, and the immediate launch/entry area is described as narrow and requiring careful kite handling. Wind is driven by predictable afternoon sea-breeze thermals (Garbí) in spring and summer. Typical riding wind is described in the range of about 12 to 22 knots, with higher reliability during the summer months. The thermal pattern is typically active from early to late afternoon, supporting afternoon sessions when wind is most consistent. For riders, the spot is described as best suited to intermediate-level kitesurfers due to the launch environment and the need to manage the rocky entrance. Recommended kite sizing commonly centers around 9 to 12 m² for the thermal period, while smaller kites can be used when winds strengthen. Windsurfing and wingfoiling are noted as possible when the thermal is active, but both require caution during entry and exit because of limited depth and rocks close to shore. Safety planning is important: rocks and submerged stones are explicitly listed hazards, and in the summer bathing season (June to September) kitesurfing is often restricted to designated zones or permitted only outside peak beach hours, with bathers having priority. Parking is described as limited along the coastal road, and nearby medical facilities are referenced in Santa Pola or Elche.
- Clear water and a compact, low-profile launch
- Predictable afternoon thermal winds in spring and summer
- Intermediate progression focus due to rocky launch/entry
- Small but clear-water spot with choppy conditions suited to freeride progression
- Consistent summer thermals with predictable afternoon wind
- Quieter than the main resort beaches in the wider area
- Rocky shoreline and scattered submerged rocks make entry/launch tricky
- Narrow launch area increases handling risk
- Not beginner-friendly
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E, SE, S, SW
- Wind Range
- 12–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Predictable afternoon sea breezes (Garbí) in spring and summer.
- Reliability
- High during summer due to consistent thermals
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed beach composition with stones/pebbles at launch.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small-wave character is noted alongside choppy water.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Choppy water conditions are repeatedly described.
- Launch
- Small — Narrow beach with some stones and pebbles; requires careful kite handling.
Through the year
Quieter than main resort beaches; busiest on summer weekends.
Occasional heavy rain (Gota Fría) in late autumn/September
By sport
What to expect for each.
Small, less-crowded kitesurfing spot with choppy water, some small-wave character, and a rocky shoreline. Conditions are generally better for intermediate riders due to the launch/entry environment.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable when the thermal is active, especially for freeride and bump-and-jump sessions.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Possible but requires caution during entry and exit due to rocks and limited depth close to shore.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Limited immediate shore area for safe foil entry.
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1 meter after the initial rocky entry
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for La Ermita in the full forecast view.
La Ermita wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 16 kts
- Direction
- S175°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2510 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.7 m3s period
- Temperature
- 14–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, La Ermita is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.1–0.7 m with a period of about 3s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
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
- Narrow launching area
- Submerged stones
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards are referenced for the spot itself.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue/lifeguard services are referenced as operating along the beaches during high season (June to September).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are referenced in Santa Pola or Elche (universal emergency number: 112).
Rules of the spot
During the summer bathing season (June to September), kitesurfing is often restricted to designated zones or permitted only outside of peak beach hours; bathers have priority.
- No designated kite zone in peak summer; bathers have priority.
- Watch your footing when entering the water as rocks can be slippery.
- The spot is not a beginner-friendly launch because of the rocky shoreline.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Alicante
- Nearest Town
- Arenales del Sol
- Nearest Airport
- Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC)
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking along the coastal road
- Public Transport
- Regular bus services connect the coastline with Alicante, Santa Pola town center, and the airport
- Access
- South from Alicante on N-332 to Arenales del Sol, then about 2 km south (near the small chapel known as Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Rosario).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous apartments and hotels are available in Santa Pola and Arenales del Sol.
- Food & Drink
- Chiringuitos and restaurants are a short drive away in neighboring towns.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rental directly at the beach; shops are referenced as located in Santa Pola.
- Gear Repair
- Repair services for kites and boards are referenced as available in specialized shops in Santa Pola.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at La Ermita?
The best overall months at La Ermita are April, May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at La Ermita?
La Ermita works with NE, E, SE, S, SW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at La Ermita?
Recommended equipment sizes at La Ermita: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–22 kts.
What skill level is La Ermita suitable for?
La Ermita suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.