Mexilloeira (Balea)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop, Swell
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Mexilloeira is a sandy, crystal-clear beach spot in the Balea/O Grove area, providing generally flat-to-choppy conditions for wind sports. The water is described as flat and chop, with a small sandy launch and an easy launch depending on tide—while water depth near shore is shallow at low tide.
- Summer northerly/N-NE wind with thermal reinforcement (Nortada described as reliable)
- Typical kitesurfing wind: 15–25 knots
- Crystal-clear water and sandy launch surface
- Reliable summer northerly thermal wind reinforcement (N/NNE/NE/NW/NNW) with typical 15–25 knots
- Flat-to-choppy conditions with crystal-clear water
- Sandy beach with plenty of space at low to mid tide (progression-friendly)
- Small launch area that can feel tight at certain tides
- Rocks near/at the ends of the beach and some scattered underwater near shore
- Kitesurfing zones may be restricted in July and August
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Thermal reinforcement of the northerly/gradient wind during summer.
- Reliability
- High during the summer months with the Nortada
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- June, July, August
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop, Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small chop; wave size described as small.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Flat to choppy water; described as chop in multiple sources.
- Launch
- Small — Small sandy beach; also described as long with plenty of space at low to mid tide.
Through the year
High in July and August; moderate during spring and autumn.
October to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat to choppy water with NE/N winds (15–25 knots) in summer; suitable for progression and freeriding.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Excellent for freeride and slalom windsurfing in summer.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Very foil-friendly with deep enough water further out and steady winds.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.0m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
From the spot
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Mexilloeira (Balea) in the full forecast view.
Mexilloeira (Balea) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–11 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- SSW192°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2511 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.3 m9s period
- Temperature
- 9–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, Mexilloeira (Balea) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.3–1.3 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- Tidal currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Group context indicates rescue services are available via Spanish Coast Guard and local civil protection in O Grove; spot-level sources describe rescue as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest health center is in O Grove.
Rules of the spot
During the summer season, designated areas for bathers and kiters are usually marked. Respect the swimming zones.
- Kitesurfing may be restricted to specific zones during July and August.
- In low tide some rocks come out; watch for rocks near the shore/ends of the beach.
- Check the tide chart as the beach can become very narrow at high tide.
- The North wind is usually cleaner and more consistent than the South wind.
- Ask for exact directions to the beach in O Grove.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- O Grove
- Nearest Town
- Sanxenxo
- Parking
- Parking lots are available near the beach access points, though they can fill up in summer.
- Access
- From Vigo drive north to Pontevedra and then west to Sanxenxo. Then on PO-504 north, left onto PO-550 west. Drive PO-550 up north until you reach O Grove. Then ask for exact directions to the beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various campsites, apartments, and hotels are available in O Grove and San Vicente do Mar.
- Food & Drink
- Several beach bars (chiringuitos) and restaurants are within walking distance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available through local schools nearby.
- Gear Storage
- Several local schools and specialized surf camps offer overnight storage services for active students and guests.
- Gear Repair
- Basic sail and kite repairs available in the Rías Baixas area (via local workshops).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
O Salnés is a seafood-focused outdoor destination that blends rugged Atlantic scenery with estuary waters. Visitors commonly combine wind sports with island excursions, coastal viewpoints, and regional food and wine culture.
A famous island known for luxury spas, hot springs, and a unique chapel covered in sea shells.
A large aquarium focused on marine life and ecosystems of the Galician coast.
A traditional fishing town feel with historical stone architecture and local markets.
Excursions to see the traditional 'bateas' (mussel platforms) and the coastal landscape.
Maritime excursions are a common regional activity in the estuary setting.
The Salnés region is strongly associated with Albariño wine tourism and cellar visits.
Traditional Galician seafood and local wines overlooking the harbor.
A famous island known for luxury spas, hot springs, and a unique chapel covered in sea shells.
A large aquarium focused on marine life and ecosystems of the Galician coast.
The highest point in O Grove offering panoramic views of the Atlantic and the Rías.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Mexilloeira (Balea)?
The best overall months at Mexilloeira (Balea) are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Mexilloeira (Balea)?
Mexilloeira (Balea) works with N, NNE, NE, NW, NNW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Mexilloeira (Balea)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Mexilloeira (Balea): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Mexilloeira (Balea) suitable for?
Mexilloeira (Balea) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner.