Platja de Sant Pol (Sant Feliu de Guíxols)

WindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Bodyboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Mixed
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Platja de Sant Pol is an exposed beach-and-reef break in Sant Feliu de Guíxols with sand in the main bay and rocky/reef elements that become more important as the swell grows. Reported surf is often inconsistent—summer can be notably flat—so wave quality depends heavily on getting the right swell and timing. For surfing, smaller swells can offer multiple beach-break options, while bigger swell can activate a reef break farther offshore (around 100m outside is reported). Both left and right waves are possible when conditions are favorable. Working surf is described as good to moderate in power, with typical rides generally short (commonly under 50m) but with the potential for longer rides on exceptional days. Wind influences what you see on the water: NW winds are commonly described as the clean/offshore direction for surfing, while SW winds can provide some shelter (helpful for protecting the ride quality). However, wind-based sports are noted as not fully reliable and can depend on specific Mediterranean weather patterns. Safety is a key theme at this spot. Expect rocks, reef, and shallow rock sections at the ends and sometimes underfoot in parts of the riding area. Summer rules can restrict where surfing and windsurfing happen (designated zones and outside normal bathing hours), and lifeguards are described as seasonal. Rip currents are also mentioned as a hazard during heavier easterly swell conditions.

  • Exposed beach-and-reef surfing with both lefts and rights when the swell lines up.
  • Reef section about 100m offshore can work on bigger swells.
  • Offshore NW winds can groom cleaner wave faces.
  • Urban access with parking and toilets nearby.
Great for
Surfing bodyboardAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Classic Mediterranean beach-and-reef layout with both lefts and rights when conditions line up.
  • Offshore NW winds can groom surf into cleaner faces.
  • Accessible urban beach setup with parking and basic amenities.
Heads up
  • Surf can be inconsistent, especially in summer when it is often flat.
  • Rocks and reef sections increase hazard risk.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW, W, SW
Offshore directions
NW, W, SW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — NW/W synoptic winds plus summer afternoon thermal Garbí/SW sea-breeze effects reported for the area.
Reliability
Inconsistent for wind-based sports; depends on specific Mediterranean weather systems.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Reported as moderate-gusts.
Best Months
January, February, March, October, November, December
Shadow Zones
Wind shadows can form at the northern end from cliffs/buildings in Northerly directions.

Water & beach

Water Type
Mixed
Beach
Sand — Fine sand described for the main beach area.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Conflicting reports: also described as medium in some summaries; working surf can start at <1m and build to 2.5m+ on bigger days.
Launch
Medium — Wide sandy area suitable for launching non-motorized watercraft and entering for surfing; surf zones can involve reef sections beyond the shallow nearshore.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Easy entry/urban access; shallow near shore supports easy launch.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
13–26 °C
Water Temperature
10–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb: 5/4mm + BootsMar–Nov: 3/2mmJun–Sep: rashguard or shorty
Crowds by Season

Very crowded with tourists in July and August; quiet and surfer-dominated in the winter months.

Storm/Rain Season

October and November often see the most rainfall and the start of the winter storm season.

By sport

What to expect for each.

WindsurfingSkill Level

Reported mainly as a training ground for beginners and intermediates, helped by the sheltered nature of the bay.

FreerideFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Reported as a popular learning spot for light-wind foiling when the afternoon thermal sea breeze develops.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
5–6.5 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach-and-reef surf spot with inconsistent surf: multiple beach-break options on smaller swell, and a reef section farther offshore on bigger swells. Can offer both lefts and rights when conditions align.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
S, SSE, SE, NNE, NE
Swell Height
0.5–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides
Shelter
Exposed — Reported as exposed overall; the bay can provide some shelter from SW winds.
Wind Effect
Offshore NW winds groom waves into cleaner faces; SW offers some shelter.
Bigger Swell
A reef break approximately 100m offshore can begin working on bigger swells.
Wave Quality
Good — Reported as good.
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Mixed — Also described as peeling on working days.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short — Normal rides typically under 50m; exceptional days can extend longer (up to ~150m) with stronger East swell.
Typical Ride Length
40–150 m
Ride Length Details
Normal rides are usually short (<50m); better days can produce longer rides (50–150m range reported).
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Platja de Sant Pol (Sant Feliu de Guíxols) in the full forecast view.

Platja de Sant Pol (Sant Feliu de Guíxols) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–7 ktsGusts 13 kts
Direction
SW234°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 247 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.2–0.7 m4s period
Temperature
11–22 °C

Over the next 7 days, Platja de Sant Pol (Sant Feliu de Guíxols) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 13 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.2–0.7 m with a period of about 4s. 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
  • Submerged rocks
  • Rip currents
  • Summer crowds
  • Shallow rock shelf on the right side of the bay
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsWetsuitGloves

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard coverage on main beaches reported (June to September).
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facility is the Hospital de Palamós (about 15 minutes away). General emergency number is 112.

Rules of the spot

During the summer season (June to September), surfing and windsurfing are restricted to designated zones or outside of standard bathing hours.

Restrictions
  • Seasonal watercraft exclusion zones.
  • No surfing in swim areas during lifeguard hours.
Local Tips
  • Watch the rockier sections, especially when the swell gets larger.
  • With small swell there are several beach breaks; on bigger swell a reefbreak about 100m outside can start working—stay aware of where rock/reef begins.
  • Best waves are often found during Levante (East) storm periods in autumn.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Nearest Town
Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Parking
Paid parking available in streets around the beach and in dedicated lots near the promenade.
Public Transport
Regional bus services (Sarfa) connect the area to Girona and Barcelona.
Access
Easy to reach by car or bus in an urban beach setting; direct access from Sant Feliu de Guíxols is described, with a bus stop in front of the promenade.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Catalan, Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Accommodation
Nearby town — Hostal de la Gavina and hotels/apartments around S'Agaró and Sant Feliu de Guíxols are referenced.
Food & Drink
Numerous restaurants and beach bars (chiringuitos) line the promenade.
Equipment Rental:
Available through the local sailing school for windsurf, wingfoil, and SUP equipment.
Gear Storage
Available seasonally through the local nautical club for members/students.
Gear Repair
No specialized surf/kite repair shops on the beach; nearest services in Palamós are mentioned.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Cam de Ronda0 km

A historic coastal path offering spectacular views of the cliffs and hidden coves of the Costa Brava.

Monastery of Sant Feliu de Guxols1 km

A Benedictine monastery and museum featuring the 'Porta Ferrada' and various art exhibitions.

Monastery and protected historico-artistic monumentin town

Historic monastery complex with museum functions and heritage value.

Via Ferrata Cala del Mol2 km

The only via ferrata in Europe that runs directly over the sea.

GR 92 coastal hikingregional

Long-distance coastal trail access for walking and multi-day hiking.

Passeig del Mar0 km

The main promenade lined with traditional Catalan seafood restaurants and tapas bars.

Town-centre dining and waterfront hospitality zonein town

Tourism-oriented dining is widely available in the town and nearby Costa Brava resorts.

Beachgoing and promenade visitsregional

Family-friendly coastal recreation is a major part of the local visitor offer.

Vies Braves0 km

Public network of marine itineraries for open water swimming and snorkeling.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Platja de Sant Pol (Sant Feliu de Guíxols)?

The best overall months at Platja de Sant Pol (Sant Feliu de Guíxols) are October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Platja de Sant Pol (Sant Feliu de Guíxols)?

Platja de Sant Pol (Sant Feliu de Guíxols) works with NW, W, SW winds. Offshore directions are NW, W, SW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Platja de Sant Pol (Sant Feliu de Guíxols)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Platja de Sant Pol (Sant Feliu de Guíxols): Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–6.5 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.

What skill level is Platja de Sant Pol (Sant Feliu de Guíxols) suitable for?

Platja de Sant Pol (Sant Feliu de Guíxols) suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.