Platja de Sant Pol (Sant Feliu de Guíxols)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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.
- 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.
- Surf can be inconsistent, especially in summer when it is often flat.
- Rocks and reef sections increase hazard risk.
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
Very crowded with tourists in July and August; quiet and surfer-dominated in the winter months.
October and November often see the most rainfall and the start of the winter storm season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Reported mainly as a training ground for beginners and intermediates, helped by the sheltered nature of the bay.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
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
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.
- 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).
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.
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
- Reef
- Submerged rocks
- Rip currents
- Summer crowds
- Shallow rock shelf on the right side of the bay
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.
- Seasonal watercraft exclusion zones.
- No surfing in swim areas during lifeguard hours.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A historic coastal path offering spectacular views of the cliffs and hidden coves of the Costa Brava.
A Benedictine monastery and museum featuring the 'Porta Ferrada' and various art exhibitions.
Historic monastery complex with museum functions and heritage value.
The only via ferrata in Europe that runs directly over the sea.
Long-distance coastal trail access for walking and multi-day hiking.
The main promenade lined with traditional Catalan seafood restaurants and tapas bars.
Tourism-oriented dining is widely available in the town and nearby Costa Brava resorts.
Family-friendly coastal recreation is a major part of the local visitor offer.
Public network of marine itineraries for open water swimming and snorkeling.
From riders who've been here
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.