Porís de Abona / Playa Grande (Arico)
- Bodyboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Porís de Abona / Playa Grande is a sandy beach-break surf spot on Tenerife’s southeast coast (Arico) known for producing both left and right waves. Multiple reports describe the bottom as sandy with rocks/rocky patches, so entries and line choice matter, especially near the ends of the beach. The spot is widely considered reliable when the swell and wind align, but it can be inconsistent session-to-session. It starts working from well under 1 m and can hold into the 2 m+ range, with some reports extending higher depending on swell energy and how the beach sandbars set up. Wave quality is described as good to regional-classic level on the right conditions. Wind preferences differ slightly by report, but the recurring theme is that best results come when you have a Northeast swell paired with winds that are favorable for grooming: south-southwest/south winds are specifically mentioned along with general notes that west/southwest winds can help shape the waves while Northeast trade winds tend to add onshore chop. Low to mid tide is repeatedly cited as the best tide window. Access is described as easy, with quick on-foot access from nearby parking. Safety-wise, expect possible rip currents during larger swells and be prepared for rocks/submerged stones around the shoreline. Weekends can be busy, while weekdays can be much quieter—so adjust your timing if you want more space.
- Sandy beach-break with both left and right waves
- Low and mid tide are reported as best
- Northeast swell is a key ingredient
- Rocky bottom areas—watch your entry points
- Sandy beach-break with both left and right waves
- Works from small sizes and can hold up to around 2 m+ (with larger-swell reports)
- Good wave quality on the right setup
- Easy access with short walk from parking
- Surf is reported as sometimes inconsistent
- Crowds can build on weekends
- Rocky patches/stones at the bottom and at the beach edges
- Rip currents can form during larger swells
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, S, E, NNE
- Offshore directions
- W, SW, S
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — NE Alisios trade winds are common in the region; spot wind direction is reported as south or south-southwest depending on conditions.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach with some rock reported on the bottom.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Starts working below 1 m and can build to 2 m+ (and occasionally higher depending on conditions).
- Launch
- Small — Beach-break surf zone with easy access from shore; wide sandy beach with ample space for entry.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Easy shore access; instant access on foot is reported.
Through the year
Quieter on weekdays; can become very crowded on weekends and during summer holidays.
Very rare rainfall; most likely between November and February.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Not a primary kitesurfing spot due to offshore/onshore trade-wind effects and overall choppiness on some wind setups; better suited when conditions are favorable.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Possible when wind is light or for foiling the swell; sandy bottom generally supports safer entry than many other nearby options.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Sandy beach-break with both left and right waves. Surf can be inconsistent, but it often delivers regular sessions and is described as a regional classic when the swell and wind line up.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NNE, E
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, Mid — Low and mid tide are repeatedly reported as best.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Some shelter from south winds; semi-sheltered overall.
- Wind Effect
- Best with south-southwest wind; west/southwest winds can groom waves, while Northeast trades can blow onshore and add chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold larger surf; reports include working to around 2 m+ (and sometimes up to ~3 m+ before closing out).
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate beach-break power; becomes very powerful on larger swells.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Reported as mixed overall; can peel depending on conditions.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Typical rides are short to normal, with better days reaching longer rides.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal rides commonly fall in the 50–150 m range; better days can extend beyond 150 m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Porís de Abona / Playa Grande (Arico) in the full forecast view.
Porís de Abona / Playa Grande (Arico) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–18 ktsGusts 31 kts
- Direction
- NE53°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2418 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–1.3 m6s period
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Porís de Abona / Playa Grande (Arico) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 31 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.4–1.3 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- Rocky patches on the bottom
- Rocks at the edges of the beach
- Some submerged stones near the shoreline
- Rip currents during larger swells
- Crowds during weekends
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Maritime rescue is provided by Salvamento Marítimo; local seasonal presence may occur.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services reachable via 112. Nearest health center is in Arico.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; during summer, be mindful of swimmers in designated bathing zones.
- Kitesurfing is generally discouraged during peak swimming hours in summer months.
- Best surf is reported with a Northeast swell and South-southwest wind.
- Check conditions when the north of the island is maxed out; this spot can provide cleaner, more manageable surf.
- Low and mid tide are reported as the best tide windows for Playa Grande.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Nearest Town
- Porís de Abona
- Nearest Airport
- Tenerife South Airport (TFS)
- Parking
- Public parking is available in the village of Porís de Abona and near the access path to Playa Grande.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Holiday rentals/apartments are available in Porís de Abona and nearby Abades.
- Food & Drink
- Seafood restaurants and cafes are located along the waterfront in Porís de Abona.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is described as available (with primary focus in El Médano, but some mobile instruction may reach the Arico area).
- Gear Storage
- Limited on-site storage is reported; most riders store gear at accommodations or use school facilities elsewhere.
- Gear Repair
- Specialized repair shops are described as available in the nearby hub of El Médano.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
An iconic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the rugged volcanic coastline.
Porís de Abona includes multiple beaches and seaside access points.
A religious site associated with the Porís de Abona area.
A well-preserved historic village with traditional Canarian architecture and cobbled streets.
Surrounding marine area is noted for underwater activity and local diving operators.
One of the premier climbing destinations in Spain, featuring world-class volcanic basalt ravines.
Several local establishments specializing in fresh Atlantic fish and Canarian “papas arrugadas”.
A sheltered sandy bay nearby, ideal for swimming and snorkeling in calm conditions.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Porís de Abona / Playa Grande (Arico)?
The best overall months at Porís de Abona / Playa Grande (Arico) are January, February, March, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Porís de Abona / Playa Grande (Arico)?
Porís de Abona / Playa Grande (Arico) works with SW, S, E, NNE winds. Offshore directions are W, SW, S.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Porís de Abona / Playa Grande (Arico)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Porís de Abona / Playa Grande (Arico): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 4.5–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Porís de Abona / Playa Grande (Arico) suitable for?
Porís de Abona / Playa Grande (Arico) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.