Quintanilla (Moya)

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Mixed
Spot Type
Moderate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Quintanilla (Moya) is an exposed surfing spot combining beach and reef, known for very consistent surf even though summer can trend flatter. The break can present both left and right wave options, with steep performance sections that suit maneuvering when the swell and local conditions line up. Surf performance is strongly connected to approach swell direction and tide. Winter-to-autumn months are typically favored for getting quality surf, with the most consistent results reported around October through March. Local wind and swell interactions matter: south and southeast winds tend to improve cleanliness, while north winds can make the water choppy and reduce rideability. Safety planning is important. The launch and takeoff/exit areas can include volcanic rock and submerged reef sections. Strong rip currents are possible during larger swells, and at low tide rocks can become exposed and create difficult—and potentially dangerous—entry/exit conditions. Sea urchins are also identified as a hazard. Access is generally straightforward via the GC-2 coastal highway, but parking is limited near the beach. The area has limited on-site amenities directly at the spot; meals and services are available by walking to nearby coastal areas, with gear rental and specialized repairs more readily found in Las Palmas.

  • Exposed beach-and-reef surf with very consistent waves
  • Steep performance walls suitable for maneuvers
  • Best results typically come in autumn and winter with north-to-northwest swell and cleaner offshore wind
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Very consistent surf overall, with summer tending to be flatter.
  • Beach-and-reef character with steep, maneuver-friendly walls in the right conditions.
  • Works across a wider tide window, with local guidance emphasizing planning around tide and access.
Heads up
  • Exposed conditions can be harsh; wind direction strongly affects rideability.
  • Volcanic rock/reef hazards; low tide can expose sharp rocks and complicate entry and exit.
  • Currents can become strong during larger swells.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SE, E
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Provider wind-type label given as frontal.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
October, November, December, January, February, March
Shadow Zones
Cliffs to the south can provide some protection from southerly winds.

Water & beach

Water Type
Mixed
Beach
Sand — One source lists sand; another describes mixed beach composition including volcanic rock areas.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium
Launch
Medium — Sandy sections mixed with volcanic rock entries.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Moderate access complexity due to mixed sandy and rocky entry/exit.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
18–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Nov–Apr: 3/2mm or 4/3mm full suitMay–Oct: 2/2mm shorty or spring suit
Crowds by Season

Weekends can be busy with locals; weekdays are generally quiet

Storm/Rain Season

Occasional rain and storms from November to February (rainfall generally low).

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach-and-reef break with very consistent surf (summer often flatter). Depending on conditions, it offers left and right wave options with steep performance walls; best results depend on the approach swell and tide.

Beach break
Optimal Swell
N, NNE, NW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — Provider notes: best high tide & low tide; another provider indicates best around mid-tide to high-tide.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
South and Southeast winds provide cleaner offshore conditions; North winds make it choppy and unrideable.
Bigger Swell
Can handle larger sets but becomes challenging with heavy currents and closing out on the sandbars.
Wave Quality
Average — Consistent surf overall; cleanliness varies by wind and conditions.
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling — One description notes left/reef-dominant steep walls; another describes right-hand peeling waves.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Average rides reported around 50 to 150 meters depending on swell connection between sections.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Average rides range from 50 to 150 meters depending on the swell connection between sections.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Quintanilla (Moya) in the full forecast view.

Quintanilla (Moya) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–11 ktsGusts 18 kts
Direction
E80°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2411 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.7–1.7 m9s period
Temperature
22–27 °C

Over the next 7 days, Quintanilla (Moya) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.7–1.7 m with a period of about 9s. 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

  • Volcanic rocks
  • Strong currents possible during large swells
  • Sea urchins
  • Submerged reef sections
  • Low tide can expose sharp rocks, making entry and exit difficult
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsLeash

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No
Emergency Info
Nearest major medical facilities are in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. General emergency number is 112; nearby major facility: Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín in Las Palmas.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Dedicated local following; weekends can be busy with locals.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup in this residential coastal area.

Local Tips
  • Check the tide before entering; low tide can expose sharp rocks and make entry/exit difficult.
  • The spot is less crowded than the main breaks in Las Palmas but still has a dedicated local following.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Arucas
Nearest Town
Moya
Nearest Airport
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
Parking
Limited parking available along the roadside and in small gravel areas near the beach
Public Transport
Global bus network connects Moya and the coastal GC-2 road to the capital (car is typically essential for gear to specific launches).
Access
Easily accessible via the GC-2 coastal highway
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Local apartments and vacation rentals are available in the surrounding coastal villages.
Food & Drink
Small local cafes and restaurants are located within walking distance in the Quintanilla and San Andrés areas.
Equipment Rental:
No rentals directly on the beach; shops are located in Las Palmas. Extensive rental options in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with fewer specialized shops directly on the Moya coast.
Gear Storage
Limited on-site storage; most visitors rely on vehicle storage or facilities provided by schools in the capital.
Gear Repair
Specialized surfboard and wetsuit repair services available in industrial zones and surf shops in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Quintanilla (Moya)?

The best overall months at Quintanilla (Moya) are October, November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Quintanilla (Moya)?

Quintanilla (Moya) works with S, SE, E winds.

What skill level is Quintanilla (Moya) suitable for?

Quintanilla (Moya) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.