Quintanilla (Moya)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Weekends can be busy with locals; weekdays are generally quiet
Occasional rain and storms from November to February (rainfall generally low).
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- 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.
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.
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
- Volcanic rocks
- Strong currents possible during large swells
- Sea urchins
- Submerged reef sections
- Low tide can expose sharp rocks, making entry and exit difficult
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.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.