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OpenWaterAtlas

Patos

3.7 — based on 14 community signals
4.3 12 species 33 contributors

Patos is a Spanish beach break with year-round potential and an active local community documenting marine life and conditions.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
Shore entryFamily-friendlySeasonal

At a glance

Activity
surf
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Common octopus

Top operators here

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Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
Patos location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
1.8 kn
Wave
1.72 m
Water
13.9°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: ESE (28%)
Now: E (96°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 2.78m

Next: Low at 03:00 (-0.89m)

+1.0 m0 m-1.8 m
▼ 03:00 · -0.89m ▲ 10:00 · +0.09m ▼ 16:00 · -0.87m ▲ 23:00 · -0.11m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5.95 · mod Air PM2.54 · good 08:19 20:38
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 5 1.74 6 0mm
09-20 4.4 1.28 6 0mm
09-21 5.4 1.16 6 0mm
09-22 3.7 1.18 6 0mm
09-23 5.2 1.72 6 0mm
09-24 4.4 1.68 6 0mm
09-25 8.8 2.68 6 0mm

About this spot

Patos, located on Praia do Abra in Spain, is a beach break accessible to surfers throughout the year. The break sits outside any marine protected area, giving it straightforward access without permit restrictions. Local observers have documented 12 species around the break, and the community has contributed 3 videos showing real conditions and wave potential. The beach break character means waves shift with sand movement and seasonal swells, so conditions vary. Year-round ridability suggests consistent wind and swell patterns, though peak windows may depend on Atlantic storm systems and local wind direction. Beginners and intermediate surfers can find workable days here, though some sessions will be smaller than others. Patos benefits from an active local scene. Community video evidence and species documentation show an engaged group of watchers who understand the break's moods. This grassroots knowledge is valuable—locals know when sand bars build, when swells align, and what marine activity signals good conditions. Access appears simple with no formal permits required, making it an easy stop for traveling surfers exploring Spain's Atlantic coast.

📖 Guide: Diving in Spain: 91 Sites From Kelp Forests to Barracuda Walls

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Marine life

Common octopus

Dive types

Shore

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 🏄 Surfboard or rental confirmation
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/F · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 1214km · ~279kg · €5

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 77/100
  • Visa: Visa-free · 90 days max
  • Flight: 7h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 6h east · 4 days recovery

FAQ

Can you surf Patos year-round?

Yes. Patos is rideable throughout the year, though wave size and quality shift seasonally. Atlantic swells and wind patterns drive changes, so checking current conditions or local videos before a session helps set expectations.

What's the difficulty level at Patos?

Patos is a beach break, which typically suits a wide range of skills. Smaller days work for beginners, while bigger swells attract intermediate and experienced surfers. Exact difficulty depends on current sand bar shape and swell size.

What marine life is around Patos?

Observers have documented 12 species at Patos. The exact mix shifts seasonally. Local community videos and species records offer insight into what you might encounter—check recent uploads for the latest activity.

Do I need permits to surf Patos?

No. Patos sits outside any marine protected area, so standard beach access applies. Respect local customs and any posted signs, but formal surf permits are not required.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Mergullo Sáa

9.3 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

58 records · 34 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Raja brachyura

Elasmobranchii · Rajidae
OBIS
Last seen:
8 Nov 2023
×1records

Paracentrotus lividus

Echinoidea · Parechinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
28 Sept 2022
×1records

Steromphala pennanti

Gastropoda · Trochidae
OBIS
Last seen:
31 Mar 2022
×1records

Harmothoe impar

Polychaeta · Polynoidae
OBIS
Last seen:
6 Jul 2020
×1records
Depth:
12 m

Eualus occultus

Malacostraca · Thoridae
OBIS
Last seen:
6 Jul 2020
×1records
Depth:
12 m

Raja montagui

Elasmobranchii · Rajidae
OBIS
Last seen:
22 Feb 2020
×2records

Raja undulata

Elasmobranchii · Rajidae
OBIS
Last seen:
1 Aug 2019
×1records

Malacostraca

Malacostraca
OBIS
Last seen:
25 Jun 2019
×1records
Depth:
12 m

Delphinus delphis

Mammalia · Delphinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
18 Nov 2018
×1records

Eualus gaimardii

Malacostraca · Thoridae
OBIS
Last seen:
7 Jun 2018
×1records
Depth:
12 m

Nereimyra punctata

Polychaeta · Hesionidae
OBIS
Last seen:
7 Jun 2018
×1records
Depth:
12 m

Spisula solida

Bivalvia · Mactridae
OBIS
Last seen:
27 Mar 2018
×1records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Surf en la playa de Patos con Manu

SurfMarket

Sesión de Surf en la Izquierda de Patos 20.12.2014 FOAMtv

TheFOAMTV

Surf Pico de Patos 2018 Copa Galicia

Sebas Bamonde
💬 1 top comments
  • ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

    @anamariavillar9890 · 👍 0

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