El Mongol is a surf spot located just to the east of Gijon city center. This spot is known for its righthand reef break that offers some decent waves when the conditions are right. The area can get pretty crowded, especially when the surf is on, and parking can be a hassle, so plan accordingly. While there aren’t any beach facilities right at El Mongol, you’re close to San Lorenzo beach if you need anything afterwards.

The surf at El Mongol comes alive with a big northwest swell. It handles swell sizes up to about 6ft (1.8 meters) and works best at mid to high tide. You can expect it to start rolling at headhigh and can get pretty powerful, often closing out at double that size. The optimal swell direction is northwest, but it can also work with west and north swells. For the best results, you’ll want a southeast wind. Keep in mind that this spot is suitable mainly for expert surfers due to its tricky reef and the sometimes strong rips.

When heading out to El Mongol, be ready for some uneven reef and watch your surroundings. The waves can be fun but require good knowledge of the area to tackle safely. There’s a good surf community here, so you're likely to find others to connect with, especially when the waves are firing.