Malpica is a quality beachbreak sitting right by the small fishing village of the same name on the Galician coast. The waves peel over sand and offer both lefts and rights, in a genuinely picturesque setting. There is slight pollution to be aware of.
When It Works
This is a break that comes alive on medium to large swells, so it needs some size behind it before it turns on. It draws swell from northwest through north, with a northwest (NW) swell the best match. Expect it to be usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft. It sits sheltered from west swells, so those won't do the job here.
Wind and Tide
Look for a south (S) offshore wind to groom the peaks, and note the spot is also sheltered from southwest wind. Tide-wise, low to mid tide is best, and a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
This one is best left to expert surfers. It can get crowded when it's on, which occasionally sparks isolated localism, so read the lineup before paddling out.
Access
There's free parking, and while the village gets busy through summer, finding a spot is not normally a problem. You'll find good beach facilities including restrooms, showers, and a lifeguard, with camping available nearby.
