Rio Barbate is a surf spot located just out of Barbate, on the way to Zahara de los Atunes. It features a distinctive left-hand rivermouth wave that breaks over sand, making it a unique spot for surfers looking for something a bit different. The area is popular among local surfers, and while it can be a fun place to catch some waves, it doesn’t have the most consistent conditions.

This spot works best with a solid swell, particularly when the waves come from the west, southwest, or northwest. It can handle swell sizes around 3 feet (about 1 meter), especially during low tide, which is when the waves tend to be the most powerful and barrelling. The best conditions really happen when the wind is coming from the northeast, so keep that in mind when planning your session. It’s more suited for intermediate surfers due to the nature of the wave and the currents, which can be quite strong.

Be aware that the spot's consistency is medium, so it might require a bit of patience to find the right day to surf. Also, parking can be a bit tricky, especially to the south of Barbate, so it's a good idea to scout out a spot beforehand. Overall, just check the conditions and you might find yourself scoring some fun rides at Rio Barbate!