Surf town at the Andalusian coast
When Charlie stayed at the surf hostel in Conil de la Frontera, they regularly (almost every day) drove to a nearby town where the surf was generally better: El Palmar.
The town of El Palmar consists mainly of surf schools, bars, cafes and holiday accommodation. It is built along a beach road to easily access the surf. In between, you find some shops and a little market where you can get all your holiday souvenirs.
The surf in El Palmar
El Palmar is the place where surfers from all over Spain travel to and one of the most popular surf spots along the Andalusian Coast. It is a wide beach from where you can see the Faro Trafalgar in the east and the coastal tower near Conil in the west.
El Palmar is a beach break and it is unprotected against wind and weather and you should be aware of the strong currents. When the surf is small, it is ideal for beginners because you can just walk into the water without the need to paddle. When the surf is big, you can see some overhead barrels – a dream for more experienced surfers.
El Palmar Sunsets
There is one reason why you should spend the whole day in El Palmar: The sunsets there are epic. If you ever wanted to paddle out at sunset, this is the place to go. Sunsets are even more magical from a surf board and Charlie was surprised how quickly the light changes when the wave is building up behind you covering that sun light.
Surf schools & rental in El Palmar
Charlie was staying at Take Hostel in Conil and came down with the volunteers every day who worked at the surf school in El Palmar. Of course, she took surf lessons with Take Surf School and rented the equipment there. The main surf instructor, Victor, is a good instructor and makes the lesson fun. You only cross the street and you’re on the beach to enjoy the waves.
Right next door of Take Surf is Nueve Pies Surf which was one of the first surf schools along the beach strip in El Palmar. Charlie heard good things but didn’t take any lessons with them. She only bought a pair of sunglasses. They have a nice shop.
Another popular surf school in El Palmar that also offers accommodation is A-Frame. Charlie didn’t surf with them either, but it seems to be a good school and they have a great surf shop (Charlie bought a beanie). They put a blackboard out every day which tells the tide times and info about surf lessons that day. Good source of information.
Coffee shops and Bars in El Palmar
A-Frame
Let’s stick with A-Frame. Even though Charlie didn’t surf with them, the coffee shop was her favourite one in El Palmar. You will see many laptop workers in there as the internet connection is good, there are power plugs and you can sit comfortably. Apart from that, if you need a toilet that is well taken care of in El Palmar, A-Frame is your place!
They also have a great selection of cakes, hot dishes, coffee and cold drinks. They do live music in the evenings. You can sit outside and enjoy a view towards the coastal tower and the reed that cover the view towards the waves. There is apparently a stunning view from the surf house where they provide accommodation.
El Cartero
If you want to enjoy the best view towards the sea, El Cartero is your place to be for coffee and you can also work from there. The internet is good and there are a few power plugs – although not so easy to see. From the terrace you have an uncovered view of the surf. You should definitely try one of their Poke Bowls and they also serve German beer, Paulaner. In the evenings, they have live music or a DJ.
Homies
Everywhere in El Palmar, it is okay to go around with the surf skate as long as you are careful and move out of the way for the cars. If you are into a little more action, Homies is the place to go. They have a ramp in the garden where you can train your skating skills. And if you are struggling, they also offer skating lessons.
The coffee shop and bar are decorated with surf and skate boards. You can also see people working from there, but Charlie tried it only once and had trouble connecting to the internet. Better to go there for a drink and skate after surf.
They have a well-equipped surf and skate shop and shape their own boards. From the shop you can look inside the workshop and see a shaper at work.
Canibal Royal
Canibal Royal is the bar right next to Take Surf School. They open in the late afternoon and are open throughout the night. You usually find a DJ there in the evenings and at night. Their Poke Bowls are the best Charlie has tried in El Palmar. Because they are closed during the day, Charlie used to work from there in the mornings when she needed it to be quiet around her, but you should bring some wet wipes to remove the dust from the tables that settles over night. The internet connection is just enough to take a call. Powerplugs are in uncomfortable places, but you can ask at the surf school for an extension lead.
Happy Days
Happy Days is a bit further up the road in El Palmar and Charlie has only been there once because she usually didn’t walk this far in El Palmar. It is a cozy little place that feels a bit like visiting your grandma who prepares your favourite food for you. Because it is a small place, they can serve every customer to individual wishes. The terrace is lined with a bamboo fence and umbrellas made of straw. It feels a bit like Bali. Charlie has not tested the internet connection, but you could well imagine that this spot would spark her creativity.
Other places for nightly ventures in El Palmar
The cozy surf town of El Palmar also has a busy nightlife. Almost all bars offer live music or have a DJ in the evenings and during high season, you should certainly make a reservation.
Charlie enjoyed a live Flamenco performance at Tun-A-Tun once, saw live music where even the audience could perform at Niño del Surf and they tried to enter El Dorado for live music but couldn’t get a place. The latter is apparently very popular in the evenings but it is a good 20 minute walk from Take Surf to get there.
If you miss to make a reservation and need to let the time pass, head over to Cadizfornia next to Canibal Royal. It’s a little stall that keeps you hydrated whilst you wait for a table at one of the bars. Charlie and her friends went there often at the time of the sunset to get a cool beer to enjoy in the sand whilst watching the sun go down.