Canos de Meca / Andalusia / Spain

It is a small former hippie hideaway which is named for the natural spring waterfalls on its low cliffs. Located on the Coasta de La Luz, It is northwest of Tarifa, between the villages of Barbate and Conil de la Frontera. It is not only a well known windsurfing and kitesurfing spot, but its large winter swells attract surfers. It is never colder than 16°C (61°F) during winter days and summer is warm but not humid with temperatures around 30°C (86°F).

Canos de Meca is a sandy beach favored by locals. Windsurfers, kitesurfers and surfers prefer the western end, while nudist sunbathers opt for more secluded coves at the eastern end. As it is small, it can get crowded. The seabed is a mix of sand and coral reef.

It is ideal for waveriding especially in winter. In summer when the easterly Levante at Tarifa proves too strong, the wind and kite surfers come here as the winds lose some speed. It could be more than 9 bft in Tarifa, but the winds here will average around 7 bft. Waves break perfectly due to a reef about 100m (320 ft) off the shore. The conditions are good for beginners to advanced surfers, but be prepared to paddle a distance to catch the waves. Longboarders prefer the end near the lighthouse as a point break creates long right-hander waves. The swell comes from the west, southwest and south. A wetsuit is required in winter as the water is around 15-16 °C.

Canos de Meca has a lively beach vibe with a good selection of restaurants and beach bars which stay open late. Lodgings include three medium-sized camping grounds, hotels and apartments. Buses run from the small fishing town of Barbete, 15 minutes away, and from Cadiz which is 1¼ hours away. There may be extra bus services from Seville or Cadiz from mid-June to early September. Equipment rentals are available in nearby beaches such as El Palmar.

Beginners should be careful of high winds, swells and currents. There is no beach rescue.