El Palmar is a long, straight Atlantic beach about 8 km south of Conil, technically within the municipality of Vejer de la Frontera but in practice the closest surf beach for Conil visitors. The beach is exposed and faces the open Atlantic, with a consistent swell that varies from gently rolling in calm weather to genuinely powerful when Atlantic low-pressure systems roll in. Surf schools operate here in summer, and the beach is popular with both beginners working with instructors and experienced surfers.
The village behind the beach — also called El Palmar — has grown from nothing in the 1990s into a small strip of surf shops, restaurants, and bars. The crowd here is somewhat more international than central Conil; the surf culture attracts visitors from northern Europe who come specifically for the waves. The restaurants along the beach road serve a mix of fresh fish and the kind of healthy eating that tends to accompany surf culture. The whole setup is more relaxed and less commercially intense than the major surf towns of northern Europe.
Driving from Conil takes about 15 minutes. There is no direct bus connection out of season.