Madrid Builds Europe’s Largest Artificial Surf Beach

Why this is here: The project will use approximately 70,000 cubic meters of soil—enough to fill 28 Olympic-sized swimming pools—to create the base for the surf lagoon.

Gemswell Surf Madrid, a joint venture between Stoneweg, Teras Capital, and Atlético de Madrid, is constructing a large artificial surf lagoon in the San Blas-Canillejas district of Madrid, Spain. For months, trucks have transported earth from the A-5 highway’s tunnel project to build up the land for the roughly 23,000 square meter lagoon. Engineers discovered the existing ground was unstable—a mix of old mine tailings and unknown fill—necessitating the import of about 70,000 cubic meters of quality soil.

The lagoon will accommodate up to 120 surfers simultaneously, offering 20 different wave types. Workers are installing a pre-built pipeline to potentially use recycled water, awaiting regulatory approval for recreational use in Spain.

Construction presents challenges, particularly with weather impacting the open-air site, as rain slowed progress in both 2025 and 2026. The 56-paddle wave-generating machine from Wavegarden will arrive in 60 shipping containers this June.

Roughly 37,000 Madrid residents own surfboards, indicating existing local interest. Work continues to refine details like the special sand mixture that won't burn or blow away.