What was once only possible along the coasts of Spain is set to become a reality in the heart of the country: surfing on real waves – just minutes from the city centre. With the “Gemswell Surf Madrid” project, one of Europe’s most spectacular leisure facilities is currently taking shape.
Spain Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
After years of planning and with financing now secured, it is confirmed: the facility is set to open in spring 2027. The major project is backed, among others, by the football club Atlético Madrid, which is thereby venturing into new territory beyond traditional sport.
Europe’s largest artificial surf lagoon
The centerpiece of the facility is a gigantic surf lagoon covering around 23,000 square metres – roughly the size of two football pitches. This would make it the largest artificial wave facility in Europe.
This is made possible by the cutting-edge technology of the Basque company Wavegarden, which can generate more than 20 different types of waves – from gentle beginner waves to breaks up to two metres high for advanced surfers.
The facility is divided into two zones:
- a calmer “Bay Zone” for beginners
- a more challenging “Reef Zone” for experienced surfers
Up to 120 surfers will be able to be on the water at the same time – organised in timed sessions.
Part of a vast sports and leisure complex
However, the surf lagoon is just one component of a much larger project. Around the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, a new “Ciudad del Deporte” is taking shape – a gigantic sports and leisure complex covering more than one million square metres.
Among the planned features alongside the surf park are:
- training pitches and a high-performance centre
- additional sports facilities for various disciplines
- extensive green spaces and recreational areas
The total investment for the site amounts to around 350 million euros.
A multi-million euro investment
The surf facility alone costs over 60 million euros. The project is being financed by a consortium of banks such as Santander and BBVA, as well as European funding.
The operators expect around 500,000 visitors annually and more than 100 direct jobs.
More than just surfing
The concept goes far beyond sport. A complete leisure and entertainment park is planned, featuring:
- around 3,000 square metres of dining facilities
- surf shops and sports stores
- its own surf school
- event spaces for concerts and corporate events
- fitness, yoga, and indoor sports facilities
Additional recreational areas such as volleyball courts, balance training zones, and even extra pools are also planned.
Year-round “beach vibes” in the capital
A key focus is on making the facility usable year-round. The water temperature will be regulated, allowing surfing regardless of the season.
In addition, the developers are focusing on sustainable solutions: plans include solar energy, water recycling systems, and certification according to environmental standards such as BREEAM.
Madrid as a new surf hotspot?
With this project, Madrid is following a global trend: artificial surf parks in urban areas. The aim is to make the sport accessible without the sea, while also creating new tourist attractions.
For Atlético Madrid, the facility also represents a strategic move: the club is increasingly developing into a diversified sports and leisure enterprise.
Conclusion
With “Gemswell Surf Madrid,” a project is taking shape that goes far beyond a traditional sports facility. It combines technology, leisure, and lifestyle – and could truly bring a touch of “beach vibes” to Madrid.
Whether the vision of an urban surf paradise will be realised will become clear by spring 2027 at the latest. What is already certain, however, is that the Spanish capital is on the verge of an extraordinary transformation – right in the heart of the country, far from any coastline.
