The best surf guide in the Canary Islands

Its excellent climate, delicious gastronomy, dreamy landscapes and welcoming atmosphere, make the Canary Islands the perfect place to be considered as a tourist destination for your next holiday. But the Canary Islands not only stand out for being one of the most renowned options to enjoy the sun and sea all year round, these islands are also visited by thousands of surfers every month, for being one of the best surfing destinations in Europe.

Thanks to its stable climate and a water temperature of around 20° for most of the year, the archipelago of the Canary Islands has become the meeting point for surfing, where the best surfers in the world gather.

That’s why we have prepared this complete guide to surfing in the Canary Islands, with all the details you need to know to enjoy the waves to the maximum, ideal for surfing them for as many hours of the day as possible.

Canary Islands: the lucky islands

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands is an archipelago of volcanic origin and is made up of eight islands, seven of which have their own administration, called El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, while La Graciosa, the eighth and most northerly island, is in the process of being managed as a district.

Also known as the Fortunate Islands, they offer a spring-like temperature 365 days a year, perfect for enjoying the sun on their paradisiacal beaches, but also for surfing for as long as possible during the day. Its variety of beaches with high quality waves, its wide range of surfing courses and the possibility of renting surfboards and other surfing equipment make surfing in the Canary Islands a truly unmissable experience.

Surfing in Tenerife

The largest island of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is known for its great diversity, as well as for having the highest mountain in Spain. It offers a wide range of resorts for tourists in search of its incredible beaches, which can be found all along the coastline.

Whether you are a beginner or a surfer with many years of experience, Tenerife is one of the ideal places to surf in the Canary Islands, even in the winter season. Everything on this island is spectacular and offers the opportunity to enjoy a high level of surfing, especially bodyboarding.

In the north of the island, it is possible to find waves of excellent quality in Puerto de la Cruz, considered one of the best spots to learn surfing in Tenerife, while in the south, on the beach of Las Americas, we will find the best wave of the island, the left of Las Palmeras.

In Tenerife, the best waves can be found from October to February.

The best surf spots in Tenerife – north zone

In the northern part of the island of Tenerife, very close to Puerto de la Cruz, you will find El Socorro beach, an ideal option for those who want to surf in the Canary Islands, but are just starting to practice it. In this part of the island there are very good left and right waves every month of the year.

Located a few kilometres from the city of La Laguna, El Charco in Bajamar is one of the most visited surfing destinations in Tenerife. The most experienced surfers seek out this spot for its right-handed, short and forceful waves, which range from one to two metres. The bottom is rocky and the winds blow from south to southwest.

Also for more experienced surfers, Los Dos Hermanos beach, located near El Charco in the north of Tenerife, is a top spot for surfing in the Canary Islands during the winter season.

In the quiet village of Punta Hidalgo, Callao stands out with its medium tide and its big waves of up to four metres, variable and tubular. The best time for surfing in this part of the Canaries is in the autumn and winter months.

The best surf spots in Tenerife – south zone

On the way south, the Las Palmeras left at Las Americas beach is one of the best known waves in Tenerife. Popularly known as the Spanish Left, this left is of medium difficulty and breaks over a volcanic bottom. Its best season is between the autumn and winter months, it works on any tide and offers a vertical downhill wall with fast sections.

As well as being known as an ideal area for diving, Las Galletas is also an option for surfing in the Canary Islands. Located in the southern part of the island, both beginners and experienced surfers can find gentle waves here, especially during the summer. It is also a popular spot for bodyboarders.

With powerful, long, crystal clear tubes, La Machacona is located near Montaña Roja and is perfect for buggy surfers, who visit it especially in the summer months. Also in the area, La Tejita beach offers suitable conditions for surfing in the Canaries, especially for intermediate level surfers.

Another well-known surfing destination is Las Conchas beach in Guía de Isora. This beach offers high quality waves, especially in the winter season, and is very popular with experienced surfers.

Interesting facts for surfing in Tenerife

One of the most recommended options to stay in the area is Twin fin, a surf house that offers free Wifi and has all the amenities for a pleasant stay. This surf camp also offers surf courses, yoga classes and various optional activities.

In addition to being a very economical option, in this surf house you will be able to prepare your own food in its facilities. It is located in Adeje, in the south of the island and the telephone number is +34 609 56 50 50 65.

The Endless Summer Hostel is a surf camp located in Playa de las Américas which also has free Wi-Fi and is a good place to sleep cheaply in Tenerife. They have different room options and a well-equipped communal kitchen.

You can get to this surf hostel from Tenerife South Airport by bus 111, although if you arrive at night it is advisable to take a taxi. The contact telephone number is +34 922 75 10 10 40.

Surfing in Gran Canaria

With almost 60 kilometres of beaches, Gran Canaria is an island that stands out for its excellent climate and its wide variety of beach options. There is something to suit all tastes, from some very popular and popular beaches to others that are quieter and more discreet. All of them have a special attraction, which makes this island one of the most important tourist destinations in the whole country.

Gran Canaria is also a good place to learn to surf. The island has some of the best spots for surfing so, together with the good weather, it provides the right conditions for learning to surf all year round. Surf schools can be found at various points on the island, with courses for all ages and levels, from beginners to advanced.

For several decades, La Cícer, located on the well-known beach of Las Canteras, has been the most visited spot by surfers of all levels. If you are looking for a place to learn how to surf, we recommend this surf school in Gran Canaria.

The best surf spots in Gran Canaria – northern area

One of the most famous spots in Gran Canaria, El Frontón is a favourite of bodyboarders from all over the world. Its waves are very powerful and spectacular, recommended only for the most experienced. It is located on the outskirts of the town of Gáldar, after crossing a road full of banana plantations. It is advisable to surf at El Frontón accompanied by local surfers.

Another of the most popular beaches for bodyboarding and surfing in the Canary Islands is San Felipe beach, which is accessed by a detour from the GC-2 to San Felipe, heading northwest towards Santa María de Guía de Gran Canaria. Also known as Vagabundos beach, its waves break several metres from the shore, generating fast waves that break to the left.

Considered one of the best right hand surfing waves in the Canary Islands and most probably in all of Europe, El Confital is located in the centre of the city of Las Palmas and offers fast and powerful waves, with vertical drops that break over volcanic soil and high quality tubes, ideal for the most experienced surfers.

Also known as the Lloret wave, La Cícer offers one of the best right-handers in Gran Canaria. Located on Las Canteras beach, this spot is exposed to the swell because it is not protected by La Barra, creating the perfect conditions for surfing on the island for most of the year.

The best surf spots in Gran Canaria – south zone

From Playa del Inglés to the Maspalomas lighthouse , this spot is ideal for beginner surfers. It is a sandy beach with a lot of people, it has a level 2 wave classification, the bottom is pebbles and its wave direction is right.

In the south of Gran Canaria you can also surf in Arguineguín, La Curva, Mosca Point and Arinaga.

Interesting facts for surfing in Gran Canaria

In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in front of the beach and only 6 km from the port of La Luz, you will find the Ponte Las Cholas Beach House, a budget accommodation alternative, with free Wi-Fi, bicycles available and shared kitchen.

This surf hostel is located 27km from Gran Canaria Airport and also has options for surf lessons in the area. It has a family and surfing atmosphere which is highly recommended. The contact phone number is +34 622 50 99 91, ask for Alexis.

Also in Las Palmas, more precisely in Covadonga street, Little Surf House offers comfortable rooms, free high speed Wifi and all the facilities for you to store your surfing equipment. In addition, in this surf house you can take surfing and bodyboarding lessons for different levels.

The nearest beach is Las Canteras and the contact telephone number is +34 690 92 88 17, ask for Alfredo or Rosa.

Surfing in Lanzarote

One of the best places to learn to surf in the Canary Islands, the island of Lanzarote is made up of incredible lunar landscapes that merge with the grandeur of the ocean. Its dark sandy beaches, formed by volcanic activity, offer excellent, relaxing and unique views. This Hawaii of Europe is a favourite destination for surfers, who can find waves to suit all tastes.

Of all the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is the most favoured island for surfing, especially Famara beach, ideal for beginners due to the quality of its waves. That is why it is home to the most important surf schools and has an attractive offer of surf hostels and surf camps.

In addition to Famara, Lanzarote has beaches with waves for both beginners and experienced surfers, each with spots of a very high level. Thus, in La Santa we can find the left most sought after by experienced surfers, while in La Caleta de Caballo the waves are preferred by bodyboarders.

The best surfing spots in Lanzarote – north and west side

Famara Beach attracts surfers of all levels due to its perfect spots for the practice of this sport. The atmosphere of the village is typical of surfing, far from the tourist offer of other destinations in the Canary Islands and with options to learn surfing from scratch. Some of its recommended spots are El Codito, El Molino, El Bunquer, El Palo and El Papelillo. Visit this surf guide to learn about the best surf spots in Famara.

Also located in the western part of the island of Lanzarote, Caleta Caballo offers fast peaks with tubing sections; it has a rocky bottom and breaks at medium tide. Difficult to access, this spot is for the more experienced.

For the more experienced surfers, La Santa represents the challenge to master its dangerous waves, which are famous all over the world. The most popular spot, El Quemao, the Pipeline of the Canary Islands, has strong, hollow waves of great intensity, opening both right and left. The Quemao Class, an annual event that brings together the best surfers in Europe, is held here. Recommended for expert surfers only.

The left of La Santa is another of the recommended spots in the area; a short and explosive wave, which breaks from both sides. Because of its perfect tubes that form over volcanic reef bottoms, experienced surfers prefer its left drop-off. The use of booties is recommended for entering the water.

Some distance to the north, near the Cantería beach, we find Caleta del Mero, which offers variable peaks with tubular sections. It breaks at low/medium tide and has a rocky bottom.

The best surfing spots in Lanzarote – south and east side

El Golfo is a great place to surf on the island of Lanzarote, especially in the summer months. However, the strong currents prevent you from swimming, so you need a lot of experience to surf its waves, which are very fast and extremely dangerous. This beach has a characteristic green colour, due to its volcanic formation.

El Espino is a perfect wave that offers long tubes, with hollow sections. Located to the east of the island of Lanzarote, in Punta Mujeres, it is a spot for advanced surfers only. It is a sharp volcanic reef, with little bottom, so it is advisable to wear booties.

North of Punta Mujeres, in the municipality of Haría, are the Jameos del Agua, located inside a volcanic tunnel. The volcanic rock wave is an impressive long left that can reach 4 metres, perfect for manoeuvres and tubes. It is shallow so it can be dangerous for beginners.

Interesting facts for surfing in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is home to our surf camp and surf school, with the best accommodation and course options on the island. We offer rooms just a few meters from the beach of Famara, in our Surfhouse Hostel, with free internet service in common areas and access to a large sunny terrace with barbecue and sea views.

On this island we have one of the most prestigious surf schools in the Canary Islands, with experienced surf instructors who offer surf lessons for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers.

Our surf courses are available all year round and you can find options from 35 euros per person. Packages include transport, necessary materials, diploma and photos. For beginners we offer intensive surf camps and surfaris for the more experienced surfers.

We also offer a Surf & Yoga Camp, ideal to disconnect and get fit practising yoga and surfing. With our programme, you can prepare your body and mind for the high demands of surfing in the Canary Islands.

At the surf school, we have been giving courses since 1996, so we can assure you that by taking the five-day course you will achieve the necessary learning, with the guarantee of receiving free lessons as many times as necessary until you achieve your goal.

We are located at Avenida El Marinero, 13, Caleta Famara, 35558, Teguise, Lanzarote. The telephone number is +34 626 91 33 69.

Surfing in Fuerteventura

After Tenerife, Fuerteventura is the second largest island of the Canary Islands and a popular holiday destination, due to its more than 150km of lovely beaches, perfect for enjoying the sun and the sea breeze.

With its numerous high quality waves that are deployed along the coastline all year round and its white sand that is part of the desert-like and enchanting atmosphere, Fuerteventura is also a perfect place for surfing in the Canary Islands.

Among the many recommended spots for surfing in the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura has some outstanding ones. Thus, some surfers go north to Corralejo, opposite Lobos Island, in search of a powerful and hollow wave, considered the biggest in the Canary Islands, while others go in search of the Germans’ right.

The best surf spots in Fuerteventura – north area

As mentioned, the Lobos right hander is the longest wave in the Canary Islands. Although rare, it can be the perfect wave if the conditions are right. This spot is very versatile at medium and low tide and is ideal for intermediate and experienced levels. To get there it is necessary to leave by ferry from the port of Corralejo.

In the northern part of the island, El Hierro is a world class right hander that breaks over a sharp reef, providing high quality barrels. This wave has two peaks that break over a deep volcanic bed. The main peak is a fast and hollow left wave, while its right is short and quality. This is one of the most visited waves for surfing in the Canary Islands, especially between the autumn and winter months.

The Germans’ right, formerly called the Legionnaire’s right, is a classic wave that breaks when passing the Iron left, a fast right that is not suitable for beginners. Care must be taken with strong currents when the waves are big.

Leaving Corralejo, in the northern part of the island of Fuerteventura, we find El Bristol, a very powerful left with complicated sections that are usually surfed by locals.

Other ideal spots for surfing in Fuerteventura in the north are La Generosa, Mejillones, La Caja, Punta Blanca, El Muelle del Cotillo and Esquinzo.

The best surf spots in Fuerteventura – south zone

In the south of the island, specifically in the residential village of La Pared, you will find both Playa del Viejo Rey and Playa de la Pared, both with a good offer of surf schools for different levels. Of these, Playa del Viejo Rey is the largest and has a good surfing atmosphere, while La Pared is very popular with those looking to surf in the Canaries.

On the other hand, in the southwest of the island we find Punta del Tigre, one of the most remote places for surfing, but very frequented by experienced surfers. The waves are of good quality and it is advisable to enter the sea at high tide.

You can also enjoy surfing at Cofete, El Moro, Las Caletas, Playa Puerto Rosario, Salinas, El Puertillo, Punta Mandanga and at Faro de Jadía.

Interesting facts for surfing in Fuerteventura

In Corralejo, on the north coast of Fuerteventura, you will find Homegrown Surf House, a very good alternative surf camp on the island. It is a meeting point for surfers from different parts of the world, so it is ideal for sharing experiences.

They offer transfers to and from the airport and have free Wi-Fi, a sun terrace and other amenities. They are also a surf school and surf shop. Contact number: +34 928 53 57 20 (Homegrown)

Surfing on the island of La Graciosa

The newly recognised eighth island of the Canary Islands, La Graciosa, is located to the northwest of Lanzarote and is administratively dependent on the latter. An island of golden, secluded beaches, La Graciosa is perhaps one of the few places in Europe far from mass tourism and where it is possible to breathe an air of serenity.

La Graciosa is also a spectacular place for those looking for good surfing in the Canary Islands, as its waves are powerful and recommended only for surfers of a high level. As it is not suitable for beginners, this island does not have any surf school or surfing initiation alternatives.

The best surfing spots in La Graciosa

La Graciosa and its beaches make it an ideal island for surfing.

In the south of the island of La Graciosa we find La Francesa, a white sandy beach with very good quality waves. On its rocky shallows there is a long and very tubular right hander with many perfect sections.

To the southwest of the island is Yellow Mountain, a left that comes out when the sea comes in big from the west. The strong winds make the sea almost always glassy, with very fast and tubular waves. Getting to this beach on foot from the village is usually quite a drag, but the quality of the waves is worth the effort.

On the northwest side of La Graciosa, near Las Conchas beach, is Baja del Ganado, a spot with very powerful and difficult waves, which break best on the right. The tube is short but explosive, suitable only for experts. The best waves are found in the autumn and winter months.

El Basurero is a powerful right hander, usually surfed at low tide and with south-easterly winds. It owes its name to the fact that the wave breaks near a garbage dump located in the northwestern part of the island. Access to this spot is via a route between volcanoes, along a detour to the north that leads to the coast.

In La Graciosa, it is also possible to surf El Corral, a very powerful long left, which breaks over a rocky reef; El Alambre, which has several interesting peaks; and Pedro Barba, with a left that breaks perpendicular to the coast.

Interesting facts for surfing in La Graciosa

The island of La Graciosa does not have a hotel offer to welcome visitors, however, it does have guesthouses and restaurants at very good prices. Pension Enriqueta is located in Calle de la Mar de Barlovento and offers simple rooms with bathroom. The contact number is +34 928 84 20 51.

Pension Girasol is another economical option for accommodation, the contact number is +34 650 84 98 25.

For Jeep 4×4 excursions, surf trips and surfaris around the island, you can contact Andrés on +34 638 08 69 65 or Miguel on +34 646 18 49 95.

Experience surfing in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are the best option for surfing in Europe. This paradisiacal archipelago offers everything you need to live the experience of mastering its perfect waves: an unbeatable climate, the best spots and the widest range of surf schools, surf houses, board rentals, surf camps, surfaris and surf tours, to suit all tastes.

Whatever your level, in the Canary Islands you can find the ideal beach for your surfing style. So, if you’re a beginner, you’ll find the best surf schools in the world at Famara beach in Lanzarote, while if you’re an experienced surfer, you can challenge one of the best right-hand waves at El Confital in Gran Canaria.

We are sure that this compendium that we have prepared for you will be very useful on your next trip to the Canary Islands. If you want to contribute information that will help us to enrich this guide to surfing in the Canary Islands, please contact us or write to us in the comments.