The most complete guide to surfing in Lanzarote
Lanzarote, one of the oldest islands in the Canary Islands, is a great place for surfing, thanks to its unbeatable conditions for this activity all year round. That’s why thousands of surfers come to this spectacular natural destination to challenge its waves, considered among the best in Europe.
Referred to by many as the Hawaii of the Atlantic, Lanzarote is much more than just an island full of energy: volcanic rocks, paradisiacal beaches, crystalline waters and underwater landscapes are part of its offer, all accompanied by an eternal spring that makes it one of the best places for an unforgettable surf trip.
Whether you’re taking your first steps in surfing or you’re an experienced surfer, this complete guide to surfing in Lanzarote will give you all the information you need to make sure you don’t miss a single detail on your visit, from the best surfing beaches to the must-see spots on the island, including information on surf schools, surf trips and surfboard hire.
Surfing on the island of Lanzarote
Known as the island of volcanoes, Lanzarote is a magical place, famous for its wonderful beaches and warm climate all year round. Its volcanic landscape, full of craters and ravines, as well as its great environmental importance, made it a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993.
Getting to Lanzarote is very easy. Several airlines, including many low-cost airlines, operate flights to the airport in Arrecife, the island’s capital. It is also possible to reach Lanzarote by ferry from other Canary Islands such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
Lanzarote’s climate is subtropical, with very little rainfall and mild temperatures throughout the year. It is for this reason that it is the destination of choice for sun-seeking tourists, especially during the months of April to November, with July and August being the busiest season.
The autumn and winter months are the best for surfing in Lanzarote, as the strong winds between November and March generate waves ranging from 1.5 to 4 metres high. For beginners, any time is a good time to visit the island as the weather conditions are exceptional for surfing at Famara beach.
Not to be missed tourist attractions in Lanzarote:
- Timanfaya National Park
- Natural Park of Los Volcanes
- The Cave of the Greens
- The Jameos del Agua
- El Mirador del Río
- The Gulf
- Los Hervideros
- The island of La Graciosa
- The wine route of La Geria
- The architectural work of Cesar Manrique
From north to south, Lanzarote is around 62km in distance, making it a very accessible and easy island to get around. To get around comfortably, it is advisable to rent a car on the island, which is usually the cheapest transport alternative. For reference, it is possible to rent them from 15 euros per day and even cheaper depending on the season.
Cars usually come with comprehensive insurance, with no mileage limit and no penalties, but you should ask beforehand to make sure that no extra costs apply; it is best to find out what is included in the price you pay to avoid surprises.
There are many reasons why Lanzarote is the meeting point for surf lovers worldwide. Its mild climate, good wind intensity, variety of spots for different levels and high quality waves make this island ideal for surfing at any time of the year.
The best surfing beaches in Lanzarote
Lanzarote’s beaches have waves for all levels. Thus, beginners can opt for Famara beach, considered the best place to learn in the Canary Islands and the most suitable place to start surfing, while more experienced surfers can choose Santa or Quemao, beaches with really dangerous waves, some of the biggest in Europe.
The beach of Famara
The perfect place for surfing in Lanzarote is, without a doubt, Famara beach, one of the favourite beaches for surfers visiting this island. It is located next to Caleta de Famara, a charming coastal fishing village and stretches for more than 5km. This golden sandy beach has no rocks and its waves can break either to the left or to the right.
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The main surf schools are located on this beach, which provide all the necessary equipment for those who are just getting familiar with the sport. It is also possible to find surf shops that offer board and wetsuit rental services. Famara also has lifeguard and first aid services.
How to get to Famara?
From Arrecife airport, there are different options for travelling to Famara beach. The first (and most recommended) is to rent a car, as it is a comfortable and cheap alternative. As we mentioned, you can get a rental car from 15 euros per day, that is, about 100 euros per week, more or less. In this button you can calculate the exact price at any airport in the Canary Islands.
A second option is to take a bus from the airport to the bus station in Arrecife and from there to Famara beach. This alternative, however, can take a few hours and is best done in the mornings.
The third option is to take an official taxi from the airport to La Caleta. This alternative is the safest, easiest and quickest, and most of the cars are prepared to carry the boards if you come with them. The price of a taxi for that distance is between 35 and 40 euros, depending on the time of day and whether it is a public holiday.
Accommodation in Famara
Although the prevailing atmosphere on Famara beach is one of surfing, with some gastronomic alternatives, surfboard rental spaces and surf schools, La Caleta has maintained its fishing village charm due to the fact that it is located within an area protected from large commercial constructions. That is why the accommodation options in this area are limited; however, there are several surf house options a few metres from the sea where it is possible to stay in total comfort.
For both large groups and individual travellers, it is possible to get flats, penthouses, studios and bungalows, each decorated to the last detail and with incredible views. The prices are among the most economical and are often visited by surfers from all over the world.
There is also the option of finding accommodation in private flats offered by various specialised websites, such as Booking or Airbnb.
Famara Surf Spots
Famara is divided into several spots, both left and right, with fast and tubular waves. The best known spots are:
The centre of the beach, due to its sandy bottom, is considered to be the safest area for beginners, which is why it is the place where surfing lessons are given, with a wide range of courses on offer. This area can be reached on foot from the centre of town.
Famara Pier is one of the best known and most spectacular spots in Famara. This spot is not at all easy and to catch waves you need to have a good level of training. It has a rocky bottom and to enjoy it to the maximum you must wait for the big swell to come from the north.
El Codito, on the other hand, is a mixed spot of rock and sand, located at the entrance of Famara. Due to the presence of rocks, this spot has a certain degree of difficulty, although it is usually ideal for surfing when Famara beach is overgrown. This spot is very close to most surf schools and surf shops.
San Juan is a spot suitable only for the most experienced surfers. Its waves are fast and powerful, with lefts that break over rocky bottoms. To get there, it is necessary to take the dirt track that starts at the end of the village; this route is well prepared to receive all types of vehicles. San Juan has hosted international events on many occasions.
La Santa
Located in an area of strong waves, full of rocks and slopes, we find the port of La Santa, which is an ideal spot for surfing 365 days a year. In fact, the left of La Santa is one of the most sought after waves by the most experienced surfers. It is easy to get there from the village and you can park your car in front of the spot.
This fishing village, located on the northwest coast of Lanzarote, is 24km from Arrecife and its beach of the same name is made up of sand and rock and is 130 metres long.
La Santa Surf Spots
La Santa is a must for expert surfers; the intensity and danger of its waves are world famous, so it is not suitable for beginners.
El Quemao is one of the most renowned spots in the world. Hollow and strong waves, with perfect barrels when there is a swell. This spot is visited by experienced surfers; it opens both left and right and during the months of October and March it is in ideal conditions.
La Santa’s left is a short and explosive wave, breaking from both sides. Its left drop-off is the preferred surfing spot as it has perfect tubes formed on a volcanic reef bottom. Due to its steep terrain, it is difficult to enter the water, so it must be done with extreme caution and always with the use of booties. The best waves are obtained between the months of September and May, due to the right wind and tide conditions.
La Santa right hander, one of the most renowned right handers in Europe, is one of the most consistent waves in Lanzarote. It is also a spot for experts only and it is advisable to enjoy its waves early in the morning.
The small centre of La Santa is an ideal spot for intermediate surfers; it has long and easy waves, with a rocky bottom that allows for many manoeuvres.
Famara beach and La Santa are the two most representative surf spots in Lanzarote. However, there are some other spots that surfers should know. Some of them are in the east of the island: El Cartel, la Hedionda, Caletón blanco, Caleta del Mero and the Jameos del Agua, a natural wonder located in the bowels of Lanzarote; also to name a few others like Caleta de caballo, the right of Guinate and the Pipeline, where both surfers and bodyboarders meet; Arrieta, with its black sand beaches and the beach of Órzola in the beautiful village of Órzola, where the boats depart for the island of La Graciosa.
Surfing in Lanzarote for beginners
Famous for being the ideal place to learn to surf, Lanzarote has a wide range of courses to learn to surf during the twelve months of the year. The proposal is complemented by really cheap prices with the options available in the European area. Here are some of the alternatives for learning to surf:
Surf lessons and courses
To take surf lessons in Lanzarote, all you have to do is arrive on the island, stay in a flat, bungalow or surf house and sign up for one of the various courses available from the different surf schools in the area.
In general, classes are usually held in the morning, in most cases from 10am, extending until 4pm. In some cases, there are private options where the timetable for courses can be agreed between the parties.
Normally, the duration of the classes is between 2 and 5 hours, with a break in between for rest and lunch. Intensive classes are of 5 hours or trial classes of 2 hours, as well as private courses with a specific duration.
Many of the surf schools in Lanzarote offer to pick up students from their respective accommodation, be it flats, bungalows or surf houses, which is especially recommended for those who don’t travel by car.
Surf camps
Surf camps are another option for learning to surf in Lanzarote. In Calimasurf you can find an attractive offer that gives you the opportunity to stay for several days in a surf house, both for adults and children, with prices ranging from 50 euros per person/day.
There are also complete packages for all levels starting at 215 euros. Surf camps usually include 3 to 15 days of accommodation in a surf house right on the beach, meals during the course days, transport and materials. The groups are of a maximum of 8 students and the surf spots are chosen according to the level of the participants.
Participating in a surf camp is an experience for the student. The surf houses are located about 100 metres from the beach of Famara, avoiding wasting time travelling. In this way, it is possible to maximize the learning hours and increase the practice time in the sea.
In the surf camps there is an atmosphere of trust and fun among all the students, who come from different parts of the world, representing an opportunity to fraternise and make friends. Participants have free Wifi connection during their stay.
Recommendations for learning to surf
The island of Lanzarote attracts surfers ranging from beginners to the most experienced. All of them have different options for surfing according to their level of knowledge and mastery. It is usual for beginners to have many doubts about the routine of the surfing courses and their real possibilities of learning to surf in a short time.
Generally speaking, the lessons start with a warm-up and stretching of the body’s muscles. It continues with a short theory class on the sand, learning what to do in the sea before putting it into practice in the water. The course alternates between new exercises on the sand and practice in the sea of what is being explained.
After a short break to regain strength and energy, they continue with the practice routines on the sand and the sea. The day ends with time to surf freely, always under the supervision of the instructor in charge of the course.
Surfing in Lanzarote for experienced surfers
Due to the high quality of its waves, the island of Lanzarote is also an ideal surfing spot for experienced surfers. Most of the surf spots in the area have high levels of difficulty and represent a challenge for experienced surfers.
Surfaris
Surfaris in Lanzarote have become a great alternative for those in search of the best waves. There are tailor-made surfaris to get to know the different spots on the island and enter the sea when the conditions warrant it.
The surfari offer can include a photographic report to perpetuate the moment of mastering the perfect wave. The spots are chosen according to the level of the participants and usually include transport, materials and refreshments.
The safest way to get to know the best surf spots on the island is to do it accompanied by a local guide and the surfaris make surfers feel more confident about taking to the sea.
Equipment rental
Many surfers prefer to go on a surf tour without having to carry their own board, or some surfers want to be able to change boards according to the conditions of the spot or other determining factors. In addition, travelling with your own equipment often generates really high transport costs, especially with airlines.
For those cases, it is possible to rent surfboards in Lanzarote, as well as wetsuits and all kinds of materials and equipment at very good prices. Surfboard rental costs are among the lowest in Europe and range, on average, from 20 euros per day or 85 euros per week for soft boards, to 25 euros per day or 120 euros per week for fibre boards.
The board rental service includes the possibility of reserving boards in order to guarantee their availability at any given time, as well as the option of making all the necessary changes until the magic board is found.
Make Lanzarote your next surfing destination
The offer in Lanzarote is complete: surf schools, surf house accommodation, board rentals and the best surf camps and surf tours are part of the proposal that the island has to offer to surfers who are in search of the best waves in Europe. Famara could be one of the best choices as a destination for your next surf trip.
From beginners to the most experienced surfers, everyone will find in Lanzarote a suitable place for surfing. Thanks to its unbeatable weather conditions, any time of the year is ideal to enjoy this charming island that has earned its status as a surfing destination par excellence.
We hope this complete guide to surfing in Lanzarote will be useful for you to make the most of everything this island has to offer for the practice of this exciting sport. If you need more information or want to get in touch with us, do not hesitate to write to us, we will be happy to answer your questions.
