Lanzarote, one of the oldest of the Canary Islands, a great place for surfing, thanks to its unique conditions making possible this activity throughout the year. Therefore, thousands of surfers come to this spectacular natural destination to challenge those waves, considered one of the best in Europe.
Fotógrafo: Calimasurf.com
Many call them “the Atlantic Hawaiian”, Lanzarote is much more than an island full of energy: Volcanic rocks, paradisiacal beaches, crystal clear waters and underwater landscapes are part of its offer including an eternal spring that makes it one of the best places to experience an unforgettable surf trip. Whether you’re taking your first steps in surfing or you are already an experienced surfer, this complete surf guide will provide you with all the necessary information so you won´t miss any detail during your visit to Lanzarote, from the best beaches to surf to the best sites of the island, including information about surf schools, surf trips and surfboard rental.
Surf in Lanzarote
Known as the Volcano´s Island, Lanzarote is a magical place, famous for its wonderful beaches and its warm climate all year around. Its volcanic landscape, full of craters and landscapes, as well as its great environmental importance as declared Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993.
Traveling to Lanzarote is quite easy. Several airlines and many of them low cost companies operate flights to Arrecife´s airport, the island´s capital. It is also possible to get to Lanzarote traveling by ferry from other Canary Islands such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
Lanzarote’s climate is subtropical, where it rarely rains and has mild temperatures throughout the year. It is for this reason that it is the chosen destination by tourists who are searching for some sun, especially during the months of April to November, being between July and August the most active season.
Winter and Autum are the best months for surfing in Lanzarote, because the strong winds between November and March generate waves from 1.5 to 4 meters height. For beginners, any time is good to visit the island as the weather conditions are exceptional for surfing in Famara´s beach.
Best touristic routes around the Island
- Timanfaya´s National park
- Volcanos Natural park
- La Cueva de los Verdes
- Los Jameos del Agua
- El Mirador del Río
- El Golfo
- Los Hervideros
- La isla de La Graciosa
- La ruta vinícola de La Geria ( wine tasting route )
- La obra arquitectónica de Cesar Manrique ( Cesar´s Manrique architectural work )
From north to south, Lanzarote has around 62km of extension, making it very accessible and easy to navigate. To travel comfortably all over the island, it is recommended to rent a car, which is usually the most economical alternative. As a reference, it is possible to rent from 15 euros per day and even cheaper depending on the season.
Rental cars usually include insurance, unlimited mileage and any penalties, however, we must ask before to book that there are no extra charges applied; the most advisable thing is to be well informed about what includes the price to pay to avoid surprises.
There are many reasons that make Lanzarote a meeting point for surf lovers worldwide. Its mild climate, good wind intensity, variety of spots for different levels and great quality waves, make this island ideal to surf at any time of the year.
The best beaches to surf in Lanzarote
Beaches in Lanzarote have waves for all levels. So, beginners can opt for Famara beach, considered the best one to learn in the Canary Islands and the most suitable place for beginners in surfing, while more experienced surfers can choose La Santa or Quemao, that have really dangerous waves, the largest ones in Europe.
Are you looking for beginners surfing lessons or a great Surfcamp with accommodation in Lanzarote? we offers private rooms 100 meters from the waves on Famara beach…Contact us!
Famara
The perfect place for surfing in Lanzarote is, without a doubt, Famara beach, one of the surfer´s favourite. It is located next to Caleta de Famara, a charming coastal fishing village and extends over more than 5km. This beach of golden sand has no rocks and its waves can break both on the left and on the right.
The main surf schools are located on this beach, which provide all the necessary equipment for those who are beginning to realize this sport. Also, it is possible to find surf shops that offer board and wetsuits rental service. Famara also has first aid services.
How to get to Famara?
From Arrecife airport, there are several options to be able to get to Famara. The first one (and the most recommended) is to rent a car, it is a convenient and cheap alternative. As we mentioned before, you are able to rent a car from 15 euros per day, that is, about 100 euros per week, more or less. In this link you will be able to calculate the exact rate at any airport in the Canary Islands.
The second option is to travel by bus, you would have to grab one from the airport to the bus station located in Arrecife and then another one from Arrecife to Famara . This alternative, however, may take a few hours and it is advisable to do it in the morning.
The third option is to take an official taxi from the airport to La Caleta. This alternative is the safest, easiest and fastest, and most cars are equipped so you are able to load the surf boards if you need. The Taxi´s fee for those distances is between 35 and 40 euros, depending on the schedule and if it is a holiday.
Accomodation in Famara
Although Famara´s mood is surf, including some dining options, surf board rentals and surf schools, La Caleta de Famara has kept its charm as a fishing village as it is within a protected natural area. That is why the accommodation options in this area are limited; however, there are several surf houses a few meters from the sea where it is possible to stay in total comfort.
No matter if you come alone or you are a big group, it is possible to rent apartments, penthouses, studios and bungalows, each of the spaces well designed and with incredible views. They are the most economic and are usually visited by surfers from all over the world.
You will also have the private apartments, as an option that are offered by the different specialized pages, such as Booking or Airbnb.
Finding accommodation in Famara surfhouse.
Famara Surf Spots
You can find Famara divided into several surf spots, both left and right, with fast waves and barrels. The most known spots are:
The center of the beach, due to its sand break, it is considered the safest area for beginners, which is why surf lessons are offered around this area. You are able to walk from the town center.
Famara´s little harbour (El Muelle) one of Famara’s most famous and spectacular spots. This spot is not easy and it is necessary to have a good surf level to catch waves. It is a reef break and to be able to enjoy it to the fullest it is worth to wait for a big swell to come from north.
El Codito, It is a mixed spot as it includes sand and some rocks located at the beginning of Famara´s beach. Due to this reason this spot requires at least some level in surfing due to its difficulty although it is usually ideal for surfing when Famara beach is too big. This spot is quite close to most schools and surf shops.
San Juan It is a spot suitable only for experienced surfers. This wave is fast and powerful, with lefts that break on reef. To get there you will have to go off road following a dirt track; suitable for all types of vehicles. San Juan has hosted international competitions on many occasions.
La Santa
Located in a strong waves area full of rocks and cliffs, where you are able to find La Santa´s small harbour, which is an ideal spot for surfing 365 days a year. In fact, La Santa´s left is one of the most by the most experienced surfers. It is possible to arrive without difficulties from the town and park the car just in front of the spot.
This fishing village, located on the northwest coast of Lanzarote, is 24km away from Arrecife and its beach named the same( La Santa) includes sand and rock 130 meters long.
La Santa Surf Spots
Surfers in Lanzarote
La Santa is the mandatory stop for expert surfers; the intensity and dangerousness of its waves are world famous, so it is not suitable for beginners at all.
El Quemao it is one of the most recognized spots in the world. Hollow and strong waves, with perfect barrels when there is groundswell. This spot is visited by experienced surfers; It opens on the left and on the right and ideal to surf during the months of October and March..
La izquierda de La Santa (La Santa´s left) it is a short and explosive wave, which breaks from both sides. Its left way is the preferred one for surfing since it offers perfect barrels that are created over a volcanic reef. Due to its sharp ground, the entry to the water has some difficulty so it must be done with extreme caution and always with some booties. During September and May you will find the best swells due to the wind and tide conditions during this season.
La derecha de La Santa (La Santa´s right) one of the most recognized right waves across Europe, is one of the most consistent waves in Lanzarote. It is also only suitable for experts and it is recommended to surf its waves first thing in the morning…
El centrito de La Santa is an ideal spot intermediate level surfers; with long and easy waves, with reef bottom that allows many maneuvers.
Famara Beach and La Santa are the two most representative surf spots across Lanzarote. However, there are some other spots that surfers should also know about . Some of them are in the East of the island: El Cartel, la Hedionda, Caletón blanco, Caleta del Mero and Jameos del Agua, amazing natural spot inside of Lanzarote´s heart;we can also mention Caleta de caballo, la derecha de Guinate (Guinate´s right) and Pipeline, where bodyboarders and surfers meet ; Arrieta with its black sand beach and Órzola´s beach located in this gorgeous village called Órzola, where you will be able to find all the Ferries that depart to La Graciosa.
Surf for beginners in Lanzarote
Famous for being the ideal place to learn how to surf, Lanzarote offers a wide range of courses to be able to learn to surf during the twelve months of the year. To this it is added very economic rates compared to the European offer. Here we discuss some alternatives about learning how surf:
Surf lessons and courses
To receive some surf lessons in Lanzarote, you just have to get to the island, stay in an apartment, bugalow or surf hostel and sign up in one of the several courses offered by the different surf schools around the area.
In general the surf lessons are in the morning, in most cases from 10hrs until 16hrs. In certain cases, there are private lessons available where you are able to arrange your lessons schedule.
Usually, the lessons last from 2 to 5 hours with a middle break to have lunch and rest a while. Intensive surf lessons are the ones that last 5 hours and introduction lessons 2 hours and private lessons have also their own schedule
Many surf schools in Lanzarote offer to pick up their students in their respective accommodations, whether apartments, bungalows or surf houses, something especially recommended for those who do not travel by car.
To book one day surf lessons
Complete surf courses
Surf Camps
Surf camps are other suitable options to learn how to surf in Lanzarote. In Calimasurf you will be able to 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 from 50 euros per person / day.
Also, there is offered complete surf camp packages for all levels from 215 euros. Surf camps usually include from 3 to 15 days of surf house accommodation on the beach plus lunch during the surf course days, transportation and materials. There is a maximum of 8 students per course and the waves spots are chosen according to the level of the participants.
To join a surf camp is an experience for the student. The surf houses are located about 100 meters from Famara´s beach, avoiding any waste of time on the move. In this way, it is possible to maximize the learning hours and increase the practice in sea.
In surf camps there is usually a fun and confident atmosphere coming from all the students, who come from different parts of the world representing an opportunity to fraternize and make friends. The participants also have free Wifi connection.
Check those different surf camp options
Initiation Surf Camps: Private room accommodation from 3 to 14 nights.
Beginner SurfCamp: Private room accommodation from 3 to 14 nights.
Intermediate Surf Camp: Private room accommodation from 3 to 14 nights.
Free Surfing: Private room accommodation from 3 to 14 nights.
Tips to improve your learning
The island of Lanzarote is usually visited by beginner surfers and also the most experienced. All of them have different surfing options according to their level of knowledge. It is usual for beginners to have many doubts about the routine regarding surf courses and their real opportunity to learn how to surf in a short period of time.
In general lessons begin with a previous warm-up and stretching. They continue with a brief theoretical lesson on dry land, learning what to do in the sea before practicing on real water. The course alternates with exercises explained on the sand and practice in the sea regarding those previous explanations.
After a short break to gather strength and energy, they continue on practicing routines on the sand and sea. The day ends with some time to freely surf, always supervised by the instructor in charge of the course.
Surf in Lanzarote for those ones more experienced
Lanzarote is also visited due to the high quality of its waves an ideal place for surfing among expert surfers. Most of the surf spots in the area have high levels of difficulty and represent a challenge for experienced surfers.
Surfaris
The Surfaris in Lanzarote became a great alternative for those ones looking for the best waves. There are personalized surfaris to be able to visit the different spots on the island and surf them when conditions warrant it.
Surfaris are able to include a photographic report to immortalize you mastering the wave. The spots are chosen according to the participant’s level and usually include transportation, equipment and refreshments.
The safest way to get to know the best surf spots around the island is to do it guided by a local so Surfaris help surfers feel more confident when they go out surfing.
Surfing equipment rentals
Many surfers prefer to go on a surf tour without having to carry their own board or some want to be able to change board according to the conditions of the spot or other determinants. In addition, traveling with your own equipment usually generates very 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 rates. The board rental costs are the lowest in Europe and go, on average, from 20 euros per day or 85 euros per week for soft boards, up to 20 euros per day or 120 euros per week for tables of fiber.
The surfboards rental service includes the ability to reserve boards in order to guarantee their availability during that time, as well as the option changing them as much as you need until finding the magic board.
Make Lanzarote your next surfing destination
Lanzarote´s offer is quite complete: Surf schools, accommodation in surf house, board rentals and the best surf camps and surf tours, are part of the islands proposal surfers who search the best waves of Europe. Famara is a good decision as a destination for your next surf trip.
From beginners to experienced surfers, everyone is able to find a suitable space in Lanzarote for surfing. Thanks to its unique climatic conditions, any time of the year is ideal to enjoy this charming island that has earned per excellence a surfer destination status.
Hope that this complete surfing guide is useful so you fully enjoy everything that this island offers to practice this exciting sport. If you need more information or you want to get in touch with us, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be attentive to answer your concerns.
