Last updated on February 16th, 2024 at 12:41 pm
If you want to know the best surf spots in Lanzarote, you came to the right place. In this surf guide, you will find all the information you need about surfing in Lanzarote, including surf seasons, surfer tips, and the best surf spots in Lanzarote, Canary Islands.
* Honest disclaimer- Reef Break is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
About Surfing in Lanzarote
Most surfers who come to surf in Lanzarote are experienced surfers in their search for the perfect barrel. This small island offers mostly powerful reef breaks that will challenge any surfer, and it got its nickname “The European Hawaii“, or “The Atlantic Hawaiian” for a good reason. However, few know that beginner surf spots are also available in Lanzarote. Just like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, or any other Canary Island, you will find all types of waves for all kinds of surfers.
Lanzarote is the most eastern of the Canary Islands, about 100 KM from the Moroccan coastline. It is famous for its year-round warm weather, volcanic landscape, and world-class waves. Even though international flights land here at Arrecife’s Airport on a daily basis, it is much less touristy than its neighboring Islands in the Canaries. Therefore, surfing in Lanzarote is all about the sport itself. No crazy nightlife, no distractions.
Due to the high quality of the surf spots in Lanzarote, it became a popular destination for surf trips and developed its own surf scene. Nowadays, when coming to surf in Lanzarote, you will see an abundance of surf schools, camps, board rentals, and surf hotels. Inevitably, the locals became protective of their waves, but as long as you respect the surf etiquette, they will welcome you with open arms.
Surf Seasons in Lanzarote
In general, you can surf Lanzarote year-round, as some of the beaches will always pick up some swell. However, the best time to surf in Lanzarote is definitely the winter, between October and March. During these months, the north swells from the Atlantic Ocean hit the Canary Coast with impressive size and excellent consistency.
On the other hand, the summer swells are mostly wind swells and tend to be smaller and less consistent. However, this time of the year is more convenient for beginners who come to surf in Lanzarote.
The water temperature in Lanzarote ranges from about 18°C (64°F) in winter to 24°C (75°F) in summer. Therefore, a 3/2 wetsuit is best during winter, and a short vest or spring suit is enough in summer. Booties are also recommended, as the rocks on the reef breaks are incredibly sharp. Outside the water, the weather in Lanzarote is warm, so short sleeves and flip-flops are all you need to bring in your suitcase.
Surf Spots in Lanzarote
When surfing in Lanzarote, the number of breaks you can choose from is huge. Each break is suitable for different swell conditions and surf levels, so choose your spot wisely. So, in detail, these are the best surf spots in Lanzarote:
Famara:
This 5-km beach strip is the best surf spot in Lanzarote for beginners taking surf lessons. Unlike most of the breaks on the island, Famara is a soft beach break with no rocks at the bottom. In the center of the beach, you will find several small peaks, surf schools, and board rental services.
If you are an advanced surfer looking for a greater challenge, you will find a powerful reef break at “El Muelle” just next to the harbor and in another spot nearby called “El Codito.”
San Juan:
Further west of Famara, San Juan offers a world-class break. In fact, this left-hand reef break hosted several international surf competitions. The waves here are long, fast, and extremely powerful. Therefore, this spot is recommended for advanced surfers only.
Caleta Caballo:
On this beach, you can choose between 3 reef breaks. The first one is a mellow right-hander suitable for all skill levels. The second is a steeper right-hander with occasional barreling sections. Finally, the third one offers a left-hand ride that can be very long on big swells.
La Santa:
This fishing village on the North Shore of Lanzarote produces fantastic surf 365 days a year. With various breaks, one next to another, you can spend your entire surf trip here and ride the waves of your life.
La Santa’s Left– A short and massive left-hander breaking over a sharp rocky bottom. This wave is exceptionally challenging and suitable for surfers who know what they are doing.
La Santa’s Right– One of the most consistent surf spots in Lanzarote. This spot performs best during the early mornings before the wind starts blowing. Expect intense currents, and ensure you are on the top of your game to surf here.
La Santa’s Center– Unlike the other breaks in La Santa, this left-hand break is much more “user-friendly”, and offers some long mellow rides for all skill levels.
El Quemao:
According to local surfers, this is the best surf spot in Lanzarote. Actually, this spot became world-famous, mainly for the epic tube rides it produces. El Quemao is a fast, steep, and hollow wave. It opens up to both left and right over a shallow reef, leaving no room for mistakes. If you want to surf Lanzarote at its best, El Quemao during wintertime will give you just that.
Orzola Beach:
On the Northeast side of Lanzarote, the village of Orzola offers a great surf spot for beginners and intermediates. The waves here are long and mellow, and anyone can ride it and have some fun without danger.
Jameos del Agua:
Can Beginners Surf in Lanzarote?
Surprisingly, yes!
Although Lanzarote is considered an aggressive surf destination with massive waves and dangerous rocks, few beaches are actually suitable for beginners. For instance, beaches like Famara and Orzola Beach offer soft breaks and a convenient environment to learn and practice. In short, surfers of all skill levels can surf in Lanzarote.
Surf Camps in Lanzarote
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore the surf beaches of Lanzarote at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones in town:
1. Lanzasurf Surf School.
2. Red Star Surf.
3. Surf School Lanzarote.
4. Clima Surf.
5. Calima Surf House.
For more details about surf camps in Lanzarote, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Lanzarote
When going on a surf trip to Lanzarote, you obviously want to stay as close as possible to the best surf spots on the island. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels to stay at:
1. Seaview Famara Beach– Situated in Famara, just 400 m from Famara Beach, Seaview Famara Beach features beachfront accommodation with a restaurant and free WiFi. The property has mountain views and is 1.4 km from Playa San Juan and 14 km from Campesino Monument.
2. Famara Views– Offering a terrace and sea view, Famara Views is located in Famara, 500 m from Famara Beach and 1.8 km from Playa San Juan. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free WiFi.
3. Casa Maradentro– Casa Maradentro, a property with barbecue facilities, is located in La Santa, 14 km from Campesino Monument, 15 km from Montañas de Fuego Mountains, as well as 22 km from Lagomar Museum. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking, and free WiFi.
For more surf hotels in Lanzarote, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Lanzarote- Travel Information
Language– Spanish.
Population– about 160,000.
Currency– Euro.
Calling code– +34.
Time zone– GMT +1.
Pros– perfect barrels, great weather.
Cons– the waves can get too aggressive, sharp reef, cold water in winter.
Conclusion- A Final Few Words
To sum up, Lanzarote is probably one of the safest bets you can make when choosing a destination for a surf trip. Whether you are after challenging tube rides or just a beginner or an intermediate looking to have some fun, this island in the Canaries, with the “eternal spring”, will give you exactly what you seek.
We hope you liked this surf guide to Lanzarote. Have a great surf trip!
