Last updated on February 15th, 2024 at 06:25 pm
If you plan to surf in Tenerife, you came to the right place. In this surf guide, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surfer tips, and the best surf spots in Tenerife.
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About Surfing in Tenerife
Riding perfect waves on a volcanic Island, just a short flight from Europe is exactly what surfing in Tenerife is all about. This beautiful island offers year-round warm weather, consistent swells, and a wide variety of surf spots. Therefore, it is one of the best destinations you can choose for a surf trip.
Tenerife is situated right in the middle of the Canary Islands Archipelago. In fact, it is the largest one, and the most touristic one too. Even though it belongs to Spain, it is much closer to Morocco‘s coast, and the feeling you get here is like being on a Caribbean Island. Due to its popularity as a holiday destination, Tenerife has everything a tourist could wish for. From a huge range of accommodations and restaurants to shops of all kinds and a crazy nightlife scene, it seems like this island offers something for everyone.
As for the surf in Tenerife, it is the best you can get. Due to the shape of the island and the variety of beaches facing different directions, consistent swells hit the shore almost 365 days a year. Moreover, there are many types of surf spots in Tenerife. While most of the waves break over shallow volcanic reefs, you can definitely find some good points and beach breaks. Therefore, the surf in Tenerife is suitable for any type of surfer. If you are an expert, you will find punchy barrels and steep walls with massive power. However, some surf beaches in Tenerife are more beginner-friendly, and many surf schools and camps are found here.
Surf Seasons in Tenerife
Luckily, you can surf Tenerife year-round and consistently score good waves. Remember, this is an Island, so whether the swell comes from the north or south, some beaches will be there to receive it. Therefore, Tenerife, and the Canaries generally, is world-famous for its consistent surf. And yet, the wintertime produces the best and biggest waves.
During winter, from September to April, the north swells hit the island with great power and consistency. While the surf is up all the time, the biggest swells tend to come at the peak of the season, from November to February. Keep in mind that the waves can be aggressive during these months, so this is the recommended time for advanced surfers.
In contrast, the summer months, from May to August, tend to bring smaller swells. Therefore, if you are a beginner or intermediate, this is your recommended time to surf in Tenerife. The summer swells are not as predictable and not as consistent as in winter, but some of the surf spots in Tenerife, especially the south-facing ones, perform even better during this time of year.
As for the water temperature, it ranges from 18°C (64°F) in winter to 24°C (75°F) in summer. Therefore, a 3/2 wetsuit is recommended during winter, while a short vest or springsuit should be enough during summer. Either way, booties are always recommended, as you are likely to step on the sharp rocks at least a few times during your surf sessions. Outside of the water, the weather in Tenerife is always warm, so short sleeves and flip-flops are all you really need.
Surf Spots in Tenerife
When surfing in Tenerife, you have a huge variety of surf spots to choose from. In general, you can divide the island into 2 different surf zones, the North Shore and the South Shore.
The North side of the island is exposed to the North Atlantic swells and is famous for its big, powerful waves, especially during winter. Moreover, this area is much less crowded, so if you are an advanced surfer, you can enjoy fast barrels with very few people in the lineup.
The south, on the other hand, is where the tourism scene is centered. Therefore, the beaches are much busier, and the locals are more protective of their waves. Even though this part of the island is more exposed to the south swells, you can find good waves all year long and a great selection of breaks, from soft and friendly waves to powerful barrels.
In detail, these are the best surf spots in Tenerife:
Surf Spots in Tenerife’s North Shore:
La Caleta:
This reef break produces quality rides mainly to the right side. Any intermediate surfer can surf in this spot on an average swell, but on the big days, it can get pretty aggressive.
Playa del Socorro:
This is one of the heaviest waves you can find on the island and is recommended for experts only. The drop is exceptionally steep, and the currents are strong, but the tubes are absolutely spectacular.
El Lobo:
This wave is much friendlier and suitable for all skill levels. It is a left-hand point break with some fun long rides at any tide stage.
El Arenal:
Excellent beach break for beginners and intermediates. The waves here break softly over a sandy bottom to both left and right.
Almaciga:
This rocky beach offers several peaks to both sides with great consistency even on the smallest days.
El Charco:
If you are a beginner or even an intermediate, this is not the place for you, as this is a pure slab. The waves here crush with massive power over a shallow reef and create giant barrels.
El Callado:
This is a right-hand wave breaking over a rocky bottom. At the southern end of the beach, you will find the longest rides.
Candelaria:
A right-hand reef break that offers a mellow ride in the deep water and is suitable for intermediate surfers and up.
Surf Spots in Tenerife’s South Shore:
La Izquierda (The Left):
This is probably one of the best surf spots in Tenerife. Here, you can get long rides with some heavy and fast walls. Due to its high quality, the localism in this spot is definitely a downside.
Derecha del Cartel:
Here, you will find fast and hollow tube rides, which are fantastic for advanced surfers.
El Conquistador:
Fantastic spot for beginners and intermediates. The waves on this beach are soft and mellow. In summer, this beach tends to produce the best waves.
La Fitenia:
On this beach, you will find multiple peaks for any skill level. The waves are fun and easy to ride, but the lineup is always crowded and full of tourists.
La Tejita:
Can Beginners Surf in Tenerife?
The answer is yes!
Although most surf spots in Tenerife are challenging, few of them are suitable for beginners. For instance, spots like La Tejita, El Lobo, and El Conquistador offer mellow waves and a convenient environment for novice surfers. Therefore, surfers of all skill levels can surf in Tenerife.
Surf Camps in Tenerife
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore Tenerife’s surf scene at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones in town:
1. Endless Summer Vibes
2. Volcano Surf Center
3. Twin Fin Surf Camp.
4. Surf Life Camp.
5. Black Stone Surf Center.
For more details about surf camps in Tenerife, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Tenerife
When coming to surf in Tenerife, you want to stay in the right place, which means as close as possible to the best waves. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels on the island:
1. Sunset on the sea– Sunset on the Sea is a beachfront property located in Punta del Hidalgo, 1.3 km from Playa San Juan and 1.9 km from Playa de los Troches. The accommodation is 600 m from Playa del Arenal, and guests benefit from private parking available on-site and free WiFi.
2. Precise Resort Tenerife– This hotel, located on the coast, is set in 40 000 m² of subtropical gardens and has an impressive palm-fringed swimming pool. Enjoy buffet meals and fantastic views over the Atlantic.
3. Palm Beach – Excel Hotels & Resorts – Excel Hotels & Resorts– Offering stunning views of the Canary Islands, this attractive apartment complex is set just 10 m from Troya Beach. It features an adult and children’s outdoor pool, a gym, a hot tub, and a sauna.
For more surf hotels in Tenerife, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Tenerife- Travel Information
Language– Spanish.
Population– about 1 million.
Currency– Euro.
Calling code– +34.
Time zone– GMT +1.
Pros– a wide variety of surf spots, great weather, fabulous nightlife.
Cons– localism, sharp reef, cold water in winter.
Conclusion- A Final Few Words
To sum up, Tenerife is a trendy surf destination for a good reason. The combination of great weather, spectacular waves, and beautiful volcanic landscape, together with everything this island offers outside the water, just makes it a perfect place for a surf trip.
We hope you enjoyed reading this surf guide to the best surf spots in Tenerife.
Finally, check out the neighboring Islands, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, which also offer incredible surf.
