Last updated on December 15th, 2023 at 02:40 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in the Canary Islands, you came to the right place. In this surf guide to the Canary Islands, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including travel tips, surf seasons, and the best surf beaches in the Canary Islands.
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About Surfing in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are definitely a place to consider while planning a surf trip. Actually, thousands of Europeans already know these islands are not just a great beach holiday destination but also an incredible surf paradise.
The Canary Islands, also known as “The Fortunate Islands”, is a Spanish Volcanic Archipelago consisting of 7 major Islands. Unlike other European surf destinations such as France or Portugal, this one is actually located in the Atlantic Ocean, much closer to the Coast of Morocco. Due to its location, it has warm weather 365 days a year and has become famous as “the land of eternal spring”. For that reason, it is always packed here with tourists, mainly from Europe, who come to enjoy the summer or to escape from the European winter.
As for the surf, the Canary Islands also have a lot to offer. In fact, it is exposed to solid swells from the Atlantic Ocean, and therefore, the waves are consistent year-round. When surfing ןמ the Canary Islands, you will find mostly reef breaks, points, and occasional beach breaks. The waves vary from Beginner-friendly beaches to massive barrels over a shallow reef. Therefore, whatever you are after, you will find it here.
In short, the Canary Islands are an exceptional destination for a surf trip. With an “island vibe”, fantastic nightlife, and huge diversity of surf spots in the Canary Islands, it should definitely be on your travel list for your next surf vacation.
The Best Surf Spots in the Canary Islands
There are many great surf spots in the Canary Islands, but remember, not all the islands are equal, and you need to choose which one to focus on. Even though we tend to look at them as a whole, each island has its own characteristics and offers a different surfing experience. So, divided into separate islands, these are the best surf spots in the Canary Islands:
Surf Spots on the Island of Tenerife
Tenerife is the biggest island in the Canaries. It is popular among tourists, so you will find many fancy resorts and crazy nightlife scenes. Due to its size, this island offers many different surf breaks and is probably the most crowded of all the islands.
These are the best breaks in Tenerife:
La Izquierda (The Left):
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- You will find this spot right in front of Playa de las Americas Resort, in the Southern part of the island. This left-hander produces some great barrels and breaks over a very shallow reef. Due to the reef and the localism in this spot, paddle out only if you are confident in your ability to deal with it. It is definitely not a spot for beginners, but for advanced ones, it is one of the best surf spots in the Canary Islands.
Playa de la Tejita:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- This is a swell magnet, which you can surf 365 days a year. The waves here are powerful but break over a sandy bottom.
Billboards:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- intermediate.
Description- In front of the Metropolis Bar, this is a right-hand reef break with a fast and hollow drop over a rocky bottom. Besides on weekends, this spot is not so crowded and is suitable for intermediates.
La Fitenia:
Break type- A-frame.
Skill level- intermediate.
Description- This spot can pick up any swell and is highly consistent. Therefore, you can count on it on the small days and even in summertime. The waves here break equally to right and left, and on a good day, this spot produces some very long rides.
Puerto de la Cruz:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner.
Description- This is a perfect spot for beginners in the island’s Northern part, with a soft and mellow wave.
El Socorro:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- intermediate.
Description- Just next to Puerto de la Cruz, this is one of the few beaches with no reef at the bottom.
Surf Spots on the Island of Gran Canaria
This island is known for its great weather 365 days a year. It is where Las Palmas, the capital of the Canary Islands, is situated and has some of the best surf beaches in the Canary Islands. Along its 60 km coastline, you will find different breaks for all skill levels.
These are the best surf spots in Gran Canaria:
El Confital:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This is absolutely a world-class wave and definitely one of the best surf spots in the Canary Islands. This reef break offers a long right-hand ride with amazingly hollow sections to get barreled. Due to its quality and location in Las Palmas, it can get extremely crowded during weekends.
El Lloret:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- intermediate.
Description- This right-hand point break has easy access from the City. It produces long open rides and performs with great consistency.
El Frontn:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- An extremely powerful barrel over a rocky bottom. This spot is suitable only for advanced surfers only.
Playa del Ingles:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner.
Description- This beach break is situated in the Southern part of the island. It is soft and mellow and, therefore, a perfect beach for beginners.
Surf Spots on the Island of Fuerteventura
Located only 90 KM from the African Coastline, this is the second biggest island in the Canaries, after Tenerife. Its name in Spanish means “strong wind”, and accordingly, the offshore winds blow here almost daily and create superb surf conditions.
These are the best breaks in Fuerteventura:
El Hierro:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- Also known as “The Bubble”, this right-hander breaks over a very shallow reef and produces great tube rides, especially during low to mid tide. Therefore, this spot is suitable for good surfers only.
Los Lobos:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- intermediate.
Description- You will find this spot on a small Island north of Fuerteventura. To get here, you must take an early morning ferry, and besides surfing, there is nothing here. So why bother? Well, this is the longest wave in the Canary Islands.
El Cotillo:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- During summer, this is the place for beginners to take some lessons on the soft beach break. However, when winter comes, this beach can also produce fantastic A-frame waves for advanced surfers.
Spew Pits:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This is the spot for the crazy ones seeking a dangerous challenge. When a big swell comes, this beach turns into a massive slab break. It is fast, hollow, and dangerous. Therefore, if you are a beginner or even an intermediate surfer, this one isn’t for you.
Surf Spots on the Island of Lanzarote
The small Island of Lanzarote is famous for its black sand beaches formed by volcanic activity. Some claim that Lanzarote hosts the best surf spots in the Canary Islands. It is probably a matter of preference, but without a doubt, the waves here are outstanding.
These are the best breaks in Lanzarote:
Famara:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner.
Description- This 6-km beach strip is a perfect beginner spot. The waves break softly over a sandy bottom, and many surf lessons take place here.
El Quemao:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This wave is called by local surfers “The Canary Pipeline”. It is a pure barrel over a reef, suitable for experts only.
Morro Negro:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- intermediate.
Description- This is a right-hand point break. It requires a big swell to perform well, but once such swell hits, you can get some very long rides.
La Santa:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- In this reef break, you can surf both rights and lefts. It is powerful, hollow, and considered a very high-quality wave. You need to be on top of your game to handle this wave, as it is very challenging.
If you are new to surfing and looking for beginner waves, check out our post about the best beginner surf beaches in the Canary Islands.
Surf Seasons in the Canary Islands
In general, you can surf the Canary Islands every day of the year. Since we are talking about a group of Islands, some of the beaches will always face an occasional swell from some direction. That being said, there is a difference between the 2 major seasons.
The summer, between May and August, receives the smaller swells. Actually, it is the perfect season for beginners. During this time, the water temp is around 24°C (75°F), and the waves are soft and forgiving.
The winter, on the other hand, lasts from September to April, and this is definitely the best surfing season in the Canary Islands. To clarify, you can’t really call it winter, as the sun is still up in the sky, and you will probably wear a T-shirt and flip-flops. However, in Canary terms, this is what they call winter. During these months, the water temp is around 18°C (64°F) and requires a 3/2 wetsuit. The waves are big and consistent, and if you wake up early, you will also enjoy some offshore winds.
If you want to Surf in the Canary Islands when it is the biggest, come between November and February. This is when the huge swells hit the shore, and only the experienced surfers paddle out.
Note- the reefs in the Canary Islands are full of sea urchins, so you better bring your booties as well.
Surf Camps in the Canary Islands
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world, the best way to explore the surf beaches of the Canary Islands is at a surf camp. So, these are the most recommended surf camps in the Canary Islands:
1. Twin Fin Surf Camp, Tenerife– The camp offers surf and yoga programs for all skill levels in the famous Playa de Las Americas.
For more details about surf camps in Tenerife, please click here.
2. Lanzasurf, Lanzarote– Lanzasurf adapts to each student’s level in small groups so you can get the best attention and advice in and outside of the water.
For more details about surf camps in Lanzarote, please click here.
3. Sunwave Surf Camp, Fuerteventura– This official APSO school offers surf lessons and camps on the island of Fuerteventura.
For more details about surf camps in the Canary Islands, please click here.
4. Ocean Side, Gran Canaria– With the surf packages of OceanSide, you will enjoy a surfing holiday in a beautiful and unique environment in Playa de Las Canteras.
For more details about surf camps in Gran Canaria, please click here.
Surf Hotels in the Canary Islands
When coming to surf in the Canary Islands, you want to stay as close as possible to the best surf spots. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels on the Islands:
1. Sir Anthony, Tenerife– Featuring direct access to Camisón Beach in Tenerife’s Playa de las Américas, this stylish hotel offers a spa and an outdoor pool. Air-conditioned rooms include a balcony with ocean views and free WiFi. The rooms at Sir Anthony feature parquet floors and modern, elegant décor. Each one has a flat-screen TV, a safe, and a minibar. There is a pillow menu, and the private bathroom has a hairdryer. Some rooms have a private plunge pool.
2. Seaview Famara Beach, Lanzarote– 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.
3. Agüita House, Gran Canaria– Set in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Agüita House offers beachfront accommodation a few steps from Las Canteras Beach. It provides various facilities, such as barbecue facilities and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen, a shared lounge, and free WiFi throughout the property. Some units at the property feature a balcony with a sea view.
For more surf hotels in the Canary Islands, check out our post about the best surf resorts in the Canary Islands, or simply look for deals on Booking.com.
What Skill Level is Required to Surf in the Canary Islands
There is an incredible selection of surf spots in the Canary Islands, so surfers of all levels can find breaks that suit their skills. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like Famara and Playa del Ingles. Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves in spots like La Fitenia and El Lloret. And finally, if you are an advanced surfer, you can ride Massive barrels at El Quemao or El Fronton.
Which Island in the Canaries is Best to Stay At
On a surf trip, it is best to focus on one area to spend more time surfing and less traveling. However, there are many great surf beaches in the Canary Islands, and sometimes, choosing which island to stay at can be hard. The best answer to that question is that they are all great, and you will find fantastic waves in all of them. As mentioned above, each of the Canary Islands offers a wide variety of surf spots. So whether you are a beginner on a surf camp or an expert seeking massive barrels, you will find it all on each one of the islands. And that is what makes the Canary Islands such an excellent surf destination.
The Canary Islands- Travel Information
Language– Spanish.
Population– over 2 million.
Currency– Euro.
Calling code– +34.
Time zone– GMT 0/+1.
Pros– Impressive variety of surf spots, great weather.
Cons– localism, sharp reefs.
Conclusion- Final Thought
We hope you enjoyed reading this surf guide about the best surf spots in the Canary Islands. Have a great surf trip!
