Mejor Sitio para Hacer Surf en Canarias
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If you’re here, you probably have a question on your mind: Where is the best place to surf in the Canary Islands?
You may have heard them referred to as the “Hawaii of the Atlantic,” and that’s no exaggeration. With almost 1,500 km of ocean-bathed coastline, a climate that is literally “eternal spring,” and world-class wave consistency (thanks to the trade winds and swells of the North Atlantic), the Canary Islands are a true paradise for any surfer.
But here’s the “problem”: there are 8 islands. And each one is a universe unto itself.
Looking for powerful waves and lava tubes only for experts? We’ve got them. Looking for a long, gentle wave to learn to stand up for the first time? We’ve got that too. Looking for a relaxed surfer vibe with good food and consistent waves? Of course.
As local experts with years of experience in these waters, we’re going to break it all down for you. We’re not going to give you a simple answer, because there isn’t one. We’re going to give you something better: honest, practical information, island by island, so YOU can decide which is the best place for you.
Grab your wax, because we’re going on a surf trip around the Fortunate Islands.
When to surf in the Canary Islands? The Climate and the Waves
Before we begin, the basics: when to come?
The short answer: ALL YEAR ROUND.
Fall and Winter (October – March): This is the high season for waves. This is when the swells from the North Atlantic hit hard. The waves are bigger, more powerful, and more consistent. The northern spots on all the islands (such as Tenerife and Fuerteventura) come alive. The water starts to cool down, but with a 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuit (in the middle of winter) you’ll be fine.
Spring and Summer (April – September): The northern swell subsides, but the trade winds become more constant. This is ideal for two things: summer spots that “catch” less sea and, above all, for beginners. The water is warmer (you can surf in swimwear or a short wetsuit) and the waves on the southern beaches, such as in Tenerife, are incredibly fun and manageable.
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The Best Surf Spots in the Canary Islands: An Island-by-Island Guide
Here are the spots you gave us, organized by island, with our firsthand experience of what you’ll find.
🏝️ Fuerteventura: The Mecca of Atlantic Surfing
It’s the oldest and most eroded island, which has created perfect reefs. The main hub is Corralejo, in the north.
1. Corralejo, Fuerteventura
More than a spot, it’s the northern surfing epicenter. From here you have access to the “North Shore.” Corralejo Bay itself has easy waves for learning. The vibe is 100% surf, full of schools, shops, and bars.
2. Los Lobos, Fuerteventura
Right across from Corralejo, on a small desert island, you’ll find the longest right-hand wave in the Canary Islands. It’s a legendary wave. You need a significant swell (it usually works best in winter) and a boat to get there. It’s not for beginners, but it’s a magical, long, and maneuverable wave over a rock bottom.
3. Costa Calma, Fuerteventura
Being honest, Costa Calma is in the south and is world-famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to its extreme winds. Wave surfing here is very occasional and depends on very specific swells. It’s not a primary wave surfing destination.
4. Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura
Similar to Costa Calma. It’s a very sheltered tourist area. Surfing here is practically non-existent or very, very rare. There are much better spots just a short drive away.
🌋 Lanzarote: Volcanic Power and Beauty
César Manrique’s island is a visual spectacle, and so are its waves.
5. Caleta de Famara, Lanzarote
If there is a perfect place for beginners in the Canary Islands, this is it. Famara is a gigantic 6 km sandy beach, surrounded by impressive cliffs. The waves break everywhere, are gentle, and perfect for learning. The views are otherworldly. It is, without a doubt, the cradle of learning to surf in Lanzarote.
6. El Quemao, Lanzarote
We go from heaven to hell (a marvelous hell). El Quemao, in front of the town of La Santa, is the most feared and respected wave in the Canary Islands and one of the best in the world. It’s a lava tube (it breaks over sharp volcanic rock) that is incredibly powerful, fast, and dangerous. It’s the Canarian version of Pipeline. Only for experts or professionals.
⛰️ Tenerife: The Surf Continent
The tallest island in Spain offers incredible duality. The powerful and green north, the sunny and consistent south.
7. Playa de las Américas, Tenerife
For us, this is the best surf spot in Tenerife in terms of consistency, atmosphere, and variety. It’s not one beach, but a set of lava reefs that create several high-quality waves.
- La Izquierda (Spanish Left): One of the most famous waves in Europe. Long, maneuverable, and with barreling sections.
- El Medio: Perfect for longboard and intermediate levels.
- La Derecha del Cartel: Faster and more powerful. The water is warm, the sun shines 350 days a year, and the atmosphere is unbeatable. It’s such a controlled environment with such forgiving waves that most of our surf lessons for beginners in tenerife south focus on the simplest spots in this area, where progression is fast and safe.
8. Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
We’re heading north. Puerto de la Cruz is the surfing hub of the north coast. Playa de Martiánez is a powerful beach break (sand) that works very well in winter. It’s the polar opposite of Las Américas: colder water, a more local vibe, and wilder waves.
9. El Médano, Tenerife
Similar to Costa Calma, El Médano is the world capital of windsurfing and kitesurfing. The wind here is extreme almost daily. However, in the same bay, there are surf spots that work well, especially for longboard in the summer.
10. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The capital has surfing too. Near the city, heading north, you’ll find the beaches of Taganana and Almáciga. They are wild, black sand beaches with very powerful waves, especially in winter. A spectacular landscape.
🌎 Gran Canaria: The Meeting Point
The “round island” has its epicenter in the capital, Las Palmas.
11. El Confital, Gran Canaria
Alongside El Quemao, this is the other jewel in the Canarian crown. One of the best right-hand waves in Europe. Long, powerful, and with perfect barrels. It breaks over volcanic rock. It’s right in the city of Las Palmas, which is crazy. It’s a spot for advanced levels only and highly respected by the locals.
12. Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
In the far south, next to the famous dunes, Maspalomas offers waves. Near the lighthouse, you can find easy and fun sand-bottom waves, ideal for longboard and for beginners who want to avoid the crowds of the north of the island.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Surfing in the Canary Islands
Let’s answer all those doubts you surely still have.
Which Canary Island is most recommended?
- To learn: Tenerife (South) or Lanzarote (Famara).
- For intermediate level: Tenerife (South) or Fuerteventura (North).
- For expert level: Lanzarote (La Santa) or Fuerteventura (North).
- For a balance of surf, sun, and life: Tenerife South.
Where is the best surfing in Tenerife?
In the South, in Playa de Las Américas, for its incredible year-round consistency, the quality of its lava-reef waves (like La Izquierda), and the atmosphere. In winter, the North (Puerto de la Cruz and Almáciga) offers much more powerful waves.
How long does it take a person to learn to surf?
The million-dollar question! It varies per person, but with quality instruction, most people can stand up on the whitewash in the first 1-3 classes (2-6 hours). To paddle out alone and catch “green waves” (unbroken waves) you’ll need several months of consistent practice. If you really want to progress fast and live the full experience, nothing beats the immersion of a SURF CAMP IN TENERIFE, where you eat, sleep, and breathe surf for a week.
Can you surf in Costa Adeje?
Yes! Costa Adeje is right next to Playa de las Américas. Although the most famous spots are in Las Américas, the La Caleta area (in Adeje) has some reef spots that work with the same swells and usually have fewer people.
Where can beginners surf in Gran Canaria?
In Las Palmas, the La Cícer area (on Las Canteras beach) is the main learning spot. In the south, the Maspalomas area also offers easy sand-bottom waves.
When is the best time to surf in Gran Canaria?
In the north (El Confital, Las Palmas), the high season is winter (October-March). In the south (Maspalomas), you can find small waves for learning all year round, similar to the south of Tenerife.
What is the best area for diving in Gran Canaria?
Great question! Although our passion is what happens on the water, we are sea lovers. If you want to take a break from surfing, the most famous area for diving in Gran Canaria is the El Cabrón Marine Reserve, in Arinaga. It’s spectacular. This shows the island’s reliability: if there are no waves one day, you have a thousand other adventures.
Where are the best waves in the Canary Islands?
“Best” is subjective.
- The most powerful and dangerous (world-class): El Quemao (Lanzarote) and El Confital (Gran Canaria).
- The longest: Los Lobos (Fuerteventura).
- The most consistent and fun (for everyone): La Izquierda de Las Américas (Tenerife).
Do you want to surf towards new adventures?
So, what is the best place to surf in the Canary Islands?
As you’ve seen, there’s no single answer. If you’re a professional looking for dangerous barrels, your best place will be El Quemao. If you’re a total beginner, your best place is Famara Beach.
But if you’re looking for the perfect balance; if you want world-class waves, guaranteed sun all year round, an incredible surfer vibe, and options for all levels (from learning from scratch to powerful waves), Tenerife South is unbeatable.
The key to surfing isn’t just the wave; it’s the complete experience. And here, the experience is a 10/10. The most important thing is to start on the right foot, safely, and with the correct technique. That’s why we always recommend finding a surf school tenife with certified instructors who will ensure you get a good foundation.
The “Hawaii of the Atlantic” awaits you. See you in the water!
