Best Place to Surf in the Canary Islands
Indice
If you’re here, you probably have one question on your mind: What is the best place to surf in the Canary Islands?Perhaps you’ve heard them called the “Hawaii of the Atlantic,” and it’s no exaggeration. With almost 1,500 km of coastline, a climate that is literally an “eternal spring,” and world-class wave consistency (thanks to the trade winds and North Atlantic swells), 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.Are you looking for powerful waves and lava-reef tubes for experts only? We’ve got them. Are you looking for a long, gentle wave to learn how to stand up for the first time? That too. Are you 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 one doesn’t exist. We’re going to give you something better: honest, practical information, island by island, so that YOU can decide which is the best place for you.Grab your wax, because we’re going on a surf trip to the “Fortunate Isles.”
When to surf in the Canary Islands? The Climate and the Waves
Before we start, the basics: when should you come?The short answer: ALL YEAR ROUND.- Autumn and Winter (October – March): This is the high season for waves. It’s when the North Atlantic swells hit hard. The waves are bigger, more powerful, and more consistent. The northern spots on all the islands (like in Tenerife or Fuerteventura) “light up.” The water starts to get colder, but with a 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuit (in mid-winter), you’ll be perfect.
- Spring and Summer (April – September): The northern swell eases up, but the trade winds become more consistent. This is ideal for two things: the summer spots that “catch” less swell and, above all, for beginners. The water is warmer (you can surf in boardshorts or a shorty wetsuit) and the waves on the southern beaches, like in Tenerife, are incredibly fun and manageable.
The Great Debate: Which Canary Island is Best for Surfing?
This is where the battle begins. Fuerteventura or Lanzarote? And what about Tenerife and Gran Canaria? Let’s be clear:Are Fuerteventura or Lanzarote better for surfing?
This is the classic question.- Fuerteventura is the “Island of Consistency.” It has the famous “North Shore” near Corralejo, a stretch of desert coastline with dozens of reef spots (volcanic rock) for all levels. It is probably the most consistent island in the archipelago.
- Lanzarote is the “Island of Power.” It has world-class waves. Yes, Lanzarote is the best island for surfing in terms of pure quality, and especially Famara beach, which is an ideal paradise for beginners due to the quality of its gentle waves and its enormous size. But it also has beasts like El Quemao.
What about Tenerife and Gran Canaria?
- Tenerife is the “Island of Balance.” It has the best of both worlds. The north (Puerto de la Cruz area) receives the same power as the other islands in winter. And the south (Playa de las Américas) is a true year-round wave machine, perfect for learning and for intermediate levels, with an incredible vibe.
- Gran Canaria is the “Diverse Island.” It has one of the best right-hand waves in Europe (El Confital) and a ton of urban spots in Las Palmas.
The Best Surf Spots in the Canary Islands: Guide by Island
Here are the spots you gave us, organized by island, with our first-hand experience of what you’ll find.🏝️ Fuerteventura: The Atlantic Surf Mecca
It’s the oldest and most eroded island, which has created perfect reefs. The main hub is Corralejo, in the north.6. Corralejo, Fuerteventura
More than a spot, it’s the surfing epicenter of the north. 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.10. Los Lobos, Fuerteventura
Just opposite Corralejo, on a small deserted island, lies the longest right-hand wave in the Canary Islands. It’s a legendary wave. You need a considerable 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.8. Costa Calma, Fuerteventura
To be 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.9. 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.7. Caleta de Famara, Lanzarote
If there is one 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.11. El Quemao, Lanzarote
We go from heaven to hell (a wonderful 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 an incredibly powerful, fast, and dangerous lava tube (it breaks over sharp volcanic rock). It’s the Canary Islands’ version of Pipeline. Only for experts or professionals.⛰️ Tenerife: The Surf Continent
The highest island in Spain offers incredible duality. The powerful and green north, the sunny and consistent south.4. 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 a 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 longboarding 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 clean waves that most of our surf classes in Tenerife for beginners focus on the easier spots in this area, where progression is fast and safe.
1. 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.2. 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 longboarding in the summer.5. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The capital also has surf. Near the city, to the north, you’ll find the beaches of Taganana and Almáciga. They are wild, black sand beaches with very powerful waves, especially in winter. Spectacular scenery.🌎 Gran Canaria: The Meeting Point
The round island has its epicenter in the capital, Las Palmas.12. El Confital, Gran Canaria
Alongside El Quemao, this is the other jewel in the Canary Islands’ crown. One of the best right-hand waves in Europe. Long, powerful, and with perfect tubes. It breaks over volcanic rock. It’s right in the city of Las Palmas, which is crazy. It’s a spot only for advanced levels and highly respected by the locals.3. 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 longboarding 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, at 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 for a person to learn to surf?
The million-dollar question! It varies by person, but with quality instruction, most can stand up in the whitewash within 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 quickly and get 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 demonstrates the reliability of the island: 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 in Las Américas (Tenerife).