EuropeSurfing Destinations

Surfing Guide to Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

 
Gran Canaria Surfing Beach
Photo by Wojciech Then

Summary

Gran Canaria is a world-class surf destination in the Canary Islands, offering waves for all skill levels, year-round sunshine, and warm water temperatures. Whether you’re chasing heavy reef breaks or learning to ride your first waves, Gran Canaria delivers.

The island’s north coast, stretching from Las Palmas to El Pagador, is the most wave-rich zone, consistently picking up winter swells. The south coast tends to offer smaller, softer waves, making it ideal for beginners and casual surfers.

 

When to go

The best time to surf Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands, is from October to April for bigger and more consistent waves. Beginners looking for smaller waves will probably have a better time from May to September, during the summer season.
January-FebruaryMarch-AprilMay-JuneJuly-AugustSeptember-OctoberNovember-December
Suitable for:All surfersAll surfersAll surfersAll surfersAll surfersAll surfers
Air temperature18°C
64°F		19°C
66°F		21°C
70°F		23°C
73°F		23°C
73°F		20°C
68°F
Water temperature19°C
66°F		19°C
66°F		21°C
70°F		22°C
72°F		23°C
73°F		21°C
70°F
CrowdFairly crowdedFew peopleFew peopleFairly crowdedFew peopleFew people
Swell Consistency85%85%55%40%70%85%
Swell height7 ft7 ft6 ft6 ft6 ft8 ft
   

Surf Camps in Gran Canaria

Book a Surf Camp in Gran Canaria, Starts at US$150 Gran Canaria surf camp
  • Daily surf lessons
  • Qualified surf instructors
  • Various surf spots suitable for all levels
  • Accident and liability insurance
  • 3 nights accommodation
  • Surfing equipment
   

Where to stay in Gran Canaria

A great place to stay on a surf trip to Gran Canaria is in Las Palmas which gives you the best access to the island’s best surf spots.   Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Gran Canaria!

 

Getting there

  • By Air: Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) has frequent flights from mainland Spain and most major European cities.

  • By Ferry: Regular ferries connect Gran Canaria to Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and mainland Spain (Cadiz).

     

Safety/things to know

 

  • Waves can get heavy in winter, especially on the north coast. Beginners should stick to La Cicer or the south coast.

  • Localism is present, especially at El Confital. Be respectful, wait your turn, and always greet the locals.

  • Reef booties are recommended for shallow reef breaks.

  • Morning sessions usually offer the cleanest conditions as trade winds typically pick up by midday.

     

Surf spots in Gran Canaria

El Confital El Confital is a powerful, hollow right-hander that offers world-class barrels when the conditions align. It’s a reef break suited for intermediate and advanced surfers.
  • Wave direction : Left and right
  • Bottom : Sand and rocks
  • Best tide : Any
  • Skill level : Any
  • Optimal swell direction : W
  • Optimal wind direction : E
  La Cicer La Cicer is a fun beach break with soft peaks and easy paddle-outs. It’s the most beginner-friendly surf spot on the north coast and is surrounded by surf schools and rental shops.
  • Wave direction : Left and right
  • Bottom : Sand and rocks
  • Best tide : Any
  • Skill level : Any
  • Optimal swell direction : NNW
  • Optimal wind direction : S
  El Lloret El Lloret works well on a variety of swells and offers both lefts and rights. It’s a great spot for intermediates looking for more challenging waves without the intensity of El Confital.
  • Wave direction : Left and right
  • Bottom : Reef
  • Best tide : Any
  • Skill level : Any
  • Optimal swell direction : NNW
  • Optimal wind direction : S
Share with a friend