Summary

Lanzarote, one of the most surf-rich islands in the Canary Islands archipelago, offers year-round waves, striking volcanic landscapes, and a laid-back island vibe. Whether you’re a beginner looking to catch your first wave or an advanced surfer chasing heavy reef breaks, surfing in Lanzarote promises an unforgettable experience.

Known for its dry, sunny weather and powerful Atlantic swells, Lanzarote is a top surf destination in Europe. The island’s unique volcanic coastline creates a variety of waves, from mellow beach breaks to fast, hollow reef waves that can rival some of the best surf spots worldwide.

When to go

Although waves are good all year long, the best time to surf Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, is from October to April when winter swells push remarkable waves towards the island. Beginners will have a better time surfing Lanzarote in summer, from May to September.

Getting there

• By Air: The main airport is Arrecife Airport (ACE), with direct flights from major European cities.

• By Ferry: You can reach Lanzarote by ferry from Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, or mainland Spain (Cadiz).

• Local Transport: Renting a car is the best way to explore Lanzarote’s surf spots as public transportation is limited.

Surf spots in Lanzarote

El Quemao (European Pipeline)

El Quemao is the best wave in Lanzarote, producing heavy barrels during the winter season. Works best with an increasing tide and a northwesterly swell.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Mid to high
• Skill level : Advanced surfers
• Optimal swell direction : WNW
• Optimal wind direction : SE

Playa Famara

On the north-western side of Lanzarote is located Playa Famara, one of the best beach breaks on the island. Surfers of all levels can enjoy waves with a stunning landscape in the background.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Sand and rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : SE

San Juan

San Juan is a powerful, long left-hander that offers steep walls and occasional barrels, especially during the winter season.

• Wave direction: Left
• Bottom: Reef
• Best Tide: Mid tide
• Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced
• Optimal Swell: NW
• Optimal Wind: SE
• Hazards: Sharp reef, strong waves

La Santa (Main Break)

La Santa is a right-hand reef break that offers long, fast rides. It can hold big swells and is a favorite among experienced locals and traveling surfers.

• Wave Type: Right reef break
• Bottom: Volcanic reef
• Best Tide: Mid to high
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Optimal Swell: NW
• Optimal Wind: SE
• Hazards: Shallow reef, heavy lips

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• Summary

• Fuerteventura

• Tenerife

• Gran Canaria

• Lanzarote

• When to go

• Getting there

• Safety/Things to know

• Surf spots

Summary

The Canary Islands are composed of 7 major islands located just off the Moroccan coast. They quickly became one of Europe’s premium surfing destination with year-round sunshine and amazing surf. Just like Cape Verde, the Canary Islands are exposed to strong winds which makes them also very popular amongst the kite surfing and wind surfing communities.

Out of the whole archipelago, there are 4 islands you really should consider for a surf trip. Let’s have a closer look at each of them.

Fuerteventura

Second largest island behind Tenerife, Fuerteventura, which stands for “strong wind”, is also the one with the most surf spots. The city of Corralejo, located on the north side of the island, is where most people base themselves for their surf trip on Fuerteventura as it has the biggest selection of accommodation, bars, restaurants and cafes.

Read our complete surfing guide to Fuerteventura

The good thing about this island is the big variety of surf spots that will suit beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers. You will be able to chose from beach breaks like El Cotillo, Playa Blanca and Cofete Beach or powerful reef breaks like The Bubble and Los Lobos.

Tenerife

Tenerife is the biggest island of the archipelago and also the most visited. It has so much to offer from hikes, stunning landscapes, nightlife, luxury resorts, top restaurants and of course, insane surfing. 

The best place to base yourself for a surf trip is on the north side of the island around the Bajamar area. This region has incredible reef and beach breaks while being away from the very touristy Playa de las Americas. If crowds don’t scare you, the latest is still a very good surfing region and it is also where you will find most of the nightlife on the island.

Read our complete surfing guide to Tenerife

Another good town is Puerto de la Cruz which is pretty central on the west side giving you good access to many surf spots along the coast.

Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, is also located on Tenerife and attracts hikers from all around the globe every year.

Gran Canaria

Most of the surf spots on Gran Canaria are located on the north side of the island. Las Palmas is undeniably the most popular place to settle and base yourself with a lot of accommodation, restaurants and surf camps.

La Cicer is the number one surf spot near Las Palmas and will suit all levels of surfing. However, it remains very popular and can get a bit crowded. Nearby are a few other very good spots like El Lloret and La Barra.

Read our complete surfing guide to Gran Canaria

Further west are the towns of San Andres and El Puertillo which are also surrounded by many surf spots. Most of them being shallow reef breaks, make sure you read tides carefully and watch out for sea urchins.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the smallest of the 4 major surfing islands in the archipelago. However, it still has just as many decent breaks as the rest of them.

Like for most of the Canary Islands, the best surf in Lanzarote is located on the west side. Playa de Famara is a large beach break, perfect for all surfing levels.

Read our surfing guide to Lanzarote

Experts will find challenging waves at San Juan and El Quemao, two extremely powerful and technical spots that are sometimes compared to some of the world’s best waves.

When to go

The Canary Islands are blessed with year round swell and sunshine. Whether you come for a summer holiday or to escape the winter chills, you will definitely find waves and have a very pleasant time.

Beginners might prefer the summer swells that occur between May and October which are more gentle and forgiving. For a bit more action, the north Atlantic swells will hit from November to April. However, as it goes on any island, if the waves are too big on one side, you can always seek a more sheltered area or simply go check another side of the island that will offer totally different conditions.

Getting there

Flying is the only and best way to get to the Canary Islands. All seven major islands have an airport and depending on where you fly from, you will most likely have to transit in Madrid.

To hop from an island to the other, the best way is probably by sea with one of the many ferries that link the islands between them.

Safety/things to know

• Many powerful and shallow breaks. Read tides carefully and watch out for sea urchins.
• The Canary Islands offer very windy conditions

Surf spots

Fuerteventura
El Cotillo
The Bubble
La Pared
El Muelle
Rocky Point

Tenerife
La Izquierda
El Conquistador
Punta Blanca
El Socorro

Gran Canaria
El Cicer
El Lloret
La Barra
Quintanilla
Molokai
Boquines

Lanzarote
San Juan
Playa de Famara
El Quemao

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