The Canary Islands are often called the Hawaii of Europe, and for good reason. Atlantic swell arrives all year, the water never gets really cold and you can surf in a 3/2 wetsuit in the middle of winter. Here is where to go on each island, from your first lesson to the heavy reef breaks.
Quick answer: beginners should head to Famara (Lanzarote), Corralejo (Fuerteventura), Las Canteras (Gran Canaria) or Las Américas (Tenerife). Experienced surfers will find world-class reef breaks in all four. The best waves usually arrive between October and March.
Which island is best for surfing?
| Island | Best for beginners | For experienced surfers | The vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuerteventura | Corralejo area, El Cotillo | The North Shore reefs, Lobos | Surf camps, vans, a relaxed surf town feel |
| Lanzarote | Famara | La Santa (El Quemao) | Wild landscapes, small villages |
| Gran Canaria | Las Canteras (La Cícer) | El Confital | City surfing in Las Palmas |
| Tenerife | Las Américas | Las Américas reefs, the north coast | Surf next to the resorts in the south |
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is the surf island for many Europeans. The north of the island, between Corralejo and El Cotillo, faces the main Atlantic swell and has a line of reef breaks known as the North Shore. Corralejo is full of surf schools and camps, so it is the easiest place on the islands to learn.
- Beginners: the sandy beaches around Corralejo and El Cotillo, with a school.
- Experienced: the North Shore reefs and the long right-hand point on the island of Lobos, reached by boat from Corralejo.
- Kitesurf and windsurf: the long beaches of Sotavento in the south are famous for wind.
Lanzarote
Famara is one of the most beautiful places to learn to surf in Europe: a long sandy beach under huge cliffs, with the small village of Caleta de Famara at one end. On the other side of the bay, the village of La Santa is home to El Quemao, a powerful left over a shallow reef that is strictly for experts.
Local tip: Famara can be very windy in the afternoon. Mornings usually have cleaner waves.
Gran Canaria
In Las Palmas you can surf in the middle of a city. Las Canteras is a long urban beach, and its southern end, called La Cícer, has gentle beach breaks that suit beginners and intermediate surfers. Just outside the city, El Confital is a heavy reef break for experienced surfers only.
On the east coast, Pozo Izquierdo is one of the windiest spots in the world and a famous windsurfing venue.
Tenerife
Most visitors surf in Playa de Las Américas, in the south, where surf schools take beginners to gentle spots and experienced surfers share the reef breaks along the promenade. The south catches waves in summer too, when the north is often flat.
The north coast, where I grew up, gets more powerful winter swell. Beaches such as Almáciga in Anaga and El Socorro in Los Realejos are surfed mostly by locals and are better for people who already know what they are doing. For kitesurfing and windsurfing, go to El Médano in the south-east.
When is the best time to surf in the Canary Islands?
- October to March: the main surf season, with the biggest and most consistent swells from the north and north-west.
- April to September: smaller waves and more wind, which suits beginners, kitesurfers and windsurfers. The south of Tenerife can still get good summer waves.
Wetsuits, reefs and safety
- Wetsuit: a 3/2 is enough for most of the year. In late summer and early autumn many people surf in a shorty.
- Volcanic reef: many breaks are over sharp lava rock with sea urchins. Reef booties help, and a reef is no place to learn.
- Currents: the Atlantic is powerful. If you are not sure, ask a local surf school before paddling out.
Surf etiquette
Local surfers are generally welcoming, but the best reef breaks are crowded and respected. Do not drop in on someone already riding a wave, wait your turn, and leave the heavy reefs to people who surf them regularly. A smile and a “hola” in the water go a long way.
Frequently asked questions
Can complete beginners learn to surf in the Canary Islands?
Yes. Every surf area has schools that rent boards and wetsuits and choose a safe, sandy beach for the conditions of the day. A few lessons are the best way to start.
Do I need to bring my own board?
No. Boards and wetsuits can be rented in all the main surf towns. Experienced surfers staying longer often bring their own.
Is the water cold?
It is cool rather than cold. It is at its coolest in late winter and early spring and warmest in late summer and autumn.
Surf conditions change every day. Check a surf forecast and ask a local school before you go out.
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