I have been surfing in Tenerife since I was young, and summer is my favourite time of the year because of it. If you want to try surfing on your holiday, this is the guide I would give a friend: where to learn, when to go, what to wear and, just as important, where not to go.
Quick answer: book a lesson with a surf school in El Médano or Las Américas in the south, or on the north coast between Punta del Hidalgo and Bajamar. The biggest waves arrive in winter, especially around Christmas; summer is usually small and calm. Always surf with a wetsuit, and never paddle out at the local spots of Punta del Hidalgo, Alcalá or Punta Blanca.
Where to take your first surf lesson
| Area | Why it is good | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| El Médano (south-east) | Lots of surf schools, sandy beach, relaxed town | Beginners, kitesurf and windsurf |
| Playa de Las Américas (south) | The surf centre of the island, schools on the beach, waves even in summer | Beginners and intermediate surfers |
| Between Punta del Hidalgo and Bajamar (north) | A local, natural setting with mountains behind | Lessons with a local school on the right day |
El Médano
If I were starting from zero, this is one of the two places I would choose. El Médano has many surf schools, a long beach and a young, relaxed atmosphere. It is also one of the windiest places on the island, which is why it is famous for kitesurfing and windsurfing, so mornings are usually better for surfing.
Playa de Las Américas
The south is where I love to surf most. Las Américas has schools right on the seafront and several waves along the promenade, including the one in front of the Coqueluche beach club. Beginners go with a school to the gentle spots, and experienced surfers share the reef breaks. The south also gets a few more waves in summer than the north.
The north: between Punta del Hidalgo and Bajamar
This is my home coast. The stretch between Punta del Hidalgo and Bajamar, with the green Anaga mountains behind, is where I would learn in the north, always with a local school that knows the conditions. Nearby, El Arenal in Bajamar is one of my favourite beaches on the island: a beautiful beach with very good waves.
Local tip: in the north the sea changes a lot from one day to the next. A good school will tell you if it is a day for lessons or a day to stay on the sand.
The spots you should NOT surf
This is the part most guides will not tell you. Some waves in Tenerife are local spots: the surfers who live there surf them every day, and visitors are not welcome. They are also dangerous, with powerful waves breaking over volcanic rock.
- The point in Punta del Hidalgo: a local spot, and dangerous. Locals will not be happy to see you there.
- Alcalá (west coast): another local spot. Leave it to the people who live there.
- Punta Blanca (west coast): the same. Not a place for visitors to paddle out.
Respect this and you will have a much better time in the water. Everywhere else, the basic rules apply: do not drop in on someone already riding a wave, wait your turn and say “hola”.
When are the best waves?
- Winter: this is when the waves arrive. Around Christmas is usually the best time of all. Some days there is too much power, and when there is a big swell (we call it mar de leva) the sea can be dangerous, especially in the north.
- Summer: the sea is often flat, almost like a lake. The south gets a few more small waves than the north, which makes summer a good time for complete beginners.
Do you need a wetsuit?
Yes. Locals do not even say “neopreno”: in Tenerife we just call it a traje (a suit). The Atlantic here is cooler than most visitors expect, and in some months the water is properly cold. If you are tough you might survive without one in late summer, but I always surf with a traje. Surf schools include one in the lesson.
Safety tips for beginners
- Start with a school: they pick a safe beach for the day’s conditions.
- Watch out for rocks: many breaks are over sharp lava reef with sea urchins.
- Respect the currents: the Atlantic is strong. If in doubt, do not go out.
- Sun cream: you burn much faster in the water. Use water-resistant, high factor sun cream.
Want to surf on other islands too? Read my guide to the best surf spots in the Canary Islands and the best beaches in Tenerife.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tenerife good for beginner surfers?
Yes. El Médano and Las Américas have plenty of surf schools and gentle spots for your first waves, and you can surf all year.
What is the best month to surf in Tenerife?
For waves, winter, and especially December. For learning in small, easy conditions, summer in the south.
Are locals unfriendly to visiting surfers?
Most are friendly, especially at beginner beaches. The problems happen at a few local spots such as Punta del Hidalgo, Alcalá and Punta Blanca. Avoid them and respect the rules in the water.
Surf conditions change every day. Check a forecast and ask a local school before you go in.
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