Top 12 surf spots in the Canaries
Explore the tumultuous waters of the Atlantic Ocean to discover the 10 best surf spots in the Canary Islands. From Puerto de la Cruz to Las Palmeras, each destination offers spectacular waves and breathtaking panoramas, attracting surf enthusiasts from all over the world. Dive into this aquatic adventure where adventure meets natural beauty, making the Canaries an undisputed paradise for surf lovers.
The Canary Islands to the north-west of the Western Sahara, bathed in crystal-clear waters, offer a veritable playground for surfing enthusiasts from all over the world. The Canaries are very popular because of their year-round sunny weather, which has earned them the nickname of the "Islands of Eternal Spring". They have even been dubbed the little "European Hawai".
With powerful waves and breathtaking panoramas, every corner of this Spanish archipelago is home to unique and captivating surf spots. These seven islands have their own identity and geological features! From Puerto de la Cruz to Las Palmeras, these ten emblematic destinations promise you an unforgettable experience in the waves. Let us take you on an exploration of the best surf spots in the Canaries.
1. Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
Considered one of the best surf spots in the Canaries, surfing in Puerto de la Cruz is to enjoy a jewel on the north coast of Tenerife. As well as being appreciated as a tourist destination par excellence, it is also a renowned surfing spot. The powerful waves of Playa Martiánez attract surfers of all levels, offering ideal conditions for both beginners and advanced surfers.
Situated in the warm waters of the Atlantic, there are regular winds, which create an environment conducive to the formation of regular and varied waves. This destination offers a host of surf schools to help you get to grips with the waves. The bonus is that your guide will select the beach on the day depending on the waves and the weather! What's more, you can even take lessons in the middle of winter to escape the cold, as the centres don't close their doors.
2. El Medano, Tenerife
The fine grey sands of El Médano beach, in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona, set it apart from the rest for its beauty and the magnificent views of the Montaña Roja volcanic cone. This small seaside town is renowned for its constant waves. El Médano, on the south coast of Tenerife, is a must for surfing enthusiasts. Take a surf lesson on the beach at El Médano and you'll have a playground to enjoy for 1? hours, whatever your level! What's more, the beach break at El Medano is perfect for those who want to try their hand at this sport.
Since 2004, the beach has been awarded the Blue Flag (an environmental label) and every year it hosts national and international surfing competitions as well as other sporting activities such as kitesurfing!
3. Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
Maspalomas, on the south coast of Gran Canaria, offers a 3km stretch of fine sandy beach, a mix of reef breaks and beach breaks for all levels. The powerful waves that form along the coast offer a challenge for the most expert surfers.
Whether you're looking for perfect tubes or long rides on breaking waves, surfing in Maspalomas promises an unforgettable experience for all surfing enthusiasts. During the summer, you'll enjoy optimum conditions, as the onshore winds blow from the north and the swell is in better condition (coming from the south). The beach breaks offer lefts and rights and can be surfed at all stages of the tide. Afterwards, you can relax in the lively atmosphere of the town and explore the seaside restaurants, because let's face it, you'll be pretty hungry after your session!
4. Playas de las Americas, Tenerife
Located in the tourist centre of Las Américas beach in the south of the island of Tenerife, this is one of the Canary Islands' most famous spots for board sports, including surfing, bodyboarding and Stand Up Paddle. Several championships, including the WQS and ASP, are held here! The famous Las Palmeras left is located on volcanic terrain, is long-distance and has many hollow sections near the seashore.
Between October and March, you'll find intense tides and north and east-north winds, as well as waves of up to one to three metres! When the tide is high, it's advisable to wear protective footwear when going into the water to avoid injury. If you're more of a beginner, it's best to wait until low tide and take surfing lessons at Playas de Las Americas so you can be guided by a professional!
5. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Ever dreamed of surfing on a black volcanic beach? You can make your dream come true with a trip to Santa Cruz de Tenerife! Almáciga beach, one of Taganana's three beaches, is nestled in a charming village that has preserved its traditions almost intact. In fact, it's considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the north-west region. If you take surfing lessons at Tagana, you'll have the chance to take lefts and rights, although the "Derecha de Almaciga" right is the most common and popular!
Experienced surfers will be delighted, as they can expect moderate to large waves, perfect for daring manoeuvres and long rides. What's more, the water temperature remains pleasantly warm, generally fluctuating between 20°C and 25°C, allowing for extended sessions without the need for a thick wetsuit.
6. Corralejo, Fuerteventura
Nestling in the heart of a natural park, the Corralejo coastline is a very popular spot, thanks to its powerful, consistent waves and spectacular ripples. A variety of surf schools await you on site, whatever your level, from novices to experts, there's something for everyone... You can also take surfing lessons in Corralejo to learn new skills and take to the green waves!
You'll gain an in-depth understanding of the sea so you can ride the waves in all their dimensions! The water temperature remains pleasantly warm throughout the year, fluctuating between 24 and 18 degrees in winter, making for perfect, comfortable surfing conditions! A multitude of magnificent waves await you in the protected bays to the east. It doesn't matter which way the wind blows - there's always offshore wind at Corralejo!
7. Caleta de Famara, Lanzarote
Caleta de Famara, 6km long, is one of the best surf spots in the Canary Islands and a firm favourite with regulars. Its location on the north-west coast of the island of Lanzarote gives it a natural advantage: spectacular cliffs and golden sand. If you surf at Playa de Famara , you'll enjoy swells that create consistent, quality waves all year round.
For novices, Famara is most practicable at low tide, when the waves close in, creating magnificent foam waves. At high and mid-tide, the waves open up and move around, offering experienced surfers exceptional conditions. The numerous surf sports schools are renowned for their quality teaching, with lessons generally lasting between 2 and 4 and a half hours.
8. Costa Calma, Fuerteventura
As well as the relaxed atmosphere of this seaside resort, you'll have the chance to share your passion with other surfing enthusiasts! Nestling on the east coast of the island of Fuerteventura, this board sports destination offers a vast white sandy beach with calm waters, which has given it its name. Costa Calma translates into French as 'peaceful coast'. As you can see, this spot is best suited to those just starting out in the sport, and families will also find something to suit them.
If you decide to go surfing in Costa Calma, you'll find yourself in the narrowest part of southern Fuerteventura, just 5 kilometres wide. The village extends in a gentle slope around the vast sandy bay of Costa Calma, towards the beach.
9. Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura
Caleta de Fuste, on the east coast of Fuerteventura, offers a unique surfing experience for enthusiasts. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and picturesque setting, this destination is a paradise for surfers in search of adventure.
Although the spot caters for different levels of surfers, it's a fairly tranquil spot, making it ideal for families, children and beginners to take surf lessons at Caleta de Fuste. Whether you want to learn to surf or perfect your skills, the gentle, consistent waves are ideal for progressing safely. Caleta de Fuste offers the perfect combination of surfing conditions, stunning scenery and a laid-back atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot for surfing enthusiasts in the Canaries.
10. Los Lobos, Fuerteventura
Ready to discover the biggest wave in the Canary Islands? Located on the south-west coast of Lobos, the right-hand side of the same name has all the makings of a perfect wave when the conditions are right. To get to the spot, you'll need to be patient, as you'll have to take a boat from the centre of Corralejo to the island of Lobos, before taking an hour-long footpath. With a surface area of 4.5 square kilometres and 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, it is a popular surfing spot.
Note that the Lobos Straight is between 300m and 500m long, and is accessible to all abilities. According to the local tourist office, "the best conditions are most likely to be found during the months of October to March, with winds from the south, south-west and west-east and swells from the west-north", with waves of up to one to four metres.
11. El Quemao, Lanzarote
You've probably already heard of El Quemao, a famous spot located opposite the fishing village of La Santa. It's considered one of the best surf spots in the Canaries! When there's a swell, the waves can reach up to 5 metres, and there's no shortage of tubes!
Beware of the reef, as it is a reefbreak, so good surfing experience is needed to tackle the barrels. According to the local tourist office, "the best conditions at El Quemao occur between October and March, at high tide, with east-south-easterly winds and a northerly swell".
12. El Confital, Gran Canaria
Considered one of the best right-hand coral reefs in the Canary Islands. Located to the north-east of Gran Canaria, this superb spot offers a right-hand side that will delight surfing experts. Barrel lovers be warned: you'll be well catered for at El Confital! The swell is solid, with a reef wave of up to 3 metres.
Popular with local surfers at weekends, the El Confital spot is now open to adrenalin-seeking 'surf tourists'. According to the local tourist office, the best conditions for surfing occur between September and May, "at high tide, with east-north-easterly winds and a north-north-westerly swell". Watch out for the currents on big wave days!
Want to surf your way to new adventures?
If this list of the best surf spots in the Canaries has inspired you to get on the board, don't forget to check out all our surfing adventures from around the world!
Are you passionate about surfing and travelling? Don't miss our article on the best surfing destinations around the world! And if you're more the frisky type, we've got the solution... Discover the best winter surf spots, so you can escape to the sun and enjoy the best waves... Aloha!