12 BEST SURF SPOTS IN THE CANARY ISLANDS

Where are the best spots to surf in the Canary Islands? Are the Canary Islands a good spot to surf?

The Canary Islands have some of the best spots to surf in Europe! Sometimes they are even nicknamed the Hawaii of Europe. And for good reasons!

Besides, there is a pleasant climate all year round, a friendly population, and volcanic landscapes… Which makes it a perfect surf destination.

In this article, we share with you everything you need to know about surfing in the Canary Islands whether you are an expert or a beginner!

Highlights about a Surf Trip to the Canary Islands:

– There are good surf spots on pretty much every island in the Canary
– Winter is when the conditions are optimal to surf in the Canary Islands!
– There are spots for each level, from beginners to advances
– You can join a surf camp to learn how to surf or improve your skills
– Some of the best surf spots are El Confital (Gran Canaria), El Cotillo (Fuerteventura), Playa de Famara (Lanzarote) and a lot more which we listed in this post

Here is a glimpse of what you can expect during a surf trip to the Canary Islands

BEST SURF SPOTS IN THE CANARY ISLANDS FOR BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATE

The Canary Islands is probably one of the best destinations in Europe to learn how to surf! There are many beginners-friendly beaches, and many surf camps, and it’s always easy to rent a surfboard.

The water temperature is never too cold and the weather conditions are always favorable for surfing.

1. Playa las Canteras in Gran Canaria

In Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, you can find one of the most famous and most beautiful urban beaches in Europe: Las Canteras. Indeed Las Canteras is located right in the city. You will find a lively atmosphere along the 2 kilometers long beach.

Plenty of activities are possible at Las Canteras. Of course, sunbathing is the favorite one amongst tourists. But Las Canteras is also one of the most famous beaches for surfing. At the west part of the beach, you can find the famous surf spot called La Cicer. There are many surf rental shops in Playa Las Canteras. We usually rented our boards from Billabong surf shop (website)

The waves are best during mid-tide.

BOOK: SURF LESSON IN GRAN CANARIA

READ: BEST BEACHES IN GRAN CANARIA

2. Playa de Las Americas in Tenerife

Las Americas is a large seaside resort where you can find many beaches, bars, restaurants, and shops. It is also a very well-known surf spot in the Canary Islands for beginners and intermediate. Indeed, you will find many surf schools in the area.

In addition, whether you come in summer or winter, you can take surf lessons every day… The conditions are always ideal in Las Americas. However, getting into the water can be slippery on these volcanic rock beaches. So, we advise you to rent a pair of slippers with your equipment.

We usually rent our gear from Shaka Surf Tenerife (Website)

READ: 10 BEST BEACHES IN TENERIFE

3. El Cotillo in Fuerteventura

The island of Fuerteventura has the most extensive beaches in the Canary Islands and the lowest population density. Thus, you will find many spots that will be ideal for learning how to surf and improve your skills in peace. Among them, the best known is El Cotillo. It is actually a beach break offering left and right waves. There are long waves that will be ideal for learning to surf.

Same here, you will find many surf schools to learn how to surf.

BOOK: SURF LESSON WITH A PRO IN EL COTILLO

READ: WHAT TO DO IN EL COTILLO

4. Famara in Lanzarote

To start surfing in the Canary Islands, it is advisable to opt for a beach break, that is to say, a sandy beach on which the waves break. This will make you feel safer away from the rocks. Thus, Famara Beach in Lanzarote is known as one of the most pleasant spots for beginners, with waves for all levels.

This beach is located near the ancient charming capital of Lanzarote: Teguise. Famara is one of the best spots to go on a surf camp. Many combine the camp with yoga practice as well. The perfect place for a holiday!

BOOK: SURF LESSON IN FAMARA

READ: WHAT TO SEE IN FAMARA?

5. Playa del Inglès in Gran Canaria

Located near the dunes of Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, playa del Inglès is an ideal place to learn surfing. Indeed, the conditions are good for surfing all year round. In addition, the current is weak, and the waves of low intensity most of the time. Surely, this is where you can get up on your board and ride a wave for the first time.

BOOK: YOUR PRIVATE SURF LESSON IN PLAYA DEL INGLÈS

READ: WHAT TO SEE IN MASPALOMAS

6. Arrieta in Lanzarote

Located in Haria in the north of the island of Lanzarote, Arrieta is a very popular spot for beginners. Indeed, the waves are small and the bottom is lined with sand which will prevent many injuries in the event of a fall.

Here, the conditions are ideal all year round to surf your first waves. Head to La Garita Surf School for your surf lessons (website)

READ: BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LANZAROTE

7. Corralejo in Fuerteventura

The town of Corralejo is associated with water sports. Its diverse coastal area with calm, crystalline and shallow waters on one side and perfect waves on the other, together with its windy days, make this town an ideal place for water sport lovers.

Diving, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, fishing and boat trips are just some of the activities that will be able to enjoy in Corralejo.

If you want to learn surfing in the Canary Islands, then Corralejo is one of the best spots!

BOOK: SURF LESSONS IN CORRALEJO

READ: BEST THINGS TO DO IN CORRALEJO

BEST SURF SPOTS IN THE CANARY ISLANDS FOR EXPERTS

8. El Confital in Gran Canaria, one of the best spots in Europe

El Confital is quite simply one of the best spots in Europe for surfing. It is considered one of the most imposing right-hand coral reefs in the Canary Islands.

It is found in the northeast of the island of Gran Canaria in Las Palmas. Here, it is between September and May that you will have to go to surf in the best conditions. Indeed, you will often find a strong swell with reef waves up to 3m high. This is the spot for you if you are looking for adrenaline. You will find the best conditions at high tide with East-North-East winds and a North-North West-West swell.

Make sure to check out El Confital, one of the best surf spots in the Canary Islands

READ: BEST THINGS TO DO IN LAS PALMAS

9. The spot of El Hierro in Fuerteventura

El Hierro is known to hold THE most beautiful wave in Fuerteventura. It is therefore a spot not to be missed if you are planning a surfing trip to the Canary Islands. Located near Playa Majanicho, this site is perfect for expert surfers.

You will find the best conditions between September and May, at high tide with East-South-South East-South-West winds. In addition, you will even have the opportunity to have some barrels during the big days. In general, on this spot, the waves are between 1m to 3m depending on the swell. Enjoy!

READ: BEST THINGS TO DO IN FUERTEVENTURA

10. El Quemao Lanzarote

The island of Lanzarote has nothing to envy to the neighboring islands in terms of surf spots. Located near the fishing village of La Santa, El Quemao is famous for its constant swell and waves that can reach 5 m. There are even a few tubes that will appeal to experienced surfers. The best conditions for surfing there are in winter, at high tide, with east-southeast winds and a northerly swell.

READ: BEST THINGS TO SEE IN LANZAROTE

11. Igueste in Tenerife

The best left in Tenerife is near the village of Igueste de San Andrès, in the far northeast of the island. Although this spot is open to beginners depending on the conditions, it is known for its quality waves which allow experienced surfers to have fun.

In addition, Igueste is near a pebble beach, which will make getting into the water relatively easy. It is between September and May and at low tide that the conditions will be the best for this spot. Prefer North-West-South winds and a North-North-East-East swell.

READ: BEST THINGS TO SEE IN TENERIFE

12. La Santa in Lanzarote

Here is another paradise for surfing in the Canary Islands. Indeed, the left of La Santa is a spot that will give its share of adrenaline to experienced surfers. The waves are short and explosive and the swell is often strong.

However, access to water is not easy. You will need to wear protective shoes to avoid slipping. Apart from this, it is a popular spot for all good surfers. We recommend the period from September to May to reap all the benefits.

READ: 10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT LANZAROTE

In conclusion about the best surf spots in the Canary Islands

You now know the 12 best surf spots in the Canary Islands, whether to take your first lesson or to have fun in the most sensational spots of the archipelago!

We knew the Canary Islands was a popular surfing place in winter. But we had no idea that we could find such great waves for all levels. The Canary Islands are definitely an awesome place to surf in Europe! At least we had so much fun and we hope you will too!

All our posts about the Canary Islands can be found here.

HAPPY TRAVELS!

12 BEST SURF SPOTS IN THE CANARY ISLANDS