The canary Islands are a surfer’s paradise, there are waves suited for beginner and intermediate surfers all year around...
The canary Islands are a surfer’s paradise, there are waves suited for beginner and intermediate surfers all year around, whilst the more advanced surfer will prefer winter season, and its lot of big Atlantic swells. The weather is good all year around, it’s an archipelago of eternal Spring! The thermometer does not go below 15°C in winter and rarely above 35°C, on the hottest days of summer. In this guide we will present the best surf spots Canary Islands. We will also include, at the end, a precise interactive surf map of Fuerteventura.
This is one of the most frequented surf spots, on the most frequented island, of the archipelago. And there are reasons for that. Located in the middle of Playa de Las Americas, south Tenerife, La Izquierda breaks over volcanic reef and offers long walls and barrel time. It is a very consistent surf spot in the winter season, but always crowded and the locals are fierce. The break works best with swells ranging from 1 to 3 meters and can be suitable for intermediates when small. On the good days, don’t expect to catch a wave in La Izquierda, Tenerife. It is a powerful reef break and novices should keep away for their safety and that of other surfers.
El Hierro, in Fuerteventura, is one of the most sought after wave on the Fuerteventura North Shore. It’s a long left that breaks over volcanic rocks. It handles swells from 0,5 m up to 3M. This surf spot is adapted to confident intermediate surfers as long as there is less than 1m of swell. At high tide the wave is rather soft and there is plenty of water under your feet. However, be careful when it is bigger, you will see good surfers getting plenty of turns and the odd barrel. It means that a lot of water is moving and the full force of the Atlantic is hitting the reef. It is recommended to head to another surf spot in Fuerteventura for intermediate surfers. Beware of urchins and sharp rocks going in and out of the water. Depending on your confidence level, reef boots can be a good option.
Famara is the most famous surf spot in Lanzarote. First of all, its absolutely beautiful. It’s a magnificent beach surrounded by high mountains falling directly into the sea. Playa de Famara also happens to be one of the best surf spots for beginners in the Canary Islands. If you’re looking to learn surfing or to catch more waves, Famara is an easy beach break that works in plenty of conditions thanks to the mountain’s’ protection from the wind. This is not one of the best spots in the Canary Islands but certainly one of the most frequented and well known. And you can enjoy a after surf beer in the beautiful little town of Famara.
Punta Blanca made this list not because of the quality of the waves; but because it’s a perfect surf spot for beginners in the Canary Islands. Indeed, surfers with an intermediate and beginner level, will love the long rides and the multiple options offered by Punta Blanca. Whether you are used to surf green waves or white-water waves, this surf spot in Fuerteventura has it all! The inside offers the longest white water rides of your life (150m) , and at the back you can catch long and mellow green waves both left and right. It’s really a great surf spot of Fuerteventura.
It works well with any North or West swell above 1M as it is a bit sheltered. Better mid to high tide, at low tide some parts are too shallow. The only downside is the number of Fuerteventura surf schools due to the quality of this wave. Get in the water from the little beach, if you’re unsure, just look at where the surf instructors get in the water and do the same.
Located on the right side of the town of La Santa, this wave has everything to impress. It’s a slab, breaking very rapidly over very shallow reef. The takeoff zone is contained in a 5-meter perimeter, and the drop is straight into a barrel, both left and right. Due to the quality, and difficulty, of this surf spot; the locals refuse access to tourists and foreign nationals. There have been accidents in the past involving tourists; as a result they are not taking any anymore chances. So, definitely one of the best surf spot of the canary islands, but you will only be allowed watch the locals and pros getting pitted in front of the rocks.
Las Palmas is the most inhabited city of the Canary Islands, and home to some great surf spots in Gran Canaria. El lloret is a short walk from the south end of Playa de las Canteras (best surf spot for beginners in Gran Canaria), it’s an incredible right hand point break that needs minimum 1m50 of swell to start breaking and it can handle up to 4 meters. The entrance and exit of the spot is really complicated and a board breaker; not only urchins lurch under every stone, but the massive rocks are very slippery and the waves break directly on them (especially at high tide). The wave can offer 200m long rides with powerful walls that are great for maneuvers. Keep in mind, it’s a fast wave and the bigger the faster. Definitely one of the best surf spots in Gran Canaria.
El Confital is a mythical surf spot in Gran Canaria; it hosts many local surf competitions and welcomes the top of local surfers from all over the island. This surf spot is slabby right-hand point break that is extremely shallow at low tide. It’s a hotspots for bodyboarders and hot headed surfers sure about their capacity. This Gran Canaria surf spot is located after the northern end of Playa de las Canteras. The quality of this wave (one of the best wave in Europe), make it a local hotspot, and tourists are not welcomed. But nothing is forbidding you from coming to watch the spectacle from the beach and get a lesson in barrel riding and commitment to the drop.
The Bubble, a well found name for slaby peaks, that appear out of nowhere, throwing hefty barrels on the reef. This is the best surf spot in Fuerteventura North Shore suitable for very advanced surfers only. This surf spot in Fuerteventura is really shallow and home to a huge population of urchins and hungry/angry locals. You should not underestimate the power of the wave and the shallowness of this spot. Indeed, you often touch the reef with your feet while waiting at the peak…
The wave is both a left and a right. The rights are longer, with two possible barrel sections, whilst the left is shorter, but steeper, scarier, and shallower. The Bubble is best surfed in between tides. You should not surf there when it’s big or full of people, you can easily choose to surf El Hierro instead which is just a short paddle on the left and a better surf spot for intermediates in Fuerteventura.
It’s not the Pipeline of Europe for nothing, the wave of El Quemao breaks right in front of the village of La Santa and you get a great view of it from the sea front. This one of the best surf spot in the Canary Islands, it does not need much introducing, it’s like Pipeline: dangerous, fast, shallow and delivers absolutely massive barrels on good days. Don’t surf there, grab a beer at the café in front and enjoy. Sadly, a young local legend passed away there recently, the reef and wave are unforgiving and it gives us that much more amount of respect for the guys and girls that ride it.
Do you know where is the longest wave in Europe? Well, its right here, in the Canary Islands. Isla de los lobos is a small island 1km away from the Corralejo Harbour. A big North/northwest swell will awaken the wonder that is the wave of los lobos. It’s a right-hand point break that peels off the western side of the island. Surfing Los Lobos is reserved to advanced and expert surfers only, the take-off is easy but there are super shallow barrel sections and the waves breaks very close to the rocks.
To surf Los Lobos, you will need a long period swell and a minimum of 1m20 swell to see it delivering the goods. The wave works best at 2m+ with no wind. It can also handle East winds as the island shelters the wave from it. Surfing Los Lobos is a different surf experience. When you surf Los Lobos, you get to ride one to the best wave of Europe.
It is only accessible with a boat that drops you straight at the peak, all you need is your surfboard, your wetsuit and 15 euros, get to the Corralejo harbor and look for Lobos Surf. There are boats leaving every 30 min with no reservations. Be ready for the longest rides of your life if you can manage the crowd. When Los Lobos is firing, expect the best locals from the islands and European surf teams in training, but all you need is one wave…
There is a small sandy access on the left of the beach, that’s the only place you should use, especially if you don’t have shoes. Above all, families or your group of friends will love the surf vibes and relaxed atmosphere at the beach, where people chill and have good time together.
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