Best time to visit Canary Islands

Surfing in Canary Islands

Catch some waves and glide over the waters of the Atlantic

Best time: September–April

Surfing
Surfing
Surfing

Long sunny days all year round together with the constant winds, warm climate, and water temperatures from 18 °C in winter to 24 °C in summer make this place perfect for surfing. If you're a beginner, it is better to practice surfing in summer, when the waves are more gentle. But if you're an expert, you should definitely come and enjoy the swells in winter. Here you can do your favorite thing all day long, every day. Surfing for bigger waves ​is not a problem and won't take too much of your time, as there is a huge variety of beaches not too far from each other. You'll find lots of surfing schools and places to rent all the needed equipment on almost every beach.

The Canary Islands offer over 124 mi (200 km) of coastline suitable for surfing. In Gran Canaria, you'll find El Confital, Las Monjas, and El Frontón that is known for yearly bodyboard world championships. The rocky northern coast offers high waves, sometimes even up to 16 ft (5 m). In the south and eastern areas try out waves in Pozo Izquierdo, Playa del Inglés, and Maspalomas. On Lanzarote, you find waves of the best quality. Among the best places to choose from are La S​anta, San Juan, Famara, Jameos del Agua, and the most famous on the island—El Quemao which is suitable for more experienced surfers.

Tenerife's most popular spots for surfing can be found in the North, close to Puerto de la Cruz. El Socorro—well-known for competitions and training; Igueste de San Andrés, La Caleta, Punta Blanca, Billboards, Martianéz, and Los Gigantes can all be found there as well. For those, who have no fear and are professionals of this kind of sports El Charco-La piscina is the place to go.

Fuerteventura offers Punta Blanca, Playa de Esquinzo, El Cotillo, Hierro, and Bubble—a place for advanced surfers only. The variety is huge, ​and the choice is yours so get to it.​

Practical info

When is the best time to surf in the Canary Islands?

September to April is the best time to surf in the Canary Islands. The waters are warmer with more consistent waves, ideal for both beginners and professionals. The waves are gentler during summer and are more suitable for beginners. It's crucial to check the weather forecast before heading out to surf. Show more

Where can beginners find good spots for surfing in the Canary Islands?

Pozo Izquierdo, Playa del Inglés, and Maspalomas in the south and eastern areas of Gran Canaria offer smaller and more manageable waves that are perfect for beginners. Several beaches in Lanzarote and Tenerife also offer smaller waves. To learn surfing basics before surfing on your own, it's advisable to join a surfing school and take lessons. Show more

Which beaches in Gran Canaria have the highest waves?

Northern coast beaches such as El Confital, Las Monjas, and El Frontón are famous for their huge waves, sometimes up to 5 metres high. These beaches are only suitable for experienced surfers with decent knowledge of surfing techniques and who can surf larger waves with confidence. Show more

Are there surf competitions held on Tenerife?

Tenerife hosts multiple surf competitions each year. Surfing locations such as El Socorro, Igueste de San Andrés, La Caleta, Punta Blanca, Billboards, Martianéz, and Los Gigantes are familiar places for surf competitions and training. Watching professional surfers in action is one of the significant opportunities offered by these events. Show more

What is the most advanced surfing spot in Fuerteventura?

Bubble, situated on the north shore of Fuerteventura, is the most advanced surfing spot. This location is only for advanced surfers as the conditions can be extreme and challenging. Surfers are urged to be cautious and surf safely due to the unpredictability of the water conditions. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin