Trip guide

Canary Islands surf trip

Winter sun, warm water and volcanic reefs

When the Bay of Biscay turns cold and grey, the Canary Islands still have mild air and water of around 18–19 °C. The same North Atlantic storms that reach France send swell south to these volcanic islands, where it breaks over lava reefs, boulder points and long beaches. Surf guides rate Lanzarote's waves as the best in the group, Fuerteventura has the most space, and Tenerife and Gran Canaria pack reefs close to their towns.

This route runs from west to east: from Tenerife's south and north coasts, by ferry to Gran Canaria's north shore and Las Palmas, by a short flight to Fuerteventura, by boat to Lobos and on by ferry to Lanzarote. Every stop is a spot on the SurfCams map with its forecast. Many of the stops are reefs for experienced surfers, and each one says who it suits.

At a glance

🌡️ Water: ~18–19 °C winter, 22 °C autumn
On Lanzarote the sea averages about 18 °C from February to April and 22–22.5 °C in September and October. Tenerife's winter water is around 19 °C.
🧥 Wetsuit: 3/2 mm and booties
A 3/2 mm full suit is the usual choice in winter; a shorty or a thin top is enough in late summer. Booties help on the sharp lava and with sea urchins.
🌊 Swell: N–NW swells, Oct–Mar
From autumn to spring, north-west swells from North Atlantic storms reach the north and west coasts. In summer the north is mostly flat and the south-facing beaches pick up small south swells.
🌬️ Wind: NE trades, worst in afternoons
The north-east trade wind blows through the year, mostly in the afternoon, and is strongest in July and August. Mornings are usually the cleanest.
☀️ Air: ~21 °C winter highs, little rain
Winter highs on Lanzarote are about 21–22 °C with only two or three rainy days a month, though cool spells bring days under 20 °C.
👥 Crowds: Busy famous reefs, strong locals
The best-known reefs in Tenerife's south, Las Palmas and La Santa have tight local crews. Fuerteventura is the least crowded island.

When to go

The Canary Islands tourist board says you can surf all year but names autumn and winter as the best time. From October to March north-west swells reach the north and west coasts of every island, and most reefs on this route only work then.

Summer is a different trip. The north coasts are mostly flat, the trade wind blows hard, and the waves move to south-facing spots on Tenerife and Gran Canaria, such as Playa del Inglés for learners or El Conquistador at Las Américas. If you come between June and September, plan around those beaches and expect small surf.

How it works

With one week, pick a pair of islands. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, about half an hour apart by ferry between Playa Blanca and Corralejo, have the most reefs and points and the clearest winter season. Tenerife and Gran Canaria, linked by a ferry of about 1 h 20 between Santa Cruz and Agaete, mix city reefs, a summer south coast and more to do on flat days. With two weeks you can do all four.

Each island has its own airport, and Binter flies between all of them. On each island a hire car is close to essential: the spots are spread along coast roads, and wild camping is not allowed. Plan each day around the trade wind: surf early, and in the afternoon look for spots that face away from it.

Reefs, urchins and etiquette

Most of the good waves here break over volcanic rock, and much of it is shallow. Wear booties: the lava is sharp and many reefs are covered in sea urchins. Learn the way in and out before you paddle out, keep off the shallow slabs at low tide, and expect broken boards at places like El Frontón and El Quemao.

Localism is real at the famous reefs. Surf guides single out La Izquierda at Las Américas, El Confital and El Lloret in Las Palmas, the left at La Santa and the reefs at Lobos. Arrive early, sit wide, never drop in and let the locals have the sets. The beaches and the less famous reefs are much more relaxed.

The route

Western Canaries

Tenerife's resort reefs and north-coast points, and Gran Canaria's north shore and Las Palmas city waves, from a learner beach to some of Europe's heaviest slabs.

Lanzarote and Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura's North Shore reefs and the long right at Lobos, then the La Santa reefs and Famara beach on Lanzarote, the heart of winter surfing in the Canaries.

15 spots

  1. La Izquierda (Spanish Left)

    Stop 1

    Playa de Las Américas · Western Canaries · Advanced · Reef break

    Start in Tenerife's south, where the island's most famous wave breaks over lava in the middle of the resort. Good intermediates can try it on small days; bigger swells are for experts, and the local standard is very high. Booties help on the sharp entry.

  2. El Socorro

    Stop 2

    Los Realejos · Western Canaries · Intermediate · Beach break

    Cross to the north coast for a black-sand beach below the cliffs of Los Realejos, with powerful peaks both ways on most north swells. A good intermediate wave with friendly locals; lifeguards may close the water on big days.

  3. Bajamar – El Lobo

    Stop 3

    Bajamar · Western Canaries · Intermediate · Point break

    A long left point over flat volcanic rock in front of Bajamar, and one of the most consistent waves on Tenerife's north coast in autumn and winter. Fine for intermediates who wear booties and respect the locals.

  4. El Frontón

    Stop 4

    Gáldar · Western Canaries · Expert · Reef break

    Take the ferry from Santa Cruz to Agaete for Gran Canaria's north-west corner. El Frontón is a thick slab famous among bodyboarders as one of the heaviest waves in Europe. Experts only, and never when no locals are out; for everyone else it is a show from the shore.

  5. El Vagabundo (San Felipe)

    Stop 5

    Moya · Western Canaries · Intermediate · Beach break

    A sand and rock beach at San Felipe, below the coast road, with lefts and rights at any tide. A popular wave for all levels between Gáldar and Las Palmas; go before the afternoon trade wind.

  6. La Cícer (Las Canteras)

    Stop 6

    Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · Western Canaries · Beginner · Beach break

    The southern end of Las Canteras, the city beach of Las Palmas, and the place to learn on Gran Canaria. Waves break on most winter days; go early to beat the lessons, and don't leave your bag on the sand.

  7. El Confital

    Stop 7

    Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · Western Canaries · Expert · Reef break

    A long, hollow right over a shallow lava ledge at the north end of the city, one of the best waves in Europe and a past WQS venue. Experts only, around high tide, with an intense local crew.

  8. El Cotillo – Playa del Castillo

    Stop 8

    El Cotillo · Lanzarote and Fuerteventura · Intermediate · Beach break

    Fly to Fuerteventura and start on the west coast at El Cotillo, a long beach below the old tower. Schools use the north end, the south end has better waves, and big days bring a heavy shorebreak. Good for intermediates.

  9. Majanicho

    Stop 9

    Lanzarote and Fuerteventura · Beginner · Point break

    A fishing hamlet in the middle of the North Shore track, with an easy inside right over flat rock and sand for longboarders and improvers. Keep to the lineup order and wear booties for the urchins.

  10. El Hierro

    Stop 10

    Majanicho · Lanzarote and Fuerteventura · Advanced · Reef break

    Fuerteventura's most famous spot: a fast, hollow left and a shorter right over volcanic reef, regular from September to May. For advanced surfers; on the way out, stay in the middle of the bay to avoid the current.

  11. Isla de Lobos – La Derecha

    Stop 11

    Corralejo · Lanzarote and Fuerteventura · Advanced · Point break

    Take the short boat from Corralejo to Lobos for the longest right in the Canaries, running for hundreds of metres along an old volcano. Advanced surfers only. Bring water, food and booties, and plan around the ferry times.

  12. La Santa – Morro Negro (La Derecha)

    Stop 12

    La Santa · Lanzarote and Fuerteventura · Advanced · Point break

    Ferry across to Lanzarote and drive to La Santa. The right below Morro Negro is one of the best rights in the Canaries, fun when small and serious above head height. The boulder entry is the hard part, and the mood is calmer than at the left across the bay.

  13. El Quemao

    Stop 13

    La Santa · Lanzarote and Fuerteventura · Expert · Reef break

    Often called the Canarian Pipeline: a short, very hollow left onto a lava shelf by La Santa's old harbour. Only for experienced tube riders, at high tide; everyone else should watch from land.

  14. San Juan

    Stop 14

    Caleta de Famara · Lanzarote and Fuerteventura · Advanced · Reef break

    A long, hollow left over urchin-covered reef just west of Caleta de Famara, with a history of WQS contests and a strong local crew. For advanced surfers; time the long paddle between sets and let the locals have their waves.

  15. Playa de Famara

    Stop 15

    Caleta de Famara · Lanzarote and Fuerteventura · Beginner · Beach break

    Finish on the long beach under the Famara cliffs, the centre of surfing on Lanzarote, with peaks for every level along several kilometres. Go in the morning, before the trade wind and the school groups, and mind the currents.

Tips from the line-up

  1. Surf early. The trade wind usually rises by the afternoon, and many spots are only clean in the morning.
  2. Bring booties and a repair kit: lava and urchins are hard on feet and boards.
  3. Pick two neighbouring islands for a week. Ferries link Tenerife with Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura with Lanzarote; Binter flies between all of them.
  4. Lobos is a protected natural park and visitors need a permit from the island council. Check it when you book the boat.
  5. At the famous reefs, watch first, sit wide and wait your turn. The beaches and lesser-known reefs are friendlier.
  6. Wild camping is banned on every island. Book a room or an official campsite instead of sleeping in a van by the beach.

Sources