10 Best Places to Go Surfing in the Canary Islands

La Santa is a tiny fishing village that’s also home to the wildest breaks on the archipelago – this isn’t the place to learn to surf. Situated on the exposed north coast of Lanzarote, the swell here pumps year-round. Don’t expect much solitude, though, as La Santa lures scores of experienced daredevils, both locals and visitors alike.

The area’s most famous spot is El Quemao, a monster break with hollow, fast-moving tubes. The steep volcanic reef seabed makes entering the swell challenging, so most surfers slip on a pair of booties. Rock up during the annual Quemao Class tournament to watch Europe’s best talent show off their spectacular wave riding skills.

Scenic Playa de Famara stretches some 6 km along Lanzarote’s north coast, where strong offshore winds ensure a consistent year-round swell. Famara is more accessible than the experts-only scene at El Quemao – you’ll even find a few sheltered beginner-friendly breaks. When the trade winds become fierce, the windsurfers come out to play.

The laidback town of Caleta de Famara houses all the requisite surfing essentials – schools, rentals, gear – plus a lively selection of restaurants and lodgings. But it’s the eclectic range of top-notch breaks that keep punters coming back for more. Not sure where to go? Local favourites include the Mill, Codito, Bunquer, Papelillo, and Palo.

El Confital could be the best right-hand break in the Canary Islands and even Europe. Located just outside Las Palmas, Gran Canaria’s buzzing cruise ship-packed capital, El Confital is super easy to reach – expect thick crowds throughout the year.

The Indonesian-style right-hand barrel breaks over a shallow volcanic ledge to create the perfect tube. These epic waves retain their gorgeous cylindrical shape in swells up to 4 metres high. You’ll need well-honed skills to master this monster, plus booties to protect your feet from the underlying volcanic reef.

La Izquierda is a famous surfing spot right in the middle of Playa de Las Américas, one of Canary Island’s busiest beach resorts. It’s a lofty left and this beautiful break lives up to its name. If you’re seeking seclusion, look elsewhere.

Keen experienced surfers love this spot for its long, barrelling waves – when the swell is up, they roar at 3 metres or more. Intermediate surfers should wait for calmer days when waves average a metre or so. Sharp rocks and coral on the volcanic seafloor mean La Izquierda isn’t a good place for beginners.

Billboards is an awesome alternative surf spot when La Izquirda gets too busy. And when the conditions are just right, this exhilarating break can offer the best action in all of Teneriffe. Like La Izquirda, the wave breaks on the bustling Playa de Las Américas beach – expect plenty of punters on weekends.

The righthander unfurls into long, drawn-out barrels for up to 150 metres during larger swells, perfect for a lengthy ride. Although the break begins at waist height, it never holds anymore than double overhead waves. Watch out for semi-submerged rocks and take care with your feet on the reef.

El Hierro is a Fuerteventura beach famed for its fantastic waves. Not to be confused with the small Canary island of the same name, this surf spot sits a stone’s throw from the surfie town of Playa El Majanicho, which welcomes hordes of expert surfers in the peak season.

El Hierro’s brilliant break comes thanks to its sharp lava reef, which pumps out consistent, high-quality waves. Jump on the left wave for fast-moving hallows or veer right to ride short but sweet barrels. Rock up on a weekday if you can to avoid the crowds.

The uninhabited island of Los Lobos brings you the longest ride in the Canary Islands. Despite its distinct lack of lodgings, Los Lobos, located opposite Corralejo in northern Fuerteventura, still packs out with surfers who come to worship its seemingly endless righthander.

Getting there is no easy feat – you’ll have to hop on a ferry at Corralejo then trek for an hour to reach the secluded northwestern beach. Check conditions before heading out because La Derecha doesn’t always put on a show (the period from October to March is ideal). But when it does, the righthander is a real thigh-burner, stretching for up to 500 metres.

The Bubble offers bountiful breaks in Fuerteventura, not far from the tourist town of Majanicho. This righthand reef break takes some effort to reach, but it’s a viable option when nearby El Hierro packs out.

This wild and windswept stretch of coast offers the ideal conditions for expert surfers, with hefty offshore winds forming consistent tubes on the reef. Summers tend to get a little flat, although beginners will appreciate the calmer conditions. Seasoned surfers will encounter the best rideable swells during October. In either case, keep a keen eye out for submerged rocks.

Punta Blanca is the top spot on Fuerteventura for novice surfers, thanks to its consistent, mellow waves. Tucked away on the island’s sheltered northern coastline, the secluded site requires driving along the North Shore dirt track from Cotillo (it’s just past the El Toston Lighthouse).

Soft mushy waves give beginner surfers the chance to enjoy long foamy rides, albeit a tad haphazard at times. Watch out for windsurfers who frequent the area from time to time. But for the most part, Punta Blanca remains relatively uncrowded, even in the peak surfing season.

Picture-perfect Playa Francesa is dead flat most of the year, but the swell picks up in the high season (from October through March). The gorgeous white-sand beach resides on the tiny island of La Graciosa (population 660), an easy day trip from the capital, Caleta del Sebo.

Big breaks make Francesa suitable for advanced surfers, and it’s worth checking the conditions before you head out. Be aware that localism runs rife throughout La Graciosa, so keep a safe (and respectful) distance from other riders. Venomous sea urchins can be problematic, too – watch your step while in water.