
Kitesurfing vs wingfoil: all the differences and how to choose the best alternative for you
12 June 2025
Where to surf all year round? Spoiler: in Fuerteventura!
12 June 2025There are many, each with its own characteristics, waves, activities and surf schools for all levels.
The Canary Islands, nestled in the Atlantic, are a paradise on earth: for everyone, of course, but especially for surfers. Crystal clear waters, pleasant temperatures and perfect waves make the Canary Islands one of the favorite destinations for surfers from all over Europe (and beyond!). In this article, we will discover which are the best beaches for surfing and other water activities in these beautiful islands.
Read also: Kitesurfing vs wingfoil: all the differences and how to choose the best alternative for you.
Canary Islands: which beaches are the best for surfing (and the rest of water sports)
Let’s start with Famara Beach in Lanzarote, a place that offers powerful and consistent waves and a long sandy beach. Here you can surf while enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains, in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.
The beach of El Confital, in Gran Canaria, nestled in a beautiful and unique volcanic landscape, is virgin and wild. The waves are ideal for experienced surfers, and there is no shortage of surfing competitions for professionals. International surfing championships have been held here because of its fast and powerful waves that form extraordinary tubes.
El Hierro, in Fuerteventura, provides fast waves, and the quarries that form tubes in a deep volcanic bottom create the perfect environment for advanced maneuvers.
El Cotillo, also in Fuerteventura, is a spot for all levels and all seasons. The waves are perfect even for beginners, and the white sand and crystal clear waters frame a relaxed, almost bohemian atmosphere. There is no shortage of surf schools, where you can learn the basics of this discipline.
In La Derecha del Cartel, in Tenerife, long and powerful waves rise over a rocky swell in a spectacular landscape. Especially suitable for experienced surfers, its serene atmosphere makes it one of the best spots in the world.
Playa del Inglés, in Gran Canaria, offers waves suitable for various skill levels and a pleasant and lively atmosphere, a wide range of services and entertainment events. There is also no shortage of surf schools and auxiliary services.
La Santa beach in Lanzarote is especially popular among advanced surfers. There is no shortage of surfing events and competitions, but also restaurants and bars where you can cool off after your surfing efforts.
Playa de la Fajana, in La Palma, is a suitable place for beginners and experienced surfers, who can surf with a beautiful panoramic view of the sea, thanks also to the pleasant climate throughout the year.
Back in Tenerife, Izquierda de Las Palmeras hosts world surfing events, but also offers an experience suitable for beginners thanks to surf schools that allow you to learn the basics in a friendly atmosphere. The best time to visit this beach? From October to March.
Finally, we close with El Quemao, in Lanzarote, one of the best spots in the world for experienced professionals. Its fast and deep waves make it a spot that should be approached with caution, but that gives many satisfactions to those who give the board a chance.
Why the Canary Islands is a surfing paradise
The Canary Islands are perfect for surfing: you only have to talk to a water sports enthusiast to see for yourself. These islands enjoy a constant presence of waves thanks to their privileged location in the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean currents favor the formation of waves of various sizes, which offers opportunities for surfing all year round and at any level.
The beaches of the Canary Islands are incredibly varied. From Famara, in Lanzarote, with its long sandy beaches perfect for beginners, to El Cotillo, in Fuerteventura, with breaks for all levels, each spot has unique characteristics that make it suitable for all types of surfers.
The climate of the Canary Islands is another reason why they are so popular with surfers. The pleasant year-round temperatures make surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing possible in all seasons. The constant breeze helps maintain an optimal temperature, and the wonderful atmosphere is another reason why the Canary Islands are so popular with the surfing community.
Whether you are looking for powerful and challenging waves or something more relaxed for beginners, the Canary Islands offer a wide variety of conditions: calm bays or beaches exposed to the “force” of the Atlantic.
Read also: Is there an ideal season for surfing in the Canary Islands?
In conclusion
Are you looking for a place where the love of surfing is perfectly combined with breathtaking nature and a fantastic atmosphere? Then the Canary Islands are the destination for you: crystal clear waters, perfect waves, a pleasant climate and a passionate and open surfing community make these islands a true surfing sanctuary. And if you want to learn, there is no shortage of surf schools, such as Point Break in Fuerteventura: everything in the Canaries is tailor-made for surfing!
Takeaways
- From challenging waves for advanced surfers at beaches like El Confital and El Quemao, to calmer options like El Cotillo and Playa del Inglés for beginners.
- The warm climate and temperate waters of the Canary Islands allow surfing during all seasons, with consistent waves thanks to the privileged location in the Atlantic.
- Beaches such as Izquierda de Las Palmeras and La Santa host global competitions, attracting elite and amateur surfers.
- In addition to surfing, many beaches such as La Fajana and Playa del Inglés offer restaurants, bars and social activities, creating a complete experience for visitors.
- The Canary Islands have numerous surf schools, such as Point Break in Fuerteventura, that facilitate entry into the world of surfing with experienced instructors and equipment available for rent.
FAQ
What is the best surfing beach in Lanzarote?
Famara Beach in Lanzarote is ideal for surfers of all levels. It offers powerful and consistent waves, and a spectacular natural environment.
What is the best beach for advanced surfers in Gran Canaria?
El Confital Beach in Gran Canaria is perfect for experienced surfers, with fast and powerful waves. It also hosts international championships.
Where can you learn to surf in Fuerteventura?
El Cotillo in Fuerteventura is a perfect place to learn surfing. It offers waves for all levels and several surf schools where beginners can take lessons.