The Surfer’s Guide to Lanzarote Canary Island

The surfer’s guide to Lanzarote

When it comes to surfing hotspots in the Canary Islands, all roads truly do lead to Lanzarote. Accompanying the island’s extensive list of stunning beaches are an abundance of world-class surf spots.

Typically, the more experienced surfer will visit in the winter months, when Lanzarote’s surrounding waters become slightly more treacherous with challenging waves. The summer months generally see calmer waters, which aren’t always ideal for surfing. With average temperatures remaining in the low 20s through December, Lanzarote is the perfect place to soak up some winter sun on your surfboard.

Whether you’re a professional surfer or complete novice, there is something for everyone in Lanzarote. Here we run through three of the best hotspots across the island, to give you a taste of what to expect from this surfer’s paradise.

Caleta de Famara

Front and centre of Lanzarote’s surfing scene is Caleta de Famara. It’s found on the northwestern coast, a region popular amongst the surfing community, well away from the more touristy areas in the south.

Whilst experienced surfers will still be drawn to Famara, the conditions here typically favour beginner and intermediate surfers. Whether you’re a complete novice or just looking to brush up on your skills, you will never be short of surf schools in the Famara area, so take up some tuition before taking on the waves!

After tackling the Atlantic waters, Caleta de Famara is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The beach is framed by the red rocks of Risco Mountain, and offers plenty of stunning walks to help you get your breath back. Even though Famara isn’t as commercialized as other areas on the island, there is still a good selection of bars and restaurants which will provide the perfect tonic after a long day on the water.

El Quemao

From Famara, our surfing tour of Lanzarote takes us just 15 minutes along the northwestern coast where we find El Quemao. Sat just across from the famous fishing village of La Santa, El Quemao has been known to offer some of the best, and most challenging, conditions for surfers anywhere on the island.

Whilst this world-renowned spot will generate favourable conditions all year round, the best time to sample the El Quemao waves is outside of the peak summer months. Between September and April, a fast and hollow left hand reef break provides a testing challenge for even the most experienced surfers on the planet.

If you’re not so confident about tackling the biggest barrels on the island, you can get great spectator views from La Santa. Pitch up with a seafood starter and let the surfing pros provide the entertainment.

Punta Mujeres

The final leg of our surfing safari takes us to Punta Mujeres on the island’s northeastern coast. Often overshadowed by its northwestern counterparts, Punta Mujeres remains one of Lanzarote’s best surf spots, particularly for a surfing newbie.

As is often the case with surfing in the Canaries, winter will be the best time to go, as you will typically find much flatter waves in the summer months. Be sure to take to the waves at high tide, as the waters can become shallow and quite dangerous to surf on otherwise. This particular area of the island is also known for its stretch of natural swimming pools, which are the perfect place to regain your cool after wiping out on the waves. The pools run along the coastline for 2km, and show very few signs of human interference, barring the steps installed to enter the water safely – you can truly find the best of both worlds here.

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