Canary Islands vs Morocco.
Both destinations run a winter surf season on Atlantic swell, with sun when northern Europe is grey. They are close to each other geographically but offer different waves and trip styles: the Canaries have lava reefs and wind, Morocco has points and a camp culture. The comparison uses the Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Taghazout and Imsouane guides and public sources.
Choose the Canary Islands for a simple winter trip with volcanic reefs, sandy learner beaches and EU-style logistics, especially if you travel with non-surfers. Choose Morocco for long right-hand points, a camp-based week and a cultural change, accepting more planning. For heavy reef, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura; for long rides, Imsouane and Taghazout.
Choose Canary Islands if
- You want simple logistics
- You want volcanic reefs
- You travel with family or non-surfers
- You want a choice of islands
- You want winter sun and strong infrastructure
Choose Morocco if
- You want long right-hand points
- You like longboarding at Imsouane
- You prefer a camp environment
- You want a cultural change
- You want a quieter, less developed village
| Canary Islands | Morocco | |
|---|---|---|
| Main season | October to March | October to March |
| Wave style | Volcanic reefs, sandy beaches | Right-hand points, beach breaks |
| Learner spots | Famara, Flag Beach, El Socorro | Devil's Rock, Imsouane bay |
| Wind | Strong trades, especially in summer | Variable; mornings best |
| Logistics | Easy, EU-style | More planning; camps help |
| Main downside | Wind and heavy reefs | Fewer independent options; cultural adjustments |
Swell and water, month by month: Fuerteventura and Taghazout
| Month | Fuerteventura swell | Fuerteventura water | Taghazout swell | Taghazout water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.1 m · 13 s | 20°C · 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 1.8 m · 14 s | 17°C · 3/2 mm full suit |
| Feb | 2.3 m · 14 s | 19°C · 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 2.3 m · 13 s | 17°C · 3/2 mm full suit |
| Mar | 2.5 m · 13 s | 19°C · 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 2.2 m · 13 s | 16°C · 3/2 mm full suit |
| Apr | 1.8 m · 12 s | 19°C · 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 1.7 m · 12 s | 17°C · 3/2 mm full suit |
| May | 1.8 m · 10 s | 20°C · 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 1.7 m · 10 s | 18°C · 3/2 mm full suit |
| Jun | 1.5 m · 9 s | 21°C · 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 1.5 m · 9 s | 18°C · 3/2 mm full suit |
| Jul | 1.7 m · 8 s | 21°C · 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 1.5 m · 8 s | 19°C · 2 mm shorty or spring suit |
| Aug | 1.7 m · 8 s | 23°C · Rash vest or 1 mm top | 1.4 m · 8 s | 20°C · 2 mm shorty or spring suit |
| Sep | 1.5 m · 9 s | 23°C · Rash vest or 1 mm top | 1.4 m · 10 s | 20°C · 2 mm shorty or spring suit |
| Oct | 1.7 m · 12 s | 23°C · Rash vest or 1 mm top | 1.6 m · 12 s | 20°C · 2 mm shorty or spring suit |
| Nov | 1.9 m · 12 s | 22°C · Rash vest or 1 mm top | 2.0 m · 12 s | 19°C · 2 mm shorty or spring suit |
| Dec | 2.2 m · 13 s | 21°C · 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 2.1 m · 13 s | 18°C · 3/2 mm full suit |
Open-ocean medians from ERA5, 2015–2024, not surf at the beach. Sources.
Seasons: Canary Islands and Morocco
The Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Tenerife guides all give October to March as the main season, with the most consistent swells and lighter winds, while summer brings trade winds that suit kite and windsurfing more than surfing. Tenerife is the exception, since its southern reefs can work year-round on summer swells.
Taghazout and Imsouane also run October to March, with the Taghazout guide describing peak swell in January and small, beginner-friendly surf in summer. The two destinations therefore line up closely, and the choice rests on the waves and the style of trip.
Waves and levels
The Canary guides describe heavy volcanic reefs: Lanzarote's El Quemao is a hollow left that the guide says is only for very experienced surfers, and Fuerteventura's El Hierro and Rocky Point are advanced. Learners are well catered for at Famara in Lanzarote, Flag Beach and Corralejo in Fuerteventura, and El Socorro in Tenerife.
Morocco's waves are mostly right-hand points: Anchor Point and Killer Point are advanced, while Hash Point, Panoramas and Banana Point suit intermediates. Imsouane's Bay is a long, gentle wave for longboarders and improvers. If you like long, flowing walls, Morocco has the edge; if you like hollow reefs, the Canaries do.
Wind and conditions
The Canaries are windy. Trade winds dominate in summer, and the guides recommend mornings for surf. Winter has better wind patterns but is not always glassy. Water ranges from about 18 to 24 degrees Celsius in Tenerife, and a 3/2 is typical in winter with a shorty in late summer and autumn.
Morocco's winter water is about 17 to 18 degrees Celsius according to the Taghazout guide, so a 3/2 or 4/3 is common. Both destinations benefit from checking the wind, and from choosing a base that gives options on different sides.
Logistics and infrastructure
The Canary Islands are part of Spain, with direct flights from much of Europe, good roads, easy car hire and a strong network of surf schools and shops. Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Tenerife each have their own airport.
Morocco needs more planning. Agadir serves Taghazout and Imsouane, camps often include transfers, and car hire is available but roads need care. Many people choose a camp to simplify logistics.
Beyond the surf
The Canaries have volcanic landscapes, beaches and resorts, which suit families and mixed groups. Mount Teide dominates Tenerife, and Lanzarote's lava fields are a draw. Morocco offers souks, food and mountains, and the cultural contrast is a reason many people choose it. Respect local dress and customs, particularly outside tourist areas.
Wind, reefs and logistics: the drawbacks
The Canary Islands' downsides are wind, heavy lava reefs and a smaller number of long, forgiving waves. The guides stress that Lanzarote's reefs and Fuerteventura's North Shore are for experienced surfers, and summer is windy. Resort areas can feel less authentic to some travellers.
Morocco's downsides are that waves can be crowded in peak winter, logistics need more thought, and independent travel is harder outside camp areas. Anchor Point and Killer Point are for advanced surfers, and learners rely on camps or schools. Cultural norms and dress codes need respect.
Choosing by trip style
If you want a simple week with flights, car hire and a choice of sides of the island, the Canaries are easier, and you can switch beach by wind direction. If you want a camp week with a driver, daily breakfast and a long right-hand point to practise on, Morocco makes more sense.
Combining them is possible by flight, but the distance and costs make it a larger trip. Many people pick one and return for the other.
Checks before an Atlantic winter week
Before booking, check the wind forecast as well as the swell, and choose a base with options on more than one coast. In the Canaries, ask schools which beach they use on windy days. In Morocco, ask the camp about transfers, the beach chosen for beginners and whether boards are included. Pack a 3/2 for either in winter and consider booties on the lava reefs. For flights with boards, read the airline rules for the route, as the baggage page explains.
Questions
Which is better for beginners?
Both have learner beaches. The Canaries have more schools and easier logistics; Morocco's camps often include transport to the best beginner beach.
Which is windier?
The Canaries are known for strong trade winds, especially in summer.
Which has longer waves?
Morocco, particularly Imsouane's Bay on a good north-west swell.
Can I go in summer?
Summer is small in both. Beginners can still learn, and Tenerife's southern reefs can work on summer swells.