Lanzarote.

The breaks

Recognised, publicly known surf spots around Lanzarote. Suitability depends on the day's swell, wind and tide, so treat the level as a guide, not a guarantee.

Why surf Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the most north-easterly of the Canary Islands, a volcanic island of black lava fields, white villages and dramatic cliffs. Its north and west coasts face the North Atlantic and receive consistent swells from October to March, while its subtropical climate brings sunshine and mild temperatures all year.

The island's surf is split between two worlds. Around La Santa, on the north-west coast, lava reefs produce powerful, hollow waves that attract experienced surfers from around Europe. Around Famara, a long sandy beach below towering cliffs offers beach-break peaks for all levels and a laid-back village with surf schools and camps. Lanzarote is smaller and generally less crowded than Fuerteventura, with a strong local surf community.

Famara

Playa de Famara is a long, curving beach in the north-west of the island, backed by dunes and the high Risco de Famara cliffs. It faces north-west and picks up most swells, with sandy peaks along its length. It is the main beach for lessons on the island and suits beginners and intermediates on small to medium days. On bigger days, it can become powerful with strong currents.

The village of Caleta de Famara, at the western end of the beach, has sandy streets, a small fishing harbour, surf shops, cafés and accommodation. It is quiet and relaxed, with a strong surf culture. Famara is also popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers when the trade winds blow.

San Juan and the reefs near Famara

Near Caleta de Famara, San Juan is a reef break that offers a left-hand wave on the right swell and tide. It is a step up from the beach and suits intermediate and advanced surfers. Other reefs near the village work on bigger swells and are best approached with local knowledge.

Because Famara faces north-west, it can be blown out by strong north-easterly trade winds. On those days, surfers check spots on other coasts or wait for the wind to ease in the morning.

La Santa and El Quemao

La Santa, a village on the north-west coast, is home to some of the heaviest waves in the Canary Islands. El Quemao is a powerful left-hand reef break in front of the village, known for thick, hollow barrels over shallow lava rock. It is only for very experienced surfers and has hosted international contests. Nearby, La Santa Left and La Santa Right are reef breaks that suit advanced surfers.

The area also has an island in a lagoon with reef breaks around it. Sharp lava, strong currents and shallow sections make booties essential and caution vital. Watch from the shore first and talk to local surfers.

The rest of the island

On the north-east coast, a few reef breaks near Arrieta and Jameos del Agua can work when the north-west coast is too big or blown out, though they are inconsistent. The south and east coasts, with resort towns such as Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca, are mostly sheltered from swell. Costa Teguise is better known for windsurfing.

Playa Blanca, in the south, has ferries to Corralejo on Fuerteventura, making it easy to surf both islands on one trip.

Picking a base around Lanzarote

Caleta de Famara is the most popular base for surfers, especially beginners and intermediates. It is small and quiet, with surf camps, apartments and a few restaurants. It is a good choice if you want to walk to the beach and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere.

La Santa is a small village close to the heavy reefs, with limited accommodation, suited to experienced surfers. Other surfers stay in resort towns such as Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise for more amenities and drive to the surf. A car is useful wherever you stay.

Reaching Lanzarote and moving between breaks

Lanzarote airport is near the capital, Arrecife, on the east coast, with flights from across Europe. Famara is about half an hour by road. Buses connect Arrecife with many towns, but services to Famara are limited, so a rental car is the most practical option. Many surf camps offer airport transfers.

Ferries run from Playa Blanca to Corralejo on Fuerteventura, and there are also ferries to Gran Canaria and Tenerife from Arrecife.

Flat days and a better week in Lanzarote

Check the swell and wind forecasts together. Famara works best with light winds or southerly offshores, while La Santa's reefs need the right swell direction and tide. Surf in the mornings when trade winds are often lighter.

On a flat or windy day, visit Timanfaya National Park, with its volcanic landscapes and geothermal demonstrations, or explore the work of the artist and architect César Manrique, whose designs are found across the island, including Jameos del Agua and the Mirador del Río viewpoint above the Chinijo archipelago. Visit the vineyards of La Geria, where vines grow in volcanic ash pits, or take a boat to the small island of La Graciosa.

Lanzarote surf season month by month

A broad planning picture, not a forecast. Swell, wind and water temperature vary from year to year.

Learning to surf in Lanzarote

Famara is one of the best places in the Canary Islands to learn to surf, with a long sandy beach and many surf schools and camps in Caleta de Famara. Lessons usually take place on the beach's gentler sections, chosen according to the swell, wind and tide.

Surf camps often include accommodation, lessons, equipment and transport, and some offer yoga and other activities. Ask about group size, instructor qualifications and how the school deals with windy days. Because Famara can get strong currents on bigger days, a good school will choose carefully and teach ocean awareness.

Winter brings more consistent swell and lighter winds, while summer is windier but warmer. The reefs at La Santa are strictly for experienced surfers.

Comparing options across the country? Read our guide to surfing in Spain.