Thanks to its unbeatable conditions for learning and practicing surfing throughout the year, the island of Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, is recognized worldwide as the most privileged destination by nature to enjoy this sport to the fullest; not for nothing is this corner of the Canary Islands called the Hawaii of the Atlantic.
Visited by hundreds of surfers at any time of the year, Lanzarote has a lot to offer, that's why we have prepared this guide to surfing on the island, so you have all the information you need to plan your next adventure trip.
Lanzarote: what you should know before you travel
In Lanzarote the climate is perfect for surfing. Throughout the year, the island offers mild temperatures and very little rainfall, being the winter months the most recommended to practice this sport in the area. Between the months of November and March, the strong winds allow us to enjoy waves that reach up to 4 meters high.
But the island has much more to offer. In addition to being a unique surfing destination, Lanzarote also has tourist sites that you should not miss, among which are the Timanfaya National Park, the Natural Park of Los Volcanes, the Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua, among other natural wonders.
The offer of flights to reach the island is very wide, in fact, there are many low cost airlines that schedule their arrivals at the airport of Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote. Once inside the island, the most advisable is to rent a car, being this the most demanded alternative for being low cost, although there are also other highly recommended transportation options.
Playa de Famara, perfect for surfing
Famara is probably the most visited beach for those who want to learn surfing in Lanzarote. And the fact is that this beach has plenty of favorable conditions to practice the sport: good spots, adequate infrastructure and a wide and attractive offer of courses. It is located next to Caleta de Famara, has golden sand and, along more than 6 kilometers of coastline, is free of rocks and its waves break both left and right.
To get to Famara from Arrecife airport, it is advisable to rent a car as it is a very popular option for being practical and low cost. In the area, it is possible to rent one at an average cost of 16 euros per day. Also, you can get to Famara in one of the buses that leave from the airport to the bus station in Arrecife and from there another one to the beach.
If you go by bus, the ideal is to make the trip in the morning as the journey is completed in a few hours. Another alternative to get to Famara is to do it via the official cabs that can be taken from the airport, this being the safest and fastest option. You will be able to load your board with total comfort at an average cost of 40 euros.
What to do in Famara?
The cove of Famara is a charming fishing village located within a protected natural area. Because of this, the offer of lodging and surf camp is usually limited, although it is possible to find lodging options offered by the same companies. surf schools within their packages. The beach also offers gastronomic and local tourism options.
In Famara, we can rent bungalows, apartments, shared houses and surf house on the beach, with prices for all tastes, depending on the amenities offered. Sites such as Airbnb or Booking also offer living spaces in the area.
The Beach Center is one of the best known spots in Famara, being considered the safest area for those who are just getting into the world of surfing, due to its sandy bottom. It is in this area where you can find the best offer of surf lessons for all levels.
On the other hand, the muelle de Famara is a more challenging spot, suitable for more experienced surfers. This is one of the most recognized spots, it has a rocky bottom and it is necessary to have a certain level to surf its waves.
Other well-known spots are El Codito, located at the entrance of Famara, and San Juan, challenging and suitable only for the most experienced levels.
La Santa, perfect waves for the most experienced surfers
On the northwest coast of the island we find La Santa, a fishing village that houses the beach of the same name, perfect for surfing at any time of year. It is an area of strong waves, which offers us the left of La Santa, one of the most recognized waves in the surfing environment. In this spot there are very good waves every month, so it is a beach very visited by surfers from all over the world.
La Santa is not suitable for beginners. The quality and consistency of its waves are the result of its strong swell, so it is necessary to have a very good level of surfing to enjoy this spot. This is the reason why prominent surfers from different parts of the world travel to this spot in search of perfect waves.
The Santa's left is a wave of recognized quality, with a perfect tube that forms on a volcanic bottom. It is short and strong, breaking on both sides. To enter the water must be done with extreme care and always using booties, as its terrain is steep. The season from September to May is ideal for its weather conditions.
Challenging Spots in La Santa
One of the most recognized waves in the European surfing scene for being one of the most consistent of the whole island is La Derecha de La Santa, a spot recommended for the early hours of the day, suitable only for experts.
Another spot that enjoys worldwide recognition is El Quemao, whose waves offer perfect tubes when there is a swell. They are tubular waves of great resistance, challenging for surfers of good level. The ideal conditions for surfing are between the months of October and March, being able to enjoy waves that open both left and right.
El Centrito de La Santa, on the other hand, is a very popular spot for intermediate surfers, since its waves are long and easy.
In addition to Famara and La Santa, the island of Lanzarote offers many high quality spots, such as La Caleta de Caballo, Arrieta, Órzola or Jameos del Agua, among others.
Surfing activities in Lanzarote
En Lanzarote podrás encontrar diversas actividades relacionadas al surf que podrás aprovechar en tu viaje. La oferta de cursos y < es muy amplia, con opciones tanto para los recién iniciados como para los más experimentados. Podrás inscribirte en ellas en cualquier momento, ya que las condiciones climáticas son ideales durante gran parte del año.
Another option to learn to surf on the island are the surf camps, which usually include accommodation in a surf house on the beach, transportation, meals and complete equipment. The surfcamps are group camps and are developed in spots according to the level of the participants. These camps are ideal for a fun experience with surfers from different parts of the world.
The most experienced surfers are looking for a surfari in Lanzarote, identifying the best surf spots on the island and living really fun and exciting days. Several schools offer the possibility to live this exciting adventure and usually include refreshments, transportation and complete equipment.
Visit Lanzarote and take your surfing to the next level.
With a more than complete proposal, including surf courses, equipment rental, beachfront accommodation and fun-filled surf camps, Lanzarote is a must-see destination for all surf lovers looking to learn the secrets of the sport or take their technique to the next level.
Thanks to its unbeatable weather conditions, surfers from all over the world and of all levels come to this island throughout the year to enjoy all that one of the most incredible places on the planet has to offer.
If you like surfing, Lanzarote should be on your agenda as a destination for your next adventure trip. We're sure that this synthesized guide to surfing in Lanzarote will serve as a reference on your next visit to the island; if you need more information, you can contact us.
