Lanzarote is not the first Canary Island that comes to mind when you think of surfing. Tenerife and Gran Canaria get more of the surf press, and Fuerteventura has a reputation that precedes it. But Lanzarote has been quietly delivering reliable waves to those who know where to look, and the combination of consistent Atlantic swell, a dramatic volcanic coastline and a genuinely welcoming surf culture makes it one of the more rewarding surf destinations in the archipelago.
The island suits a wide range of abilities. Beginners will find their feet at Famara, one of the most approachable beach breaks in the Canaries. Experienced surfers will want to test themselves at El Quemao, a powerful left-hand reef break with a serious reputation. Between those two poles, there is plenty to explore, and the compact size of the island means you can read the morning forecast, pick the right spot and be in the water within half an hour of wherever you are staying.
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Why Lanzarote Is Worth Surfing
Lanzarote’s surf credentials come down to geography. As the most easterly of the Canary Islands, sitting roughly 125 kilometres off the coast of Africa, it catches North Atlantic swells that have crossed thousands of kilometres of open ocean. The north and west-facing coasts bear the full force of those swells, producing waves that are consistent, well-shaped and varied enough to suit different levels.
The trade winds that sweep across the island for much of the year create additional options. Where those winds create chop on some exposed beaches, they also generate the reliable conditions that have made Costa Teguise a hub for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and they groom the waves at certain spots into cleaner, more rideable form.
Water temperature stays pleasant year-round, running between around 18°C in winter and 23°C in high summer. You will not need a thick winter wetsuit. A 3/2mm wetsuit covers the cooler months comfortably, and some surfers switch to a shorty or boardshorts from July onwards. That accessibility, combined with flights from most major UK and European airports and a four-hour journey time from Britain, makes Lanzarote a practical surf destination rather than just an aspirational one.
The volcanic scenery is an added bonus. Surfing with black lava cliffs as a backdrop, looking up at the rust-coloured slopes of Timanfaya on a clear morning, gives sessions here a visual quality that is simply different from most Atlantic surf destinations.
Best Surf Spots in Lanzarote
Famara Beach (Playa de Famara)
Famara is Lanzarote’s headline surf spot and the natural starting point for anyone coming to the island with a board under their arm. The beach stretches for several kilometres along the north-west coast, sheltered on one side by the towering Famara cliffs and open to the full sweep of the Atlantic on the other. The result is a consistent beach break that works across a range of swell sizes and suits beginners through to solid intermediates.
The small village of Caleta de Famara at the southern end of the beach is the operational centre of the island’s surf scene. Several surf schools are based here, board hire is easy to arrange, and there are cafés and small restaurants for pre- and post-session fuel.
One important caveat: Famara is not a calm beach. Currents can be powerful, and the waves carry real force even on smaller days. Beginners should stick with a surf school rather than heading out independently, and even experienced surfers should take a few minutes to observe conditions before paddling out. The beach is not lifeguarded along its full length, which makes awareness and caution essential.
El Quemao (La Santa)
El Quemao is the name most experienced surfers associate with Lanzarote. This powerful left-hand reef break near the village of La Santa on the west coast delivers fast, heavy waves that demand respect and a solid level of surfing ability. When a good North Atlantic swell pushes through in autumn or winter, El Quemao can produce some of the best waves in the entire Canary Islands.
This is not a spot for beginners or improvers. The reef is shallow in places, the paddle out requires timing and the wave can hold serious consequence on bigger days. For surfers with the ability to handle it, though, El Quemao is one of the genuine standout experiences the island offers.
The area around La Santa has developed a low-key surf culture, with accommodation, cafés and a relaxed atmosphere that draws people who are there specifically for the waves.
San Juan
San Juan, on the west coast, is a quieter spot that tends to attract less attention than Famara or El Quemao. It can produce good waves and suits intermediate surfers who want to explore beyond the obvious options. Conditions here are more variable, so checking the forecast before making the trip is worthwhile.
Northern Coast and Órzola Area
The northern tip of the island, around Órzola, offers surf for those who know how to read conditions and are comfortable in more exposed, less predictable environments. This part of the coast is beautiful and raw, but it is not a beginner destination. Experienced surfers who take the time to explore the northern coastline are sometimes rewarded with uncrowded waves and dramatic scenery that feel a world away from the more established spots.
Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise, on the east coast, is better known as the island’s windsurfing and kitesurfing hub than a surf destination. The conditions here are generally more sheltered, and the waves tend to be smaller and less powerful than those on the north and west coasts. For that reason, it can occasionally offer beginner-friendly conditions, particularly for those staying in the resort and looking for a gentle introduction to wave riding. Manage expectations, however — if surf is your primary goal, Costa Teguise is not where you want to be based.
Surfing Lanzarote – Surf Schools and Lessons
The concentration of surf schools in and around Caleta de Famara makes it straightforward to organise lessons from the moment you arrive. Most schools offer group lessons in the mornings, when the winds tend to be lighter and the conditions at their cleanest. Private lessons are also widely available for those who want more focused instruction or have a specific aspect of their surfing they want to develop.
A standard group lesson typically runs for around two hours and includes a land-based warm-up and technique briefing before you enter the water. Instructors supervise sessions from the water as well as the shoreline, which matters at a beach like Famara where the currents require vigilance. Equipment — boards and wetsuits — is included in most lesson packages and is also available for hire separately if you want to surf independently once you have found your feet.
Surf camps are another popular option, particularly for those dedicating a full week to surfing. Several operators offer multi-day packages that combine accommodation, daily lessons or coached sessions, and sometimes yoga or other complementary activities. These packages represent good value compared to piecing together accommodation and lessons independently, and they provide a ready-made community for solo travellers.
Booking in advance is strongly advisable during peak season. July and August see the highest visitor numbers, and while the surf is generally smaller at that time of year, the demand for lessons and hire equipment still outpaces supply at the most popular schools. Spring and autumn bookings can often be made closer to the date, but earlier is always safer.
Before heading out, it is worth checking current swell and wind conditions. Surfline provides detailed forecasts for the Canary Islands and is a reliable resource for planning your sessions around the best available conditions.
Best Time to Surf in Lanzarote
One of Lanzarote’s genuine advantages is that it offers surfable conditions in every month of the year. The question is not whether you can surf but what kind of surf you will find when you arrive.
Autumn and Winter (October–February) represent the peak season for experienced surfers. North Atlantic storm systems generate the most powerful and consistent swells during these months, and breaks like El Quemao come into their own. Wave heights increase significantly, and the quality of surf across the island’s best spots is at its highest. The weather remains mild by northern European standards — daytime temperatures typically sit between 18°C and 22°C — though the island can feel windier and more dramatic than in summer.
Spring (March–May) is perhaps the most balanced time to visit. Swells remain reasonably consistent, the weather warms noticeably, and the crowds that arrive in summer have not yet materialised. This is an excellent window for intermediate surfers who want good conditions without the intensity of a full winter swell.
Summer (June–September) brings smaller surf, higher air temperatures and the largest volume of tourists. The waves at Famara are generally more manageable during these months, which makes summer a reasonable time for beginners to visit. The flip side is that surf schools are at their busiest, board hire is in highest demand, and the beach itself is more crowded. Experienced surfers visiting in summer should set realistic expectations — there will be surf, but the standout sessions will be less frequent.
Water temperature follows a similar seasonal pattern, ranging from around 18–19°C in the winter months to 22–23°C in summer. A 3/2mm wetsuit is the workhorse option for most of the year. From June through to September, a shorty wetsuit or even boardshorts and a rash vest may be sufficient, depending on personal preference.
What to Bring and Practical Tips
- Wetsuit: A 3/2mm wetsuit covers you comfortably for autumn, winter and spring. In summer, a shorty or boardshorts with a rash vest is often enough, though some surfers prefer the 3/2mm year-round for comfort and sun protection.
- Sun protection: This is non-negotiable. The Canarian sun is significantly stronger than it feels, particularly on the water where reflection intensifies the UV exposure. A surf-specific SPF50 water-resistant sunscreen applied generously before each session is essential. Hats and UV-protective rash vests help for longer sessions.
- Reef boots: If you are planning to surf El Quemao or any of the more exposed reef breaks, reef boots offer meaningful protection against the volcanic rock. They are worth the minor inconvenience for anyone unfamiliar with the specific hazards of each spot.
- Board: Travelling with your own board is possible but comes with the added cost and hassle of airline board bags and potential damage fees. Given that hire equipment at Famara is generally of decent quality and widely available, many surfers find it more practical to hire on arrival, particularly for trips of a week or less.
- Freshwater showers: Showers are available at Famara beach, which is useful given the salt and sand involved in a morning session. They are not always reliable in peak season, so having a small freshwater bottle in the car as backup is a good habit.
- Parking: The car park at Famara fills quickly on busy mornings, particularly in summer and during school holiday periods. Arriving early — before 9am for a morning session — is the most reliable way to secure a space without stress.
- Respecting the locals: El Quemao in particular has a recognised local crew who surf the break regularly and know it intimately. Observing surf etiquette, respecting priority in the lineup and being aware of your surroundings goes a long way. Lanzarote’s surf community is generally welcoming to visiting surfers who show respect for the breaks and the people who surf them regularly.
Combining Surfing with the Rest of the Island
One of the practical advantages of a surf trip to Lanzarote is the rhythm it creates. Surf sessions tend to work best in the morning, when winds are lighter and conditions are cleaner. That naturally leaves afternoons free for everything else the island has to offer — and there is a great deal.
On non-surf days or after morning sessions, the volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park is a short drive from most of the island’s surf spots. The César Manrique sites — including the Jameos del Agua cave complex, the Fundación César Manrique and the Mirador del Río — are among the most architecturally distinctive attractions in the Canary Islands and are worth dedicating time to. The wine region of La Geria, where vines grow in individual volcanic craters, offers a completely different pace and is one of those unexpected pleasures that makes Lanzarote more than just another beach destination.
For anyone combining a surf trip with a broader holiday — whether solo, with a partner or with a group — it is worth planning the non-surf elements in advance. Our complete island planning guide covers accommodation, transport, attractions and practical logistics across the whole island, making it a useful companion resource for the full trip.
The north of the island, where Famara sits, is particularly well-placed for combining surf with sightseeing. Mirador del Río, Haría, Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes are all within easy reach of Caleta de Famara, making it possible to surf in the morning and explore one of the island’s most scenic areas in the afternoon. For a broader look at how to structure your time, our guide to the top experiences on the island covers the full range of activities, from volcanic hikes to boat trips and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lanzarote good for beginner surfers?
Yes, Lanzarote is a solid option for beginners, particularly at Famara beach where several established surf schools operate. The beach break there provides consistent, manageable waves that are suitable for learning. Beginners should always take lessons with a qualified school rather than heading out independently, as currents at Famara can be deceptively strong.
What is the best beach for surfing in Lanzarote?
Famara (Playa de Famara) is the most popular and accessible surf beach on the island, suitable for beginners and intermediates. El Quemao near La Santa is the best spot for experienced surfers, delivering powerful reef break waves that are among the best in the Canary Islands during the autumn and winter swell season.
Do I need to bring my own surfboard to Lanzarote?
Not necessarily. Board hire is widely available at Famara, and the quality of equipment from established hire shops is generally good. For trips of a week or less, hiring on arrival is often the most practical and cost-effective option, particularly given airline board bag fees and the risk of transit damage to your own equipment.
What wetsuit thickness do I need for surfing in Lanzarote?
A 3/2mm wetsuit is the most versatile option and will serve you well across autumn, winter and spring. In summer (June–September), water temperatures rise to around 22–23°C and many surfers are comfortable in a shorty wetsuit or boardshorts with a rash vest. If you run cold, the 3/2mm year-round is a sensible choice.
When is the best time of year to surf in Lanzarote?
For experienced surfers seeking the most powerful and consistent conditions, October through February is the prime window, when North Atlantic swells are at their strongest. Spring (March–May) offers a good balance of decent surf and pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Summer (June–September) suits beginners and those looking for smaller, gentler waves, but is the least consistent period for experienced surfers.
Are there surf schools in Lanzarote?
Yes. Several surf schools are based in and around Caleta de Famara, the small village at the southern end of Famara beach. They offer group lessons, private tuition, multi-day surf camps and board and wetsuit hire. Booking ahead is recommended, particularly in July and August when demand is highest. Most schools cater for complete beginners as well as those looking to improve specific aspects of their surfing.
Whether you are paddling out for the first time or chasing a quality reef break on a solid winter swell, Lanzarote delivers a surf experience that stands comfortably alongside the better-known destinations in the Atlantic. The waves are real, the island is beautiful, and the combination of surfing and everything else Lanzarote has to offer makes for a trip that is genuinely hard to fault.
