Canary Islands, A Surfing Paradise

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Surfing in the Canary Islands is, without a doubt, one of the most popular water sports, especially if we take into account other types of surfing such as bodyboarding, kitesurfing or windsurfing.

Surfing the waves of the Canary Islands is probably every surfer's dream. The good weather conditions, plenty of hours of sunshine and an ideal sea water temperature, make it an international benchmark for the practice of this sport that has millions of followers around the world. 

The Atlantic Ocean and its spectacular waves in the Canary Islands offer optimal conditions for the practice of any water sport. 

This is why surfing in the Canary Islands (also known as “Las Islas Afortunadas”, which means the lucky islands), is a must, not only for experienced surfers but also for those who wish to learn how to ride the waves for the first time and are searching for a place to take their first steps into the exciting world of surfing. 

There are many schools with experienced instructors ready to help anyone who wants to learn for the first time how to surf in the Canaries, or even for those surfers with a certain level of experience who wish to improve their skills. 

The possibility of practising this sport 365 days a year is an attraction that brings surfers from all over Europe, both in summer and winter, in search of the perfect wave.

With a large variety of different types of waves, some of which are long barrels, from the right and the left, and surf spots for all choices and levels; from those recommended for beginners to those with very powerful waves aimed only for the more advanced and professional surfers, it is not a surprise that a large number of surfing championships are held in the Canary Islands throughout the year, bringing together the best riders from the local, national and international scene.

The small geographical dimensions of the islands also allow for quick and simple access to all the surf spots, many of which are located at beaches with easy access and with all kinds of additional services within the visitors reach. 

It will be especially easy to enjoy an incredible day surfing in the Canary Islands if you have hired your car with TopCar, as it will allow you to move around with more freedom and comfortably, whilst enjoying everything the Canary Islands have to offer the lovers of this exciting sport.

The 5 Best Surf Spots In The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have 1,583 kilometres of coastline which are home to countless places where you can ride the waves and enjoy a unique experience. We couldn't analyse them all, but here is a list of our recommendations to spend a wonderful day surfing on each of the main islands of the archipelago.

1. Surfing In Gran Canaria: La Cícer

There are several surf wave peaks along the coast of Gran Canaria, but our first choice, because of its easy access, and because it is an emblematic place for surfing in Las Palmas, is in the westernmost part of Las Canteras Beach, known as the area of La Cícer.

The origin of its name can be traced back to the old Compañía Insular Colonial de Electricidad y Riegos (the Colonial Island Electricity and Irrigation Company), which was located in this part of the capital's neighbourhood called Guanarteme.

Parallel to a wide promenade, and under the watchful eye of the imposing Alfredo Kraus Auditorium. La Cícer is a paradise for urban surfers, giving them access straight from the very centre of the city of Las Palmas to a set of good waves breaking on a sandy beach. 

You can feel the sporty atmosphere around this area as it is the only part of the beach of Las Canteras (with the exception of certain authorised areas) where sports on the beach are allowed, such as soccer or beach paddleball. There are also many surf schools, as well as other services such as restaurants, bars, shopping centres, parking, etc.

A perfect place to end the day whilst enjoying a beautiful sunset and dinner or drinks is at one of the many places with a surfers atmosphere that you will find in this area.

2. Tenerife Surf Spots: Igueste De San Andrés

We continue with the second of our recommendations, this one is for those who want to surf in Tenerife. Located below the majestic and wild Anaga Massif next to the village of Igueste de San Andrés, is its famous "traffic light", an old maritime signalling station.

We recommend you park in this northeastern town of Tenerife, which belongs to the municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and walk down its picturesque streets with its endless stairs. As you approach the seashore you will be able to marvel at the clean and crystalline waters, where some of the best waves of the island are produced.

This surf spot in Tenerife is ideal for any type of surfer regardless of their level, since its different sections are well visible. Its waves break on a pebble beach (or callaos, as they are called in the Canary Islands), so it is important to take certain precautions.

3. Surfing In Lanzarote: El Quemao

This article wouldn't be complete without including a special place to enjoy surfing in Lanzarote. The third option in our list of recommendations is El Quemao. The island that gave birth to the incomparable artist and local genius César Manrique has one of the best surf spots on earth.

In front of the fishing village of La Santa, located in the municipality of Tinajo in the northwest of the island, there are strong waves with perfect barrels, perhaps the best option for surfing in the Canary Islands.

The village has a wide variety of catering services, accommodation and many businesses specialising in the world of surfing such as schools or shops where you can buy or rent equipment to enjoy a day as an authentic surfer.

4. Surf Spots In Fuerteventura: El Hierro Beach

The most famous waves for surfing in Fuerteventura can be found as our fourth recommendation: El Hierro beach. Located between the towns of Corralejo and El Cotillo in the northern municipality of La Oliva, one of its unique features is its popcorn-shaped sand (also known as roscas or cotufas, which are different ways of saying popcorn in Spanish in some of the islands). 

Due to the great regularity and the quality of its wave breaks, it is one of the most popular surfing spots in Fuerteventura. We recommend you leave the car in the nearby town of Majanicho to be able to enjoy an unforgettable experience surfing the most fun waves on the island of Fuerteventura.

5. Surf In La Palma: Nogales Beach

In the northeast of La Isla Bonita (meaning Beautiful Island), in the municipality of Puntallana, is one of the most interesting spots for surfing in La Palma. We are referring to Nogales beach. To get there, you have to park approximately one kilometre away and then walk down a well-maintained path along the cliffs.

This wonderful beach of fine black volcanic sand is located in the middle of a totally rustic and isolated landscape. Because of the moderate swell and sudden changes in depth with strong currents, it is only suitable for experienced surfers.

After having read this list of our recommended spots for surfers in the Canary Islands, we can confirm that this incredible sport is undoubtedly a plan to take into account if you are planning a different kind of holiday in the islands. Its hundreds of beaches and seabeds with volcanic reefs are the architects of a varied swell with all kinds of breakers that make it the ideal place for surfing. Get your surfboard out and come and catch some waves!