The Canary Islands have become a classic surfing escape for European surfers. The Canaries are an archipelago of volcanic islands situated just a few degrees north of the Tropic of Cancer, in the Atlantic west of Morocco. This latitudinal position means great weather all year round, making Canary Islands surfing holidays ideal as summer and winter getaways.
The islands’ position in the Atlantic means they are exposed to swells generated in the North Atlantic. These create powerful breaks on the shallow reefs found on the north and west coast of the islands. There are also a number of hollow reef breaks, along the many points and beaches around the islands. All of this is set against the unique and eerily beautiful lunar-like landscapes of the islands.
Year round mild water conditions give the islands a unique allure. With a range of surf spots to suit all ability levels and surf styles, it’s a destination with broad appeal.
With plenty of cheap and charter flights available all year round, as well as a leaning towards more budget and less exclusive kinds of holiday, the relative low cost of Canary Islands surfing holidays is also a big draw. You’ll find it hard to find better surfing holidays for the price.
Of course, this being an archipelago, there are a number of islands to choose from. Here’s a quick break down of some of the most popular Canary Islands surfing destinations.
The second largest of the islands and closest to the mainland, its desert-like landscapes benefit from a warm climate and cooling Atlantic breezes. Conditions are best in the morning and early afternoon when winds are offshore and there’s some world-class surf. This is one of the best places in the world for heavy and uncrowded surfing. Try the Bubble for some serious waves.
Perhaps the island with the most exposure, the barren landscape is home to a lot of lefts. The north coast is where most of the action is, so it’s a drive from most of the bulk of the accommodation in the south. It’s known as the Hawaii of Europe, which should tell you all you need to know. Big powerful waves are found between October and March but there’s plenty to get excited about throughout the year.
This is a popular tourist destination, which means there’s plenty of accommodation and cheap flights. The pleasant, year round climate and wealth of surf spots around the island, with big winds and offshore swells, also make it a favourite.
Another major tourist trap, but with great surf options. The north of the island offers some particularly big waves. In the South there us plenty of nightlife and partying to be had so this is a good option for people who like their surfing lively.
This is just a small pick of the destinations with the most choice on Canary Islands surfing holidays but some of the smaller islands like La Gomera and La Palma also have some good surfing spots.
2 responses to “Guide to Canary Islands surfing holidays”
1 adult and 2 children ( 12 years and 10 years ) looking for either feb half term or easter
a week with surf lessons
Hi Melissa – I have emailed you about this