Guide to Lanzarote surfing holidays in the Canary Islands

Jun 06, 2017 BY Luke Rees

Jumping on a flight to a random surf destination is one of the greatest things you’ll ever do. But don’t expect to turn up and be led by the hand to the top surf spots. Lucky for you, we’ve put together this handy guide to Lanzarote surfing holidays in the Canary Islands.

La Santa Guide to Lanzarote surfing holidays in the Canary Islands Flickr creative commons image by surfglassy

Surfing holidays in the Canary Islands

The Canary Island have got a huge amount going for them. There is surfing to be had year round thanks to the fantastic climate and consistent swell. There are few places on the planet that are as predictable and as enjoyable as surfing holidays in the Canary Islands.

There are cheap package holidays heading out to most of the islands year round – particularly Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Tenerife. If you rather go independent flights are nearly always low enough to fit the most frugal budget, car hire is cheap and low cost accommodation is plentiful.

Anywhere in the Canaries is worth a visit, but this is a guide to Lanzarote surfing holidays. It was the first of the Canary Islands to emerge from the ocean more than 16 million years ago. Waves have been breaking here ever since…

Guide to Lanzarote surfing holidays

Due to volcanic activity in the 1700s and 1800s the interior of Lanzarote is mainly volcanic badlands with sprinkles of green. Most of it is designated as a UNESCO protected biosphere – a visit to the Timanfaya volcanic park is well recommended.

La Santa Guide to Lanzarote surfing holidays in the Canary Islands Flickr creative commons image by Ronaldc5

The coast is a mixed affair depending which side you are on. To the south and east you are protected and cosseted from the prevailing wind and waves, there are large beaches and most of the towns. Conversely, the west and north coasts are bombarded with wind and waves and there are huge dramatic cliffs.

Of the major Islands only the little visited La Gomera and El Hierro are smaller than Lanzarote. This, in combination with being fairly sparsely populated, means it’s quick and easy to get around. So if you have a car wherever you stay during Lanzarote surfing holidays you can see most of the island.

There are three key surf spots to check out in Lanzarote, they are all found in the central area of the north west facing coast.

La Santa

Near La Santa there are four world-class breaks – all best suited to experienced surfers. It is a favourite on the ASP world circuit and one of the top spots for surfing holidays in the Canary Islands.

La Santa Guide to Lanzarote surfing holidays in the Canary Islands Flickr creative commons image by surfglassy

Come south of the Club La Santa and the headland and you’ll find La Derecha, La Izquierda and El Quemao. You also have Club La Santa beach to the north which has a left hand break.

Caleta de Caballo

There are two spots at Caleta de Caballo worth including in this guide to Lanzarote surfing holidays. For beginners there is Chicken Left which is a great place to learn.

Experienced surfers can try the right break. Be warned it is fast and hollow and breaks over sharp rocks. This is a tough looking Canarian beach with a dramatic backdrop and typical whitewashed Canarian buildings.

Famara

Also favoured on the pro surf circuit, Famara is the best-known beach for Lanzarote surfing holidays. In terms of amenities, accommodation, bars, restaurants etc it is the best supported, and of the three surf spots it’s the top place to base yourself.

Famara Guide to Lanzarote surfing holidays in the Canary Islands Flickr creative commons image by anieto2k

Beginners can stick to Famara Beach which has year-round waves to suit most levels. More experienced surfers should head east along the coast to Muelle de Famara or slightly farther to San Juan for a pair of very good left hand breaks.

Lanzarote surfing holidays: When?

Surfing in Lanzarote is best over the European winter. From November to mid-March you can expect waves pushing up to 4.5m, justifying the title ‘The Hawaii of the Atlantic’.

However, there are good surf conditions year round with regular swells coming through. The European summer may not have the huge winter waves but there is plenty for beginners and intermediates.

Where to stay

If you are visiting Lanzarote purely for surfing holidays in the Canary Islands then you should stay in Famara. It has a laid back atmosphere with a multi-cultural mix of surfers looking to enjoy the 3 km long beach.

Guide to Lanzarote surfing holidays in the Canary Islands Flickr creative commons image by Morten Liebach

Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote and where most of the local’s live. It is a nice but unremarkable town and has a chilled out atmosphere and a decent beach. Although on the south coast it is just a 30 minute trip across the island to reach the surf spots.

The most popular destinations for package holidays are Costa Teguise just north of Arrecife, and Playa Del Carmen just south. Both are full of bars, restaurants and anything you could need for a holiday in the sun. They are also just a 35 minute drive from the surf spots, so perfect for a family holiday with a couple of days of surf.

Even Playa Blanca in the far south of the Island, and Orzola in the far north, are under an hour drive from the surf beaches.

We hope you found this guide to Lanzarote surfing holidays useful. Check out our other articles about about surfing holidays in the Canary Islands for more information about other destinations.

 
Arrecife, Atlantic Ocean, Caleta de Caballo, Canary Islands, Costa Teguise, Famara, La Santa, Lanzarote, Playa Del Carmen, Spain
Surfing
Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate
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