Wave consistency and warm water provide key to year-round surfing
Known as ‘the Hawaii of the Atlantic’ volcanic Lanzarote has become one of the hottest spots in Europe for cost-effective and consistent surf and sun over the past decade. The rugged coasts of the north produce an excellent variety of breaks with waves reaching up to an impressive 4.5metres, and seldom dropping to below head-height during the winter season. We recommend hiring a villa in lanzarote, this way you have complete freedom.
Whether you're an experienced surfer or a beginner you can find your dream break on Lanzarote. And this is one of the island’s key draws, the fact that you can easily reach a variety of surf spots within a short time period; Driving across the island takes under 45 minutes and car hire on the island is cheap, and the roads good quality.
Surf can be found year-round, although it’s bigger in the winter due to swells traveling down from the North Atlantic. In summertime, the waves are smaller but the light trade winds ensure daily break. For those chasing big wave surf, winter water temperatures ensure all but the brave will require a wetsuit – although a shorty or 3/2mm full suit should suffice.
The key breaks in the northwest are at La Santa, Caleta de Caballo, and Famara. This is very much the hotspot of the island’s surf business with good waves practically all year round. Experienced surfers head to La Santa, where the La Izquierda break is described as ‘world class’, whilst the Hawaiian-style pipeline El Quemao can be powerful and dangerous, even though the locals might make it look deceptively easy.
Road access to this stretch is good, with parking alongside the beaches allowing clear water viewing. La Santa village offers a convenient base with all amenities and a wide selection of restaurants, bars and shops.
All surfers tend to converge on the 7km of beach at Famara due to its impressive surf history, central location and wave consistency. This one-time fishing village turned ‘surf central’ boasts a superb sandy beach with safe breaks and warm water. It’s laid back atmosphere is a world away from the busy neon nightlife of the nearby resort of Puerto del Carmen.
Famara offers a range of ideal break spots for beginners and intermediate surfers. It is also ‘well stocked’ with surf schools and rental shops. Surf schools and camps here feature some of Europe’s finest – including the only British Surfing Association Level 4 Approved School outside the UK – a guarantee of the highest quality coaching and safety. On the same stretch, San Juan Beach is one of the venues for the World Qualifying Series (WQS).
Other surf areas include El Golfo and Janubio Beach in the west. You’ll also find several breaks on the northern tip of the island between Orzola and Arrieta, but this area comes with a danger warning due to the sharp lava rock outcrops. It’s perhaps best left to the experienced locals!
Windsurfing, also popular in Lanzarote, is centred on Las Cucharas Beach in Costa Teguise on the east coast.
Quick Links:
- Lanzarote Villas
- Playa Blanca Villas
- Puerto Del Carmen Villas
Useful Links
- Lanzarote Travel Guide