Surfing in Lanzarote: complete guide to surf spots and tips for a successful surf trip
When you set foot on Lanzarote, you quickly realize that this is no ordinary island. The landscapes sometimes resemble the Moon: black volcanoes, frozen lava fields, cliffs plunging into the Atlantic. And yet, despite this rugged backdrop, the atmosphere is gentle, warm, almost timeless.
For us surfers, it’s a real playground. Endless sandy beaches where you can make your first waves, sharp reefs that get the adrenaline pumping, and above all a rare consistency: whatever the season, you’ll always find a spot that works.
Discover our complete guide to surfing in the Canaries.
Why surf Lanzarote?
Because it’s an island with a soul. There’s no resort-style surfing here. You come for the real thing: powerful waves, a deep-rooted surf culture, and raw nature that reminds you at every session just how powerful the ocean really is.
You’ll also appreciate the contrast: you can combine a morning session in Famara with lunch in a small fishing village, enjoy grilled fish overlooking the ocean, then head off to explore the Timanfaya volcanoes in the afternoon. Few places let you combine surfing and exploration so seamlessly.
And Lanzarote remains an affordable destination: short flights from Europe, affordable local living, numerous surf camps. You don’t need to break the bank to experience a real surf trip.
When is the best time to surf in Lanzarote?
You can come all year round, but conditions change radically depending on the season:
- November to March: peak season. The Atlantic swells hit hard and the reefs awaken their power. If you’re an experienced diver, this is the ideal time to try out El Quemao or San Juan. The atmosphere is more serious in the water, but that’s when Lanzarote reveals its “European Hawaii” side.
- April to October: calmer. The waves are smaller, and beaches like Famara become perfect playgrounds for learning or consolidating your technique. If you’re looking for a cool, no-pressure surf trip, this is the time to come.
As far as water temperatures are concerned, expect to be between 18°C in winter and 23°C in summer. A 3/2 mm is sufficient in winter, and in summer you can make do with a shorty or even a swimsuit.
Surfing calendar - Lanzarote
3 colors: Great / Good / No. Swipe on mobile, arrows on desktop.
North/NW exposed to winter swells (Famara/La Santa); summer = smaller swell + trade winds → early sessions.
Must-see surf spots in Lanzarote
Playa de Famara: your base camp if you’re just starting out
Imagine a huge bay, fringed by towering cliffs, with waves that break gently. Famara is the spot where everyone starts out, and even intermediates enjoy it. The atmosphere is relaxed, the lineups welcoming, and the schools are everywhere. You can spend a whole week progressing, and never get bored.
El Quemao: the legend
If you like adrenalin, you’ll soon be hearing about El Quemao. It’s a mythical wave, tubular and brutal, rolling over a glass-sharp reef. It’s sometimes called the European Pipeline. It’s a spot for experts only: committed take-offs, fast waves, demanding locals. But if you have the level, you’ll experience one of the most intense sessions of your life.
San Juan: the wave of progress
San Juan is a stone’s throw from Famara, but the atmosphere is different. Here, you’ll find a steady left, powerful but not unmanageable, perfect for taking a technical turn. The spot works best in winter, when the swells are solid. It’s the playground of ambitious intermediates.
La Santa and surroundings
La Santa is both a village and a surf spot. It’s something of a Mecca for experienced surfers on Lanzarote. There are several reefs in the vicinity, each with its own particularities. The atmosphere is more serious, more local too. But if you follow the rules, you’ll find some incredible waves.
Other reefs dot the north coast, often frequented only by locals.
Surfing Lanzarote at your level
Just starting out? Go to Famara. The beach is long, the waves tolerant, and you’ll find instructors to put you at ease.
Are you a go-between? San Juan and a few accessible reefs around La Santa will allow you to progress without scaring you.
Are you an expert? El Quemao and some of La Santa’s reefs are made for you. But beware: these are committed spots, reserved for those who really know what they’re doing.
Surf camps and fun on Lanzarote
In Famara, everything revolves around surfing. You’ll find surf houses, surf schools and bars where surfers meet up after their sessions. The atmosphere is international, relaxed and sometimes festive.
Surf camps generally offer :
- Accommodation in dormitories or private rooms.
- Daily lessons + equipment included.
- Price: €250 to €400 per week depending on formula.
If you’re more interested in exploring the reefs, La Santa is the place to go. It’s more technical, with fewer surf camps, but a real local surf vibe.
Surfing Lanzarote for beginners
Famara, the perfect place for beginner surfers. This 6 km long beach break, bordered by volcanic cliffs, is one of the best learning spots in the Canaries.
The water is clear, the waves are regular, and even when the swell is solid, there’s always a sandbank or softer peak for the first foams.
The surf schools based in Caleta de Famara know the local conditions perfectly: they adapt their schedules to the tides and wind, and sometimes take you as far as Playa de San Juan or Orzola to vary your sessions.
It’s the ideal place to learn in an authentic surf trip atmosphere, far from the tourist resorts.
- If you’re looking for a quiet initiation: aim for May to September.
- If you want to progress with a little more power: October to March is the season of the real Atlantic swells, but Famara remains surfable almost every day.
Surfing in Lanzarote - Practical information
Surfing
- Level: All levels
- Wave types: beach break, reef break, tubular and powerful waves
- Type of seabed: Sand, volcanic rocks
When to go: All year round - Best period: September to April for powerful waves, May to August for beginners
- Average water temperature: 18-22°C
- Average air temperature: 20-28°C
Before you leave
- Flight time (from Paris): Approx. 4 hours
- Airport: Arrecife
- Documents required: Identity card or valid passport (EU)
- Required vaccinations: None required
- Recommended vaccines: DT Polio, Hepatitis A and B
On site
- Spoken language: Spanish (English fluent in tourist areas)
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Cost of living: Moderate (cheaper than France, more expensive than mainland Spain)
- Safety: Very good, safe island for travellers
- Getting around: Car rental recommended, buses available but infrequent.
What to do in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is more than just waves. It’s an island where every nook and cranny has something special, and your surf trip can easily turn into a real voyage of exploration.
Explore Timanfaya Park
Impossible to miss. Timanfaya is a lunar landscape of lava fields and steaming volcanoes. You can follow the winding roads through this red and black landscape, or go hiking to feel tiny in the middle of this volcanic desert. Book your tour here.
Discover the world of César Manrique
If Lanzarote is so harmonious, it’s largely thanks to César Manrique. This visionary artist left his mark on the island by integrating his works with nature: troglodyte houses in lava, pools surrounded by caves, sublime viewpoints conceived as works of art. His creations, such as the Jameos del Agua and the César Manrique Foundation, are places where art and nature come together. Book your ticket for Lagomar here (or simply go there for a drink).
Tasting the wines of La Geria
You’ve probably never seen vineyards like these. Here, vines grow in volcanic ash craters, protected from the wind by semi-circular stone walls. The result is a surprisingly mineral wine that’s a must-taste. To visit a vineyard, click here.
Hiking on the Famara cliffs
If you want a panoramic view of one of the island’s most beautiful spots, climb the cliffs overlooking Famara Bay. From up there, the view is incredible: the beach stretches for miles, the ocean opens up as far as the eye can see, and on a clear day, you can even see the island of La Graciosa offshore. It’s a perfect spot for a walk at the end of the day, when the sun sets and the light sets the cliffs ablaze.
Other discoveries
- La Graciosa: take the ferry from Orzola and spend a day on this small, unspoilt island. Few roads, a peaceful atmosphere, deserted beaches: a true paradise out of time. Take the ferry to La Graciosa.
- Teguise: an old colonial village with cobbled streets and a Sunday market, perfect for strolling around and sampling local crafts.
- Volcanic beaches: like El Golfo with its green lagoon, or Los Hervideros, where the waves crash into natural caves.
All guided activities in Lanzarote
Budget surf trip to Lanzarote
Good news: a surf trip to Lanzarote is still affordable, even if you don’t want to travel in ultra-roots mode. Here’s an idea of the main expenses for a week.
- Flights: from France, Belgium or Switzerland, you’ll find return fares of between €100 and €200 outside school vacations. In high season (Christmas, summer), you’re looking at €200-250.
- Accommodation: a surf camp in Famara, with lessons + equipment, costs around €250-400/week. In a hostel, it’s €25-30/night, and an apartment or Airbnb costs an average of €50-80/night.
- Surfing: group lessons €35-50/day, private lessons €70-90. Board rental only: €15-20/day or €90-120/week.
- Transport: a car is almost indispensable. You can rent one from €20-30/day, including gasoline at around €1.20/L.
- Food: a local meal in a guachinche (tavern) costs €10-15, a more touristy restaurant €20-30.
On average, a surf trip to Lanzarote costs :
- 400-500 € if you travel in backpacker mode (hostel + board rental).
- 600-800 € for an all-inclusive surf camp.
- 900-1000 € if you choose the comfort option (hotel apartment + private lessons).
Lanzarote or Tenerife for your surf trip?
Can’t decide between Lanzarote and Tenerife? Both islands are great for surfing, but the experience isn’t the same.
Lanzarote
This is the most volcanic and rootsy island. The landscapes are raw, lunar, and the atmosphere a little wilder. You come here for powerful reefs like El Quemao if you’re an experienced surfer, or Famara if you’re just starting out. It’s quieter at night, less touristy, and more geared towards the authentic surf trip.
Tenerife
Much more populated and lively. You’ll find a mix of tourist beaches and good surf spots. In the south, Las Américas is the star wave, a technical right on reef, while El Médano is perfect for learning. The north is wilder, with solid lefts like Igueste. Tenerife also has a lively nightlife, colorful villages and the Teide volcano to explore.
Find out all about Tenerife in our complete guide to surfing in Tenerife.
In a nutshell:
- Choose Lanzarote if you want a more rootsy surf trip, fewer crowds and a unique volcanic setting.
- Choose Tenerife if you’re looking for a mix of surfing, party atmosphere and cultural discoveries.
Surfing in Lanzarote vs Fuerteventura
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura share the same ocean and trade winds, but their waves have nothing in common.
Fuerteventura is the gentle island, with golden sand, accessible beach breaks and a tranquil surf camp atmosphere. Lanzarote is the raw version: lunar scenery, powerful reefs and a more local, more committed surf culture.
On Fuerteventura, the north coast (El Cotillo, Majanicho, Punta Blanca) rolls out waves that are perfect for progressing: long, often docile lefts and rights, surfable at medium tide. The south, around Jandía, is quieter but still surfable for most of the year. The island exudes relaxation, with one barefoot session following another between two coffees or a cerveza on the terrace.
In Lanzarote, the tone changes. As soon as you arrive in La Santa or Caleta de Famara, you can feel the difference: here, surfing is part of the landscape. The locals know their spots like the back of their hand, and the waves are full of character.
La Santa (the local “North Shore”) delivers a solid ride: fast reef, committed take-off, hollow sections.
El Quemao, just next door, is a monument, a powerful tube reserved for experienced surfers.
And Famara, the large beach to the northwest, offers a magical compromise: a spot accessible at low tide, progressive, with several peaks depending on your level.
You can also visit Fuerteventura to discover the island and its dunes.
“Personally I preferred Lanzarote, especially Famara where you can surf safely on a pretty glassy beach break. “
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
When is the best month to surf in Lanzarote?
Can you learn to surf in Lanzarote?
Do I need a wetsuit to surf in Lanzarote?
Yes, a 3/2mm is recommended in winter. In summer, a shorty or lycra will suffice.
What's the budget for a surftrip to Lanzarote?
Around €700-1000 for a week, including flights, accommodation, car rental and food.
A little inspiration
Other surfing destinations that might appeal to you
Tamarindo – Costa Rica
Under constant sunshine, Tamarindo embodies the “Pura Vida” spirit of surfing. Consistent waves, lush nature and a relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal destination for all levels. As in Bali, surfing, yoga and sunsets alternate.
Discover Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Taghazout – Morocco
Just a few hours’ flight from Europe, Taghazout offers an authentic surfing atmosphere. Its long straights and seaside surf camps are reminiscent of the early days of Balinese surfing. The climate is mild all year round, and the Berber culture adds a unique touch of exoticism.
Sri Lanka – South & East
Halfway between authenticity and accessibility, Sri Lanka offers consistent waves, a strong culture and a welcome comparable to that of Bali. Arugam Bay, Mirissa and Weligama all appeal to travelling surfers, between tea trees and temples.
FUERTEVENTURA – CANARIES
Located in the Canary archipelago, Fuerteventura is a small paradise for European surfers. Its golden sandy beaches, accessible reef breaks and year-round sunshine make it a must-see destination. The atmosphere is simple and sea-focused, between morning sessions and sunset tapas.
It’s the perfect alternative to Bali for a surf trip with a change of scenery without leaving the continent.
Surfing in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
MADAGASCAR – AFRICA
Still untouched by mass tourism, Madagascar offers a unique surfing experience. From Tuléar to Fort-Dauphin, the waves roll over pristine reefs in a wilderness setting. Local hospitality, biodiversity and cultural richness make this an adventure in a class of its own, for surfers in search of authenticity and raw nature.
Updated October 2025