Surfing in Tenerife: a complete guide to surf spots and tips for your surf trip
Tenerife is the largest and most populated island in the Canaries. You’ll find a unique mix of lively local life, volcanic landscapes, colorful villages… and above all, waves almost all year round. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
The island offers a perfect mix: in the south, accessible spots and a festive atmosphere; in the north, wilder waves in spectacular settings. In short, if you want to combine surfing, discovery and nightlife, Tenerife is an ideal destination.
Read our complete guide to surfing in the Canaries.
Best surf spot in october · Best surf spot in November · Best surf spot in December · Best surf spot in January · Best surf spot in February
🏄 For whom is this destination?
Tenerife for surfers beginners · Tenerife for intermediate level
🌍 Similar destinations (Canary Islands and nearby)
Surfing in Fuerteventura · Surfing in Lanzarote · Surfing in Morocco · Surfing in Madeira
👉 See also: All our guides on the Canary Islands archipelago and surf destinations month by month
Why choose Tenerife for
your surf trip?
Unlike the rootsier Lanzarote, Tenerife is a little more touristy. But that’s what makes it so interesting: you can surf in the morning, climb Teide in the afternoon, and end the day with a concert in a beach bar.
You also have the advantage of finding :
- Spots for all levels: from easy beachbreak to powerful reefs.
- A pleasant year-round climate: never too cold, never stifling.
- A wide range of surf camps and accommodation: whether you’re traveling as a backpacker or with your family.
If you are planning a trip around the world to visit various spots, don’t forget to check out all of our guides to surfing destinations.
Discover how to travel between the islands of the Canaries.
Best time to surf in Tenerife
As everywhere else in the Canaries, you can surf in Tenerife all year round. But each season has its own atmosphere, its own special spots and very different conditions. Here’s what you need to know before planning your surf trip to the island.
Winter (October to March) – the ideal season for waves
This is the best time of year for surfing in Tenerife, especially if you’re looking for consistent, powerful waves. North Atlantic swells arrive directly on the coast, especially in the north of the island (Bajamar, Punta del Hidalgo, El Socorro). The waves here are bigger and the conditions more consistent – perfect for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Surfing in Tenerife in October:
as the season gets underway, swells become more frequent and sessions are still quiet in terms of attendance. Retrouve notre guide complet où surfer en octobre.
Surfing in Tenerife in November :
near-perfect conditions – water at 22°C, little wind, regular waves on the south coast (Las Américas, El Médano).
Surfing in Tenerife in December:
The winter swells are well established, the waves are powerful and the northern spots are at their best. Experienced surfers love this time of year, but there are still waves accessible to progress in the south.
See all our surf destinations for December.
Summer (May to September) – chill out and get started
In summer, the swells are more discreet: the waves are smaller and gentler, especially in the south. So it’s the perfect time to learn to surf in Tenerife, or for more fun sessions with no pressure.
Conditions are often glassy in the morning, and El Médano becomes a favorite spot for beginners and longboarders. It’s also the ideal time to combine surfing, snorkelling and exploring the island without too many people in the water.
Water temperature and wetsuit
Water temperatures range from 19°C in winter to 24°C in summer. You’ll need a 3/2 mm wetsuit from November to March, then a shorty or simple lycra from April to October. The water is clear and the bottom is volcanic, so don’t forget your booties if you’re just starting out.
Surfing calendar - Tenerife
3 colors: Great / Good / No.
Two coasts" island: North captures winter NW's; South/SE (Las Américas) more regular in summer with small swells.
The best surf spots in Tenerife
Las Américas: the star of the south
This is the island’s best-known spot. It’s a straight line that rolls out perfectly on a reef, regular and technical. There are several peaks around, with waves suitable for intermediates and advanced surfers alike. The atmosphere is lively, sometimes a little crowded in the water, but it’s a must.
Surfing conditions with Surfline.
El Médano: perfect for beginners
Just a few kilometers from the airport, El Médano is a sandy beach with gentle waves. Ideal if you want to catch your first waves. It’s also a mecca for kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to the constant wind.
Igueste de San Andrés: the wild north
Located near Santa Cruz, Igueste is a long left-hand wave that unfurls in a stunning mountainous setting. The spot is best in winter and is aimed at experienced surfers.
Other spots to explore
- Almáciga: black volcanic beach, with powerful waves, often for experts.
- Bajamar: a reef break offering nice lefts, but requiring experience.
- Punta Blanca: more for intermediates, a pleasant spot in the northwest.
Tenerife surfing at your level
Beginner: El Médano is your playground. You can also find schools around Las Américas.
Intermediate: Las Américas offers several suitable sections, and Punta Blanca is a good option.
Confirmed: Igueste, Almáciga and Bajamar are for you.
Is Tenerife right for you?
✔ Beginner → South / surf camp recommended
✔ Intermediate → Las Americas
✔ Advanced → North in winter
✖ Not ideal if you’re looking for total isolation
Surf camp in Tenerife
Tenerife is the perfect destination if you want to make rapid progress or simply enjoy an all-inclusive surfing holiday. The island boasts a wide range of accommodations designed for surfers, where you can sleep, eat, surf and meet other surfing enthusiasts from all over the world.
Surf camps are found mainly on the south coast, around the Las Américas and El Médano areas, renowned for their accessible waves and friendly atmosphere. They’re the ideal place to learn to surf or perfect your technique in a relaxed atmosphere, often just a stone’s throw from the beach.
- Average price: €300 to €450 per week for a surf camp.
- Group courses: €35 to €50 per day.
- Board hire: €15-20/day.
If you prefer a wilder, more authentic environment, Tenerife’s north coast also offers surf-oriented accommodation, often nestled close to volcanic cliffs and more powerful surf spots. It’s a more tranquil experience, perfect for those who want to combine surfing, nature and disconnection.
A surf camp in Tenerife is the ideal solution for combining progress, encounters and total immersion in Canarian surf culture, all in a mild, sunny climate all year round.
Surfing in Tenerife - Practical information
Surfing
- Level: All levels
- Wave types: reef breaks, beach breaks, point breaks
- Type of seabed: Volcanic reefs, sand, pebbles
- When to go: All year round
- Best period: October to March for regular, more powerful waves.
- Average water temperature: Between 19°C (winter) and 23°C (summer)
- Average air temperature: Between 20°C and 28°C depending on the season
- Equipment: 3/2 mm wetsuit recommended in winter, shorty or lycra the rest of the year.
- Popular spots: El Médano, Las Américas, Punta del Hidalgo, Bajamar, El Socorro
- Particularities: Conditions vary according to coastline (more powerful north, more accessible south).
Before you leave
- Time difference: -1h to France (GMT+0)
- Flight time: Approx. 4.5 hours from Paris
- Nearest airport: Tenerife North (TFN) or Tenerife South (TFS)
- Documents required: Identity card or valid passport (EU zone)
- Vaccines required: None
- Recommended vaccinations: Standard vaccinations up to date
- Travel insurance: Recommended to cover surfing and water sports
- Equipment hire: Easy to find locally, especially in the south
- Surf schools: present on most of the main beaches
On site
- Spoken language: Spanish (English often included in tourist areas)
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Cost of living: Moderate, slightly below the France average
- Safety: Destination considered safe
- Getting around: Car rental recommended for access to spots, local buses (TITSA), affordable cabs
- Internet connection: Very good 4G coverage, wifi available in most accommodations
- Electricity: Standard European sockets (230V)
- Accommodation : Apartments, hotels, inns and surf houses all along the coast.
- Local life: friendly atmosphere, relaxed pace, tapas and sunset after the session
- Respect for the environment: Beware of reefs and marine life, avoid protected areas
Practical tips for your trip to Tenerife
- Getting around: rent a car. There are buses, but they’re too limited for exploring the spots.
- Atmosphere: in the south, it’s international, festive and touristy. In the north, it’s more local and rootsy.
- Gear: you can rent anywhere. If you travel with your board, protect it well: airlines are not kind.
- Budget: allow €25-40/day for a car, €10-15 for a local meal, starting at €380 for a week at a surf camp.
All the webcam surf of Tenerife –> here
Our guide to traveling with your surfboard.
What to do in Tenerife
Although Tenerife is a surfer’s paradise, you’d be wrong to spend all your time in the water. The island is large and varied, and every corner offers a different experience. Here’s what you can explore when you put down your board.
Climbing to the summit of Teide
It’s impossible to miss Mount Teide, the roof of Spain, a volcano that towers over the entire island at 3,718 meters. You can take the cable car up to admire the view, or, if you want to challenge yourself, make the ascent on foot. The landscape is lunar, with lava flows and craters, and you can see why Tenerife is often referred to as “a planet apart”.
Book your Teide hike here or take the cable car here (be sure to book well in advance).
Getting lost in Anaga Park
In contrast to the volcanic zones, the Anaga plunges you into a different atmosphere: a subtropical, humid, almost mystical forest. Trails wind between giant ferns and centuries-old laurel trees, sometimes leading to vertiginous cliffs. It’s one of the most beautiful hiking spots on the island, and clearly an incredible contrast after a surf session.
Read all about it in our dedicated article here. You can also book your guide;
Discover La Laguna and Santa Cruz
La Laguna is a small colonial town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along cobbled streets lined with colorful houses, stop for a coffee in a small square, and breathe in the authenticity of Tenerife. Santa Cruz, the capital, is livelier, with museums, markets and an urban atmosphere very different from the touristy south.
Taste the local gastronomy
Canarian cuisine is simple, but full of flavor. You absolutely must try it:
- Papas arrugadas (salt-wrapped potatoes) served with mojo rojo (hot) and mojo verde (fresh herb) sauces.
- Fresh fish, often grilled and served in small fishermen’s restaurants.
- Gofio, a toasted cereal flour, is the traditional base for many dishes.
- A meal in a “guachinche” (local tavern) rarely costs more than €10-15.
Other experience
- See dolphins and whales: boat trips depart daily from Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje.
- Explore the Los Gigantes cliffs: impressive for their verticality, they plunge straight into the ocean.
NOTICE FOR SURFERS in Tenerife
Have you surfed in Tenerife? Share your feedback.
Your feedback will help surfers of your level better prepare for their trip.
Fanny – Intermédiaire
J’ai adoré Ténérife. En septembre il n’y avait pas grand monde à l’eau et les vagues étaient accessibles. C’était du reef à playa de las Americanas.
Nous logions à El médano pour plus de tranquillité mais la route n’était pas très longue.
On a pu surfer en 3/2. Et nous avons pris des cours dans une école de surf.
- Septembre 2022
- Ténérife
Tenerife or Lanzarote: two islands, two ways to surf
They’re often lumped together, but Tenerife and Lanzarote are not twins. Both attract surfers in search of sun and constant swell, yet the experience there has little in common. It all depends on what you want: a comfortable, varied surf trip, or a raw, unfiltered holiday.
Surfing in Tenerife
Tenerife is a bit like the “big sister” version. The island is greener, higher and more inhabited too. It’s got it all: easy beaches for beginners, clean reef breaks and small villages that smell of morning coffee. The south is alive with surf all year round, especially around Las Américas, while the north receives the most powerful swells when winter sets in. The advantage here is variety: there’s always a wave that works, whatever your level.
Surfing in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is a different atmosphere. More raw, more naked. The scenery is breathtaking: volcanic rocks, black cliffs, steel-blue ocean. The waves, too, are more serious. Around Famara or La Santa, they hit hard and require a bit of bottle. But when everything lines up, it’s magical. The line-ups are calmer, the sessions more intense, and you often come out rinsed, but happy.
All you need to know about surfing in Lanzarote.
Atmosphere and feel
In Tenerife, life is livelier. You can surf in the morning, hike in the afternoon, and eat tapas on the terrace in the evening. It’s an island on the move, where you can mix surfing and discoveries. Lanzarote is more minimalist. You get up, surf, eat, surf some more. Time passes in a different way. It’s simple, uncluttered, almost meditative.
The verdict
Choose Tenerife if you want a well-balanced surf trip, with waves for all levels and a little comfort between two sessions. Go to Lanzarote if you’re looking for something wilder, more real, a total immersion in the elements.
“Personally, I did the 2 islands: Lanzarote for 3 months to work there and 1 month in Tenerife. I loved both. The atmosphere is totally different but both are really nice”.
Travelling alone in Tenerife
Traveling alone in Tenerife is surprisingly easy. The island gives you the reassuring feeling that nothing bad can happen to you. Distances are short, people smile at you in the street, and you quickly feel at home, even if you arrive without a plan. You can stay in Tenerife in a guesthouse by the sea, rent a car for a few days, or stay in the same village and watch the waves change color throughout the day.
El Médano is often the anchor point. It’s all about the wind, surfing, cafés and people working on their laptops with bare feet. You always end up talking to someone. And if you want to isolate yourself, you head north. There, everything slows down. Roads winding through the mountains, pine forests, and that silence you haven’t heard in a long time.
Tenerife, alone, is a good balance between autonomy and lightness. You can follow your instincts without feeling observed.
See our complete guide to travelling alone in Bali and travelling alone in Sri Lanka.
Tenerife with your family
Tenerife is the perfect postcard when you want a simple, no-fuss vacation. The climate is mild all year round, the beaches are clean, the roads impeccable, and everyone seems to love children. It’s the kind of place where you can improvise without anything going wrong.
The south is more lively, with its quiet beaches and activities for the little ones: boat trips, beginner surfing, ice cream at all hours. But if you want something more authentic, head north. There, you’ll find a greener, more local island, with villages where children still run around the squares while their parents chat on the terrace of the bar.
What appeals to families above all is the simplicity. You can make a whole day of it without breaking the bank, just walking around, picnicking or watching the sunset from the beach. Tenerife is an easy place to live. And that’s probably what makes it so relaxing.
Tenerife for digital nomads
If you work remotely, Tenerife is a spot that works. You don’t have to be in a big city to get decent wifi or a good cafe to put your laptop in. El Médano, Santa Cruz and even Los Cristianos have that calm, sunny energy where you can alternate work and ocean without ever forcing things.
In the morning, you work facing the sea. In the afternoon, you go for a swim, and in the evening you join a bunch of freelancers for an aperitif on the beach. It’s not a postcard scene, it’s just life here. There are coworking spaces, a few colivings, and lots of people passing through – designers, developers, people who’ve decided to work differently.
It’s not Bali or Lisbon, and that’s exactly what I like about it. Tenerife is less appearance, more reality. An island where you can produce, breathe and enjoy without everything revolving around the “digital nomad lifestyle”. Simple, efficient, sunny.
See our complete guide to the new generation of digital nomads.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to surf in Tenerife?
Tenerife offers year-round surfing conditions. However, the period from October to March brings the most consistent and powerful swells, ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers. Beginners will prefer the period from April to September, with gentler waves and warmer water.
Is it absolutely necessary to rent a car to surf in Tenerife?
Although not essential, car rental is highly recommended. It will give you easy access to the various spots, depending on conditions, and allow you to explore the island on days when there are no waves. Public transport serves some of the main beaches, but limits your flexibility considerably.
What are the best surf spots for beginners in Tenerife?
Las Américas in the south of the island is the ideal spot for beginners. Its regular, less powerful waves and sandy bottom offer optimal learning conditions. Playa del Socorro (in light conditions) and El Médano are also suitable for improving surfers, with numerous schools offering lessons.
Is it possible to combine surfing and a visit to Teide in a short stay?
Absolutely! The moderate size of the island (2,034 km²) makes it easy to combine surfing and sightseeing. From most surf spots, you can reach Teide National Park in 1 to 1.5 hours by car. Ideally, plan a full day to explore the national park and enjoy its many hiking trails.
Which wetsuit should I bring to Tenerife?
Updated October 2025
