El Quemao breaks right in front of the village of La Santa, on the northwest coast of Lanzarote. It is a short, hollow left over a lava reef, one of the best known waves in the Canary Islands.
It is for experienced surfers only: the reef is shallow and sharp, the wave is fast and the line-up fills up as soon as it works. If you don’t have the level, watch it from the shore and go surf Famara.
At a glance: El Quemao
| Wave type | Lava reef, short hollow left (the rights often close out) |
| Bottom | Shallow volcanic rock |
| Best tide | Around high tide, rising tide preferred |
| Swell direction | West to west-northwest |
| Best wind | Southeast (offshore) |
| Level | Experienced surfers only |
| Crowd | Busy as soon as it works |
| Best season | October to March |
El Quemao surf spot (Lanzarote)
The wave is short, fast and hollow: Surfnerd describes a left over very sharp lava reef, with rights that usually close out. According to Perfect Wave Travel, it holds up to 4 to 5 m. Surf-Forecast lists it among the island’s consistent spots.
It works with a west to west-northwest swell and a southeast wind. Tide matters: it is best around high tide, with the rising tide often the cleanest. At low tide the reef is even closer to the surface.
When to surf El Quemao?
The season runs from October to March, when winter swells hit the northwest coast. In summer the wave is often too small. In some winters El Quemao hosts the Quemao Class contest.
Surf calendar El Quemao: intensity by month
El Quemao forecast
Before you paddle out, check today’s conditions:
- Windy weather map (29.1090, -13.6656): swell, wind and live conditions.
- Windguru forecast for La Santa below: wind, gusts and rating over 7 days.
El Quemao: which surf level?
Beginners: not for you
Shallow reef, fast wave and a busy line-up: El Quemao is not a place to learn. Go to Famara, a few kilometres away, where surf schools teach all year round.
Intermediates: not yet
Even in small swells the take-off is fast and mistakes end on the rock. Start with Caleta de Caballo or San Juan to get used to the island’s reefs.
Experienced surfers: the reference spot
With a clean west swell and a southeast wind, it is one of the best lefts in the Canary Islands. Booties and a helmet are recommended, and respect priority: the locals know every section.
How to get to El Quemao
El Quemao is on the edge of the village of La Santa, in the municipality of Tinajo. You can park for free along the road. You get in and out over the rocks: check your exit before paddling out.
Spot location
GPS coordinates (approximate): 29.1090° N, 13.6656° W. In the village of La Santa, on the northwest coast of Lanzarote.
Open the full map on OpenStreetMap
Where to stay near El Quemao?
La Santa has a few apartments and a large sports resort. For more choice, stay in Caleta de Famara or in Tinajo.
What to do near El Quemao?
Timanfaya National Park is a few kilometres south. On flat days, Famara bay and its cliffs are also close by.
FAQ: El Quemao (Lanzarote)
No. It is a fast left over a shallow lava reef, for experienced surfers only. Beginners should go to Famara.
From October to March, with west to west-northwest swells and a southeast wind.
Around high tide, ideally on the rising tide. At low tide the reef is very close to the surface.
In short
El Quemao is a short, hollow and powerful reef left in La Santa. Surf it from October to March, around high tide, with a west swell and a southeast wind, only if you are experienced. See all the surf spots in Lanzarote and our guide to surfing in the Canary Islands.
Sources: Surf-Forecast, Surfnerd, Perfect Wave Travel, The Surf Atlas.