Best Canary Islands for Surfing: Top Surf Spots in Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria

The Canary Islands are known for being a paradise for surfers, with world-class top surf spots all year round. However, when it comes to choosing the best Canary islands for surfing, it depends on several factors, including the surfer’s skill level and personal preferences.

Tenerife and Fuerteventura are two particularly popular islands for surfing in the Canary Islands. Tenerife offers a variety of surf spots, including El Médano, Las Americas, and Los Cristianos, with waves suitable for all surfing levels. The beach of Las Americas is especially famous for its hollow and fast waves, while El Médano provides ideal conditions for beginner surfers.

Fuerteventura, on the other hand, is known for its legendary waves, particularly along the northern coast, such as El Hierro, El Cotillo, and Majanicho. These spots offer world-class waves that attract surfers of all levels. Fuerteventura also benefits from constant wind conditions, making it a popular destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Lanzarote is another Canary Island with world-renowned surf spots. Famara & La Santa, located on the northwestern coast of the island, are considered one of the best surf spots in Europe, with waves that can reach up to six meters high for extreme big wave surfers. Due to the strength and size of the waves, the North of Lanzarote is generally more suited for experienced surfers.

The surf conditions on Gran Canaria are excellent all year round, thanks to the island’s position in the Atlantic Ocean and its topography. Atlantic swells generate powerful and consistent waves, ideal for surfers of all levels. The island’s surf spots offer a variety of waves, from Las Canteras beach in Las Palmas, with its beginner-friendly waves, to more advanced spots like El Confital, El Frontón, and El Pagador, which provide hollow and powerful waves for experienced surfers. Our surf hostel La Ventana Azul is located right along Las Canteras beach, in front of the surf spot of La Cicer, which makes it the ideal hostel for surf adepts who want to wake up, grab their board and hop in the water in just 30 seconds!

Ultimately, there is no single ‘best’ island for surfing in the Canaries, as each island has its own unique character and a variety of surf spots. Surfers should consider their skill level and personal preferences before choosing which island to visit. That said, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote are all world-renowned surf destinations that are worth exploring.