The Canary Islands are considered by many to be the Hawaii of the Atlantic and many of the best waves can be found around the island of Lanzarote. The best surfing season here is the winter, from November to March when the waves reach one and a half to four metres high. The rugged coasts on the north of the island produce a great number of breakers that vary in difficulty, which makes the area well suited for all levels of ability.
The locals are very good surfers. When it looks like an easy surf, it isn't necessarily, the locals just make it look easy.
Thanks to its volcanic formation and geographical position, waves are received from all directions. There are sandy beaches in Famara and Orzola & Arrieta ideal for beginners and intermediate levels, as well as international category rocky spots like El Quemao, La Santa, San Juan etc. where experienced surfers enjoy larger and stronger waves.
Lanzarote is also a wind surfing paradise, one of the best places around the world, suitable for everyone from beginners to experts. The wind is almost always present due to the north-east trade wins.
There are areas for all the surfing skill level: safe and calm sites to begin like the lagoon of La Santa in the west coast or "Las Cucharas" on the days of little wind, and for the experts: beaches of Famara and the coast of the Jameos.
There are surf schools in Famara, along with surf hire shops. When you hire your surf gear, be sure to get all the local info, so you get to the right beach for the right conditions. If you hire a car remember to order a roof rack.
Jameos del Agua
Located on the east side of Lanzarote, close to its namesake tourist attraction, Jameos needs a decent amount of swell to start breaking. It's a left hand point break that has 2 distinct sections, on some days they can connect up to a long ride. When it's big it can be difficult to get in and out of the water. When it's small there's always a few beginners and bodyboarders at this spot.
Famara
A large beach at the village of Famara that has a good amount of swell and has left and right breaks over sand. The Famara area would be a good area to base yourself for a surfing holiday.
Famara harbour (Caleta de Famara)
A shallow left that breaks right a reef. Not for beginners. Famara Habour can get crowded as it is popular with the local surfers.
San Juan
Shallow reef break near to Famara. Mainly a left, but can also have a short right.
Morro Negro
Just past the La Santa complex is a little bay that is home to some serious surfing spots. An outside right that can hold some serious swell size, when it does you will need a semi gun. The inside can have either a reforming left or a nice right. On the other side of the bay is a short sucky left that can give some good barrels.
El Quemao
This left has been compared with Hawaii's Pipeline, and with a bit of swell it's easy to see why. A barrelling left close to shore that should only be considered by very experienced surfers.
Because of windy conditions, the Matagorda, Lima and Los Pocillos beaches are suitable for windsurfing, particularly for beginners.
