Surfing in Lanzarote

The Canary Islands are that stunning archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, not far from the coasts of Morocco, that can be reached with a few hour's flight from pretty much anywhere in Europe and beyond. They fly the Spanish flag and therefore are soaked in that typical Spanish convivial and chilled culture we love so much. The islands are all of volcanic origins and still experiencing volcanic activity, hence the amazing extraterrestrial landscapes of black and red earth, deserts, and peculiar vegetation that can be found all over.

Today we set sail to possibly the most unique island of all - Lanzarote. It is not a coincidence that Lanzarote is also called the “European Hawaii”, for the dramatic cliffs and the Mars-like volcanic landscapes that create unique color contrasts throughout the island. 

Renting a sailboat in Lanzarote is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one of those things you have to check off your bucket list if you haven’t done it yet. The conditions for sailing around Lanzarote are perfect, even though you should be an experienced sailor or have a skipper on board to be safe in all situations. The presence of strong winds, typical of such islands in the Atlantic Ocean, makes it a paradise for sailors but also quite dangerous if you’re not skilled enough. 

We suggest renting a boat with a skipper to enjoy your holiday to the fullest!

Needless to say, the winds of this island make it also a great place for practicing some of the funniest water activities, such as surfing and windsurfing. Beaches in Lanzarote have waves for all levels, so you can choose according to your level. 

If you’re into water sports and would like to try something different while on holiday, this article is for you! Here’s a list of the best surfing spots in Lanzarote.

Lanzarote Surf Season

It is important to know which season to visit Lanzarote if you want to practice some surfing according to your level. Summers are usually very flat as the waters are calm, whilst winter is the perfect season for experiencing the real power of the ocean. 

November - February: this is the period where the energy of the ocean really kicks in, perfect for pro surfers of all ages. 

March-May: Spring is a great period for those intermediate surfers who want to improve their skills by taking waves that are still strong, but less powerful than during winter. 

June-August: Summer is the hottest period of the year in Lanzarote, but also the one in which waves dip to their lowest. However, this is a great time to practice this sport for the first time, catching small waves or foam and learning how to stand on the board. 

September-October: Finally, this is a good moment for beginners to intermediates who want to upgrade their skills when the ocean is not too powerful. You can check the local beach cams to make sure that you find the right spot for a good day of surfing. 

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Caleta de Famara 

This playa deserves the first spot for great beach breaks and amazing landscapes. You will practice surfing surrounded by a jaw-dropping scenario of the Risco mountain forming a sort of wave made of rock that extends along the beach and continues toward the ocean. The picture says it all! The strong wind makes it also a great place for kitesurfing pretty much every day.  

The town of Famara is a typical surfer spot with lots of cafes, bars, and yoga centers to discover. Needless to say, there are countless surf shops where you can rent your equipment or book a class. 

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Orzola 

Playa de Orzola is another beginner-friendly beach break located on the northern side of the island. Due to its exposure to harsh winds, it tends to be hit by high waves during specific times of the year, but with a bit of research before heading there, you will know when to visit. Get mesmerized by this beach's beautiful landscapes, with the high cliffs rising from the sea. The nearby town of Orzola is a pretty fisherman village that is also worth visiting. 

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Jameos del Agua

With its great waves all year long and a deep reef, Jameos del Agua is one of the nicest surfing points on the island. The beach is well protected from the winds, and with the right conditions can offer some of the longest waves you can ride in Lanzarote. It’s a very popular spot for local surfers so be wary of localism.

Jameos del Agua is also very popular for the presence of natural caves created by volcanic eruptions, which can of course be visited.

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La Santa 

La Santa is one of the most famous surfing spots in Lanzarote, but definitely not a break for beginners or even intermediates. The waves roll straight over a shallow volcanic reef, creating one of the best but also one of the most dangerous spots in the world. 

If you’re not a pro surfer, we suggest visiting this place to watch some high-skilled ones doing their best tricks on dangerous and powerful waves! 

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Needless to say, Lanzarote is a beautiful island with countless things to do apart from surfing. 

The southern side of the island is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the warm weather, with turquoise-water beaches and restaurants for all tastes scattered in the beautiful towns of Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca. Don’t miss the stunning beach of Playa de Papagayo! 

The capital city of Arrecife is the perfect place to enjoy the vivid nightlife, hopping between bars, restaurants, and clubs. 

The inland can be visited by renting a car or using public buses, taking those typical infinite black roads in the middle of the desert that will make you feel like you are on another planet. Pay a visit to the renowned Jardin de Cactus, a fascinating garden full of various species of cacti spread along a suggestive volcanic landscape. 

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Enjoy a fantastic sailing holiday in Lanzarote by renting one of our boats. Check the availability on our website and book your next dreamy adventure!