Written by Jeppe – surf blogger and former coastal lifeguard on the Danish west coast for 5 years. More about Jeppe.
Lanzarote has a sharper edge than the other Canary Islands. The island is raw, volcanic and exposed – and the waves reflect that. Fast, hollow reef breaks over lava rock have earned it the nickname “the Hawaii of Europe”.
But Lanzarote isn’t only for experts. Famara, a long beach backed by dramatic cliffs, is one of the best places in Europe to build confidence in bigger surf. This guide covers the main spots, when to go, where to stay and how to stay safe on reef.
Is Lanzarote right for your level?
- Beginners: possible, but stick to Famara with a surf school. The reefs are not for you yet.
- Intermediates: Famara is perfect for progressing in bigger, more powerful waves without committing to reef.
- Advanced and expert surfers: the reefs around La Santa are some of the most performance-oriented waves in Europe on a proper winter swell.
👉 If you’re newer to surfing and want the Canaries, Fuerteventura is the more forgiving choice – and it’s only a 30-minute ferry away.
The best surf spots in Lanzarote
Lanzarote’s surf is concentrated on the north-west coast, which faces straight into the Atlantic swell. Two areas matter most: the long beach at Famara and the reef breaks around the village of La Santa.
Famara – the island’s surf beach
Famara is a kilometres-long sandy beach below the towering Risco de Famara cliffs. With peaks spread along the whole beach, there’s room for everyone, and it picks up swell on most days. It’s where the surf schools work, and where beginners and intermediates spend most of their time. On bigger days it gets powerful, and the wind can be strong in the afternoons.
Best for: Beginners with a school, intermediates.
La Santa – reef breaks for experienced surfers
The coastline around La Santa holds a series of high-quality reef breaks, both lefts and rights, each working slightly differently depending on swell direction and tide. On a proper winter swell this becomes one of the most serious surf zones in Europe – fast, hollow and shallow over lava rock. Watch first, and only paddle out if you’re confident on reef.
Best for: Advanced and expert surfers.
El Quemao – the famous heavy left
Right in La Santa village breaks El Quemao, Lanzarote’s best-known wave: a short, heavy and hollow left over a shallow lava reef. It has hosted international competitions and is strictly for experts. For everyone else, it’s a spectacular wave to watch from the shore.
Best for: Experts only.
When to surf in Lanzarote
| Season | Waves | Water | Wetsuit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct – Mar | Consistent winter swell, the reefs turn on | approx. 18–20 °C | 3/2 mm | Intermediates and experts |
| Apr – Jun | Smaller, still surfable most days at Famara | approx. 19–21 °C | 3/2 or 2/2 mm | Beginners and intermediates |
| Jul – Sep | Small, often windy (trade winds) | approx. 21–23 °C | Shortie or boardshorts | Beginners |
The short answer: October to March if you’re after the reefs. Famara works for learners most of the year.
👉 Planning a winter trip? Compare Lanzarote with Madeira, Morocco and Cape Verde in our winter surfing guide.
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Caleta de Famara – a small surf village with sandy streets right next to Famara beach. Surf schools, a few cafés and a laid-back atmosphere. The obvious base for beginners and intermediates.
La Santa – a small village next to the reef breaks. The base for experienced surfers who want to be close to the heavier waves.
Costa Teguise – a larger resort town on the east coast with more hotels and restaurants. Around half an hour from Famara by car – practical if you’re travelling with non-surfers.
Getting there and getting around
- Airport: Lanzarote (ACE), near Arrecife – around half an hour by car to Famara or La Santa.
- Flights: direct flights from many Northern European airports, especially in winter. Typical flight time is around 4.5–5.5 hours.
- Car: highly recommended – the island is small, but public transport to the surf spots is limited.
- Island hopping: ferries run from Playa Blanca in the south to Corralejo on Fuerteventura in about 30 minutes.
Surf schools and rental
Most surf schools and surf camps are based in Caleta de Famara and teach on Famara beach. Board and wetsuit rental is available in the village. For the reefs, you’ll want your own board – and the experience to match.
Safety: what a lifeguard would tell you
Lanzarote is where the right spot choice matters most. From my years as a lifeguard, these are the things I’d keep in mind:
- Reef is unforgiving. Lava rock is sharp and often shallow, and sea urchins are common. Wear reef booties, and learn where to paddle in and out before you go.
- Watch the currents at Famara. A long, open beach with strong swell can produce rip currents. If you’re pulled out, paddle parallel to the beach rather than against the current.
- Small on reef still means powerful. Waves that look small from the shore can hit much harder over reef than the beach breaks you know from home.
- Respect the locals. The reef lineups are tight-knit. Wait your turn and don’t drop in.
👉 Read our 5 essential surf safety rules.
What does a surf trip to Lanzarote cost?
A week including flights, an apartment in Famara or Costa Teguise, a rental car and food typically lands around €900–1,300 per person. Prices vary a lot with season and booking time, so treat this as a rough guide.
FAQ – surfing in Lanzarote
Is Lanzarote good for beginners?
Yes, at Famara with a surf school. The reef breaks around La Santa are for experienced surfers only.
When is the best time to surf in Lanzarote?
October to March for the most consistent swell and the reefs. Famara is surfable for beginners most of the year.
Do I need reef booties?
On the reef breaks, yes – lava rock and sea urchins are common. On Famara beach you don’t need them.
Lanzarote or Fuerteventura?
Fuerteventura if you want more forgiving waves and more variety for all levels. Lanzarote if you’re experienced and want more powerful reef breaks – or if you want to learn at Famara.
Can I combine Lanzarote with Fuerteventura?
Yes – the ferry from Playa Blanca to Corralejo takes around 30 minutes.
More from the Canary Islands
Compare Lanzarote with Fuerteventura and Tenerife, or read the full Canary Islands surf guide. Looking further afield? See our guide to warm-water surf destinations, including Madeira and Taghazout.
👉 Still deciding? Try our surf destination calculator 🌊