Surf in Famara: the legendary surf beach of the Canary Islands

Famara combines three factors rarely found together: quality waves year-round, a sandy bottom (much safer than the reef breaks at many Canarian spots), and an infrastructure of professional schools with decades of experience. In winter (October to March), North Atlantic swells arrive, offering serious surf conditions. In summer (May to September), waves are smaller and more consistent — the perfect setting for beginners.

Furthermore, the surroundings are spectacular: the Famara Cliff and the silhouette of La Graciosa in the background turn every session into a postcard. It’s no coincidence that it’s the most photographed surf beach in the Canary Islands.

Famara is not a single spot, but a succession of peaks stretching 6 km. Beginners usually surf in the central and southern areas of the beach (in front of Caleta de Famara village), where the bottom is soft and waves break progressively. This is where most schools operate and where introductory lessons are taught.

Intermediate surfers look for the middle section of the beach, with more defined peaks and longer-riding waves. There are specific areas (which change with each tide) where high-quality left and right breaks form.

Advanced surfers head towards the northern end, to 'San Juan' and other less crowded peaks, where the wave is faster, hollower, and sometimes barreling. When a big swell hits, Famara can offer championship conditions — in fact, the beach hosts local circuit competitions every year.

October to March: High season for surfing in Lanzarote. North Atlantic swells generate quality waves of 1.5 – 3 m, with occasional much larger days. Water temperature: 18 – 20 °C (3/2 mm wetsuit). This is the best time for intermediate and advanced surfers.

April to June and September to October: mid-season. Smaller (0.8 – 1.5 m) but very consistent waves. Water temperature 19 – 21 °C. Ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers.

July and August: the calmest season. Small waves (0.5 – 1 m) almost every day, water at 22 °C — the absolute best time for a beginner to learn to surf without frustration.

Famara has a high concentration of surf schools — some with over 20 years of experience and all with instructors certified by the Canary Surf Federation or equivalent international bodies. At Benty, we work with selected schools that meet strict safety standards (small ratios, PRO equipment, insurance included).

An introductory lesson lasts 2 to 3 hours and includes equipment (softboard + wetsuit), beach theory, warm-up, and the in-water session. Groups are usually 6-8 people per instructor. For continuous progression, the most cost-effective options are 3, 5, or 10-lesson packages.

Famara is located in the municipality of Teguise, 25 km from Arrecife (30 min by car via LZ-1 + LZ-30 + LZ-401). From Costa Teguise, it's 20 min, and from Puerto del Carmen, about 35 min. There's free parking on the Caleta de Famara beachfront and along the track that runs north along the beach.

If you're staying in Caleta de Famara, you can walk to the beach — it's the ideal plan for an intensive surf week, as you can link several sessions a day following the tides. Costa Teguise is also a good base if you want to combine surfing with windsurfing and wing foil.