The best surf spots in Lanzarote

Famara (southern and central zone): the quintessential spot for beginners. Sandy bottom, progressively breaking waves, professional schools, and lifeguards. This is where 90% of new surfers in Lanzarote learn.

Caleta Caballo: small beach northwest of Famara, ideal when Famara is saturated or too crowded. Mixed bottom but gentle waves at mid-high tide. Recommended only with a local guide for the first few days.

Playa de las Cucharas (Costa Teguise): Although it's a windsurfing spot, on windless days it offers small, clean waves suitable for practicing take-offs and first maneuvers.

Famara (northern zone): more defined peaks, lefts and rights with a long ride. Requires constant paddling and good positioning. A good spot to transition from soft to hardboard.

San Juan: a long right-hand wave north of Famara, a classic during the Canarian winter. Works with north-northwest swell and mid-tide. There's a current — it's not a spot for your first unassisted session.

Bocabarranco: powerful right-hand wave over sand and rock bottom, right next to Famara. Works on big days — for solid intermediates and advanced surfers.

El Quemao (La Santa): the most iconic spot in the Canary Islands and one of the most serious in Europe. A hollow and extremely fast left over a lava reef — only for surfers with real skill and prior experience in reef waves. Best with a west-northwest swell and mid-outgoing tide.

La Santa (Slab): a powerful right-hand wave directly in front of El Quemao. Few surfers ride it — mandatory barrel and serious consequences if you fall.

Morro Negro and Jameos: reef spots in the north of the island, with world-class waves when a large swell arrives. Difficult access, sharp bottom, and always with experienced local surfers.

El Risco: a long left at the foot of the cliff, accessible only on foot or by boat. A huge reward when it's working — but also a logistical effort.

North Coast (Famara, La Santa, San Juan, Jameos): works mainly with North Atlantic swells from October to March. In summer there are smaller but still surfable waves almost every day. Northeast trade winds — look for mornings or evenings depending on the spot.

South and East Coast (Playa Blanca, occasional Arrieta): works with south or east swells, much less frequent but useful when the north is flat or too big.

Tides: many reef spots only work within a specific tidal range. Before going, check the local tide chart, and if you don't know the spot, always go with someone who does or book a class/guiding with a local school.

Respect the locals and the lineup hierarchy — Lanzarote has a close-knit and active surfing community. Greeting others, giving way on your first session, and not paddling around those with priority are basic etiquette.

Protect the reef: many spots are over sharp lava. Wetsuit boots are recommended in spots like El Quemao, Morro Negro, or Jameos. Always carry a basic first-aid kit.

If in doubt, book a guide or a lesson: local schools know the tides, winds, and actual level of each spot. You'll learn more in one day than in a week of guessing on your own.