Top 10 surf spots in the Canary Islands
Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, does this sound familiar? The Manawa Blog takes you today to the Canary Islands, located off the coast of Morocco. Winter is coming and you are looking for a successful surfing trip in the sun, to ride some nice waves in the warmth? The Canary Islands have everything you need, with an average annual temperature of 22°. Here is our selection of the best surf spots in the Canaries...
El Hierro (Fuerteventura)
The most famous spot on Fuerteventura, a destination with 150km of beach that has become very trendy since the 80's, El Hierro "has" the most beautiful wave on the island according to the local tourist office and is a must for any surf trip in the Canaries! Located near Majanicho beach, in the north of the island, El Hierro (also known as Izquierda) has been made famous for the quality of its conditions taking place "between September and May, at high tide, with East-South-South-East-South-West winds and North-North-East-North-West swell". Its tubular wave will delight surf lovers, and will guarantee great sensations! Wave height in El Hierro: 90 cm to 1m50, but the spot can generate much bigger swells, producing waves of 2m40 to 3m. Note that it is recommended to use protective footwear to attack the spot!
Ideal period for surfing: between September and May
El Confital (Gran Canaria)
Considered one of the best coral reef rights in the Canary Islands, El Confital is one of the best waves in Europe for surfing. Located in the north east of Gran Canaria, this superb spot offers a right hander that will delight surfing experts. For those who love barrels, El Confital is the place to be! The swell is solid, with a reef wave of up to 3m. Popular with local surfers at weekends, El Confital will happily open up to adrenaline-seeking "surf tourists". According to the local tourist office, the best conditions for surfing occur between September and May, "at high tide, with east-north-east winds and north-north-west swell". Beware of the currents on big wave days!
Ideal period for surfing: between September and May
Bristol - Shooting Gallery (Fuerteventura)
There is no photo, Bristol - Shooting Gallery offers one of the best waves of the island of Fuerte, and is logically very frequented by surfers. Located ten minutes from the tourist centre of Corralejo, the spot offers a wave with varied sections and is very easy to access. At high tide, you can enjoy great swell conditions, ideal for riding until you run out of steam...
Ideal period for surfing: in winter
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Los Lobos (Fuerteventura)
Ready to discover the biggest wave in the Canary Islands? Located on the south-western coast of Lobos, the right-hand side of the same name is a perfect wave when the conditions are right. To access the spot, you'll need to be patient, as you'll have to take a boat from the centre of Corralejo to the island of Lobos, before taking a path for an hour. Note that the right hand side of Lobos is between 300m and 500m long, and is accessible to all levels. According to the local tourist office, "the chances of encountering the best conditions increase during the months of October to March, with winds from South-South East-South West-East and swell from West-North West-North", with waves of one to four metres.Ideal period for surfing: October to March
El Quemao (Lanzarote)
Another island in the Canary archipelago, Lanzarote also offers solid surfing conditions, notably at El Quemao. This famous spot is located in front of the fishing village of La Santa, and when there is a swell, the waves (up to 5m) and the tubes are there! Beware of the reef, a good surfing experience is necessary to face the barrels. This is a good training ground before tackling Teahupoo or Pipeline... The advantage is that you can enter the water from the pier in the village of La Santa. According to the local tourist office, "the best conditions in El Quemao occur between October and March, at high tide, with winds from the east-south-east and swell from the north."
Best time to surf: October to March
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El Lloret (Gran Canaria)
Right on! The Lloret spot has one of the best right-handers in Gran Canaria for surfing, according to the local tourist office. Located near Las Canteras beach, in the town of Las Palmas, the Canarian wave is powerful, technical and unmissable. Access to the sea is from a cove between the stone dykes, paying attention to the current. Ready to challenge El Lloret?Best time to surf: October to May
Igueste (Tenerife)
One of the best lefts in Tenerife is near the village of Igueste de San Andrés, let's face it! The spot of Igueste is the ideal place for all levels of surfing, each practitioner being able to choose his portion of waves according to his capacities. The spot is located in front of a pebble beach and is easily accessible. According to the tourist office, "low tide, North-West-South-West winds and North-North-East swell are the conditions where you can enjoy the quality of the spot. All the more reason to have fun in the Canaries!
Best time to surf: September to May
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La Santa (Lanzarote)
Close your eyes, you are in a little surfing paradise! The left side of La Santa, on the north west coast of the island of Lanzarote, is not suitable for beginners but more experienced surfers will enjoy the exhilarating sensations of this superb wave. Short and explosive, this wave is located in an area of high swell... Adrenaline guaranteed for surfers! According to the tourist office, "access to the water is complicated because you have to walk on the bay in front of the peak, always with care, and wear protective shoes because of the strength of the sea and its steep bottom". La Santa has to be deserved, and this is what makes it a unique spot...
Best time to surf: September to May
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San Juan (Lanzarote)
Here is a world class spot, one! San Juan has been hosting a WQS event on the surfing circuit for several years and is a favourite with local surfers. On the north west coast of Lanzarote, the left side of San Juan offers an exceptional ride quality. According to the local tourist office, "the best conditions for surfing occur between September and May, with South-South-East winds, and preferably at low tide". Watch out for the rocks!
Best time to surf: September to May
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Las Palmeras (Tenerife)
And to conclude this overview of good spots in the Canaries, what better than another world-class spot? The left of Las Palmeras meets all the criteria for surfing thrills, making it one of Tenerife's most popular tourist destinations. A spot set on a volcanic bottom, the left of Las Palmeras is known for its long-distance wave, ideal to have fun. According to the local tourist board, "its best time is between October and March, with high tide and winds from North-North East-North West and swell from West-Sued West-South East, forming waves of one to three metres." Did you say fun?
Best time to surf: October to March
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