Detailed Guides on the Best Surfing Beaches in Lanzarote

Today, Pablo, head of instructors at Calima Surf, takes us on an exclusive tour of the island’s surfing gems, detailing everything you need to know about the best beaches for surfing, from wave conditions to accessibility and local tips.”

Pablo, could you provide us with a general overview of Lanzarote as a surfing destination? What makes this island special for surfers?

Lanzarote possesses a unique singularity owing to its island size. Being a relatively small island in the Atlantic, you’re exposed to a wide variety of swells coming from different directions. This gives us a lot of different peaks to surf and pretty much guaranteeing quality surf most of the time, an absolute luxury for surfing enthusiasts

For instance, if the swell comes from the northwest, Famara becomes the top choice, while if the force tilts a bit more towards the north, Órzola is great, and if it’s more northeast, Arrieta becomes an excellent option. In summary, Lanzarote offers a wide range of quality peaks along its entire coast.

Nevertheless, among these peaks, Famara stands out with its 6 km of extension and a great variety of surfing options.

It’s common for those who are learning, especially in surf classes, to focus on the first two kilometers, where there is also greater surveillance by lifeguards.

Furthermore, due to its extension, Famara beach offers a variety of surfing spots, meaning you can find waves of all intensities due to the sandy bottoms that constantly change.

Another aspect that makes Lanzarote an ideal surfing destination is the favorable weather throughout the year and the welcoming atmosphere between visitors and locals. In particular, Famara and its village stand out for this fusion between visitors and locals, where surfing is the passion that unites the entire community.

What specific safety tips do you recommend for surfers in Famara?

For beginner surfers, it’s essential to stay close to the initial area of the beach. Especially within the first 2 km where there will be a high number of surf instructors and lifeguards and therefore better chances of being supervised and assisted if necessary.

In places like Famara is very important since there can occasionally be very strong currents and being surrounded by qualified people will help you ensure your safety and supervision, as well as assistance if needed.

This caution is particularly important during high tide and strong currents. Being surrounded by more people in these areas ensures greater safety, supervision, and assistance if needed.

La Santa is renowned for its impressive waves. What are the unique characteristics of surfing in this area?

La Santa stands out because there are 3 different peaks that break on reef and its also very exposed to all the North/ Northwest swells that we consistently have and that get directly into the bay. This means that surfing here can be riskier due to the presence of rocks and strong currents.

It’s important to be realistic: La Santa is a slightly more protected area than Famara 

Beach, for example, due to localism and the presence of more experienced surfers, as there are more technical surf spots.

Nevertheless, within La Santa, we find three main peaks: “La Derecha”, “La Izquierda”, and “El Centrito”, which offer options for different skill levels, especially for those seeking rocky bottoms.

With the increasing popularity of surfing as a sport and more people traveling to practice it, it’s crucial to strike a balance between welcoming newcomers and respecting peaks that require a higher level of skill. Not every spot is suitable for every surfer.

El Quemao is renowned for its barrel and massive waves. What should advanced surfers know before tackling these powerful waves?

El Quemao is truly awe-inspiring and represents one of the greatest challenges for surfers worldwide. I recommend visiting the village of La Santa in December when the Quemao Class is held, a world-class competition that coincides with days of giant waves and perfect winds, creating enormous barrels; it’s truly an incredible spectacle.

At el Quemao, there is very little water covering the reef and the power this waves carry are on another level, meaning only high level surfers with a lot of expertise can tackle this break. It’s a real challenge where safety should be a priority. You’ll see some of the top surfers of the island surfing this break with helmets, and for good reason. Even during the Quemao class you’ll see the professionals wear the helmets, as anyone can easily make a mistake which can lead to serious injuries.

I invite everyone to witness this spectacle from the terraces and designated visitor areas in the village of La Santa; it’s truly impressive!

How can surfers access these beaches and what services can they find?

Getting to places like Famara is quite straightforward. In the village, there’s usually plenty of parking space available. However, I recommend that, if possible, you opt to walk as much as you can.

With the growth of tourism, beach parking lots can fill up quickly, especially with so many tourists renting cars.

If you’re visiting Famara and already have your board, I suggest you leave the car in the village and walk to the beach. If you need to rent equipment, you can always rely on Calima, which offers the best gear and surf lessons. Moreover, our classes always take place near the village, where Calima Surf School and other schools are located.

Additionally, the walk to the beach is truly delightful, especially given the typically good weather. Overall, you’ll find that it’s easier to reach the beach on foot than trying to park near it.

To ensure an optimal surfing experience in Lanzarote, what general advice would you give to visitors, both in terms of surfing and culture, and respect for the environment?

Firstly, if you’re looking to improve or start surfing, I recommend visiting our school, Calima Surf School, in Famara. There, you’ll find excellent opportunities to learn and develop in this sport.

Additionally, it’s important to familiarize yourself with surf culture. There are certain unwritten rules within the surf community that are worth knowing and respecting. Even with issues of localism that may arise, a smile and good manners can make a difference. Greeting people and introducing yourself can open many doors.

Lastly, it’s fundamental to respect the environment. Pick up your trash, respect the local fauna and flora, and treat the surroundings with care and consideration. Ultimately, we want to preserve these incredible places for future generations.

How can beginner and intermediate surfers make the most of their visit to these beaches without compromising their safety?

For beginner and intermediate surfers to make the most of their visit to these beaches without compromising their safety, it’s useful to learn how to read condition maps. Since we’re on an island, conditions can vary depending on the swell and wind in different areas. Mastering this skill will allow you to identify the best places to surf and have a more rewarding experience.

For example, in places like Famara, it’s important to consider that the wind direction may not always be perfect. However, it’s not something you should worry too much about, especially if you’re just starting out. With time and practice, you’ll learn to choose the ideal moments and places to surf.

In summary, learning to interpret condition maps will help you find the right waves for your skill level and enhance your surfing experience as you explore the incredible opportunities this island has to offer.