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Surf Location Overview: Canaries
Powerful volcanic reefs. Warm water. Excellent climate. Popular tourist destination.
For a long time now, The Canary Islands have been a favourite winter escape for surfers across Europe and beyond. Their excellent climate, warm, clear waters and volcanic reefs make them an instant hit with anyone looking to escape the cold. But don’t be fooled into thinking that they only receive waves in the winter months. Although the swells are more consistent throughout this period, their shores can receive powerful Atlantic waves year-round. But no matter when you choose to surf The Canaries, one thing is for sure – know your limits. Some of the more famous spots have big reputations, and for good reason. So until you think you’re 100% ready to tackle their shallow waves, stick to the other breaks and you’ll enjoy your trip a whole lot more!
FUERTE’
Fuerteventura is home to a wide variety of breaks, with waves to be found to suit any level of surfer. From beach breaks and reefs to offshore island point breaks, there’s more than enough to keep most surfers happy here. There are long, long, walling waves to be found at Los Lobos, shorter, more intense barrels at Spew Pits and The Bubble, or punchy beach break waves at El Cotillo. But travel away from some of these well known spots and you may just find somewhere even better, and crowd-free!
LANZA’
Although Lanzarote has a number of quality beach breaks and points, it is better known in the surfing world for its fast, hollow reefs. Once you’ve experienced the raw power on offer at places like El Quemao, La Santa or Ghost Town, you’ll see why it has been described as the Hawaii of the Atlantic. But try not to get overly distracted by these more publicized spots, as they’re not easy places to get waves. Spend some time exploring its rugged coastline, and score some of the quality waves that are far too often missed by most travelling surfers.
TENERIFE
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, and attracts powerful swells on its south-west and north facing coasts. In the early days of surfing, it developed a reputation of being the busiest of the seven islands. So nowadays, it is often overlooked by travelling surfers and its abundance of reef breaks are left largely to the locals. The SW coast is home to a number of quality waves, just a stone's throw away from the popular tourist destination of Playa de las Americas. But head further north away from the nightclubs and you'll experience some of its lesser known reef breaks - any you won't be disappointed!
Go on - find yourself somewhere to stay, and get out there!
