The island’s beaches make it an exceptional destination with incredible weather conditions that allow surfing all year round
With its pleasant climate, crystal clear waters and a stunning coastline that is home to a wide variety of beaches, the island has become a paradise for surfers of all levels. If you are an enthusiastic beginner looking for thrills and gentle waves to start your surfing adventure, here are the best beaches in Lanzarote for beginners.
The best beaches for surfing beginners
Lanzarote, the jewel of the Canary archipelago, is bathed by the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic and is home to a variety of beaches that offer ideal conditions for surfing. From wide beaches exposed to challenging waves to more sheltered corners with gentle waves, Lanzarote has something for all levels and styles of surfers.
Below, we present some of the best beaches on the island for surfing, discovering the wonders that each has in store for those looking to catch waves and have an unforgettable experience in this surfing paradise.
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La Garita Beach
La Garita beach is one of the favourites for beginners. This natural paradise is located in the village of Arrieta and is surrounded by the mountains of Haría, offering visitors a unique landscape. The beach has a calm atmosphere, and the water is crystal clear and clean.
A small seawall protects the beach from big waves, creating ideal conditions for surfing, regardless of your level. During the summer, in particular, conditions tend to be perfect for those who are just starting out in this sport.
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Famara Beach
Famara beach is one of Lanzarote’s most popular beaches and a favourite spot for beginners and experienced surfers alike. It is located on the northeast coast of Lanzarote and offers gentle, steady waves, making it an excellent choice for first-time surfers.
Famara beach is 6 km long, embraced by an impressive cliff and offering perfect views of the island of La Graciosa on the horizon. This is undoubtedly a magical place to enjoy waves, but its surroundings are fantastic too. In the village, located just a few metres from the beach, you can find surf schools, restaurants and supermarkets.
Other surfing paradises for experienced surfers
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La Cantería Beach
In Órzola, a village located in the geographical north of the island, you will find La Cantería beach, also known as Playa de Atrás, offering several breaks with waves that are a lot of fun and not very busy. The strong currents and the intense wind that generally prevails on the beach make it ideal for surfing when the wind is coming from the south.
Different waves roll in here, mostly without any defined break, except for one from the left that usually breaks in the middle of the beach. Those who know this place also know that it is worth waiting a whole year just to be able to surf the quality waves that usually appear with the arrival of autumn.
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Montaña Bermeja Beach
In the south-eastern part of Lanzarote, leaving the village of El Golfo in the direction of Los Hervideros, you’ll find Montaña Bermeja beach. Black sand, volcanoes and the sea make up the landscape of this small corner of the island. Montaña Bermeja beach has a spectacular right-handed wave.
However, you should bear in mind that the beach is barely 100 metres wide, with strong currents and a bottom of volcanic rock and sand, so you really need to have good control of your board to be able to enjoy this impressive spot. This wave is at its best at low tide and if your surfing session is at sunset, you’ll be able to contemplate one of the best sunsets on the island.
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La Santa
Finally, you can’t miss a visit to La Santa to hang out in this Olympus for surfers. Just below the village of La Santa you’ll find the El Quemao wave, a spot reserved for top-level surfers that every year hosts the international Quemao Class competition.
The El Quemao wave is a machine that turns out fast, deep tubes, perfect for expert surfers. It has a vertical drop and a deep take off facing the tube. Although it’s famous for its left wave, El Quemao also opens up from the right, forming a fast, hollow wave.
If you head in the direction of Club La Santa, you’ll come across the famous Ola de La Izquierda wave, which is hollow and tubular, although it also breaks to the right. This wave, like El Quemao, is formed in very unique weather conditions and only at certain times of the year.
Tips for surfers, whether beginner or experienced
Whether you are just starting out on your surfing adventure, or you already have experience, it‘s always good to keep in mind a series of tips to get the most out of your sessions:
- Water safety: Before entering the water, make sure you know the sea conditions and are adequately prepared. Always use a leash to keep your surfboard close to you and remember to use waterproof sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
- Surf lessons: If you‘re a beginner, consider taking some surfing sessions with professional instructors to get some basic knowledge of the sport and learn the proper techniques. Their experience will give you safety tips and help you develop a solid foundation for safe, exciting surfing.
- Suitable surfboards: For beginners, the ideal surfboards are long and wide, as they offer greater stability and make paddling easier. As you develop your skills, you’ll learn to handle shorter, more manoeuvrable boards
- Respect and etiquette in the water: Showing respect towards other surfers is a basic attitude in this sport, as well as following the rules of etiquette in the water. Respect each other’s turn and avoid interfering with other surfers’ waves.
- Enjoy the environment: Surfing is not only about the waves, but also about the natural environment that surrounds you. The island of Lanzarote offers spectacular landscapes that will give you a unique experience on the waves. Take time to appreciate the beauty of the coastline, the volcanic environment and the serenity of the ocean.
Lanzarote is a favourite destination for adventure tourism. And surfing is one of the sports that has gained most fans in recent times, as the beaches of the island always offer an incredible experience.
