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Surfing in the Canary Islands: Best surf spots + eco-friendly hotels

ByEcoOceanEscapes

Situated 100 kilometres off the coast of Morocco, the Canary Islands are closer to Africa than they are to their governing country of Spain.

This volcanic archipelago, which is geologically active, is also geographically diverse. Some regions feature verdant forests while others are sparse and barren, often compared to the moon.

Colonial towns and cities dot the Canary Islands. Their historic architecture and cobblestone streets stand in contrast to the endless blue of the surrounding sea. It’s here that you’ll find some incredible waves.

While the Canary Islands consists of eight main islands, most surfers head to one of the “big four” – Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Here, you’ll find both beginner-friendly breaks and challenging waves that will appeal to the most seasoned surfers.

The accessibility of these larger, more populated islands is an added bonus. In short, there are well-connected transportation networks and an inspiring choice of sustainable accommodation.

In this article, discover everything you need to know about surfing in the Canary Islands. We’ll highlight the best places to surf in the Canary Islands + eco-friendly places to stay in Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife.

Looking for more of the best surf destinations in Europe? Check out our guides to surfing in Ireland, Iceland, Portugal and Norway.

A whitewashed town backed by volcanic landscapes in the Canary Islands
A whitewashed town backed by volcanic landscapes in the Canary Islands

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Fuerteventura

Best place to learn to surf in the Canary Islands

Fuerteventura is a paradise for beach lovers, boasting some of the most sublime stretches of sand in the Canary Islands. With dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, its no wonder sun-seekers from around the world flock here.

Thanks to its accessibility and abundance of beginner-friendly waves, Fuerteventura has rightfully earned its reputation as the surfing capital of the Canaries.

The lively town of Corralejo serves as the epicentre of the island’s surfing scene. It’s home to a thriving community of surf schools and camps that cater to wave riders of all skill levels.

From the blustery conditions of Flag Beach (a favourite among kitesurfers) to the more mellow breaks of El Cotillo, Fuerteventura offers spots to suit every surfer’s needs.

Advanced surfers should head to treacherous Spew Pits with its jagged reefs. It provides a playground reserved only for the island’s most daring.

Eco-friendly hotels in Fuerteventura

Dreamsea Surf House

Best eco-friendly surf hostel in Fuerteventura

Offering both private and shared rooms is this eco-friendly surf house in Corralejo. It’s located just steps from the beach and has easy access to some of the island’s best waves.

Dreamsea is taking strides when it comes to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. A portion of all profits go to support environmental initiatives.

Aside from offering yoga classes and surf programs for all levels, Dreamsea also runs regular beach cleanups. 

“Perfect place to stay: away from the city buzz and nearby the beach.” – Juan (read more reviews here)

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Yellow sun loungers outside the whitewashed buildings of Buendia Corralejo, an eco-friendly hotel in Fuerteventura
Yellow sun loungers outside the whitewashed buildings of Buendia Corralejo, an eco-friendly hotel in Fuerteventura (photo courtesy of Expedia)

Buendia Corralejo

Best eco-friendly apartments in Fuerteventura

Dubbing itself a “nohotel”, this trend-setting property is instantly recognisable thanks to the mustard sunloungers that fringe its centrepiece pool.

From reducing plastics to using locally sourced products, Buendia Corralejo is striving to be the most eco-friendly hotel in Fuerteventura. The spacious apartments come with fully-equipped kitchens so you can prepare your own meals while the private patios are the ideal spot to kick back. 

“The hotel itself is just very cool and nicely designed, the location is amazing.” – Aleksandra (read more reviews here)

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Surfing in the Canary Islands: Waves lap a black sand beach
Surfing in the Canary Islands: Waves lap a black sand beach

Gran Canaria

Best place for surf and culture in the Canary Islands

Surfing in Gran Canaria revolves primarily around the island’s bustling capital, Las Palmas. It serves as a hub for the island’s wave-riding community.

At the heart of this surf scene is the iconic break known as La Cicer. This mellow wave has welcomed more beginner surfers than you could count.

While it may be a bit of a “kook fest” at times, La Cicer’s consistent swell make it an immensely fun and reliable wave to surf, especially when the winds are clean off-shore. 

If you’re an experienced surfer, Gran Canaria also offers a wealth of more challenging options. The reefs at La Barra and the rocky-bottomed breaks of La Guancha provide a sterner test for intermediate and advanced surfers.

Venturing further down the island’s east coast, surfers can discover lazy, forgiving wedges at Playa del Hombre. It’s perfect for intermediate surfers looking to hone their skills.

And for those seeking the ultimate challenge, the monstrous wave at El Frontón promises to put even the most seasoned veterans to the test.

Eco-friendly hotels in Gran Canaria

Hotel Catalina Plaza Sostenible

Best eco-friendly boutique hotel in Gran Canaria

This boutique hotel in Las Palmas has sustainability at the fore. Throughout its operations, renewable energy sources have been utilised and waste has been minimised.

Local, organic produce is showcased at the in-house restaurant. Meanwhile, the rooftop jacuzzi is the perfect place to relax in between surfs.

This eco-friendly hotel in Gran Canaria also boasts a well-equipped fitness centre and inspiring vertical gardens that contribute to its sustainability goals. 

“The rooftop bar was the best place to hang out and work from in the evenings.” – Aaron (read more reviews here)

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A communal lounge at Hotel Catalina Plaza Sostenible, an eco-friendly hotel in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
A communal lounge at Hotel Catalina Plaza Sostenible, an eco-friendly hotel in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria (photo courtesy of Expedia)

Hi Tide Surf House

Best eco-friendly surf house in Gran Canaria

Directly across from Playa de Las Canteras is this eco-friendly Las Palmas surf hostel. It’s set across three floors, with your choice of dorm or private room.

There are lots of communal areas where you can meet other surfers and you can check the waves each morning from the breezy terrace. Guests always comment about how clean this Gran Canaria surf hostel is and the amazing views on offer. 

“The place is amazing and really deserves the 5 stars!” – Anthony (read more reviews here)

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Surfing in the Canary Islands: A whitewashed stone building drenched in sunshine
Surfing in the Canary Islands: A whitewashed stone building drenched in sunshine

Lanzarote

Best place for big wave surfing in the Canary Islands

With its stark, otherworldly landscapes, Lanzarote has firmly established itself as one of the premier surf destinations in the Canary Islands. In fact, it’s reputation is such that many refer to it as the “European Hawaii”.

Located in the far northeast of the archipelago, Lanzarote is ideally situated to capture the powerful swells rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean.

While the long, inviting stretch of sand at Caleta is a magnet for beginner and intermediate surfers, the true standouts of Lanzarote’s surf scene lie elsewhere.

The pros and thrill-seekers make a beeline for the hollow waves of El Quemao at a spot also known as “The Slab”. Alternatively, they head down the coast to the resort town of La Santa.

Along the island’s eastern shores, a number of point breaks north of Costa Teguise provide excellent surfing opportunities. Thankfully, they see less traffic than the showpiece waves elsewhere.

Eco-friendly places to stay on Lanzarote

Eco Village Finca De Arrieta

Best eco-friendly village resort in Lanzarote

With its solar-powered pool and low-impact yurts, this eco-friendly accommodation in Lanzarote is a poster child of sustainable tourism.

It’s eclectically designed and suitable for solo surfers, couples and families. All while being within easy reach of the surf breaks along the northeast coast. 

Aside from the yurts, there’s an Eco Surf Shack that combines Moroccan and Balinese design influences. 

“The entire concept of sustainability, recycling, and environmental stewardship embraced by this place is nothing short of admirable. It’s heartwarming to see a space that not only offers a nice retreat but also actively contributes to the well-being of our planet.” – Nath (read more reviews here)

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A leafy patio at Los Lirios - an eco-friendly rural property on Lanzarote
A leafy patio at Los Lirios – an eco-friendly rural property on Lanzarote (photo courtesy of Expedia)

Los Lirios

Best eco-friendly hotel in Lanzarote for adults-only

Tucked away from the crowds, this adults-only hotel on Lanzarote is a champion of sustainability. Most notably, it utilises renewable energies and water-saving technologies to keep its environmental footprint to a minimum.

Los Lirios occupies a beautifully restored farmhouse within the most tranquil setting, not far from the beaches on Lanzarote’s southeast coast.

A stay at this eco-friendly Lanzarote hotel is all about connecting with the rural culture of the Canary Islands (and enjoying a kid-free experience!)

“Pure 10 out of 10. It’s traditional, it’s rural, it’s beautifully designed and arranged. It’s comfortable, peaceful and so charming.” – Rogla (read more reviews here)

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Surfing in the Canary Islands: Looking across a collection of red roofed buildings toward the Atlantic Ocean
Surfing in the Canary Islands: Looking across a collection of red roofed buildings toward the Atlantic Ocean

Tenerife

Best place to surf in the Canary Islands for nightlife

As the most developed of the Canary Islands, Tenerife offers a unique surf scene. It’s a place that blends the thrill of riding waves with the lively energy of its coastal communities.

The island’s shoreline is dotted with seaside promenades that teem with the familiar trappings of resort towns, from fast food chains to sunset bars that cater to the après-surf crowd. Yet amidst this atmosphere, Tenerife also boasts a handful of natural wonders that draw surfers in search of world-class waves. 

The colossal sea cliffs of Los Gigantes tower over the crashing surf. They provide a dramatic backdrop for the powerful breakers that roll in along this stretch of coastline.

Further south, the resort town of Playa de las Américas offers a mix of beginner-friendly reef breaks, as well as more challenging spots on the right swell.

Those seeking a more secluded surf experience should head to the island’s wilder north, such as Punta del Hidalgo. It harbours hidden gems such as the volcanic reef breaks of El Roquete.

And for those willing to brave ding-inducing rock formations, Benijos Beach offers some incredible opportunities. 

Eco-friendly hotels in Tenerife

Ecohotel El Agua

Best eco-friendly health retreat in Tenerife

Nestled just inland from Tenerife’s southeast coast is this Insta-worthy hotel, which lies in the historic village of Arico El Nuevo.

It epitomises minimalist luxury and eco-conscious living. In our opinion, the property having the atmosphere of a holistic health retreat.

With each booking, you’re helping to remove 200 plastic bottles from the sea thanks to this eco-friendly Tenerife hotel’s partnership with Gravity Wave. 

“The hotel is absolutely incredible, the owners curated the most thoughtful space. It’s the perfect place to unwind and find some peace.” – Constance (read more reviews here)

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Green Garden Eco Resort & Villas

Best eco-friendly resort in Tenerife for families

Just a stone’s throw from the breaks of Playa de las Americas is this Tenerife eco-resort. It features spacious one and two-bedroom villas that are popular with families.

Green Garden Eco Resort’s green credentials include the elimination of single-use plastics and non-biodegradable cleaning products. There’s also the addition of energy-saving lightbulbs and an electric vehicle charging station.

The onsite wellness facilities include a Turkish bath and a jacuzzi, plus a menu of massages and body treatments. 

“Great choice for a chilled week in the sun.” – Shonagh (read more reviews here)

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Surfing in the Canary Islands: Waves roll in with just a handful of surfers
Surfing in the Canary Islands: Waves roll in with just a handful of surfers

Best time to surf in the Canary Islands

September to March is the best time for surfing in the Canary Islands. This is when the dominant north to northwest swell direction combines with offshore winds to produce some of Europe’s most ideal surfing conditions.

Additionally, you can expect generally warm, sunny days. This makes the archipelago a popular winter escape for surfers based further north. That being said, bring a 3/2 or 2mm wetsuit if you’re hitting the waves during these cool months. 

The summer months of April through August bring a different dynamic to the islands’ surf scene. It’s true that things get smaller and less consistent overall. But there are still plenty of surfable days across the archipelago.

Surfers will need to rely more on wind swell during this period, rather than the long-period groundswells of winter. These smaller conditions are perfect for beginners to practice their skills or for more experienced surfers wanting to enjoy a casual surf session as part of their summer holiday.

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About the authors

We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.

Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.  

Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans. 

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