Advanced or beginner, you can’t go wrong with surfing in Tenerife: an endless summer climate and consistent swells make it a fantastic destination to ride some waves!
Did you know that the Canary Islands are considered Europe’s Hawaii? And not for no reason – the two share a few things in common: unrivaled nature, rugged peaks, limitless adventure, pristine beaches, and great surf! As the largest of the Canary Islands, you wouldnβt expect any less of Tenerife.
While many people head to the neighboring Fuerteventura for surf holidays, what makes Tenerife different is its addition of powerful winter waves, perfect for expert surfers. On the other hand, Fuerteventura caters mainly to beginner surfers and those seeking to refine their skills.
In this blog, I share my surfing in Tenerife tips, including the best time to go, where to stay for surfing in Tenerife, plus what to pack for a surf trip. But most importantly, I highlight the best surf spots on the island in both Tenerife North and Tenerife South; two entirely different surfing regions.
Surfing in Tenerife is the perfect activity to include in your Tenerife itinerary, especially if youβre an outdoor enthusiast who likes activities such as hiking and swimming. And hopefully, with the help of this Tenerife guide, youβll be catching waves in no time!
Why you should go surfing in Tenerife
Tenerife is constantly praised for being one of the best surfing destinations in Europe, and for a good reason! For one, thanks to its climate and geographical location, you can surf here all year round.
However, the biggest pro is that the beaches in Tenerife have all kinds of waves, tubes, and peaks: whether you are a beginner, an intermediate, or a professional surfer, you’ll find a suitable Tenerife beach for your surfing abilities.
Take your pick between a rugged array on the north side of the island, exposed to the cross-Atlantic currents in the winter, that result in enormous waves and beaches with boulder bottoms.
On the flip side, the south of the island, the more touristy region of Tenerife, caters more to those learning how to surf with more gentle shores.
When to go Surfing in Tenerife
Tenerife has fantastic weather and pretty impressive waves every season. However, depending on the time of the year, different surfing conditions ensue.
Surfing in Tenerife in Winter
Generally speaking, surfing in Tenerife in winter (from November to March) means more consistent waves and is better for the popular reef spots.
The main swell period in winter is in Tenerife’s northern region, where coves and bays shape the currents into neat walls and perfect breaks.
Tenerife’s southern end also offers various surfing spots since several of its reefs face westwards, where the Atlantic currents come from.
Do note that the biggest downside to surfing in Tenerife in winter is that the weather and water conditions don’t make it too beginner-friendly. However, with those larger waves, advanced surfers will finally get their big break (no pun intended)! 😉
In winter, the water temperature in Tenerife hovers around 19Β°C, so a 3/2mm wetsuit will keep you warm enough to surf for hours!
Surfing in Tenerife in Summer
On the other hand, the waves get much smaller during the summer period, from April to October. Yet, swells are a lot more unpredictable in the summertime, and winds massively change during the day.
Strong winds stemming from Africa can even blow out some of the surf spots on the island’s east coast. However, there are always spots to surf on most days along both the north and south shorelines.
The summer months in Tenerife are particularly appropriate if you are newly approaching surfing, as waves are less intense.
Since the water temperature in summer lingers around 22Β°C, you can comfortably ride the waves in your swimsuit!
Surfing in Tenerife Tips
Below are some Tenerife surfing tips you should consider before riding a surfboard:
- Before adventuring to hit some waves, you should check the forecast to see the sea and wind conditions.
- Ask local surf schools for suggestions on where to go surfing in Tenerife, especially if you are not knowledgeable about Tenerife’s best surf spots!
- Make sure to plan the time of your surf sessions to avoid crowded spots. Usually, people go surfing in Tenerife in the morning and right before sunset. So in this sense, midday is best for being almost alone in the water; however, you should consider that the waves around noon are not as great as in other moments.
- During the winter months surfing in Tenerife in the morning is the best time for an empty sea since locals are usually at work, and Tenerife isn’t packed with tourists then.
Read More on TenerifeΒ
- Tenerife itinerary: How to spend 5 incredible days in Tenerife
- 20 best villas in Tenerife you need to rent on your next holiday
- 9 Best Hikes in Tenerife
- The Best Nudist Beaches in Tenerife
- Natural Pools in Tenerife You Need to Visit
Best Spots for Surfing in Tenerife NorthΒ
El Arenal
Among the most accessible beaches in Tenerife sits El Arenal, which offers reliable conditions for surfing all year round and produces both left and right walls with heights of 2-3 feet (around 0.6 to 0.9 meters).
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During the summer months, El Arenal beach is great for beginners, but in winter, which is characterized by strong Atlantic currents and sandy seabed, the waves can culminate to 5 feet high (1.5 meters). So, it’s better to surf in El Arenal only if you are a regular-footed surfer.
El Charco
Just off the shores of the coastal town of Bajamar, you’ll come across El Charco, an exposed reef break.
Compared to the other surfing spots in the north of the island, El Charco is very unreliable when it comes to surfing conditions: most days, you will find small wedges that break individually between the rocks.
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But in winter, typified by northwest swells, El Charco becomes a paradise for those looking for XXL waves!
Surfing in El Charco is best around high tide and is generally not too crowded. Considering the surfing conditions, El Charco is mainly suited for intermediate surfers rather than first time surfers, but reserved for experts when the waves are extreme.
Playa Del Socorro
Playa Del Socorro is a local favorite spot for surfing in Tenerife. Its draws are its fine volcanic black-sand beach and excellent conditions for surfing in both winter and summer.
The waves break far from shore, and their height ranges from 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters). Surf in Playa Del Socorro can get pretty wild, with fast drop-ins and intense rips from time to time.
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If you have never surfed before, you should avoid surfing here before taking surf lessons. However, the waves are suitable for all levels of surfers, including beginners with some surfing experience.
Derecha de La Caleta
Derecha de La Caleta is another exposed reef beach heralding consistent surf conditions all year round, with waves formed by local and offshore winds from the south.
It offers mainly right-peaked waves, but you’ll also catch left ones on some points. Commonly, the waves tend to be around 6-8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters), but the reef can also deliver heights up to 12 feet tall (3.7 meters)!
La Caleta’s waves are great for surfers of all levels, but I’d say it’s safer to surf here if you’re at least an intermediate since they can often occur on the bigger side.
Best Spots for Surfing in Tenerife South
Playa de La Tejita
A stone’s throw away from Playa de las Americas and hugging the Red Mountain, you will find La Tejita –Β the best beginner-friendly place for surfing in all of Tenerife.
La Tejita beach is protected from powerful west swells, and the left and right waves here are usually chest-high.
If you have never surfed before and would love to try surfing in Tenerife, Playa de La Tejita provides ideal conditions, making it the perfect spot to give it a shot!
Alternatively, admire the Red Mountain on these Tenerife outdoor tours!
La Izquierda
Along the Playa de Las Americas promenade, stumble across another great surfing spot, La Izquierda. “Izquierda,” meaning “left” in Spanish, aptly describes the type of waves you will find here; some of the greatest left-hand waves in Europe!
Not surprisingly, this beach is among the most popular surf spots in south Tenerife, and it is known to be a real paradise for surfers who want to catch fast-breaking and powerful waves.
At La Izquierda beach, the waves usually reach 6 feet (1.8 meters) high, breaking over the volcanic coral and rocky seabed. And at its best in the west or northwest swell, the break works on all tides.
La Izquierda is nicely exposed, meaning that surfing conditions are consistent from Fall to Spring. So, I recommend surfing here if your ability is high-intermediate or advanced.
Venture beyond Playa de las Americas on a sunset catamaran tour and see whales and dolphins!
El Conquistador
El Conquistador is one of the best-known breaks in the south of Tenerife.
Another spot within the lively Playa de las AmΓ©ricas, El Conquistador, is renowned for its vibrant surfing atmosphere with lots of bars to hang out at after hitting epic waves.
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The waves here peak at approximately 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 meters) with an S-shaped swell and are fast and tubular. The seabed of El Conquistador is rocky, but the rock is so broken up that the surface is pretty comfortable underfoot.
With that being said, El Conquistador is the perfect surfing spot for beginners and relatively inexperienced surfers.
I recommend surfing at El Conquistador when the tide is medium to catch some great waves!
La Fitenia
Halfway from Playa de las AmΓ©ricas and Los Cristianos sits the flat section reef of La Fitenia.
The waves here are gentler and smaller than the surrounding spots, though you will find more challenging tides when the swell comes from a southerly direction.
Better for right-handed surfers, the waves in La Fitenia are usually long and wrapping right, but it also offers some decent left waves!
The rocky seabed might be difficult to deal with for beginners, so you should at least be an intermediate surfer to safely ride waves in La Fitenia.
If you ask me, the best time for surfing in La Fitenia is October to March.
Where to stay while surfing in Tenerife
I love renting a villa when vacationing in Tenerife. Staying in a villa is the best way to experience the local culture and scenery typical of the island, putting gems like banana plantations and black sand beaches on your doorstep. A sense of intimacy and a great deal of privacy are bonuses!
I cover a range of villas in the north and south of Tenerife in my blog post on the 20 best villas in Tenerife. However, Iβve narrowed it down below to where to stay for surfing in Tenerife.
Villa El Risco, Hacienda Cuatro Ventanas by Be Tenerife – This villa shares a privileged spot on the north coast of Tenerife, one only steps away from Playa del Socorro!
At such a short distance to the latter (200 meters or 650 feet), surfing in Tenerife has never been more accessible with a stay here. Another draw of Villa El Riscoβs is also the unbeatable sunset!
Check the availability at Villa El Risco!
Hacienda El Socorro – Like Villa El Risco, Hacienda El Socorro is merely moments away from Playa del Socorro. Derecha de La Caleta is also about a half-hour dive away.
Expect expansive ocean views and swathes of banana trees here – two components to an idyllic stay! This was the villa I rented during my 5 days in Tenerife, and I loved it!
Click here to rent Hacienda Soccorro by Be Tenerife!
Home2Book Luxury Villa Luna de Tacoronte Pool – Located in a laidback area within the northern city of San CristΓ³bal de La Laguna, a stay in this luxury villa puts you closer to the surfing spots of El Arenal and El Charco. Other highlights include pool views, a patio, and a spacious living area.
Casas Bioclimaticas Iter – Solitude and a reduced environmental footprint are features that characterize a stay at this villa. Get the chance to unplug at Casas Bioclimaticas, surrounded by a wind farm and rugged nature. The villa finds itself closest to Playa La Tejita as it’s a 15-minute drive away.
Book an eco-stay at Casas Bioclimaticas!
Villa White Whale – Located in Adeje, Villa White Whale, is less than a 15-minute drive from the surfing spots in Playa de Las Americas and less than a half hour away from Playa La Tejita. Here, bask in privacy and peace with a private pool and intimate garden as perks!
Read my thorough guide on the 20 best villas in Tenerife for more tips and information on accommodations in Tenerife.
What to pack for a surfing trip to TenerifeΒ Β
Below I highlight a few items you should consider adding to your Tenerife packing list to make the most of your trip surfing in Tenerife.
Wetsuit – If youβre planning on surfing in Tenerife quite a bit and targeting your trip during the winter months, packing this O’Neillβs 3/2mm full wetsuit will come in handy, especially if youβre not joining a surf school.
Reef Boots – The reef breaks in Tenerife are often rocky, so come prepared with some durable underwater shoes! These are super comfortable, lightweight, and warm, plus they donβt restrict free movement.
Quick Drying Towel – This compact and lightweight microfibre towel is excellent for drying off and sunbathing and won’t take up much space in your backpack.
Sunscreen with Zinc – Probably the most important thing youβll pack is some good quality sunscreen. This SUN BUM zinc-based cream is water resistant and provides the utmost sun protection with an SPF of 50. Plus, itβs vegan and reef friendly!
Surf Poncho – A life-changing beach accessory that you may not be too familiar with! This surf poncho lets you effectively get in and out of your wetsuit without flashing other beachgoers!
Reusable Water Bottle – Youβll be glad for some water after an hour or so of riding waves. This collapsible water bottle not only saves you space and is an eco-friendly solution to a plastic bottle, but it also keeps your water cool, and you can easily clip it to a backpack.
Go Pro – Iβm sure youβll want to capture that special moment catching your first wave or successfully riding a barrel. A Go Pro is a great waterproof camera option for taking high-quality pictures at sea. I use the GoPro Black 7, which can be submerged up to 10 meters, with no case needed. However, Iβm keeping my eye on the newest GoPro on the market, GoPro 11 Black.
Sun Hat – When youβre not surfing and just lazing on the beach, a trusty sun hat wonβt let you down, especially if youβve already caught some sun while surfing! Sun protection is always important, and this wide-brim straw hat boasts a UPF50+!
Polarized Sunglasses – For wear both on the water and out, these sunglasses effectively reduce eyestrain and promote safety in the sun. Other draws include super-durable and impact-resistant frames, a lightweight feel, and the addition of a handy sports strap, so you wonβt lose them if a wave knocks you off.
Things to do when youβre not Surfing in TenerifeΒ
Tenerife Adventure Tours
Tenerife: Quad Adventure Tour in Teide National Park – Unearth the nooks and crannies of Teide National Park on a thrilling quad adventure!
Costa Adeje: Tandem Paragliding Flight – Embark on a tandem paragliding flight over south Tenerife!
Tenerife: La Orotava Canyoning Tour with Guide – Head out on an exciting canyoning tour to the canyons of La Orotava.
Tenerife Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours
Tenerife: Dolphin and Whale Eco-Cruise with Snack & Drinks – Board a catamaran boat for an eco-friendly dolphin and whale-watching experience.
Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat – Cruise the Atlantic on a sailing boat and spot dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles in their natural habitat!
From Los Cristianos: No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Cruise – Relish a whale and dolphin watching tour with a strict no chasing policy.
Tenerife Watersports Tours
Tenerife: Kayaking and Snorkeling with Turtles – Snorkel alongside turtles on a kayaking adventure in Tenerife!
South Tenerife: Beginners Scuba Diving Experience – On this beginner scuba diving trip, witness a plethora of fascinating local marine life!
Tenerife: South Coast Guided Jet Ski Adventure – Zoom across the waters of Puerto ColΓ³n on an exhilarating jet ski trip!
I hope you enjoyed reading my surfing in Tenerife guide! In my opinion, Tenerife surfing is a unique way to fall in love with the island.
Looking in from unspoiled shorelines, thereβs nothing short of dramatic landscapes, views of pristine nature, an abundance of marine life to spot, and not to mention; great vibes.
Are they any other Tenerife surfing spots that you think should have made the cut? Have you got any extra surfing in Tenerife tips? Let me know in the comments below!
Looking for more Spain travel tips? Check out these guides!
- Your Fuerteventura holidays: places you canβt miss!
- Madrid 2 days: the ultimate itinerary!
- Postcards from Menorca
- The best of Benidorm
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