Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is a surfing paradise. With rugged volcanic landscapes, glamorous beach resorts, and a warm climate, Tenerife has become a top destination for surfers looking to catch waves in Europe.
This Spanish island benefits from strong and consistent waves year-round, which means there are plenty of excellent surf spots for boarders of all levels. Tenerife sees average high temperatures of around 70°F with lows rarely dipping below 60°F, creating ideal conditions for surfing, even in winter.
From powerful reef breaks to sandy beach spots, here are the 7 best beaches for surfing in Tenerife.
1. La Fitenia & Jeffrey, Los Cristianos Beach
On either side of Los Cristianos Beach lay the surf spots of La Fitenia and Jeffrey. As a point break and beach break respectively, these two spots are popular with beginner and intermediate surfers in Tenerife. But they also deliver strong waves for advanced surfers.
La Fitenia provides a nice balance of right-handed waves for intermediates. Jeffrey’s beach break is softer, making it better for beginners. Both spots are best surfed in spring and summer but remain consistent year-round.
2. La Izquierda, Playa de las Américas
La Izquierda, meaning “the left” in Spanish, is one of Tenerife’s most famous surfing destinations. Located on the south coast of the island in Playa de las Américas, La Izquierda is a paradise for experienced surfers looking for fast and intensive waves.
This spot is known for its excellent left-hand waves, some of the best in Europe, thanks to the strong offshore winds coming from the east. Waves at La Izquierda can reach over 6 feet tall and break over sharp coral and volcanic seabeds. Surfing here is fantastic from October to March when conditions on the south coast are ideal.
Playa de las Américas itself is a major tourist hotspot so La Izquierda can get extremely crowded, especially in high season. However, there are ample facilities like showers, equipment rentals, parking, and more. Avoid busy weekends when crowds make surfing more dangerous.
3. La Derecha del Cartel
Adjacent to La Izquierda is La Derecha del Cartel, meaning “the right”, which provides similarly fast and long right-hand waves. La Derecha’s exposed reef break can produce challenging waves, especially at low tide, that have been known to break boards. With smaller swell sizes, it can also be an easy, frothy ride.
This spot gets very crowded with expert boarders flocking in from Las Americas. Pay close attention to the rocks when catching a wave. Like its neighbour La Izquierda, winter months see the most ideal surf conditions at La Derecha.
4. La Machacona, El Médano
Tucked between El Médano and Los Abrigos on Tenerife’s south coast, La Machacona is known for its powerful left tubes. When conditions are right, the beach can also deliver quality right-hand waves and bodyboarding.
Waves here can be temperamental, so patience is key. But solid breaks rolling in can provide a great ride. At high tide, waves break very close to shore over the rocks, best suiting advanced surfers. Avoid crowds by visiting between June and September.
5. Punta Blanca, GuÃa de Isora
On Tenerife’s quiet northwest coast, Punta Blanca is a more secluded surfing beach, popular mostly with locals. The foamy short waves and powerful tubes attract surfers and bodyboarders seeking a peaceful atmosphere.
Temperatures at Punta Blanca rarely fall below 60°F, making winter surfing especially enjoyable. The surrounding mountainous landscapes provide a scenic backdrop. While less touristy than other beaches, Punta Blanca hosts a few surf competitions each year.
6. El Socorro, Los Realejos
The spectacular black-sand beach of El Socorro offers great surfing with a beautiful backdrop. Located in the town of Los Realejos on Tenerife’s northern coast, El Socorro sees surfers of all levels with waves reaching 6-8 feet high.
Major national and international surf competitions are held here across the summer, adding excitement to the already vibrant town. Even non-surfers enjoy relaxing on the volcanic sands against the rugged cliffs. With waves breaking far offshore, El Socorro is also popular for swimming and sunbathing.
7. Punta del Hidalgo, San Cristóbal de la Laguna
The rugged northern coastal village of Punta del Hidalgo was once a popular resort until hotspots like Playa de las Américas took over in the 1960s. But what Punta del Hidalgo lost in tourism, it gained in raw, thrashing waves coveted by local die-hard surfers.
The harsh winds and jagged cliffs that deter many tourists make this an ideal spot for big wave surfing with dramatic mountainous backdrops. Visit Punta del Hidalgo to experience the wild northern coast of Tenerife.
Other Notable Spots on the Northern Coast
In addition to Punta del Hidalgo, Tenerife’s northern coast boasts other top surf spots like El Roquete, La Bajeta, El Charco, and Los Dos Hermanos. Each brings unique wave types, tides, and backdrops to match surfers’ preferences.
The northern coast sees more consistent surf during autumn, winter, and spring when south swells kick up more powerful breaks. The rugged scenery and less crowded waters make Tenerife’s northern beaches popular with experienced local surfers.
Surfing in Tenerife for Beginners
For beginner surfers, it’s best to start on Tenerife’s south side at spots like La Tejita which has soft, mushy waves. Igueste de San Andrés on the northeast coast also sees gentler surf that’s great for learners. Lessons are ideal to learn proper technique before hitting more challenging waves.
The most popular beaches like El Socorro, La Fitenia, and Jeffrey have surf schools offering classes and equipment rentals. If visiting in summer, keep in mind spots like La Izquierda have smaller swells that are better suited to beginners during those flat months.
Packing Essentials for Surfing in Tenerife
To make the most of Tenerife’s excellent surf, be sure to pack:
- Wetsuit – water temps can dip below 70°F
- Surfboard or bodyboard
- Booties & gloves for winter sessions
- Waterproof sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
- Rashguard for under wetsuits
- Change of clothes & towel
- Water & snacks to refuel
Best Times to Surf in Tenerife
With a warm climate year-round, Tenerife offers great surfing in any season. But for the biggest swells, the peak surfing season spans from September to April. The winter months, especially October through February, see ideal winds and wave conditions, particularly on the south and west coasts.
Summers bring smaller swells that are great for beginners. Northern swells kick up better surf on the north coast in the cooler months. Pay attention to tides, as low tides can create rocky, high-risk breaks at some spots.
Where to Stay on a Tenerife Surfing Holiday
For the widest choice of surf spots, stay along the southwest coast in resort towns like Playa de las Americas or Los Cristianos. This central location allows easy access to both the wild northern coast and the renowned breaks across the south.
Areas like San Andres in the northeast also provide quick access to northern and eastern surf beaches. Consider a hotel close to your preferred spots. Booking your accommodation near the top surf beaches means less driving.
Why Tenerife is One of Europe’s Top Surf Destinations
With balmy weather year-round, Tenerife has become a world-class surfing destination and a paradise for wave-seekers across Europe. Some key advantages Tenerife offers surfers:
- Consistent, high-quality waves with a variety of surf spots catering to all levels
- Pleasant climate allows comfortable surfing, even in winter months
- Dramatic volcanic scenery provides a scenic backdrop while riding waves
- Well-developed tourism infrastructure like surf schools, shops, and rentals make surfing accessible
So, grab your board and wetsuit and head to the wild waves of beautiful Tenerife! The island’s surf scene promises awesome rides for pros and beginners alike.
