Tenerife has surf all year. Winter storms in the North Atlantic send powerful swells to the north and north-west coasts, while the south-west catches smaller, cleaner waves in a sunnier climate, with surf schools on the beach. Most breaks are over volcanic reef rather than sand, so the island rewards a little caution — but there are good places to learn, and some of the best waves in Europe for experienced surfers.
This guide covers ten spots on both coasts, who each one suits and when it works best. Conditions change with the swell, wind and tide, so check a forecast and ask at a local surf shop before paddling out.
Where to Surf, by Level
Learning to Surf
Surf schools on the beach, warm water and sunshine almost every day.
Improvers in the North
More swell and more character, with spots for beginners to intermediates.
Experienced Surfers
Hollow waves over volcanic reef in the heart of the south.
Our Pick
A two-hour lesson for all levels in Las Américas, with photos included.
The 10 Spots at a Glance
| Spot | Area | Level | Bottom | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Américas beaches | Arona, south | Beginner | Sand and reef | All year |
| La Izquierda (Spanish Left) | Las Américas | Advanced | Volcanic reef | Winter |
| La Derecha del Conquistador | Las Américas | Intermediate–expert | Volcanic reef | Winter |
| El Médano | Granadilla, south-east | All levels (often windy) | Sand and reef | All year |
| Playa del Faro, El Porís | Arico, south-east | Beginner–intermediate | Mixed | Varies |
| Punta Blanca | Guía de Isora, west | Advanced | Reef | Winter |
| Playa de Martiánez | Puerto de la Cruz, north | Beginner–intermediate | Black sand and reef | Winter |
| El Socorro | Los Realejos, north | Intermediate+ | Beach break | All year |
| Bajamar | La Laguna, north-east | Beginner–intermediate | Reef | Winter |
| Almáciga | Anaga, north-east | Intermediate+ | Rocky | Winter |
Levels are a guide only. Any spot can become dangerous in a big swell. If in doubt, don't paddle out — or go with a school.
The South: Learn and Surf in the Sun
1. Playa de las Américas
Arona · The place to learnThe centre of surfing in the south, with several surf schools a short walk from the waves and sun almost every day of the year. Beginners learn on the gentler sections near the beaches, with an instructor to choose the right spot for the day's conditions. It's also home to the island's most famous reef breaks, so it suits everyone from first-timers to experts — just not in the same place.
2. La Izquierda (the Spanish Left)
Las Américas · AdvancedA fast, hollow left over shallow volcanic reef, and one of the best-known waves in the Canary Islands, which hosts the Las Américas surf festival. It's at its best with winter swell, gets very crowded and is only for experienced surfers who can handle shallow reef. Respect the locals and the queue.
3. La Derecha del Conquistador
Las Américas · Intermediate to expertA right-hander over volcanic reef in front of the Las Américas hotels, which can produce tubes on a good swell. A step up from the beginner areas, it's a good wave for confident intermediates when it's small and for experts when it's big.
4. El Médano
Granadilla de Abona · Wind and wavesBetter known as Tenerife's windsurfing and kitesurfing capital, El Médano also has waves, with a mix of beach and reef breaks. The strong, frequent wind often spoils the surf, so it's best early in the morning or on calm days. The relaxed town, close to Tenerife South Airport, is a good base for active travellers.
5. Playa del Faro, El Porís
Arico · Beginner to intermediateA quieter option on the south-east coast, in the small fishing village of El Porís de Abona, listed by Tenerife's tourist board as a spot for beginners and intermediates. Fewer people than Las Américas, but fewer services too.
6. Punta Blanca
Guía de Isora · AdvancedA powerful reef break on the west coast, near Alcalá, for advanced surfers only. It hosts a young surfers' competition when the waves are right. Not a place to learn.
Surf Lessons in Tenerife
If you're new to surfing, start with a lesson: an instructor will choose a safe spot for the day's conditions, provide the board and wetsuit and teach you the basics in a couple of hours. Las Américas has the most schools and the most reliable conditions for learning.
The North: More Swell, More Character
The north and north-west face the winter swells of the North Atlantic. The waves are bigger and more consistent from autumn to spring, the water is a little cooler and the beaches are mostly black sand and rock.
7. Playa de Martiánez
Puerto de la Cruz · Beginner to intermediatePuerto de la Cruz's surf beach, with a mix of beach and reef breaks, works best in winter and suits beginners and intermediates on smaller days. It's right next to town, with cafés and the Lago Martiánez pools for non-surfers.
8. El Socorro
Los Realejos · Intermediate and upA black-sand beach break with lefts and rights that picks up swell all year, popular with local surfers and bodyboarders. The drop can be fast and the waves powerful on a bigger day, so it's better for surfers who already have some experience.
9. Bajamar
La Laguna · Beginner to intermediateA reef break in the village of Bajamar, on the north-east coast near La Laguna, with lefts and rights that can suit longboards on smaller days and become hollow when the swell is up. The seawater pools by the promenade are a good alternative when it's too big.
10. Almáciga
Anaga · Intermediate and upIn the Anaga Rural Park, below the village of Almáciga and next to Benijo, this black-sand beach picks up the full force of the Atlantic, with lefts and rights over a rocky bottom and occasional barrels. It's one of the most beautiful places to surf on the island, but the currents can be strong. Combine it with a hike in Anaga.
Best Time to Surf in Tenerife
Autumn to Spring
The main season. North Atlantic swells bring the biggest, most consistent waves, especially to the north and north-west.
Summer
Smaller waves and stronger trade winds. Good for learning in the south; the north is often flat or windy.
Water Temperature
From around 18–19°C in late winter to about 23°C in late summer. A 3/2 wetsuit for winter; a shorty or spring suit in summer.
Reef Safety
Many breaks are over sharp volcanic reef and sea urchins. Reef booties help, and never surf a shallow reef at low tide unless you know it.
Etiquette
The main reef breaks have strong local crews. Wait your turn, don't drop in and give way to locals at the peak.
Stay Connected
A Yesim eSIM keeps surf forecasts and maps on your phone wherever you chase the swell.
Where to Stay for Surfing
Catalonia Oro Negro
A well-priced base in Las Américas, walking distance from the surf schools and reefs.
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Hotel Médano
On the seafront of El Médano, for surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers.
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Hotel Marquesa
A historic hotel in the centre of Puerto de la Cruz, close to Martiánez and El Socorro.
Check Prices →Frequently Asked Questions
Our Honest Verdict
Tenerife is a great island to learn to surf, thanks to the schools and reliable sun of Las Américas, and a serious destination for experienced surfers, with hollow reef breaks in the south and powerful winter waves in the north. Beginners should start with a lesson in the south; improvers should head north in winter to Martiánez or Bajamar. Wherever you go, respect the reef, the currents and the locals.
For calmer days, see our best beaches in Tenerife and natural pools guides.