Surfing in Tenerife: BEST Tenerife Surf Spots & Top Tips by Local Surfers!

Looking for the best surf spots in Tenerife? You’ve come to the right place! In this article we have outlined everything you need to know to enjoy the ultimate Tenerife surf trip.

Including the best Tenerife surfing beaches, the best time to surf, where to stay, the surf gear you need in Tenerife, our top local insights, and more!

Located in the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a surfers paradise. It’s blessed with year round sunshine, warm waters and great waves, which make it a very popular surf destination.

We have been living and surfing in Tenerife for years, and have been able to explore all of its great surf spots.

In this guide we share all of our local knowledge about surfing in Tenerife, with useful tips and insights about each surf spot.

Whether you’re a beginner planning your first surf camp in Tenerife, or an experienced surfer searching for advanced waves, Tenerife is the place for you!

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and start planning your surf trip to Tenerife!

An introduction to Tenerife surf

Surfing all year round is one of the privileges of living in the Canary Islands, and especially in Tenerife.

The Canary Islands is considered the Hawaii of Europe in the surfing community, not only for its consistent surf and consistent waves all year round, but also for its subtropical climate.

Thanks to its geographical location, you will find waves almost everywhere across the island of Tenerife. But not all surf spots are suitable for every level.

There are surf breaks on lava rocks formed by El Teide, as well as strong waves where only the most experienced surfers can venture and emerge unharmed, and with a smile on their faces.

In this Tenerife surf guide, we will focus on the most accessible and most popular surf spots on the island for all levels, where you can have a fun, safe and great surfing session.

Best time to surf in Tenerife

There isn’t a single best time to surf in Tenerife. It ultimately depends on your surf experience, as well as the specific wave conditions and swell of each day.

Best time of year

One of the beauties of Tenerife, is that you can find great surf conditions all year round. Located just off the west coast of Africa, Tenerife is blessed with a warm weather and good waves at any time of the year

That said, generally speaking, you can usually expect the biggest waves and swells to come in the winter months, whilst in the summer months the waves tend to be smaller.

Therefore, the best time of the year to surf in Tenerife depends on your surf level.

If you’re already an advanced surfer, you will enjoy Tenerife in winter and its big swells, whilst if you’re a beginner, you will have an easier time learning with the small summer waves.

Best time of the day

There isn’t a single best time of the day to go surfing in Tenerife. This will change from surf spot to surf spot, and it will change every day depending on the tide and surf conditions.

Generally speaking, early mornings during the week are less busy, whilst weekends tend to be the busiest.

Make sure to check a surf forecast app like Magic Seaweed to see what the tide and surf conditions are like, and choose the best time of the day accordingly.

Tenerife surf gear

Below, in the compilation of best surf spots in Tenerife, you will find our recommendations for the best surf gear specific for each spot. However, we wanted to include a general overview at the start of this article.

Wetsuit: Sea temperature in Tenerife ranges from 19°C to 24°C. Unless you’re visiting in summer and only surfing in the south of the island, you will likely need a wetsuit to comfortable surf in Tenerife.

Depending on the season and your own tolerance to the cold, you’re likely to need at least a 3/2mm wetsuit, if not a 4/3mm wetsuit if you’re surfing in winter or in the north of the island.

Neoprene shoes: You won’t need these everywhere in Tenerife, as there are some sandy beaches, however the majority of surf spots in Tenerife, especially in the south, have a rocky bottom.

These will help you walk out in the sea, as well as ensure you don’t hurt yourself while surfing. Especially for beginner, who are likely to spend a lot of time standing in shallow water, these are super useful.

Sun protector: Regardless of the time of year, the sun in Tenerife can get pretty strong! Make sure to bring a sun protector stick, even better if it’s specific for surfing and water sports.

Your surf essentials: This goes without saying, but if you’re an advanced surfer, don’t forget to pack your surfboard(s), leash, fins, surf wax, whatever you wear under your wetsuit and any other essentials!

There are also other useful surf accessories you can bring, like a surf poncho, surf changing mat or even a surf shower, which will make changing before and after your surf session much easier.

If you’re just getting started, you shouldn’t worry about packing too much, as you will easily find that any surf school offers equipment rental.

If you join surf sessions or classes with a surf instructor, these will usually include all the gear you need.

Surf map Tenerife

Before we dive in to the details of each Tenerife surf point, here is a map of all the best surf spots Tenerife, so that you can visually see where they are on the island.

The best Tenerife surf spots

So let’s dive in! In this section you will find a detailed description of all the most popular surf spots in Tenerife.

We included also useful insider tips like the difficulty level, both in terms of paddle and current, and how crowded you can expect each spot to be.

Las Americas Tenerife surf

The most common beaches for surfing in Tenerife, and where the sun always shines, are in the southern part of the island, specifically in Playa de las Américas.

Las Américas, as everyone calls it on the island, is an area within the municipality of Arona. This is where most of the tourism is concentrated, due to its year round sunshine, as well as its good waves.

Along the coast of Playa de Las Americas you will find many artificial beaches, created for those who want to tan and relax, but you will also find several surf spots.

There are different surf spots to choose from here, so that you can pick the best one depending on your surfing level.

The main and most common surf spot for beginners is:

El Medio

El Medio is a very noble and long break for beginners, which works all year round. This wave, even though it breaks on top of the volcanic rocks typical of the island, is a very soft wave.

Here you can get started in the world of surfing, and it’s not unusual to see many beginners learning how to stand up on a surfboard during their first surf lessons.

Here you can also practice basic manoeuvres such as the bottom turn.

It is considered amongst the best Tenerife beginner surf spots, which means it’s also one of the busiest surf beaches on the island for beginners and intermediate surfers.

The surf conditions here can vary; there are softer days with smaller waves for beginners, and there will be days with slightly more powerful and larger waves for intermediate surfers.

The best time to enter the water is at mid-tide, either rising or falling.

This changes every day, so I recommend you check the surf report Tenerife and tides on any of the platforms that indicate it, according to your preference.

Right next to El Medio, we have two surf breaks that only throw left waves, these are:

Las Palmeras

Las Palmeras, or Spanish Left, as they call it in some surf report Apps, is on the right side of El Medio, looking towards the ocean.

This wave only works in the winter season, with the strong currents that come from the north of the Atlantic.

It is a very powerful and fast wave, specifically for advanced and professional surfers. It’s definitely not for intermediates, much less for beginners.

Then on the left side of El Medio, always facing the ocean we find:

El Bunker

Always a left-hand wave, El Bunker is softer than Las Palmeras, but not as soft as El Medio.

It can be considered a wave for an intermediate-advanced level, where you have to know how to ride the wave sideways following the pocket line, otherwise you will end up right on top of the sharp rocks that stick out just in front of the wave break.

This wave also works with currents that come from the north in winter.

Then if you walk to the left past El Bunker we find two peaks, one for beginner-intermediate level and the other for intermediate-advanced level.

One is “La Derecha del Cartel” and the other right next to it is “Piscinas” these breakers work at different times:

La Derecha del Cartel

It works in the winter season with a swell from a north-west direction and it is a point break that only throws right waves, hence its name.

This break is more for more experienced surfers who know how to control their board well. It’s considered a wave for intermediate – advanced level.

This spot is pretty crowded in winter due to the quality of the wave. It’s fast enough for a good ride on the wave, but still smooth enough to allow you to control your take off and place your feet well on the board.

However this also depends on how strong the swell comes in, and what session of the wave you are surfing.

It breaks right in front of a bank of volcanic rocks, which forces you to surf the wave to the right of it. This is why you must have good control of your board, and know what you are going to do when you are on the wave.

Otherwise you will end up straight on the rocky shore, and you will end up in a situation that you would rather avoid.

So if you do not have at least an intermediate level, it’s better that you keep walking and look for a break that is more suitable for your level.

Piscina

This swell works primarily in the summer season, since it only works with swells that come from the south-west.

This break is nobler and easier than the right, meaning that it’s more popular amongst beginner and intermediate surfers, depending on the strength and size of incoming waves.

It’s a point break, which normally creates left-hand waves, but depending on the direction of the swell, it may also be possible to surf it to the right.

Similarly to El Medio, it can get very busy both with surfers and surf classes, since it’s a very noble wave.

Although the wave is noble enough, you still have to be careful not to get too close to the shore as the entire bottom is volcanic rock, and it could be pretty uncomfortable to fall on them, for both you and your board.

Besides the rocky bottom, between the two peaks there is a huge rock that sticks out of the water, but if the tide is very high you won’t be able to see it.

It could obviously be a problem if you surf over it. That said, it’s quite far from the peak, so if you’re catching waves up at the line-up, you shouldn’t even be reaching it.

If we continue walking left along the shore (while always looking towards the sea), just after the rock pools we find another popular surf spot.

El Dedo

Although it’s right next to Piscina, this wave breaks very differently, since it enters with much more force and breaks very close to the rocks. It’s definitely a wave for an advanced – professional level.

This surf break demands a lot from you as a surfer due to its strength, and the way it breaks the wave.

It’s necessary to have a good knowledge of the sea and the waves, not to mention your physical resistance to be able to withstand the sets of this power machine.

It’s a wave that has a lot of speed and incredible strength, meaning it creates a pretty vertical and long wall. Your movements have to be super fast, and you have to be sure of the decisions you you take when you take off.

Remember that your decisions in the water are like in life, sometimes they turn out well, and sometimes not so well.

The difference is that in the water, in a break like this, you can pay dearly for it. That is why you will find fewer people surfing here compared to the other breaks.

On the island there are plenty of surfers with a high enough level to surf this wave when it’s at its best.

If you know your limits and respect them, it’s better to sit down and watch the show of waves and surfers flying through the air. This can help motivate you to train, and reach a more advanced level.

If you feel prepared, both physically, mentally and you have reached this advanced surf level, feel free to jump in at El Dedo and make the most of it!.

If you continue walking left along the shore, you will find two more surf breaks.

Jeffrey

Also known as “Salinas” amongst the locals, this break could be said to be for all levels, but it all depends on the conditions and direction of the swell that you find that day.

This is a very fun right-hand wave for any type of surfer, but it’s always important to know where to position yourself in the water according to your level.

This because there are several sections where you can position yourself, to ensure a good surf session. What must be taken into account is that when the waves are good, the current picks up.

This wave also works with north-west currents. In winter, when big waves come in from this direction, this is one of the surf breaks that remains feasible for intermediate surfers, without too much effort.

Jeffrey is characterised by having a strong current when the swells come in. If you know how to handle yourself and understand how the currents work, then you won’t have any problems.

Alternatively, it’s better that you look for a local surf guide, who will show you how to enter in the water, and explain how the currents work in this spot. That way you can be sure you’ll have a fun session.

La Fitenia Tenerife

Fitenia is a rocky reef break that works when there is a swell coming from the south, which is normally in summer.

It’s still a volcanic rock bottom, and can be considered for all levels, depending on the size of the waves, and your position in the water relative to the peak.

When the waves are good, it’s pretty crowded with all levels of surfers. Only experienced surfers will position themselves in the first two sessions of this wave (at the peak).

This because, due to its speed in the take-off, and the shape of the wave (hollow) in these sessions, you have to know what you’re doing when you catch the wave.

Otherwise, you will simply not have a great time. Not to mention that it breaks very close to the rocky shore of the beach.

When it’s at its best, La Fitena can resemble El Dedo. But unlike the other surf spots, Fitenia and Jeffrey have a small cove between the two reefs, which is perfectly safe for beginners.

The waves in the cove break with less power, the seabed is deeper, and what you will have in front of you is a lagoon of water, which will serve as a mattress to cushion falls.

Basically this cove is one of the best beginner surf spots Tenerife, and also to progress from level to level.

This because this part of the bay has right-hand waves like Jeffrey, left-hand waves like Fitenia, foam waves to go straight ahead in the white water, and opportunities to head out to the line-up and catch green waves between the two surf breaks.

Las Galletas

Going beyond Las Americas, in the small fishing town of Las Galletas, always in the south of the island, you will find this surf break, always on volcanic rock.

This wave is quite fun and soft; a left point break that works only in summer with southerly currents, but it breaks right in front of rocks that stick out of the water.

The rocks are not dangerous at all if you know how to do a bottom turn, and follow the wall of the wave to the left side.

El Médano surf spots

A fairly crowded town, mostly for windsurfing and kitesurfing, close to Tenerife South Airport, and generally quite windy.

Right next to the town of El Medano is a beach called:

La Jaquita

A beach break with some rocks on the shore, but primarily a sandy break.

With small fun waves that break close to the shore, this beach has all the conditions for beginners to start surfing.

What we do have to keep in mind is that they are generally windy waves, and therefore it can be quite uncomfortable managing the entry and exit of the water with beginner boards.

However, if you are lucky or you know how to read the sea and wind report well, all the stars may align and you can enjoy perfect conditions without wind, without currents, with soft glassy waves that will allow you to have an excellent surf session.

It works almost all year long, as long as there is wind, but in summer it can work with currents that come from the south and without wind.

El Poris

A beach break located a few kilometres from the capital of the island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with a wave that works mostly with wind and average tides.

It’s a beach that is suitable for all surfing levels, depending on the condition of the swell at the time, but in general it has a fun wave that’s not too strong.

Its bottom is sandy so you don’t have to worry about falling on the rocks or cutting your feet when walking. It works especially in summer, since it is affected by the currents that come from the southeast of the island.

But it also works with the strong winds that come in the winter. It’s a lovely beach, where you can have a good time both in the water and out of it.

Let’s travel on to the northwest of the island, passing through Anaga National Park, and we’ll arrive at two beautiful surf beaches that are far away from all the tourist development, they are:

North Tenerife surf spots

Taganana

This is a beach break located between the mountains of the Anaga National Park, with a break between sand and rocks.

This works with the north current and at medium and low tide, with waves that break both left and right.

It’s a smooth and fun wave. It may not have enough force at times, which makes it difficult to paddle, but generally it works enough to ensure you have a fun surfing session.

Almaciga

It’s still a beach break, but with more length of sand and with more waves that break on a sandy bottom.

It’s a wave with more force than Taganana, since even though they’re close to each other, they have different currents affecting them.

Almáciga breaks fast, so if you want to catch waves in the line-up, you have to be as fast as her, otherwise you’ll end up catching only whitewater waves.

It works well at medium and low tide, but it’s always better at medium tide.

Be very careful with the strong currents, as the current increases as the tide increases, and this beach has already claimed several victims.

Don’t let that scare you though, if you have a board that rides well and you know where to enter and exit, you won’t have any problem, as long as you avoid entering with the high tide.

This surf break works all year round. We have never seen it without waves, but that doesn’t mean it always presents good surf conditions.

In winter it has big waves with a lot of power that break far from the shore, but you can’t always surf them.

When the currents come together they create a big blender, which is impossible to surf and it becomes dangerous.

On the other hand, in summer it almost always remains calm, and if you are lucky you will find good waves that are very fun for all levels without being in danger.

Bajamar

A noble left-hand point break with long waves, always to the northeast of the island, but it’s accessed by a different mountain road compared to the beaches of Taganana and Almáciga.

It’s a wave for all levels, where some surf schools also offer classes for beginners.

That said, you have to have a strong paddle and know how to paddle very well, because the wave is very far from the shore, and there are deep waters with a rocky bottom where you cannot stand.

It’s one of the jewels of the northern zone, with a very soft wave, long and fun. It works with currents mostly from the north, but it’s also affected a little from the eastern swells.

Playa de Marianez

An urban beach in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz, in the north of the island.

It’s a point break with a rocky bottom where you can surf from left to right, with a super soft wave that is fun for beginners and intermediates.

It’s a safe beach, as there are surf schools that give classes here every day to surfers of all levels and ages.

It only works with currents from the north, which generally come in winter. You need to have a strong enough paddle to reach the peak and be able to catch waves.

El Socorro

El Socorro is a beach break which, unlike the other beaches in the north, has a lot of strength due to the currents that enter this beach. Definitely a beach for intermediate to advanced levels.

This is due to its currents, but also because it’s a beach break, meaning you have know how to duck dive to surf here, otherwise you will not get past the dense foam and whitewater that bursts on the shore.

It’s a slightly fast wave that can be surfed both left and right.

Where to stay to go surfing in Tenerife

As you can see, most of the popular surf spots in Tenerife are concentrated around Las Americas. This is also the warmest and sunniest part of the island.

As such, I recommend staying in the south of Tenerife, so that you can be close to the waves.

When you fancy different waves, or if Las Americas is flat, you can still easily get to the north and other surf spots listed in this guide.

Here are some great places to stay for surfing in Tenerife for every budget.

Budget: Banana Surf House – This cute surf house has a huge rooftop with great sea views. As the name suggests, it’s perfect for surfers. It’s cosy, in a great location, and very affordable.

Click here to book your stay at Banana Surf House!

Mid-range: El Dorado Residence – This is where Greta stayed when she first moved to Tenerife. The apartments are spacious, super close to the beach and surf spots of Las Americas, and have great sunset views!

Click here to see the latest prices and availability for apartments in El Dorado residence!

Luxury: Green Garden Eco Resort & Villas – If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the perfect place to do so! Imagine relaxing in a beautiful villa, with gardens and pool after a surf session, simply perfect!

Click here to book your stay at Green Garden Eco Resort & Villas!

Final thoughts on the best surf spots Tenerife

There you have it, the ultimate Tenerife surf guide! Have you been to Tenerife before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Tenerife is one of the best surf destinations in the world. With its year round sunshine, warm water and great waves, it’s easy to see why. After all, there’s not a lot of places where you can surf every day all year!

There are plenty of surf spots all over the island, some more accessible than others.

In this article we listed all most popular and best surf spots in Tenerife, detailing what you can expect from each surf break and who it’s best suited for.

I hope you find our Tenerife surf guide useful, and that it will help you plan the perfect Tenerife surf trip! If you have any questions, just let us know in the comments below!

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