The Ultimate Guide to Caleta de Famara Surf
Caleta de Famara surf is perfect for all levels. It’s the most accessible spot on the island of Lanzarote, with more than 7km of reliable beach break and surf camps coming out of its ears. If you’re thinking of hitting this member of the Canaries, it’s the perfect base.
An introduction to Caleta de Famara surf
The small town of Caleta de Famara (referred to as just Caleta or just Famara by the locals) is tucked under the wild volcanos of north-western Lanzarote. It looks over a wide scythe of beachfront that runs for 5km in total, beneath the craggy Risco cliffs. That’s where the surfing happens.
Towards the town end (the south end), the swell can be a little more relaxed, with smaller waves that have some protection from onshore winds. A few kilometres up the coast is where the breezes pick up – soon it’s only kitesurfers. You can find suitable peaks virtually the whole way along the sand, although we’ve found it to be a little shallow and washed out around the middle part of the beach.
A little urbanization sits huddled in the dunes midway along the shoreline. It’s home to surf schools and cafes and some great bungalows for rent. We actually think that’s the perfect place to stay on a trip surfing Lanzarote. We’ve done a couple of months in a little cabana there and woke every morning to the sound of the waves just five minutes’ walk from our front door.
Famara town itself is a charming spot. Far nicer than the out-and-out tourist resorts that string along the east and south coasts of the island, it’s a surfer’s haven. You’ll find quirky cafés and Canarian tavernas, along with sandy streets laced with board rentals and surf shops. Take. Me. Back!
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This is a part of our greater guide to Lanzarote surf and surfing in the Canary Islands
Caleta de Famara surf at a glance
The good:
- Great for beginners
- Reliable swells for much of the year
- Dramatic mountain views
The bad:
- Seaweed int he water (espeically at high tide)
- Can get busy
- Wind
What will I find in this guide to Caleta de Famara surf?
Where is Famara town?
Caleta de Famara sits at the southern end of Penedo Bay. That’s on the north-western shore of Lanzarote – the opposite side of the island to most of the big hotels and resorts.
It’s linked to the main town in the province – Teguise – by the LZ-402 road, which is usually empty and a pleasure to drive (apart from when the wind picks up). The great Risco cliffs rise dramatically to the north, and you can even see the smaller island of La Graciosa in the distance.
We’ve planned two surf trips to Caleta in our time and always opt for a rental car from the airport. It takes like 20 minutes to drive the whole way across the island and the roads are easy. The other bonus is that having a set of wheels means you can stay in the Caleta Urbanization (which has loads of surf shacks that aren’t expensive) and make it to Caleta town for shopping and coffee.
Use RentalCars to book your wheels – we always do cos they are cheap and have late cancellation policies in most European destinations.
Surf spots in Caleta de Famara
Stretching for nearly seven kilometres from the town to the cliffs, Playa Famara has some of the most consistent waves on the island. Now, we’re not saying it’s perfect. It’s not. The breaks are often heavy, prone to closeouts, and get messy when the wind picks up (and it often does).
However, there’s a good variety of peaks to pick from. Visitors will usually see just a long stretch of waves that mash together. However, the locals have tried to name each sector of the beach to make them easier to grade. So, here we go…
El Codito
Intermediates / experts
The closest break to Famara town itself rolls in over some submerged rocks. It has the benefit of holding up on larger swells, so don’t be surprised to catch a few locals ripping it when the big N-NW storms come in during winter. It’s considered a bit more of an intermediate-expert break because of the hard bottom, but also the fact you’ll need to be able to time the tides ride to catch El Codito at its finest.
El Molino
Beginners
Mellow and welcoming El Molino is the break that really put Famara town on the Lanzarote surf map. Most days through the summer and winter, you’ll catch a surf school bobbing about in the whitewash here. That’s the key – the whitewash. It comes in over soft sand and forms quite a good water cushion. If you fall off, you’ll just get wet. The waves themselves don’t follow any left-right rules. They go both ways unpredictably, but offer the perfect little practice ramp for folk finding their surf feet.
El Palo
All levels
A little further up the beach brings us to El Palo. It’s located roughly between the lifeguard stand and the bunkers at the end of the urbanisation. It’s got a chocolate box of wave styles with nice secondary swell for the improvers. Out back on bigger days, you can expect overheads to wall up nicely. There’s little barrelling, more closeout, so good wave selection is essential. When the planets align, El Palo has a few great peaks at its northernmost point. They can mimic Portugal’s best beachies, with long periods and nice glassy A-frames.
El Papelillo
Intermediate
The northernmost sector of Playa de Famara comes with Papelillo. This is the part of the sand that stretches beyond the urbanisation. At its extreme end, you’ll be in kitesurfing territory. But there are some good peaks there if you can dodge the wind fliers. They’re prone to wind exposure and can get quite heavy on the push and with sudden swell changes. Also watch out for rips.
Muelle de Famara
Experts
When the N-NW swells start pumping in earnest, the Muelle de Famara attracts some of the best local surfers. It’s not for the faint-hearted. A bottom of jagged rock waits beneath the surface and it’s pretty shallow to boot. Still, the reward is some steaming fast right-to-lefters that can barrel quickly. Find it rolling into the harbour area close to the enclosed beachfront in Famara town.
San Juan
Intermediates / experts
Drive west out of Famara town on the Av. del Marinero and you’ll come to a dusty carpark that’s hemmed in by a few low dunes. Park up and walk to San Juan Beach along the short track from there. You’ll be faced with what’s considered one of the finest left-hand breaks on the island. It’s basically a fat wedge that walls up fast and offers decent rippable walls for about 20-40 metres.
A word of warning: Don’t be put off if you arrive and it looks rubbish. The first time we came here it just wasn’t working. Simple as. There’s nothing to do but wait for a nice S-SE offshore and a low tide combo. Watch out for the rock-sand bottom and rips.
Surf camps in Caleta
The simplest way to put together a complete surfing trip to Caleta de Famara is to book onto one of the local surf camps. This is the hub of the surfing scene on the island, so there are a few to pick from, most of which include all your equipment rentals and multiple surf lessons, along with breakfast, accommodation, and evening activities. AKA – these are fantastic options for first-time surfers or solo travelers looking to buddy up. We really like…
- 7 Day Surf and Yoga Holiday in Lanzarote, Canary Islands – Get your daily surf lessons from one of the longest-running schools in the town: Lanzasurf. This stay is perfect for all levels, includes six nights lodging, five surf sessions, and five yoga classes.
- 8 Day Surf and Yoga Retreat in Caleta de Famara, Lanzarote – This week-long package is run by Red Star Surf. It includes a whopping 5 days of surf lessons and 5 yoga classes to wake up to each morning. You’ll also be within walking distance of the beach and get surf gear included, so you can surf pretty much whenever you want.
Alternatively, you can head to our complete guide to surf camps in Lanzarote, which includes plenty of fantastic options in Caleta de Famara…
We also have a complete guide to the best surf camps in the whole of the Canaries.
The best hotels to stay in when surfing in Caleta de Famara
You can either pick to stay in Caleta town or go for the Urbanization that’s right in the middle of the beach. Personally, we prefer the latter. It’s quieter and has really spacious villas and casitas with oodles of charm. It’s also nearer the emptier breaks on the main playa. The town is better for evening’s out and if you need to rent boards…
Canaryislandshost I Marquesa
Canaryislandshost I Marquesa. has a pool and room for up to six people. We think it’s just about the perfect pad, since it’s in the middle ofthe Urbanization area with walking access to Famara beach.
Famara House 12
Famara House 12 puts you over in the Urbanization of Famara, literally steps from the main beach. It’s clean, comfy, modern and well appointed, perfect for two couples or a family looking to be close to the surf breaks and in a quiet location.
Acogedor Estudio suite en urbanización tranquila
Acogedor Estudio suite en urbanización tranquila is the most stylish apartment we’ve seen in the Urbanization area of Famara. Again, you’re less than two minutes’ walking from the breaks here and you get your own pad, all done out in contemporary styles with a plush bathroom. It’s a top pick for surfing couples.
Surf lessons in Famara
Caleta beach is actually one of the very best places in the Canaries to do surf lessons. That’s down to the beginner-friendly waves and the abundance of surf schools. Most offer 2-, 4- or full-day lessons starting at around $40 per person. Booking ahead is a good idea for peak season (Christmas and the whole summer). We can vouch for the ones below…
- Red Star Surf (2-or-4 hour lessons) – Red Star are one of the most respected names on Caleta Beach. They’ve been doing what they do for years now and have loads of happy students. Lessons are two or four hours and are great for total beginners because they do on-beach training, a little theory, and then hands-on practice in the water.
- Lanzarote: Famara Beach Surfing Lessons with Alohayolas Surf School – Another excellent choice in Caleta is Alohayolas Surf School. They offer similar services to Red Star but are generally more experienced in accommodating family groups and those with young children.
When to surf in Caleta de Famara?
Caleta de Famara is actually famed for its consistency. Sometimes it can be blown out. Sometimes it’s flat. But that’s rare. What’s more, it usually has little to do with the seasons. Basically, you’ll typically find plenty to surf on the wave factory that is Famara Beach.
Winter (November-March)
The winter months bring some of the heavier winds to bear across Lanzarote. They combine with strong ocean swells to give waves that can hit up to four metres. The famous break at La Santa (nicknamed the Hawaii of Europe) just to the south of Caleta de Famara is usually pumping throughout these months. Up in Famara itself, however, the sandbanks and the shallow tide difference can temper things, meaning there’s usually some nice whitewash for the beginners.
Wear: 2mm or 3/2mm
Summer (May-September)
Lighter winds, more mellow groundswells – that’s the name of the game during the Lanzarote summer. If you’re looking to practice your popup and get a good tan, this is the better time of year to come. Caleta de Famara beach is warm and gets some lovely, glassy waves. It’s not common for the bigger expert breaks to be working, but it’s top if you’re looking for a surf camp or surf school.
Wear: 2mm
Surf shops in Caleta de Famara
There are a handful of surf shops hidden between the sandy streets of Caleta de Famara. In fact, they make the town the main focal point for surf culture on the island of Lanzarote. Check them out…
- ZooPark Famara – Always bustling with surf schools and shoppers, this is one of the premier surf shops in the town, covering all aspects of the sport – from SUP to kitesurfing to paddleboarding. The folk here offer some of the top-rated Caleta de Famara surf lesson packages.
- Surf Attack Las Bajas – While food is being served next door, the Las Bajas Surf Attack shop offers rentals and threads. It’s blessed with a big rack of everything from shorties to logs. There are in-house T-shirt designs, along with wetsuits, wax, booties – you name it.
Where to eat in Caleta de Famara
There are loads of options for dining in lively Caleta de Famara. You can choose refined Canarian cooking, or go for some relaxed snacks on the roadside…
- Las Bajas – We love this little casual café. It’s right on the main street of Caleta de Famara, spilling onto the cobbled pavements with tables and chairs that get cooked in the sun (in a good way, of course). The coffee is strong; the juices are refreshing. Food menus are about salads and burgers and other great post-surf snacks.
- Restaurante Dunas de Famara – If you happen to be staying in the urbanisation area of Caleta (a good choice if you’re after a holiday filled with Caleta de Famara surf), all-new Restaurante Dunas de Famara. On our first visit in 2019, it was only just opening. Now, it’s got menus of creative seafood dishes and refined Canarian tapas. It’s also got a cracking terrace for sitting with one of those local volcanic wines after a day in the water!
- Pizzeria La Bartola – Alright, so the pizzas here aren’t Neapolitan to the T, but the service is lovely, the joint is cozy, and the beer/wine is cheap. We love an evening at La Bartola.
Things to do when you’re not surfing in Caleta de Famara
Don’t just twiddle your thumbs if the Caleta de Famara dies down for a few days. If it does, that probably means there’s not much wind. Which makes this spot perfect for…
Trail running up Peñas del Chache
Caleta de Famara is a trail runner’s mecca. You can leave the little town going north (even easier from the urbanisation) and be treading on dusty trails through hardy cacti, blooming freesias and wild herbs in no time. The most challenging route takes you all the way to the summit of Peñas del Chache – the highest point on the island. It’s got sweeping panoramas of the waves below and Famara itself.
Trekking to Playa del Risco
It’s around a 40-minute drive from the Caleta de Famara surf to the little mountain village of Yé. That’s right on the tip of northern Lanzarote, boasting access to the end of the Risco cliffs. There’s a truly dramatic walking route to be found there, zig-zagging its way from almost 500 metres up to the coastline below. The reward is the beautiful beach of Playa del Risco, where the water is turquoise, and the sand is talcum white. Hardly any crowds either.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
