A Gran Canaria Surf Guide – 2026 Updated
The surfing in Gran Canaria revolves around the north coast of the island.
The La Isleta headland that pokes out from Las Palmas – the island capital – starts things rolling with a series of breaks that take care of all. Within 500 meters, you can score one of Europe’s heaviest urban reef breaks and one of the continent’s top city beginner spots.
Move further west along this rugged haunch of the island and things get wilder and, generally, heavier. But it’s all very swell dependent. Winters will send through heavy NW pulses that offer slabs and barrels along the various pockets of reef. Summers are smaller, easier, way more forgiving. And warm.
There’s some localism about this isle. This is the Canaries after all. But it’s not so bad here as on Lanzarote and there’s loads to be said for the inland, where you can hike wild laurel forests and the soaring ridges of the Pico de las Nieves whenever it’s flat.
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>>This guide is just one part of our complete guide to surfing in the Canary Islands
Gran Canaria surf at a glance
The good…
The bad…
Where is Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northwest coast of Africa. It is part of the Canary Islands archipelago, which belongs to Spain.
The third-largest island in the group, it is situated to the southeast of Tenerife and to the west of Fuerteventura – both of which also have fantastic surf options, BTW.
As we’ve mentioned, the surf area here revolves around that long north coast, which gets the full whack of the most consistent winter swells. It’s about 17 miles long in all and can be accessed via the GC-1 highway from Gran Canaria Airport or directly from the city ports if you’re coming over by ferry from another of the Canary Islands.
Gran Canaria surf spots
Like most, we’ve split this isle into north and south. The north is the best place. The south has some decent spots that might fire better in the summer.
We’d also throw in a mention of the east coast, which relies on some push-through swells and SE windswells but is slowly but surely establishing itself as one of the best learner zones since it doesn’t have the crowds of Las Palmas.
Surf spots in the north of Gran Canaria
If you’re serious about surfing in Gran Canaria, stick to the north. The 17 miles from the city to the western edge of the island is laden with great breaks. Lots of them are pounding points but there are some great places where the cliffs poke out enough to protect from W trades and the beaches are sand-bottomed for lower intermediates and even beginners…
El Confital
El Confital has been hailed as one of the best right tubes Europe can muster. Needs the punchiest of winter NW swells but will also fire on really big W swells, all with a nice SW wind to groom the lines up. When it’s on, it’s really on, with bomb chasers from all over flocking to score.
What’s crazy is that the wave starts with an almost backdoor barrel section. The drop is steep AF and then straight onto a nigh-on vert wall that you need to line into perfectly. After about 40m it fattens out and peels some.
Stay on it there and pump to get some nice big turns in before lipping out before it hits the shallowest part of the reef (if in doubt watch the locals). Talking of which, localism here is off the hook. Beware.
La Cicer
Come down into the city from the La Isleta reefs where Confital fires and it’s a whole different story. The southern end of Playa de Las Canteras doesn’t have natural reef protection like the north end. That opens up the bay to swells but only the ones that can sneak through a hole in those reefs or bend around the breakwater. The result? Mellowness in abundance.
Basically, this is the beginner/learner wave of Gran Canaria and the spot that’s allowed La Palma to establish itself as on of the top Spanish surf cities for starters. Naturally, surf camps straddle the beach behind. The wave is usually a bit mushy but still peels well for 50-100 meters on good days. When it’s huge, there’s an outer reef point that will work beyond the breakwater.
Los Muellitos
There’s a good left that pulls of the northern tip of the Los Muellitos breakwater. It now acts as the sort of intermediate graduation wave for folks who are sick of the crowds (and they really are crowds!) of surfers that plague Cicer day in day out in the peak season.
Muellitos is a bit heavier than it looks, though, so be careful of punchy lips that can throw you right in at the reef. It’s a good goofy setup on its day but yea, be warned of those shallower rock sections right in front. We’d recommend a touch of reef experience before paddling over.
Lloret
If Confital is pumping then Lloret will be too. But there’s added consistency at this spot just on the western side of the Muellitos jetty, because it can handle more onshore winds. It’s a fun, performance right hander that sucks up over a submerged trench and then barrels for quite a nice stretch before spitting you out basically right into the channel. The danger is bailing too early because you’ll inevitably end up on the shallower reef and stuck inside. Localism reigns.
Los Enanos
Los Enanos might be busy but there’s a reason for that. It’s one of the best fun waves in the Canaries and a great option for when La Cicer isn’t working because it’s an all-level spot with sand underneath that picks up just a touch more swell from the N and W channels.
Don’t expect to have it to yourself – the surf schools out of Las Palmas will be out in force if it’s chest to head high. Over that and you can either find closeouts or (with a nice S wind) decent A-frames that are longer on the left than on the right.
Boquines
Boquines is a spot with two options, left and right but 99% come for the right because the left rips fast and hollow straight off the reef beside the Piscina Natural El Altillo (a natural swimming pool that’s pretty cool).
The right can be decently long – 50-100m – and alternates between steep and pitching sections to make for a fun, playful ride, if only you can forget about the shallow reef that’s always below. Usually localized but not as bad as the breaks closer to the city.
Soledad
Soledad is a gnarly setup that only really works a couple of times throughout the season. Demand a couple of meters at least as it thwacks into the punta of El Roque town and punches left into the rocky bay. It’s steep, it’s quick, and the hazards are many – from urchins to strong rips. Come to watch if you hear it’s on because it’s a cool spectacle and the town is cool.
Vagabundo/Vagabundos
Vagabundo is another tool in the arsenal of the local surf schools here because it’s beach break and very consistent. The high cliffs to the west of the main stretch offer fantastic protection from the dominant W trades, which is a joy in the low surf season of summer when they can blow strong.
There are multiple peaks that suit most riders and the vibe is generally mellow, but can be a touch of localism (usually not an issue if you’re coming as part of a surf class). The best is the longboard right that comes off the western end of the bay. Bottom is a mix of sand and rock.
Very fun spot.
Surf spots in the south of Gran Canaria
The south can’t really compare to the north. If we had to nail it down, we’d say it’s the beginner zone of the island. Tucked away from the most ferocious NW swells that pump through the Atlantic in winter, this region gets a trickle of half-decent S swells and some nice windswell conditions in the summer.
Arguineguin
If the kalima winds from Africa get going then Arguineguin can be one of the best waves on the island. Works nicely in the summer, when there’s decent SW angle in the swell but also in the winter if the northerlies are big enough to wrap around the whole island.
Usually a crowd about but they’re not as territorial in the north and tend to be pretty encouraging. On 3-6 foot days it’s a magic wave for loggers with some very long lefts. This is the most exposed spot on the south coast.
Playa del Ingles
Surfable but not desirable, Playa del Ingles is mainly reserved for lazy resort tourists who want nothing more than to sip beers and eat fry ups.
It’s the go-to option for families with groms who fancy trying a bit of surf, and there are some decent lesson offers in the region that can help with that.
The beach breaks here can be okay, and there is something to be said for having breaks that face west (Meloneras Beach) and east (St Augustine). You can almost always find a bit of swell, even if it’s just windswell slop.
Because of that, this town is now the hub for surfing in the south, but the truth is it’s the resort-vacation crowd that fuel the demand for surf lessons and things, not the overal quality of the surf.
Surf spots in the east of Gran Canaria
If you’re looking to do a surf camp in Gran Canaria, this region – specifically Playa Del Hombre – will likely be a good pick. It’s generally got easy waves on sandy beaches. Perfect for learning.
Playa del Hombre
The handful of surf camps that have set up shop in Playa Del Hombre have helped to raise the game of the east coast.
Groms and learners now flock in all year round to enjoy the gurgling leg breakers that are actually fantastic for practicing on.
The beach is wide, has multiple peaks, and the newfound schools have tempered that famously wild Canarian localism into something altogether calmer and more welcoming.
When to surf in Gran Canaria?
The peak surf season in Gran Canaria is the winter, which is when the biggest NW swells fire in and power the north coast breaks. It’s good because of the sheer variety of options along the northern shore mean there’s usually something for everyone (Cicer will work when it’s heavy cos it’s protected, while barreling Confital can be working just up the coast).
The winter and early spring also bring the prospect of Sirocco and Kalima winds that blow east to west and roughly offshore for some of the northern breaks.
Don’t discount the summer in Gran Canaria. It’s hot but the NW swells still work and the south coast can shape up nicely as S and SW days come by. Overall, it’s a better time for learners, longboarders, and less serious surfers but certainly has its charms.
Where to stay when surfing in Gran Canaria?
Great surf hotels in Gran Canaria
Our hunch? You’ll want to stay close to Cicer in Las Palmas if you’re a beginner. If you’re not, then it’s best to rent a car and base yourself within easy striking distance of the north coast, somewhere like Carretera will do. Our humble suggestions:
- Dreamsea Boutique Experience – Bringing the vibe of a Spanish Hacienda and mixing it with a touch of surf-cool-boho, this is yet another fantastic surf stay from the Dreamsea brand. It’s really cool, has a gorgeous terrace, and is perfectly located for getting to the top spots on the north shore. Always a go-to.
- Maresía Canteras Urban Hotel – For the beginners in Las Palmas, there’s no better stay than the boutique Maresía Canteras Urban Hotel. Stylish to the T and right on the beach, it’s meters from Cicer surf spot. You’ll return to boho-chic suites and high comfort.
Surf camps in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria’s rep for heavier reefs and localism means that the learner and surf camp crowd often stay away. But we think there are a few reasons to choose this one over Lanzarote or Fuerte. For one, the east coast is a good option for getting consistency for lower levels on the doorstep. For two, the camps based up north offer access to a whole city for when you want to drink/dine/party/sightsee.
- High Voltage Adventure – There are a handful of rooms in this half-hostel, half-surf apartment. They’re shabby chic and placed right above the waves of Playa del Hombre, the go-to beginner option on the east coast. This 8-day package includes two surf lessons per day and video analysis.
- FEEL Surf Camp Las Palmas – You can choose hostel rooms or private oceanfront apartments at this highly rated surf hostel. It’s smack dab on Cicer in Las Palmas city, so a great pick for folks who like their surf camps with a side of urban action, which is one of the real joys of Gran Canaria. The vibe is generally chilled, with an average age of around 30, plus itineraries that include both surf lessons and trips into the mountains.
Surf lessons in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is a great place to do a few surf lessons, especially because most of the surf camps are situated down south in Playa del Ingles area and around Masopalmas. That’s a part of the island that’s really tailored to beginners, because the beaches don’t get mega swell hits and are generally easy level.
You can just book when you get there – often through your hotel. But you can also book online before you travel to secure a spot. Here’s what we’d reccomend.
- Surf Canaries – Just under $60 per person gets you a full 4-hour lesson in the Masopalmas area, including surf pics and small-group tuition.
- Canary Wave – These guys run very highly rated 2-hour surf lessons on Meloneras Beach, a black-sand beach on the southwest side of the main resort area.
Should I rent a car to surf in Gran Canaria?
That depends really. If you’re a beginner and are coming for a bout of sun and sand but want to sample surfing, then there’s probably no need. It’s possible to get lessons in Playa des Ingles and up in Las Palmas. Same goes if you’re planning on joining a local surf camp, which generally organize all your transport to and from breaks and will know where’s working on what swells.
For more advanced surfers, then yes, a car can work wonders in Gran Canaria. The northern GC-2 road isn’t just spectacular. It also links up like 20 spots, some secret, and takes you away from the infamous local crowds.
We now typcially search for car rentals on DiscoverCars – they’ve been the cheapest for us on our last few surf trips to Europe.
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!
