La Santa, Lanzarote – A Surf & Travel Guide
Perched on Lanzarote’s rugged northwest coast, La Santa might not be the island’s surf capital (that honor goes to Caleta de Famara) but it’s hallowed ground for sure.
It’s home to El Quemao, one of Europe’s heaviest slabs, plus a cluster of reefs that pick up just about every ounce of north Atlantic energy and get really, really good in the peak winter months.
This is where Lanzarote earns its “Hawaii of Europe” nickname – think dry volcanic landscapes, lava-rock points, and barrels aplenyy.
The town itself is small and functional, but nearby Caleta de Famara acts as the social and practical hub for visiting surfers, with surf schools, board rentals, and a handful of hostels and apartments. I’d always base myself there and travel down to La Santa to surf/watch the surf (the localism is horrid).
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Read more about surfing in the Canary Islands and surfing in Lanzarote
The Surf at La Santa
There are a few spots to get to know here but it’s not hard. One cluster of breaks works right out front of the La Santa health club, while El Quemao is beside La Santa town itself.
El Quemao
The crown jewel. Quemao is often dubbed “Europe’s Pipeline” for good reason: a shallow, volcanic slab that jacks up with west and northwest swells to throw perfect but deadly left-hand tubes. It breaks close to shore, with a steep take-off zone over sharp reef, meaning it’s only for very experienced surfers. Best large NW swells with light easterly winds. Helmets, a strong board, and commitment are essential here – wipeouts come with consequences. It’s pros only. Great spectating though.
La Santa Left
Sitting just north of the harbour, La Santa Left is a long, mechanical left-hander peeling across flat lava reef. It’s one of Lanzarote’s most reliable waves, breaking even on smaller swells. Expect steep drop-ins leading into fast walls with sections for carves and barrels. Works best with NW–N swells and SE–E winds. It’s popular, so expect a local crowd and a pecking order in the lineup.
La Santa Right (Morro Negro)
On the other side of the same reef is La Santa Right, also known as Morro Negro. It’s a shorter, more hollow wave than the left. It’s less consistent and needs a solid swell to break properly. When it’s on, it’s punchy and quick, with a tight take-off into a barrel section. Usually has a crowd of pretty territorial guys working it, so it’s not a tourist spot by any stretch.
Inside La Santa
Closer to the shore and mellower, the Inside is a forgiving reef that can be suitable for intermediates and longboarders. It’s still a reef of that trademark jagged volcanic stone that Lanza is famous for, so care is needed, but it’s a good option if you want something easier. Still, I’d usually keep driving another 15 mins and get up to Caleta if you’re a learner/beginner.
Other surf spots near to La Santa
La Santa isn’t an isolated surf town. Within 20 minutes you’ve got loads, espescially with Caleta just around the corner.
I’d get a hire car to be able to travel between them if you’re keen to stay in La Santa itself.
- Caleta de Famara – Famara beach is the island’s surf HQ. It’s a six-kilometre stretch of sandy beachbreak with peaks for all levels, from beginner-friendly foamies to punchy A-frames on bigger days. The town is full of surf schools, rentals, and places to stay, making it the main base for most visitors.
- San Juan – Just south of Famara, this reef offers a long left-hander that’s powerful and often uncrowded. It’s a World Surf League comp venue when conditions align.
- Morro Negro – A hollow right reef not far from La Santa, less consistent but very rewarding on the right swell.
When to surf La Santa Lanzarote?
Winter (November–March) is prime time. The North Atlantic is in full swing, sending regular NW swells that light up La Santa’s reefs and Quemao in particular. Offshore easterly trade winds are most reliable in winter too, keeping the barrels cleaner.
Summer is much smaller and more inconsistent. You’ll still get waves at Famara beach, but the reefs are mostly quiet. Shoulder seasons (September–October and April–May) can be good if you’re after fewer crowds and still want decent swell. I was last down around April time and La Santa was pretty flat, but still working. Deep winter is the time to come for the big slab shows.
What to do in La Santa when there’s no surf?
- Timanfaya National Park – A short drive inland, this volcanic wonderland looks like something from another planet. Yea, it was actually used in the filming of Planet of the Apes. You can hike or join guided tours across lava fields and craters.
- La Santa Club – The town’s big sports complex doubles as a health retreat. It’s got gyms, pools, running tracks, and spa facilities. Health nuts visit regularly. Not my scene personally but you migth love it.
- Explore Lanzarote‘s Wine Region – The La Geria valley is dotted with vineyards where vines grow in black volcanic soil. Tastings and tours are easy to arrange. Good fun on flat days.
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!
