Tenerife Surf Guide - All Spots, All Surf Towns

There’s fantastic variety in Tenerife – but hey, this is the biggest Canary Island of the lot.

There are two main surf areas. There’s a really undeveloped north shore that’s exposed perfectly to the cross-Atlantic NW swell channel. The waves up there are built by big, pumping reef and boulder-bottom beaches that can change from 2-foot and beginner friendly to huge, womping overheads in a matter of hours.

Down south, Playa de Las Americas is the hub. I would say go there if you’re a learner or want good surf infrascructure. It’s home to basically all the surf camps and surf hostels, and has plenty of hotels by the beach, within walking distance of good waves. Yea, it will be busy, but it’s an easy thing to organize.

There’s A LOT on offer in Tenerife. The island really is one of the stand-out Canaries. It caters to all levels (though I would say time your season right – summer is better for beginners) and has all sorts of nooks and kinks in its remoter north shore for the more adventurous surfer.

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>>This is just a part of our ultimate guide to surfing in Canary Islands

Tenerife surf at a glance

The good:

Two fantastic surf regions in the south and the north
Loads of hotels and places to stay
A great place for expert surfers in December and January

The bad:

Lots of localism
Unforgiving reef in many spots
Wind

FAQs about surfing in Tenerife

When is the best time to surf in Tenerife?

The surf season in Tenerife runs pretty much year-round, but the north coast lights up from October to March, when solid Atlantic swells roll in and the reefs start doing their thing. Summer (June-August) is mellower, better suited to beginners and improvers, especially on the south coast spots around Playa de las Américas.

Do I need a wetsuit for surfing in Tenerife?

Tenerife has some of the warmest water in Europe, so you can often surf in a shorty or even boardies during summer. That said, in winter the water can dip to around 19°C, so most surfers throw on a 3/2mm full suit for comfort. The volcanic reefs can be sharp too, so reef boots aren’t a bad idea.

Is Tenerife good for beginner surfers?

Absolutely – the island has something for everyone. The south-shore towns of El Médano and Playa de las Américas are packed with surf schools and have mellow beach breaks perfect for first-timers. The north coast, by contrast, is more powerful and better suited to experienced surfers who are confident over rock and reef.

What’s in this guide to surfing in Tenerife?

Surf spots in Tenerife

Roughly speaking, Tenerife has two separate surf areas: North and south. They are both very different. One’s real busy thanks to proximity to the main resorts. That’s the south. The other – the north – is quieter and offers some gnarlier swells in the winter window. Let’s take a look…

North Tenerife

The surfing in the north of Tenerife is centered on the town of Bajamar and extends eastwards to to Benijo and southwest down to Puerto de la Cruz.

It’s all mainly rugged coves and beaches sheltered by high cliffs. They get the brunt of the NW winter swell system and have good protection from easterlies coming off Africa. The result? They’re for the more serious surfers on the island.

Points, double overheads, fast barrels – this is where you’ll find them on Tenerife. Oh, and did we mention that the surf breaks in the north are way less busy than their compadres down south?

Almaciga (Benijo)

Almaciga is a bit remote, set out on the north coast almost an hour’s drive from Santa Cruz. It’s quite exposed and doesn’t handle size so brilliantly as some spots, mainly because it’s largely sand-cobble bottom; not established reef.

Still, the NW winter swells are right on, so consistency is good. Just be sure to come when its in 1-4 foot range, not bigger.

When mellow, it’s good for all levels, with rights and lefts of lots of peaks. When larger, it gets rippy and can dump.

The beach itself is a long, dark-sand stretch framed by cliffs and often shrouded in mist, giving it a wild, remote feel. Really gorgeous place to be. Hiking aplenty if you don’t want to surf.

The local break is on Playa Benijo, and it’s also called just Benijo.

Taganana

When people talk about Taganana, they’re actually talking about the big, open bay at Playa del Roque de las Bodegas, which is about 5 mins down the wiggly coast road from the town of Taganana itself.

It’s really nice here. Lovely, wedgy little A-frames can hold well up to 7 foot. On a mid tide they don’t tend to mess about too much, and will give good shapes that work for shorties and logs alike.

I’ve had nice sessions and I hope you do too. Have heard that bigger winter systems can turn the whole thing into a washing machine, so – as with most north shore spots – air on the side of coming when it’s a bit mellower.

Bajamar

Bajamar is probably the hub of surfing on the north coast. The town fronts a series of very steep cliffs that drop down to a big cobblestoner reed.

The bay of El Arenal (also sometimes known as El Callado) offers reliable conditions for surfing pretty much the whole year. Look out for that narrow NW swell to catch it at its finest.

The waves are nice, easy-going rollers that can break left and right then. At 2-5 foot its an intermediate’s dream. Any bigger and they will get pretty heavy – esp on the outside of the main town where it can be bombs going offfff.

You’ve also got El Charco, a more swell-sucking section of reef around to the southwest of El Arenal. It’s a bit harder, can be shallow on lower tides but is generally really great for good intermedaites who want longer rides.

>> Read our complete guide to surfing in Bajamar

Los Patos

Los Patos, or Los Platos, or even La Orotava Beach – this one has many names. It’s kinda famous just becuase it looks really cool. Think super high cliffs that are totally vertical dropping to a black-sand bay below.

You’ll need to have the guts to conquer the staircase down. It’s a zigzagging thing that looks like it might fall apart at any moment. Do it at your own risk folks.

The break here is a quite solid reefy that can hold some good size. It breaks on a bit of rock but then shoulders into sand, so you don’t have to worry too much about where you bail; more about the rips. Lots of swell comes into this bay, so will get big and wompy fast on winter swells.

Puerto de la Cruz (Playa Martianez)

The north shore city of Puerto de la Cruz isn’t just a transport hub for the region. It’s also a bit of a surf town. Well…there’s one nice beach that gets waves thanks to the manmade jetty. It’s called Puerto de la Cruz – look for the long arm of concrete blocks beside the sea pool on the main promenade.

This is the only north shore spot that acts more like a south spot, becuase the shelter offered by the breakwater tempers things loads. On the inside of the bay, you can get chilled longboard waves that peel nicely.

Good for learners. Nice little city break.

>> Read our full guide to surfing in Puerto de la Cruz

Playa del Socorro

Playa del Socorro is held down by some regular local crews who come around when it shows size. The spot can hold well, and tends to do nicely in the big midwinter NW swell window.

Most of the time, though, it’s a lovely beach break wave for intermediates and up. There’s just something about the swells here that channel well into a right point at the western end of the bay and an A-frame in the middle that adds so much power.

Fast take offs, punchy shoulders – it’s good fun for someone with a bit of experience.

>> Read a full guide to surfing and staying at Playa del Socorro

South Tenerife

Don’t be tempted to think that south Tenerife is reserved for beginners just because it’s where the holidaymakers go. Not so.

Spanish pros often hit the waves here. A lot of the breaks are over shallow lava reef right by Playa de Las Americas. Yes, there are a few places where you can learn, but the localism is also notorious. Sorry – but it’s true!

That said, if you are a beginner then the south is where I’d look. Playa de las Americas and El Medano have the best surf hostels and surf camps on the island and access to a range of breaks that can suit starters.

This is also the region if you want resort hotels and nightlife strips.

La Caleta (Adeje)

Not to be confused with its namesake surf town over on Lanzarote, La Caleta is a sectiony reef break that’s really intermediates and up.

The right is the main peak, but you’ll also catch lefts on some of the points closer to the village. Can hold up to 12 foot but prime is 5-8 for sure.

E winds can work, but SE is better as that’s straight offshore and can make the difference between a sloppy mess and a big, rippable face here.

Playa de las Americas Surf

Playa de Americas is the main resort conclave of the south. It’s a pretty wild place – hotels and bars everywhere. You can get full English fry ups and stay out drinking shots with fat 40 year old men if you like.

It’s also a surf town, with access to a string of fairly reliable breaks on the outer reefs beyond its beaches…

El Conquistador – One of the best known breaks in the south of Tenerife, El Conquistador gets its name from the big hotel that’s just above the bay. Technically a reef break, but the rock is so broken that you’ll find it pretty easy underfoot so long as you’re careful. On top of that, the waves are peaking at about 4-7 foot, with a S swell (commonplace in summer) enough to get it kicking. The result? It’s a beginner and intermediate hotspot; one of the best in town.
La Izquierda – La Izquierda is a classic Canarian reef break that sucks up all the NE wraparounds and NW winter swells and chucks out some heavy waves. It’s basically a tubey left but can get sectiony when there’s wind on it or it’s a little low. Infamously plagued by localism.
Derecha del Cartel – The mirror image of La Izquirda, just a stone’s throw to the south, Has quick left barrels that pump up at the faintest sign of a NW swell. It’s very hollow and steep, so get your eyes set on the pit here. Just watch out for localism and foamers.

>> Read our full guide to surfing in Playa de las Americas

La Tejita

You’ll have to come around the southern tip of Tenerife from the reefs of Playa de las Americas to find La Tejita. It fronts the point just by the resort town of El Medano.

The spot is known as perhaps the best beginner place in all of Tenerife. Protected from strong west swells, the waves are typically chest high. There’s lots of whitewash to practice on and there’s some punch in the push to get you popping up nicely.

To sum up: It’s a true fav with the local Tenerife surf school groups.

El Medano

El Medano is the small fishing town that hides between the brown-colored mountains on the southeast side of the island.

In the last few years, it’s become something of a hub for more off-beat surf camps and beginner-friendly surf hostels, mainly because the beaches here get lots of small swell in the summer months.

They can, on occasion, fire nicely, with A-frames and lefts off the rocks. Mostly, it’s good for learning, and a great base if you want to surf south Tenerife but not stay in the guady resorts of Playa de las Americas or Los Cristianos.

>> Read a complete guide to the surf in El Medano

Where to stay in Tenerife?

Surf camps in Tenerife

There are dedicated surf-camp packages in Tenerife that are worth considering if you’re in the market for something more inclusive and don’t want to rent a car to travel between the breaks.

They’re great cos they typically include yoga, food, and accomodation. You pay one price and almost everything you need is then sorted.

Most of the surf camps are now in the Playa de las Americas area on the south side of the island BUT you can find a few up in the north, offering more off-the-beaten-track stays in some coooool places.

Here are two highly-reccomended options, one in the south, one in the north.

Endless Summer Vibes – 4.9 out of 5 on Google can’t lie. These guys are now among the best rated camps in the whole Canaries. It’s bargain stuff – like $500 per person for surf teaching every day and flow yoga every day across 8 days. They also make special effort on the social side – you’ll dine and drink together every eve.
Dharmanas Yoga & Surf – These guys only accept bookings from female travelers or couples. It’s just to preserve the real nice vibes and homey feel of the place – they don’t want stag dos and that. Really, it’s the incredile community feel you’ll get, staying in a unique villa in the sleepy northern town of Punta del Hidalgo. The surfing is done in partnership with a local school who never overload lessons – it’s three people to one instructor here.

>>We also have a full guide to the best surf camps in Tenerife and a guide to the top surf camps in the Canary Islands

Hotels for surfers in Tenerife

The other option is to go for a hotel/apartment/hostel and plan your own surf around the island. This is generally what I tend to do these days’ it’s the better option for more advanced surfers who want to explore the north coast and other places (hiking for example).

As I’ve already mentioned, a car is almost a neccessity, but not COMPLETELY – there are surf hostels and things that will work.

There are tons of amazing places to stay in Tenerife, so I can’t list all of em. I’ve picked out three to suit a variety of budgets here…

Waves Nest – Bajamar – An apartment lofted above the waves of El Callado in northern Tenerife. The name does not lie. You can sink into a bean bag and watch people ripping below. The surf is a walk out the door too. Luxury spot and very cool indeed.
Casa Grande Surf Hostel – This bargain surf hostel in El Medano is a gem. People love the vibes and they organize surf classes each day, so there’s actually no need for a car. It’s also a bargain!
TwinFin Hostel & Surf Yoga Camp – A great location in the wilds midway between the southern and northern surf sectors, means there’s loads of spots around here. It’s also super cool. Swinging hammocks, a chilled garden, on-site yoga instruction.

Want something cheaper? We’ve got a guide to the best surf hostels in Tenerife – they’re the surf stays that won’t break the bank, and they are pretty unique too!

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Surf lessons in Tenerife

There are two fantastic surf schools in the south of Tenerife that operate out of the main resort area of Playa de Las Americas. That’s important because it means sessions are super-easy to organize for even casual family holidaymakers with kids in tow, a demographic that the instructors here are very well practiced with.

The packages are almost identical at both, so it hardly matters who you go with. We would reccomedn booking in advance for key times (summer holidays, July-August, and Christmas)…

Rocky Point Surf Experience – Meet on the beach for a surf lesson in a small group (great for getting more pointers and tuition) lead by a qaulified instructor. The package includes everything you need and will never be more than five people at once. Starts at about $40 per person.
Kontraola Surf School – These guys offer pretty much the same thing, only you can book for a 100% privvate lesson. That’s great for family groups or couples who want the full attention of the surf instructor for the duration.

When to surf in Tenerife?

The seasons in Tenerife can change the swells and conditions of the island’s surf breaks considerably. Generally speaking, winter is more consistent and better for the famous reef spots. Summer is good for beginners and still has something most days.

Winter (November-March)

Wear: 2mm or 3/2. Boots for the reef breaks

The main swell direction in the winter is from the NW, straight across the breadth of the Atlantic Ocean. That works wonders for both of the island’s surf areas…

The north gets pumping because the points and bays there get the full whack – NW groundswells hit all the reefs basically head on.

The south works because its top spots, like La Izquierda and the Americas beaches, face a bit westwards anyway. They’ll likely be a few feet smaller than the north shore but that’s okay since it’s the beginner area anyhow.

The one downside is that winter isn’t great for beginners.

Summer (April-October)

Wear: Shorty, 2mm or rash vest and boardshorts. Up to you.

The summers are long and warm in Tenerife. That’s perfect for the tan seekers and beach bums, so expect crowds and lots of em.

Swells are a lot more unpredictable in summer. Southerlies, westerlies and northerlies can all cross the island in any given week. Winds are also changing, and strong systems coming from the east off Africa can blow out the few spots that exist on that side of the island.

That said, there’s still usually something to surf most days here – consistency is key for Tenerife. In fact, conditions are generally more mellow and better for beginners, so it’s peak season for the surf schools and thnigs.

Surf shops in Tenerife

Tenerife has plenty of surf shops. You can find them on the shopping strips of the southern resorts. And you can find them in the port town on the north side of the island.

Surf Shop Underground Tablas De Surf De Segunda Mano – It’s a mouthful, but it’s a great surf shop. Located in the popular resort of Playa de la Américas, this one could just be the only place you need for surf gear on the island. It does the basics fantastically: The stock of wetsuits and boards is second to none!
Aloha Surf Shop – Aloha Surf Shop is a great option if you’re hopping the coves and point breaks of the north coast. It’s situated in Puerto de la Cruz, so not far from the best spots in the area. Inside is loads of surf fashion, with official Rip Curl stuff, new-range swimwear, bags, SUP gear, and flip flops.
Fitenia – Fitenia is a classic surf shop in the island’s capital. It’s a mainstay of the surf scene on Tenerife, having opened way back in 1983. Stocks loads from global surf brands and still has one of the best selections of boards in the Canaries. Super friendly folk, too.

Travel essentials for Tenerife

Where is Tenerife?

Tenerife is smack bang in the middle of the Canary Islands.

Officially it’s a part of Spain, but you’ll need to look for it out in the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of Africa.

The nearest mainland coast is in Morocco, some 220 miles to the west. The next Canary over is small La Gomera, but the next major Canary is Gran Canaria – a holiday mecca and also another top surf spot – a little further to the east.

How to get to Tenerife?

There are two main airports here, Tenerife North and Tenerife South. You can fly to either but it’s the south that handles the bulk of the traffic. Said traffic is mainly low-cost euro airlines like Ryanair and easyJet, but you also get flag carriers like BA and Lufthansa, esp throughout the main holiday season in summer.

The direct ferry link from Huelva on the Spanish mainland to Tenerife has been reduced to just two sailings per week since 2023. It’s a super wobbly 37-hour journey anyway, so not the best option.

Stick to flying and renting cars, it’s likely cheaper and will save you almost two whole days!

Do I need a rental car to surf in Tenerife?

You don’t have to. It really depends on what sort of surf trip you’re looking to do.

We mention surf camps above, and they’re a prime example of a vacation that doesn’t require a set of wheels. The reason: Virtually all surf camp packages in the Canaries include transport to and from breaks across thier host island, so you shouldn’t have to worry on the transport count.

However, if you’re looking to really explore, really get away from the crowds, or if you’re a more advanced surfer who wants the freedom to go wave hunting, there’s nothing for it but a car hire. The north coast is particularly well suited to trips by car.

The good news is that roads all across the Canaries – Tenerife included – are very high quality and not all that busy, so long as you don’t mind dodging cyclists.

What’s more, car rentals here are CHEAAAPP. That’s kinda’ the case all across Spain, where high competition keeps daily rates low.

I now use DiscoverCars for my hires after getting some great deals on hires throughout 2025 with them.

Where to eat in Tenerife?

Tenerife’s eclectic crowd of returnee travelers ensure there’s something to suit all tastes on the island – sometimes too much, like full English breakfasts that literally no one asked for.

Of course, there’s so many great restauarants here that you’d probably need a whole separate book of a guide to help you eat your way through the island properly.

However, some of the places that are regularly recommended as must eats include…

El Refugio de Vilaflor ($$) – A journey into the mountains beneath Mount Teide can take you to this rustic Canarian tavern. Expect rural, rustic food cooked in the age-old traditions of the island. That’s basically huge slabs of meat, BBQ veg, and spicy rojo sauces.
Kismat Tandoori ($$) – Treat yourself to a mega platter of Indian food after hitting the reefs of Playa de las Americas. Kismat Tandoori covers the lot, from spicy samosas to your Anglo-style tikka masala.
Cafe Flashpoint ($) – Simplicity is key at Cafe Flashpoint. A casual menu of calamari, fries and burgers fuels the surfers who are on the La Tejita waves all day long. Cold beer is available for a little apres surf overlooking the ocean. Nice.

Things to do when you’re not surfing in Tenerife

Tenerife didn’t become one of Europe’s favourite winter escapes just because of its waves. There’s loads more to get stuck into on this wild and rugged island…

Mount Teide – How does a hike to the very peak of the highest mountain in Spain sound? Granted, it’s not your most relaxing day off the swells, but it’s awesome. You’ll need to pre-apply for a permit to do it. Then, hit Telesforo Bravo Trail 10. It’s a journey to a summit above the clouds, with sweeping views of the Canaries and the Atlantic Ocean.
Beaches – Tenerife has so many beautiful beaches. The north is about black-sand bays that will take the breath away. The south is more developed and better for families, offering beaches protected by breakwaters that have stiller, calmer waters.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife – A lot of surfers will actually base themselves in the happening island capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It’s a buzzy place with colourful old homes and rollicking neighbourhoods of Spanish tapas bars and nightclubs. Come to party and shop.
Boat trips – The oceans around Tenerife are some of the richest in all of Europe. The isle is a hotspot for whales at certain times of the year. Plus, there are beaches where you can snorkel with turtles and rare fish. The best way to do this sort of trip is with an organized guide like this one or this one.