Where to Surf in Lanzarote: Famara, La Santa and the North
Lanzarote's surf spots by level, as a local head instructor explains them: Famara for learning, Órzola and Arrieta for other swell directions, La Santa for intermediates and El Quemao for experts only.
Lanzarote has waves for every level, but they are not all in the same place, and which beach works depends on the swell direction. Calima Surf School's head of instructors, Pablo, described the main spots in an interview on the school's site. Here they are, from easiest to hardest.
Famara: where to learn
Famara is about six kilometres of sand on the north-west coast and the island's standout beach, with a great variety of surfing options. The sandbanks shift, so the waves vary in strength along the beach. It works best with a north-west swell. Learners should stay in the first two kilometres next to the village, where most instructors and the lifeguards are, because strong currents can occur, especially at high tide. Park in the village and walk to the beach; the car park fills up quickly.
Órzola and Arrieta: other swell directions
When the swell turns more to the north, Pablo recommends Órzola, at the northern tip of the island. When it comes more from the north-east, Arrieta on the east coast is the better choice.
La Santa: for intermediates
La Santa has three reef-break peaks, La Derecha, La Izquierda and El Centrito, exposed to north and north-west swells. It is more technical than Famara, with rocks and strong currents, and more localised. It suits intermediate surfers who are comfortable over a rocky bottom.
El Quemao: experts only
El Quemao is known for barrels and big waves over a shallow reef. It is only for high-level surfers with a lot of experience, and a helmet is advised. In December, the Quemao Class competition takes place here when the waves are giant.
| Spot | Level | Best swell | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Famara | Beginners (first 2 km), all levels | North-west | Strong currents, especially at high tide |
| Órzola | Not stated | North | Not stated |
| Arrieta | Not stated | North-east | Not stated |
| La Santa | Intermediate | North and north-west | Rocks, strong currents, localism |
| El Quemao | Experts only | Big swell | Shallow reef, very powerful waves |
If you are learning, start at Famara with a school. At Calima Surf School a 2-hour group lesson costs €50 per person and an intensive 4-hour day €70, with equipment, insurance and transport to the beach included. See learning to surf in Famara, or book on the Caleta de Famara surfing page and the Calima Surf School profile.
Where is the best place to learn to surf in Lanzarote?
Famara, in the first two kilometres next to the village, where the schools and lifeguards are, according to Calima Surf School's head of instructors.
Which Lanzarote spot works with a north-east swell?
Arrieta, on the east coast. With a more northerly swell, Órzola.
Is El Quemao suitable for intermediate surfers?
No. It is a shallow reef with very powerful waves, for high-level surfers only, and a helmet is advised.
