Surfing in Tenerife: The best surf spots on the island!

Patrick Mendes Jorge Müller

SEO / Content Manager

Erstellt am: 03.06.2026

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is a paradise for wave riders. Thanks to its mild climate, consistent swells and impressive coastline, you can go surfing here all year round. Rugged volcanic coasts alternate with black sand beaches – and this is exactly where the waves break that make Tenerife one of Europe’s most exciting surf destinations.

If you want to surf in Tenerife, you’ll find a colourful mix: from beginner-friendly beach breaks to powerful reef breaks that are only suitable for experienced surfers. And after your session, charming villages, tapas bars and views of Mount Teide, Spain’s highest mountain, await.

Surfen Teneriffa Ausblick auf den Surfspot Bajamar

Surfstrände auf der Insel

Surfspots auf Teneriffa

Tenerife offers a huge variety of surf spots that appeal to both beginners and experienced surfers. In the north, La Derecha de Almáciga and Playa del Socorro are two classics, offering gentle days for beginners as well as powerful waves for advanced surfers. Further east, the reefs of Punta del Hidalgo and Bajamar (El Lobo) mainly attract experienced surfers – this is where power and precision are required.

Around Garachico, you’ll find Derecha de la Caleta, a varied reef break that allows for long rides when the conditions are right. If you want to experience surfing in a spectacular setting, you should also visit the spot at Los Gigantes: below the impressive cliffs, consistent waves break here, making it a highlight of many Tenerife trips.

In this guide, we introduce you to the island’s most important surf spots in detail – with tips on conditions, recommended surf level and special features on site.

Surf spot Tenerife

La Derecha de Almáciga

The surf spot La Derecha de Almáciga is located on Tenerife’s wild north coast and is one of the most popular beaches in the region. Left- and right-hand waves break over the sandy-rocky bottom, varying depending on the swell direction. Almáciga works especially reliably with northwest swell combined with offshore winds from the south.

On small days, the beach offers good conditions for beginners, but once the sets get bigger, it’s mainly intermediates and experienced surfers who feel at home here. As the spot is quite well known, the line-up can get crowded – but a session here is almost always worth it.

La Derecha de Almáciga (Google Maps) | Surf forecast (surf-forecast.com)

Surf spot Tenerife

Punta del Hidalgo

Punta del Hidalgo is one of the island’s best-known reef breaks. Powerful, long waves await here and show their full potential especially with north swell and offshore winds from the southeast. Its exposed location means the waves often break with force and allow for fast rides.

This spot is mainly suitable for experienced surfers who can handle rocky bottoms and strong currents. Beginners should not enter the water here. The vibe in the line-up is usually relaxed, as long as you show respect and follow the rules.

Punta del Hidalgo (Google Maps) | Surf forecast (surfline.com)

Surf spot Tenerife

Bajamar (El Lobo)

A little further east of Punta del Hidalgo lies Bajamar, also known as “El Lobo”. The spot is known for its powerful reef waves, which can break both left and right. The best conditions occur with north swell combined with offshore wind from the southeast.

Bajamar is not an easy spot – experience, solid paddling skills and a good ability to assess the currents are essential here. If you have the necessary skills, you’ll be rewarded with intense sessions in an impressive setting.

Bajamar (Google Maps) | Surf forecast (surfline.com)

Surf spot Tenerife

Playa del Socorro

Playa del Socorro is one of Tenerife’s best-known surf beaches and is located in the north near Los Realejos. This beach break with occasional reef structures offers both lefts and rights that break all along the beach. It works especially consistently with north swell and offshore winds from the southwest.

The spot is versatile: on small days, beginners will find ideal conditions here, while intermediates and pros can expect powerful waves with bigger swells. As Socorro is easy to reach and one of the most popular beaches, you should expect plenty of surfers in the water.

Playa del Socorro (Google Maps) | Surf forecast (surfline.com)

Surf spot Tenerife

Derecha de la Caleta (bei Garachico)

Near Garachico in the northwest lies Derecha de la Caleta, a reef break with reliable conditions. The wave works best with northwest swell and offshore winds from the south, offering both left- and right-hand peaks.

The waves are often powerful and can allow for long rides when the conditions are right. Beginners should rather stay out here, as the rocky bottom and currents require experience. Advanced surfers will find a versatile spot here that isn’t always crowded.

Derecha de la Caleta (Google Maps) | Surf forecast (surf-forecast.com)

View of Garachico near the Derecha de la Caleta surf spot

Surf spot Tenerife

Los Gigantes

Directly in front of the famous cliffs of Los Gigantes, you’ll find a beach break that makes surfing in a spectacular setting possible. The spot works most reliably with northwest swell and offshore winds from the east-southeast.

Los Gigantes is quite consistent and produces both left- and right-hand waves. Beginners can give it a try on smaller days, while experienced surfers will appreciate the power when the swell is bigger. A special highlight here is surfing beneath cliffs up to 600 metres high – an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

Los Gigantes (Google Maps) | Surf forecast (surf-forecast.com)

Travel info

Best time to travel for surfing in Tenerife

You can surf in Tenerife all year round – thanks to its location in the Atlantic, the island receives consistent waves throughout the year. For surf beginners, the summer months from May to September are especially suitable. During this time, the swells are smaller and the conditions are more beginner-friendly, so you can practise the basics such as take-off and your first turns in calmer water. The water temperatures are also pleasantly warm – a rash vest or shorty is usually enough.

For experienced surfers, however, the autumn and winter months from October to March are the most exciting time. Powerful north and northwest swells then bring plenty of energy to the coast. Spots like Punta del Hidalgo or Bajamar work reliably during this period and offer long, powerful waves that require experience and good timing. However, currents and rocks can be challenging – perfect conditions for anyone looking for powerful waves.