The best beaches for surfing in Tenerife are not actually beaches in the traditional sense, due to the volcanic origin of the archipelago.
What we consider to be the best surf spots in Tenerife are point breaks with gently sloping rocky bottoms and easy access, suitable for beginner or intermediate surfers in most cases.
El Médano
This is a world-renowned spot for practicing sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing. While it may not be where you'll find the best surfing beaches in Tenerife, on days with lighter winds and whimsical conditions, we can find powerful waves like La Machacona or La Tejita and beginner-friendly options at any of its sandy beaches. Furthermore, it's a charming town where local people and active tourists mingle.
El Cabezo, one of El Médano's beaches, is better known for wind sports but also offers beginner surfers a chance to catch some small waves on days with less favorable conditions elsewhere on the island.
Playa de Las Américas
With more than 7 surf spots, you'll find waves ranging from powerful to gentle breaks free from dangerous currents. There are several shops and schools where you can book your surf lesson, as well as surfcamps for an unforgettable experience.
El Medio, our star spot for beginners and not-so-beginners alike, is located in the heart of Playa de Las Américas. It's a bay with a soft, uniform rocky bottom that makes entering and exiting the water easy. Given its characteristics, as long as it's low tide, you're guaranteed a safe and fun beginner surf lesson nearly 365 days a year.
Alcalá
If you're an advanced surfer, you'll enjoy Alcalá. Three peaks with slightly more challenging access and powerful waves await. This spot is relatively untouched, so we recommend going in groups of two or three people at most to avoid overcrowding the peaks and to always respect local surfers.
Taganana and Almáciga
Located in the northeastern tip of the island, the Taganana and Almáciga area is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Canary Islands. With three sandy beaches for surfing, you can find waves almost 365 days a year, especially on days when there's nothing happening elsewhere on the island due to its full exposure to any north-component swell. It's suitable for beginner surfers as long as the day's conditions are easy, or if you simply catch waves close to the shore.
Los Roques is one of the area's beaches with less swell, so if you're careful with the currents and don't go too deep, or if the day is very easy, you can enjoy a fun beach break.
Punta del Hidalgo and Bajamar
Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo feature a vast stretch of coastline where you can find countless waves to surf, ranging from intermediate-friendly to powerful waves suitable for professional surfers. We recommend going in very small groups and showing special respect for local surfers.
Puerto de la Cruz and the North Area
We consider this area the second surfing hub of the island, after Las Américas, in terms of surf shops, schools, and related leisure activities. You can find several sandy beaches for surfing almost any day of the year, like in Almáciga, as well as high-quality rock-bottom breaks for more experienced surfers.
Martianez, a spot located in front of Puerto de La Cruz's promenade, features a right-hand wave that reforms within the bay and is great fun for beginner to intermediate surfers. Despite having some protruding rocks, they are easy to identify and avoid, so as long as you have good control of your paddling, you can enjoy your session without any issues.
If you love surfing and want to live just steps away from the waves, here are our suggestions:
Properties on the beaches for surfing