Best conditions for surfing on the north and south coasts of Tenerife
Tenerife’s geographical location has the advantage that swells hit the coasts of the island from almost every direction.
In the winter months between November and March, the waves in the north can reach a considerable size. While experienced surfers enjoy the powerful Atlantic waves at the best surf spots in the north, there are options for beginners and advanced surfers to escape to more sheltered beaches in the north or to catch clean surf on the other side of the island. Many spots on the south coast face west, so they still produce plenty of waves in the winter months when the north is almost constantly on fire.
In summer it is much calmer and the surf spots in the south as well as in the north of the island often invite board shorts and bikini surfing, although until mid-December in the south you can easily surf without a long wetsuit. From June to October, Tenerife has good south swell in addition to the weaker northwest swell, so the beaches on the south coast like Las Américas or El Médano come out on top. Due to the friendlier conditions in summer and autumn, both advanced and experienced surfers can be found at the main peaks of the island, while longboarders can get an absolute Hawaiian feeling with their style and surf beginners enjoy gentle waves to practice on.
A few factors that influence the choice of the best surf spot
The volcano Teide in the centre of the island, with its 3,715-metre height, provides a very extensive wind shadow even in the windy summer months, so that you can find a clean wave somewhere to surf almost all year round.
Well-known surf forecast sites provide information about the tides and more or less accurate information about wind and wave directions for more than 15 well-known surf spots on the north and south coasts of Tenerife. As always, the information varies greatly, of course, depending on the particular ground of the spots, the incoming wave strength and wave direction, as well as the orientation and protection of the surf spot. Only close observation of the surf spot and its waves (please, always take some time for this) can tell you whether you are prepared for the surf conditions or not. You should also always observe and talk to other surfers to find out about currents, the appropriate tides and entry and exit points, which can be really tricky at some spots.
If you go on a surf safari with or without a surf course, you will quickly discover that there are far more spots and surfable waves than stated in some surf and travel guides.
If you want to find out more and get information on your favourite spots, take a look at our complete Tenerife spot guide on www.surfing-tenerife.com.
See you soon surfing on one of the fabulous volcanic islands Tenerife!
