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Surfing in Tenerife: From beginner breaks to powerful swells
As the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a genuine paradise for surfers. Whether you're already riding waves like a pro or want to learn for the first time, the island delivers the conditions to match: steady wind, warm water and a wide range of surf beaches make it one of the most popular surf destinations in the Atlantic.
Tenerife's surf spots are anything but one-size-fits-all. Flat, forgiving waves await beginners, while legendary, powerful breaks, especially in the island's northwest, draw experienced surfers looking for a real test. El Médano beach stands out in particular: constant wind and dramatic conditions have made it one of the best training grounds for advanced wind- and kitesurfers looking to push their limits.
Book your flight with Discover Airlines today and get ready to surf up a storm in Tenerife.
What to know before surfing in Tenerife
Surfing in Tenerife is something special. Beyond the breathtaking scenery that’s well worth exploring on foot, the island's sheer range of surf spots makes it a destination for every experience level. Whether it's your first time on a board or you're an experienced surfer chasing a new challenge, Tenerife has something for you.
Head to the southwest coast for calmer beaches that suit beginners well, or north to legendary breaks like La Casa and Benijo, which draw surfers from around the world for their sheer power. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are just as easy to pick up in Tenerife, rounding the island out as a genuine water-sports paradise.
Surf schools are everywhere on the island, with certified instructors offering tailored courses for beginners and advanced surfers alike. El Médano and Playa de las Américas have no shortage of schools running lessons year-round if you’re looking to learn how to surf in Tenerife.
Tenerife's mild, subtropical climate keeps conditions favorable for surfing all year. Thanks to the island's spot in the Atlantic, temperatures rarely dip below 15°C (59°F) and can climb to around 30°C (86°F) in summer. The weather matters for more than just lounging on the beach: that same steady wind and warm water are exactly what make surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing work here.
The best time to visit for surfing is between October and April, when the waves are at their highest and most powerful. During these months, the northeast trade wind keeps the swell stable, exactly the kind of consistency experienced surfers look for. If you're picking up a board for the first time, though, the calmer summer months might suit you better, with gentler waves to learn on. Either way, Tenerife works as a year-round surf destination, since the temperatures and conditions barely change from one season to the next.
Tenerife’s best surf spots
Practical tips for a surf trip to Tenerife
A little preparation goes a long way, so keep the following in mind before your trip. Climate is one of the biggest factors to plan around. Temperatures stay pleasant on the island year-round, though water temperatures dip a bit in the winter months, so bring a wetsuit suited to the season or rent one at one of the island's surf shops.
Before you get in the water, check the local surf rules and safety guidance. Most beaches have separate areas for beginners and advanced surfers to help avoid collisions, and it's worth signing up with a surf school even if you already know how to surf. They'll walk you through the island's specific conditions and point you toward the best spots for your level.
Tenerife's tourist infrastructure makes it easy to get around once you're here. Tenerife South Airport, which is well served from across Europe, puts you within easy reach of the island's main surf spots. Taxis and rental cars are both good options for getting to the beach, and if you'd rather take it slow, buses also run to several of the island's surf beaches..
Book your flight with Discover Airlines and start planning your next surfing trip to Tenerife.
January
Avg. Temperature:
15°C/15°C
Rainy days per month:
10-40
February
Avg. Temperature:
15°C/15°C
Rainy days per month:
10-40
March
Avg. Temperature:
16°C/16°C
Rainy days per month:
10-40
April
Avg. Temperature:
17°C/17°C
Rainy days per month:
5-25
May
Avg. Temperature:
18°C/18°C
Rainy days per month:
10-40
June
Avg. Temperature:
19°C/19°C
Rainy days per month:
0-5
July
Avg. Temperature:
21°C/21°C
Rainy days per month:
0-5
August
Avg. Temperature:
22°C/22°C
Rainy days per month:
0-5
September
Avg. Temperature:
22°C/22°C
Rainy days per month:
5-30
October
Avg. Temperature:
20°C/20°C
Rainy days per month:
10-60
November
Avg. Temperature:
18°C/18°C
Rainy days per month:
20-80
December
Avg. Temperature:
17°C/17°C
Rainy days per month:
10-50