Gran Canaria has long been a premier destination for those seeking an exceptional gran canaria surfing experience. Its nickname, the “Hawaii of the Atlantic,” is well-earned. The island’s enduring appeal is founded on a unique combination of a consistent subtropical climate, warm ocean temperatures, which typically range between 18°C and 24°C, and reliable Atlantic swells that grace its shores throughout the year. This makes it a truly year-round surfing haven.
The island’s coastline offers an impressive and highly diverse range of waves. These range from gentle, rolling beach breaks that provide an ideal learning ground for novices to challenging, hollow reef breaks that test the mettle of even the most seasoned surfers. This diversity ensures that regardless of the season or a person’s skill level, there is always a suitable wave to ride. While
Surfing Gran Canaria is possible at any time, the character of the waves changes with the seasons. The winter months bring larger, more powerful swells, offering exhilarating challenges for experienced riders, particularly from autumn onwards when solid swells are more common. Conversely, the summer months are characterised by smaller, more manageable waves, creating the perfect conditions for beginners to get their first taste of the sport. Beyond the waves, the island is defined by a friendly and accommodating local surf community, a crucial element that contributes significantly to a truly enjoyable holiday.
The Strategic Advantage of Telde and Playa del Hombre
For those planning a surf holiday, the location of a holiday rental is a strategic decision that can make or break the experience. A stay in the municipality of Telde, with Playa del Hombre as its centrepiece, offers a logistical and cultural advantage that few other locations on the island can match.
Playa del Hombre is a highly versatile spot, suitable for all skill levels. Its waves are A-frame, meaning they break both to the left and right over a combination of sand and rocks, providing a dynamic and forgiving environment for everyone from novices to seasoned riders. The local atmosphere is widely described as having “good local vibes” and a welcoming attitude towards visitors. This stands in stark contrast to the potential for localism at more crowded, advanced breaks like El Confital, which is a known consideration for experienced surfers. This welcoming disposition makes Playa del Hombre an exceptionally comfortable and unintimidating base for any group.
However, the most compelling argument for a holiday rental in Telde is its unparalleled geographical position. It is situated almost perfectly between the powerful waves of the north and the sun-drenched, gentle breaks of the south. This central location enables a flexible, “mobile surf holiday” that is ideal for groups with varying skill levels. From Telde, a short drive north provides access to the “surf magnet” coast around Las Palmas, home to vibrant urban surf hubs and challenging waves. Conversely, a quick trip south leads to the beginner-friendly beaches of Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés. This strategic advantage ensures that no one in the group is restricted by their base location and that the entire group can maximise its surfing opportunities, regardless of the day’s swell and wind conditions.
Opting for a holiday rental over a traditional surf camp offers additional benefits for groups and families. Holiday rentals provide unmatched privacy and comfort, with exclusive use of a villa or apartment, a stark contrast to the often-shared dorms or limited private space found in surf camps. This choice also allows for a completely flexible schedule. The group can decide when to surf, where to eat, and how to spend their evenings, rather than being bound by a fixed camp timetable. Furthermore, by choosing a holiday rental and booking lessons with a local, professional surf school, visitors directly support local homeowners and small businesses, fostering a more meaningful and positive relationship with the island’s residents. This approach allows visitors to tap into the truly friendly spirit of the Canarian people.
A Family Affair: Surfing in Gran Canaria for Beginners
For those just starting out or for families with children, finding the right beach with a patient, welcoming atmosphere is paramount. Gran Canaria offers several outstanding beaches to surf in Gran Canaria for beginners, all easily accessible from a Telde base.
Playa del Hombre: Your First Wave
As an all-levels spot, Playa del Hombre is an excellent choice for first-timers. Its forgiving A-frame waves, breaking over a combination of sand and rocks, provide a perfect introduction to the sport. The “good local vibes” and friendly attitude of the local community make it a comfortable and safe environment for learning. For first-timers, the ideal choice is a soft board. These boards are specifically designed to be stable and forgiving, ensuring a safe and stress-free learning experience.
La Cícer: The Urban Surf Epicentre
Located at the southern end of Las Canteras Beach in Las Palmas, La Cícer is considered the “heart of surfing in the capital” and a “natural cradle of surfing” in the archipelago. Its sandy bottom and consistent, gentle waves make it one of the most accessible and friendly spots for beginners. The beach is a hub of activity, surrounded by numerous surf schools, including Buen Surf School, which offers group and private lessons with certified instructors. It is an ideal place to connect with the vibrant local community and other water sports enthusiasts. For beginners, a soft board is essential here. As skills progress, a longboard or a mini-mal is the perfect choice for catching the long, rolling rides, which can sometimes extend up to 300 metres.
Playa del Inglés: Southern Charm for First-Timers
On the sunnier southern coast, Playa del Inglés is another fantastic spot for beginners. Its gentle A-frame waves and pleasant water temperatures make it an ideal place to get acquainted with surfing. Surf Canaries, a mobile surf school based here, specialises in family lessons, using “soft boards” to ensure a fun and stress-free experience for kids as young as seven years old.
Table 1: Gran Canaria’s Best Surf Spots for Beginners & Families
| Spot Name | Location | Best For (Skill Level) | Wave Type | Key Characteristics | Recommended Board Type |
| Playa del Hombre | Telde | All Levels, Families | A-frame, Sand/Rocks | Versatile, good local vibes, junior competitions | Soft board, Longboard |
| La Cícer | Las Palmas | Beginner, Intermediate | Beach Break, Sand | Urban surf hub, consistent, long rides | Soft board, Longboard, Mini-mal |
| Playa del Inglés | Southern Coast | Beginner, Families | A-frame, Sand/Rocks | Touristy, gentle waves, family lessons | Soft board |
Levelling Up: Spots for Intermediate & Professional Surfers
Gran Canaria is not just for beginners; it is a world-class destination that offers a thrilling challenge for more experienced riders. A holiday rental in Telde provides the perfect staging point to explore these more demanding breaks.
The Intermediate’s Playground
Playa del Hombre’s versatility extends to the intermediate surfer. Under the right conditions, its consistent A-frame waves can offer rides of up to 150 metres. For those looking to improve their manoeuvres, a shortboard or a funboard is the ideal choice here. Beyond this central hub, intermediate surfers can venture to the north coast. El Puertillo, in the municipality of Arucas, offers a “wild landscape” and “brave” waves that are more challenging and suitable for experienced riders. A funboard or shortboard would be suitable for its challenging conditions. La Laja, located near Las Palmas, is a consistent reef break with moderate, right-hand waves over a black sand and boulder bottom, where a shortboard would allow for precise turns on the wave face.
World-Class Waves for Pros
For the professional surfer, Gran Canaria offers a collection of legendary spots.
El Confital: The European Reference
Located in Las Palmas, El Confital is a world-renowned spot for expert surfers. It is considered one of the best right-handers in Europe, with powerful, fast, and hollow waves that break over a volcanic reef. The waves can form world-class barrels and reach up to three metres on good days. Given the shallow, powerful nature of this reef break, a high-performance shortboard is essential.
El Lloret: The Local’s Favourite
Right next to El Confital, El Lloret offers fast, powerful right-hand waves over a volcanic rock bottom. This spot is popular with locals and provides a significant challenge for intermediate to advanced surfers. A durable, high-performance shortboard is recommended for this break.
El Frontón: The Bodyboarding Mecca
El Frontón is perhaps one of the most famous bodyboarding spots in the world. With powerful, tubular waves that break over a rocky reef, it is a break for experts only and is highly dangerous for those unfamiliar with it. A durable, high-performance bodyboard is the only appropriate piece of equipment for this spot.
It is important for experienced surfers to consider the seasonal variations when planning their trip. While small wave boards are fine in the summer, those targeting the powerful winter swells should be prepared with big wave boards. This strategic choice of equipment is fundamental to maximising performance and safety on Gran Canaria’s diverse and dynamic winter waves.
Table 2: Gran Canaria’s Most Challenging Surf Breaks
| Spot Name | Best For (Skill Level) | Wave Type | Key Characteristics | Crowd Level | Recommended Board Type |
| Playa del Hombre | Intermediate | A-frame, Sand/Rocks | Versatile, consistent rides | Crowded | Shortboard, Funboard |
| El Puertillo | Intermediate | Challenging, Sand/Pebbles | Wild landscape, strong waves | Can get crowded | Funboard, Shortboard |
| La Laja | Intermediate | Right-hand, Boulder Bottom | Consistent, moderate waves | Crowded | Shortboard |
| El Confital | Advanced, Pro | Right-hand Barrels, Reef | World-class, powerful, localism | Crowded | High-Performance Shortboard |
| El Lloret | Intermediate, Advanced | Right-hand, Volcanic Rock | Fast, powerful, popular with locals | Crowded | High-Performance Shortboard |
| El Frontón | Expert (Bodyboarding) | Powerful, Tubular, Reef | World-class, dangerous, tricky access | Moderate | Bodyboard |
Beyond the Waves: The Gran Canaria Lifestyle
A surf holiday is not just about riding waves; it is about immersing oneself in a new culture and experiencing a different way of life. Opting for a holiday rental in Telde offers this opportunity for true cultural immersion. It is a chance to engage directly with the local economy, from shopping at local markets to booking lessons with small, community-focused surf schools. This provides an authentic and positive experience that a structured surf camp, which often operates as a contained entity, simply cannot provide.
A holiday rental in Telde offers the perfect blend of freedom, privacy, and strategic access to the island’s most diverse surf spots, all while fostering a genuine connection with Gran Canaria’s welcoming community. It provides a superior logistical solution for friends or families travelling together, ensuring that every member of the group, from the first-timer to the seasoned veteran, can find their ideal wave and create lasting memories. This approach allows visitors to experience the true spirit of the Canary Islands, making for a truly unforgettable surf holiday.
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What a wonderful island Gran Canaria is! I’ve had the pleasure of surfing here, and I must say it’s truly a paradise for surfers. The consistent subtropical climate, warm ocean temperatures, and reliable Atlantic swells make it an ideal destination for surfers of all levels. I’ve surfed at Playa del Hombre, and it’s an amazing spot, suitable for all skill levels. The local community is friendly and welcoming, which makes it easy to feel at home.
I’ve also explored other surf spots on the island, like El Confital, which is a world-renowned spot for expert surfers. The waves are powerful and fast, and it’s a great challenge for experienced riders. But what I love about Gran Canaria is that it’s not just about the surfing – it’s about the lifestyle, the culture, and the people. Staying in a holiday rental in Telde, as the article suggests, is a great way to experience the island like a local.
One of the things that impressed me most about Gran Canaria was the diversity of its coastline. From the gentle, rolling beach breaks to the challenging, hollow reef breaks, there’s something for every surfer. And the best part is that it’s a year-round surfing destination, with the winter months bringing larger swells and the summer months offering smaller, more manageable waves.
If you’re planning a surf holiday in Gran Canaria, I highly recommend considering a holiday rental in Telde. It’s strategically located, making it easy to access the island’s best surf spots, and it offers a more authentic experience than a traditional surf camp. Plus, it’s a great way to support local homeowners and small businesses.
Overall, Gran Canaria is a must-visit destination for any surfer. With its incredible surf spots, friendly locals, and beautiful landscapes, it’s the perfect place to experience the ultimate surf holiday.
¡Absolutamente de acuerdo! Gran Canaria es un destino de ensueño para los surfistas de todos los niveles. Me alegra saber que has disfrutado de la isla y de sus increíbles olas. Playa del Hombre es un lugar emblemático y muy versátil, ideal para todos los niveles, desde principiantes hasta surfistas experimentados. La comunidad local es muy amigable y acogedora, lo que hace que sea fácil sentirse en casa.
Me encanta que hayas mencionado la diversidad de la costa de Gran Canaria, con olas suaves y rodantes para principiantes y olas poderosas y huecas para surfistas experimentados. Y, por supuesto, la ubicación de Telde es estratégica para acceder a los mejores spots de surf de la isla.
Si estás planeando un viaje de surf a Gran Canaria, te recomiendo considerar una casa vacacional en Telde. No solo te permitirá experimentar la isla como un local, sino que también te dará la libertad de crear tu propio itinerario y disfrutar de la isla a tu manera.
¡Gracias por compartir tus experiencias y consejos con nosotros! Esperamos que vuelvas a visitar SurfHouse y a disfrutar de la isla de Gran Canaria. ¿Cuál es tu spot de surf favorito en la isla?
What a wonderful post about surfing in Gran Canaria! As a tourist who’s had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful island, I can attest to its incredible surfing opportunities. The consistent subtropical climate, warm ocean temperatures, and reliable Atlantic swells make it an ideal destination for surfers of all levels.
I’ve had the chance to explore the island’s coastline, and I must say that the diversity of waves is impressive. From gentle beach breaks to challenging reef breaks, there’s something for everyone. Playa del Hombre, in particular, is a standout spot – its A-frame waves and welcoming local community make it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
What I appreciate most about Gran Canaria is its friendly and accommodating local surf community. The island’s laid-back atmosphere and rich cultural heritage make it easy to immerse yourself in the local way of life. Opting for a holiday rental in Telde, as the post suggests, is an excellent way to experience the island like a local.
I’ve had an unforgettable surf holiday in Gran Canaria, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and exhilarating experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Gran Canaria has something for everyone. Thanks for sharing this informative and inspiring post!
¡Estoy completamente de acuerdo! Gran Canaria es un destino de ensueño para los amantes del surf. La combinación de un clima subtropical constante, temperaturas del agua cálidas y oleajes del Atlántico fiables hace que sea un lugar ideal para surfistas de todos los niveles.
Me alegra saber que has disfrutado de tu experiencia en la isla y que has podido explorar su costa y descubrir la variedad de olas que ofrece. Playa del Hombre es definitivamente un lugar destacado, y su comunidad local de surf es muy acogedora.
La ubicación de un alquiler de vacaciones en Telde es estratégica, como se menciona en el post. Permite un acceso flexible a las diferentes zonas de surf de la isla, lo que la hace ideal para grupos con diferentes niveles de habilidad.
Espero que puedas regresar a Gran Canaria pronto y disfrutar de más surf y de la hospitalidad de la isla. ¡No dudes en contactarnos si necesitas más información o recomendaciones para tu próximo viaje!
What a wonderful post! I’m totally convinced to visit Gran Canaria for a surf holiday. The island seems to offer perfect conditions for surfers of all levels, from beginners to pros. I love the idea of staying in a holiday rental in Telde, which provides a strategic location to explore different surf spots. The friendly local surf community and the possibility of immersing myself in the island’s culture are also big pluses. Can’t wait to experience the “Hawaii of the Atlantic” for myself!
¡Qué post más maravilloso! Estoy totalmente convencido de visitar Gran Canaria para unas vacaciones de surf. La isla parece ofrecer condiciones perfectas para surfistas de todos los niveles, desde principiantes hasta profesionales. Me encanta la idea de alojarme en un alquiler vacacional en Telde, que proporciona una ubicación estratégica para explorar diferentes puntos de surf. La comunidad de surf local amigable y la posibilidad de sumergirme en la cultura de la isla también son grandes ventajas. ¡No puedo esperar para experimentar el “Hawái del Atlántico” por mí mismo!
What a wonderful post! I’ve been to Gran Canaria and I must say it’s a paradise for surfers. The climate is perfect, the people are friendly, and the waves are incredible. I’ve had the chance to surf in Playa del Hombre and it’s an amazing spot for all levels. The A-frame waves are so much fun to ride. I also loved exploring the island and trying the local cuisine. If you’re looking for a surf holiday with a difference, Gran Canaria is the place to be. Thanks for sharing this detailed guide, it’s very helpful for those planning to visit.
I’m thrilled to hear that you’ve had an amazing experience surfing in Gran Canaria! Playa del Hombre is indeed a fantastic spot, and its A-frame waves are perfect for all levels. The island’s unique blend of consistent subtropical climate, warm ocean temperatures, and reliable Atlantic swells makes it an ideal destination for surfers. I’m glad you enjoyed exploring the island and trying the local cuisine – Gran Canaria has so much to offer beyond its incredible surf spots. If you’re planning to come back, I highly recommend checking out some of the other surf spots I mentioned, like La Cícer and El Confital. And don’t forget to soak up the sun and enjoy the island’s laid-back atmosphere!
What a wonderful post! I’m totally convinced to visit Gran Canaria for a surf holiday. The island seems to offer perfect conditions for surfers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. I love the idea of staying in Telde, with Playa del Hombre as a central spot, and being able to explore the rest of the island’s surf spots. The friendly local community and the possibility of immersing myself in the island’s culture are also big pluses. Can’t wait to experience the “Hawaii of the Atlantic” for myself!
¡Qué maravilloso post! Estoy totalmente convencido de visitar Gran Canaria para unas vacaciones de surf. La isla parece ofrecer condiciones perfectas para surfistas de todos los niveles, desde principiantes hasta profesionales. Me encanta la idea de quedarme en Telde, con Playa del Hombre como punto central, y poder explorar el resto de los spots de surf de la isla. La comunidad local amigable y la posibilidad de sumergirme en la cultura de la isla también son un gran plus. ¡No puedo esperar para experimentar el “Hawái del Atlántico” por mí mismo!