Canary SurfGran Canaria surf guide
Where to surf Gran Canaria, when to go and how to read the forecast. Break details come from the surf spot database behind this site; each spot page shows how confident the data is.
The three coasts
North coast
Atlantic swell arrives here first. Home to the Las Palmas city breaks: La Cicer, La Barra and El Lloret, plus Vagabundo and El Fronton further west. Best in winter.
East coast
Works on north to north-east swell and, with west winds, can be clean when the north is blown out. Playa del Hombre and La Laja are the reference spots.
South coast
Sheltered and sunny; needs a south or wrap-around swell. Mosca Point, Playa del Ingles and Arguineguin are the breaks to know.
Spots by level
Beginner friendly
- La Cicer beginner-intermediate
- Los Enanos all
- Vagabundo most
- Playa del Inglés beginner
Intermediate and up
- El Confital intermediate-advanced
- El Lloret intermediate-advanced
- Boquines intermediate+
- Arguineguín intermediate-advanced
- Playa del Hombre beginner on small days
- Los Muellitos intermediate
- Mosca Point intermediate
- La Laja intermediate-advanced
Advanced
- El Frontón expert
Level not verified
- El Comedor level unverified
- La Barra level unverified
Reading the forecast
Swell height and period. Height is the swell on the open sea. Period (seconds between waves) matters more: 12 s and above carries real energy, under 7 s is short-lived windswell.
Swell direction. Each break only works when the swell comes from within its window. A big swell from the wrong side is blocked by the island.
Energy (kJ). Our maps colour swell by energy rather than height alone, so a long-period 1.2 m swell counts for more than a short-period 1.8 m one.
Score. The 0 to 10 score multiplies size, period, wind and tide fit for each spot. It is a guide, not a promise: the forecast model grid is coarse, so numbers near the coast are estimates.
Etiquette and safety
Respect the lineup: priority to the surfer closest to the peak, no dropping in, and give locals space at crowded reefs. Shallow lava reef and boulders at several breaks can cause cuts on low tide or big days. Rips run strongly around harbour walls and headlands. If unsure, ask a surf school or lifeguard.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to surf Gran Canaria?
Autumn to spring (roughly October to May) brings the most regular Atlantic swell, especially on the north coast. Summer is flatter and windier from the north-east trade winds.
Is Gran Canaria good for beginners?
Yes, on small days. Beach-break spots like Playa del Hombre and La Cicer offer forgiving waves and several surf schools. Reef breaks such as La Laja are for experienced surfers.
Do I need a wetsuit?
Sea temperature stays warm through the year, around 19 to 24 degrees Celsius; many surfers use a shorty or thin suit in winter and board shorts in summer.
Which coast should I check first?
Start with the north coast around Las Palmas for winter swell, the east coast for north-east swell days, and the south coast when a southerly or wrapping swell is forecast.