Surf and Things to Do in Gran Canaria

Small southwest spot, left over mixed bottom working with W–SW swell on mid–high tide. Intermediate level, less known.

Tips: Discreet spot between Arguineguín and Puerto Rico. Good when seeking tranquility. Check tides and swell before heading out. Relaxed local atmosphere.

Right-hand wave in the fishing village of Arguineguín, on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria. Breaking over cobblestones, this spot requires W swell to work and is best surfed on low to mid tide. Intermediate to advanced level. The take-off zone sits slightly closer to the football field, with a fast wall that rewards confident turns and committed surfing. When the W swell connects, it can deliver surprisingly long and clean rides along the rocky bottom.

Tips: Low tide is key for this one. W swell is less frequent than S, but can be very good when it hits. On smaller days, ideal for SUP or longboard sessions. Calm fishing-town atmosphere with a Tuesday market worth checking out after your session. Less touristy than Playa del Inglés, with real local character.

Fishing village in the southwest, left over cobblestones that needs S swell to work. Low to mid tide, intermediate–advanced level. Soft but technical wave.

Tips: Works best on low tide. Slightly further toward the cement factory. Authentic fishing village vibe, Tuesday market. Less touristy than Playa del Inglés, more local character.

Small beach in the private marina, sandy left that works with S–SW swell on any tide. Beginner level, quiet and sheltered.

Tips: Access via GC-500, park outside the entrance barrier. No lifeguards or services — more secluded experience. Good for longboarding and small days. Private marina limits development.

Next to the iconic Maspalomas Lighthouse in south Gran Canaria, mixed bottom, picks up W–SW–NW swells on any tide. Lefts and rights, intermediate–advanced level. Consistent when the direction is correct, offering quality walls and good sections for manoeuvres. One of the more reliable options on the south coast when the swell hits the right angle. Winter is when it works best, as stronger W and NW swells reach this corner of the island more frequently.

Tips: Less crowded spot with a touch of localism. Check conditions before heading out. Access from the Maspalomas promenade area. Works when both north and south are flat due to its exposure. Best with light offshore winds early in the morning.

Derecha del Faro de Maspalomas, mixed bottom with fast and maneuverable waves. Works on all tides with W–SW–NW swell. Lefts and rights, beginner–intermediate–advanced levels.

Tips: Popular among locals and visitors. The dunes create a unique backdrop. Can work when both north and south are flat. Parking in the Maspalomas tourist area.

The most exposed spot in all Gran Canaria, picks up any available swell. Sand bottom, quality and powerful right and left barrels. Works on mid–high tide with S–SE–SW swell. Advanced level only due to power.

Tips: When everything is flat in summer, there’s usually something here. Conditions can be deceptively strong. Respect the ocean’s power.

The most famous 2.7km beach in Europe for tourism. Sand, lefts and rights, mid to high tide, beginner–intermediate level.

Tips: Most surfable zone near the dunes toward Maspalomas. Very touristy but spacious. Not super consistent but works in summer with south swell. Full services, lively atmosphere.

Sandy right in the southern tourist zone, works on mid and high tide with     SO-O swell. Beginner–intermediate level, soft conditions ideal for progression.

Tips: Tourist beach with full services. Not very consistent but perfect when the south activates. Relaxed vibe, good for families.

South coast beach break working with S–SE swells on mid–high tide. Sandy right, beginner level, perfect when the south receives the less common swells.

Tips: Not very consistent but when it works it’s soft and accessible. San Agustín area. Good for learning on south swell days.

Also known as Pozo Izquierdo, world famous for windsurfing but also offers surf. Right over cobblestones, low to mid tide, N–NE swell. Intermediate–advanced level, fast with frequent wind.

Tips: Strong characteristic NE wind — sometimes challenging for surfing but perfect for windsurfing. Technical level required. Ramp entry, rounded stone beach. Very active wind sports community.

East coast sandy beach break, works on any tide with N–NE swell. Consistent lefts and rights, good option for beginners–intermediates when the north coast is too big.

Tips: Quiet neighborhood spot, no pressure. Works when others are flat due to swell direction. Good parking, family-friendly vibe.

Sand-bottom beach break with power and current, offering fast walls and good maneuver sections when north swell hits properly. Lefts and rights, all tides, intermediate–advanced level.

Tips: In Telde. You need skill to manage the current. Less touristy, relaxed local vibe.

Also known as Media Luna, in front of the shopping center of the same name. Mixed bottom producing powerful, fast waves with good maneuver sections. Two peaks at each end of the beach, easy entry through the center. All tides, N–NE–E swell.

Tips: In Jinámar, good for intermediates in optimal conditions. Shines on mid tide with offshore wind. Parking at the shopping center. Less known = fewer crowds than main spots.

East coast beach break less crowded than La Cicer, perfect for beginners wanting more space. Sand bottom, lefts and rights, works on all tides with NE–N swell.

Tips: Quieter than urban spots. Good for progression without pressure. Parking available. Fewer schools than La Cicer = more freedom. Works when NE–E swell doesn’t properly reach the north coast

The heart of Gran Canaria surf, 3km of beach break with multiple peaks for all levels. Volcanic sand, year-round waves, surf schools, full surf atmosphere. Lefts and rights on any tide with N–NW–NE swell. The ultimate learning spot, yet still offers sections for advanced surfers.

Tips: Very crowded — respect etiquette due to strong localism. Make sure you’re at the right peak for your level. Board rentals along the promenade. Showers, bars, cafés. Early morning for glassy conditions before the trade winds. Autumn–winter more consistent; summer softer for beginners.

Wave breaking next to the jetty at the end of La Cicer, works as a “graduation” step for those tired of crowds. Left over cobblestones that looks smaller from shore than it really is. Works on all tides with N–NW–NE swell.

Tips: Access from the south end of Las Canteras or from the jetty tip (where more territorial locals sit). The left is bigger than it appears. Old-school locals still surf here — show respect.

Northern volcanic reef with a wave adaptable to different levels. One fast section and another more maneuverable, allowing intermediates to take the softer part while advanced surfers charge the full wave. Consistent left that works best on mid to high tide with N–NW swell.

Tips: In Bañaderos, local spot with good vibes. Mid–high tide is key. Watch the rocks on entry and exit. Good option when La Cicer is too small but you don’t want the intensity of El Frontón.

The indicator spot of the north coast: if there are no waves here, it’s rarely worth continuing along the coast. Receives the biggest waves in the area with powerful sets. Mixed bottom, lefts and rights, low to mid tide, N–NW swell.

Tips: Multiple peaks along the village, few surfers midweek. Bañaderos exit from GC-2, C-810 street. Stone wall parking allows easy access. Black pebble beach perfect post-surf. If you’re looking for peace without tourists, this is your place.

Fun and accessible north coast spot, ideal when La Cicer is flat as it picks up more swell. Mixed rock-sand bottom creating lefts and rights with good walls for maneuvers. First section is faster and more vertical, then softens. Ideal for intermediate–advanced surfers on low to mid tide with N–NW swell.

Tips: Dirt parking east of San Andrés, access from the road. Be prepared for long paddles — the white water rolls heavily. Crowded on weekends when working; better midweek. Surf schools come when it’s chest to head high.

A classic peak in Bañaderos with mixed bottom producing fast lefts and rights, with hollow sections in optimal conditions. The first section is vertical and technical; the second softer and more maneuverable, allowing different approaches depending on your level. Works with N–NW swell on low to mid tide.

Tips: Right in front of Bañaderos village, easy parking. You can paddle from here to Los Enanos if you want to switch peaks. A solid take-off is essential. Less pressure than urban spots, but respect the local crew.

The only sandy beach break on the north coast of Gran Canaria, perfect when conditions are smaller. Offers lefts and rights with fun, maneuverable sections — ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers looking to progress without reef pressure. Works best with NE swell on low to mid tide, especially in summer when other spots close out.

Tips: Located in San Felipe at the end of the coastal road. Easy parking in town. Strong currents can occur — manage your positioning carefully. Much less crowded than urban spots, perfect for quiet weekday sessions.

One of the best bodyboarding waves in the world, compared to Teahupoo for its brutal power. This volcanic reef forms perfect left and right tubes that break at very shallow depths, creating an impressive visual spectacle but only for experienced riders. The vertical take-off and hollow sections demand absolute precision. Works with N-NW swell at low and medium tide.

Tips: Access from Caleta de Arriba through banana plantations, steep path. Strong localism, respect the hierarchy in the water. Do not leave the wave until the end or you will be trapped. Almost exclusively for bodyboarding, surfers rarely try it. Optimal season October-March.