TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
Lat i tude of life
ALL DAY LONG ALL YEAR ROUND
The Canary Islands are a European archipelago located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and comprising seven islands: Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Thanks to their geographic location, all seven islands are constantly caressed by the trade winds, and their coasts are visited by marine currents from the Gulf. In addition to this steady breeze they are blessed with a climate of mild temperatures all year round, so it’s hardly surprising they’ve become a unique gathering point in Europe for lovers of wind and wave sports. What’s more, the Canary Islands’ volcanic origins have given rise to a wide variety of sea floors which create all kinds of waves –tubes, long waves, radical waves, deep waves and shoreline waves–, as well as beaches with offshore winds that are ideal for surfers looking to improve their technique, and for anyone wanting to take their first steps in the sport, at some of their excellent schools. Sun, wind and waves –the perfect combination. And in the Canary Islands, you’ll find them waiting for you all day long, and all year round.
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The Canary Islands have a unique and special climate. The summers are pleasant and the winters are mild, with average temperatures of 19ºC in winter and 23ºC in summer. This is because the seven islands are situated in an area of contact and transition between high-pressure belts and wind flows from the west. The trade winds and the marine currents that bathe its coasts cool the temperatures in summer, while the warming influence of the Azores high moderates them in winter. That’s why in the Canary Islands you’re guaranteed endless days of fun and adrenaline in the water with no worries about running out of time.
THE BEST CLIMATE IN THE WORLD
We invite you to find out more about the climate in the Canary Islands at thebestclimateintheworld.com
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WE GIVE YOU
7 REASONS
why lovers of wind and waves can’t afford to pass up the chance to come to the Canary Islands.
The trade winds –which blow vigorously on the islands– will guarantee you the thrills you’re after when you set out on your board. These winds blow steadily in summer, and with varying intensity in winter. What’s more, the geography of the archipelago means you can find beaches with offshore winds that are ideal for surfing.
The steady winds and the variety of volcanic reefs, pebble beaches and sandy sea floors give rise to a wide variety of waves, including tubes, long waves, radical waves, deep waves and shoreline waves. That’s why the world’s top riders choose our waters to improve their technique, and why our beaches are chosen as a venue in some of the most prestigious international circuits that take place every year.
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The geographic situation of the islands means that the water temperatures range between a minimum of 16ºC and 18ºC in winter, and 23ºC and 25ºC in summer. A sea with transparent turquoise waters, where you’ll experience all the sensations of each manoeuvre without giving a thought to the cold.
You can enjoy the thrills on your board all year round and for far longer in the Canary Islands, because each day you’ll have between 8 and 12 hours of daylight. You won’t miss a single wave! You’ll be able to practice all day long and then relax on the sand as you gaze out over some of the most magical sunsets you’ve ever seen.
In the Canary Islands you’ll discover numerous beaches where you can hone your skills in spots especially suited to your level. Always caressed by the trade winds, the seven Canary Islands have beaches that are outstanding for the quality of their breakers and the force of the Atlantic.
Thousands of riders from all over the world travel each year to the Canary Islands to take part in some of the international championships that take place here. Come and enjoy round-the-clock fun surrounded by people with whom you don’t just share a sport, but a whole philosophy of life.
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They say that every experience is unique, but all the features for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing that come together in the Canary Islands make this not only a one-off, but also an unforgettable experience for the many sports lovers who return year after year.
You’ll have to come and see yourself.
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LA PALMA
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ON YOUR BOARD IN THE BEST SURF SPOTS DISCOVER THE REST AT
EL HIERRO
THECANARYWAYOFSURF.COM
El Quemao (Lanzarote)
Izquierda de la Santa (Lanzarote)
Izquierda de Las Palmeras (Tenerife)
This spot is not suitable for beginners, but its waves are among the most coveted by local surfers because they remain constant all year round and are excellent quality. It’s located in an area with a steeply sloping coastline and strong waves, but can be easily reached from the town.
Its fame is due to the quality of the waves and its location, on an avenue with a range of services such as lifeguards, restaurants and parking facilities. For both these reasons it has been selected to host the ASP’s WQS championships, among others.
El Confital (Gran Canaria)
El Frontón (Gran Canaria)
El Hierro (Fuerteventura)
One of the best surf spots in the world, where you’ll find strong waves and perfect tubes on days when there’s a swell. Very nearby there are services and specialised establishments such as schools and shops where you can rent and purchase sports equipment.
The best waves for surfing in Europe. The quality of El Confital means it hosts events in world-class championships such as the ASP. This spot breaks from the right on a volcanic seabed, forming powerful tubes.
In this spot you’ll find some of the best waves in the world for bodyboarding. A powerful tube from right and left that requires experience and nerve on days with swell, but whose rewards include the chance to perform jumps and radical manoeuvres.
The fame of its waves comes from the regularity and quality of its breakers, and makes it one of the most popular spots with the island’s surfers. It has two differentiated peaks that break onto a volcanic seabed several metres deep.
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Igueste (Tenerife)
This spot allows surfers to choose each section according to their skill without having to enter the main breaker, which makes it an ideal place for all levels. It’s located on a pebble beach with plenty of parking facilities.
Derecha de Lobos (Fuerteventura)
On this smaller island located to the north of the main island of Fuerteventura you’ll find the longest wave in the Canary Islands. This is a somewhat unusual wave, but when all the conditions are right, it’s perfect for its length, diversity and quality.
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El Médano beach (Tenerife)
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Pozo Izquierdo (Gran Canaria)
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One area of this beach is authorised for setting up kites, and there are sections that are suitable for different levels. The bottom is sandy, which makes it easier to enter the water from the beach. Its lifeguard service also offers added guarantees.
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This spot is known around the world because it is part of the international PWA circuit. The wave is long-running and breaks to the right, gaining in intensity in the summer months. Nearby there are services and specialised shops.
Sotavento beach (Fuerteventura)
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Flag Beach Corralejo (Fuerteventura)
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Suitable for all levels thanks to its wind conditions. It also has services for sports lovers, including equipment purchase and rental. This is definitely one of the most popular surf spots in Fuerteventura.
This spot offers fantastic conditions for any kind of watersports. The broad beach means it can be enjoyed by enthusiasts of all levels and disciplines. It has a sandy seabed, which makes it very easy to enter the water.
Vargas beach (Gran Canaria)
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El Cabezo beach (Tenerife)
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It has very regular wind conditions and is suitable for all levels. The seabed is sand and pebbles, and the wave breaks in various peaks, sometimes forming spectacular tubes. This is a protected area with a nearby campsite which is popular with surfers.
This spot requires a high level of skill due to its hazards, particularly on days with large waves and strong currents. This spot is also part of the PWA circuits. Nearby you’ll find services for sports enthusiasts and a surfing atmosphere.
Las Cucharas (Lanzarote)
This is an ideal spot for all levels, as it combines areas of calm quiet water with breakers. Although the seabed is volcanic rock, it’s very easy to get in and out of the water. What’s more, it’s in one of the island’s main tourist resorts.
Famara beach (Lanzarote)
This spot is ideal for all levels due to its magnificent wind conditions and its breaking waves –and it’s also easy to access. The water forms several peaks that become stronger in the areas with greater depth.
The waters of the Canary Islands are also recognised all over the world as some of the best for diving. Scuba-diving enthusiasts find these islands are blessed with warm transparent waters that allow you to see up to 30 metres horizontally, and with temperatures between 18ºC and 23ºC. It is also home to one of the greatest biodiversities on the planet, as well as three Marine Reserves. What’s more, the organic origin of the islands has given rise to a spectacular underwater landscape, only a short distance from its 1,600 kilometres of coastline. You’ll be amazed by its amazing volcanic rock formations with depths of up to 1,000 metres, and the multitude of black lava structures, including imposing walls, caves, grottos and cliffs. Whether you’re thinking of trying your hand at this sport for the first time or are already an expert, in the Canary Islands you’ll find numerous schools and establishments where you can rent equipment.
The special geographic environment and the climate in the Canary Islands make this the ideal place for outdoor sports, and you’ll always find the best possible conditions. The islands’ volcanic origins have given rise to completely wild landscapes, so it’s only natural that many extreme sports enthusiasts have found this the ideal scenario for putting themselves to the test. You can experience the ultimate thrill as you scale sheer volcanic rock faces, jump off spectacular crests, careen down solitary asphalt roads as you train on your bike, or run up steep trails through forests and mountains. Climbing, rope jumping, paragliding, trail running, road biking and mountain biking –among other sports–, and the world’s best climate mean you can live life to the limit all 365 days of the year outside the water too.
The Canary Islands are a guarantee of fun by day and night. After a spending a day on your board, when the sun goes down you’ll find a wide variety of nightlife venues where you can share unforgettable times with the person or people you choose. The islands’ radiant nights and mild year-round temperatures promise an intense experience under the stars, where you can choose to enjoy conversation at an outdoor bar or restaurant, have a delicious dinner, meet new people and just let yourself go… Why not start with some tapas in a beach bar, followed by some drinks at a chillout club with your friends listening to great music? And let the party go on! Because you’ll also find clubs with the hippest DJs in a lively atmosphere enhanced by the numerous holidaymakers that visit the islands.
GETTING HERE
Flight links:
Useful information:
The Canary Islands are close
www.bintercanarias.com
Language: Spanish
to Europe and over 1500 direct flights per week connect the eight Canarian
www.canaryfly.es www.aena-aeropuertos.com
Currency: Euro Time zone: GMT April to October, GMT+1
Sea links:
Credit cards: Accepted by almost all businesses.
airports (at least one on each island) with over 130 European cities. Lots of cruise ships also stop at Canary Island ports.
www.biosferaexpress.com www.fredolsen.es www.garajonayexpres.com www.navieraarmas.com www.lineasromero.com
BETWEEN ISLANDS
More information:
It’s easy to travel between islands both by air and by sea. A day trip or short stay on another island is a great way to experience the Canary Islands. Don’t forget the islets of La Graciosa and Lobos.
www.hellocanaryislands.com www.thecanarywayofsurf.com www.thebestclimateintheworld.com www.webtenerife.com www.turismolanzarote.com www.grancanaria.com www.visitfuerteventura.es www.visitlapalma.es www.lagomera.travel www.elhierro.travel
Banking: Wide range of local and international banks. Public transport: Frequent bus and taxi services. Car hire: Wide choice all over the islands. Electricity: 220 volts. Plugs: European system, two rounded pins. Healthcare: Wide range of hospitals and clinics. European Health Card. Emergency telephone number: 112.
Federación Canaria de Surf (Canary Islands Surf Federation): You’ll find all the information you need on activities relating to surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing as well as the dates and rankings of championships, and officials schools where you can learn or improve your technique. http://www.fcsurf.es
hellocanaryislands.com