The perpetual good climate, the excellent connectivity of the islands and a large number of beaches and waves have all positioned the Canary Islands as one of the world’s best destinations for remote working and surfing, at any time of year.
The Canarian archipelago enjoys extremely good air connectivity and the access to broadband networks is excellent, doubling the conventional speed of other European destinations.
In terms of accommodation, the islands have a wide variety of coliving and coworking spaces where one can connect with a large community of teleworkers.
Of the afterwork options available, surfing is one of the favourite activities among remote workers who choose the islands as their base.
The location of the islands in the midst of the Atlantic Ocean, the trade winds, the sea currents that reach the islands’ coast and the magnificent seabed combine to form extremely high-quality waves which, coupled with a wide variety of volcanic reefs, make the Canary Islands the preferred destination of many surfers.
Below we list some of the most remarkable spots:
Lanzarote, fire and waves
Known as the European Hawaii, along its over 250 kilometres of coastline Lanzarote has numerous spots for surfing.
The majestic Famara beach is a playground chosen by many schools and surf camps. A rich natural environment and good vibes from the fishing village of La Caleta de Famara.
Also on Lanzarote, the village of La Santa has become a simply unmissable place, above all for anyone who loves a challenge. The surfing spots known as Izquierda de La Santa and El Quemao are among the most formidable and spectacular in the world, with conditions that can become extreme during winter. Every year this is the venue for Quemao Class, an international surfing competition that brings the world’s best surfers together.
Tenerife, surfing under the watchful eye of the Teide
Tenerife offers a highly diverse range of scenery and natural environments. In the north, the waves are usually stronger and shorter. In the south, they are gentler and longer.
There are two notable surfing spots In Puerto de la Cruz, with black volcanic sand, where both locals and visitors can surf all year round. The first is La Playa del Socorro - perfect if you are already experienced and looking for some action. But if what you want is to learn to surf or perfect your technique, the beach of Martiánez is ideal for you. Here you will find schools and specialist shops where you can buy or hire material.
The south of the island offers totally different scenery, as well as exceptional places where you can have a fantastic time surfing. For example, La Fitenia, La Derecha del Conquistador or La Izquierda de Las Palmeras. These spots offer alternatives to suit all levels.
Gran Canaria, a surfing heart
Gran Canaria is another big name in the world of surfing. The island has some of the best breakers in the archipelago, in particular on its northern side.
Just outside the town of Gáldar, after travelling along a route lined with banana trees, you will come to El Frontón, chosen by professional surfers as the home of the fifth-best wave in the world, due to its strength and spectacular nature.
El Frontón’s waves are of such high quality that every year they attract the world’s top international athletes during the Gran Canaria Frontón King, an encounter that forms part of the IBC Bodyboarding World Tour and which beats broadcasting and attendance records every year.
On the coast of the island capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, we can find La Cícer and El Lloret, two surfing spots that can be accessed via the seafront promenade of the famous beach of Las Canteras. This area exudes an authentic surfing vibe, enlivened by the numerous shops and surfing schools offering courses for all ages and levels. But if you are looking for barrel waves in clear waters, you need to visit El Confital, also in the island capital.
Fuerteventura, surfing towards the sand dunes
Fuerteventura offers beaches of white sand that stretch for kilometres, the ideal place for surfing. Beginners can easily find multiple beaches where they can raise their game: Playa Blanca and El Cotillo offer examples of perfect beach breaks for less experienced surfers. Of the many recommended surfing spots in Fuerteventura, we could not fail to mention Derecha de Lobos, in Corralejo, with a powerful, hollow wave considered the largest in the archipelago. This spot is very versatile at mid and low tide, and is perfect for intermediate and experienced surfers.
La derecha de los alemanes, previously called la derecha del legionario, is a classic wave that breaks quickly and is not suitable for beginners. In the north of the island we find El Bristol, a very powerful left-hander with clear barrels.
In short, the Canary Islands offer you the perfect combination of remote working and surfing. Not only because they are the European destination with the most hours of daylight a year; they also have a never-ending good climate an average water temperature of 20º all of which, combined with the large number of surfing spots, has positioned the Canary Islands as the surfing Mecca of Europe.