Canary Islands, TenerifeThe water temperature is mild in winter (maximum 3.2mm wetsuit required) and in the summer you can surf in boardshort or with a short wetsuit.
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Water temperatures in the Canary Islands are pretty stable, but you'll still need a wetsuit during the colder months. Water temperatures peak in the range of 22-24°C (72-75°F) in late summer and early autumn, and drop to 17-20°C (64-68°F) in winter. During warm summer days, you can surf in boardshorts/swimsuit.
The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife attracts the most visitors in comparison to the other islands, but you can still find peace and solitude on the land and in the water, making it a fantastic place to visit to try surfing for the first time.
Located south of El Arenal, El Lobo is the perfect left hand point break for beginner surfers. It's perhaps home to the friendliest and happiest locals on the island who are all happy to share the waves with new surfers from different parts of the world.
If you were to take a look at a surf map Tenerife, you would see three places that really stand out as perfect for beginners to safely hit the waves. The water temperature in the Canaries is fantastic for surfing all year round, but you are advised to wear a 2mm or a 3/2mm wetsuit if surfing in the winter months.
The graph below shows the range of monthly Santa Cruz de Tenerife water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. The warmest water temperature is in September with an average around 74.7°F / 23.7°C. The coldest month is March with an average water temperature of 66.6°F / 19.2°C.
Areas to AvoidBecause of its volcanic background, most beaches in Tenerife are volcanic with black sand which can be hot under the feet. If you're after a traditional sandy beach head to Los Cristianos and leave the southern resorts alone. Playa la Arena is also notorious for pickpockets.
El Quemao, LanzaroteFrom the fishing village of La Santa, you can see the El Quemao beach, renowned as one of the world's best surfing spots, but also one of the most feared and intimidating in the Canary Islands. That's why only experienced and skilled professionals should surf it.
If you are a beginner, the southern area of ??Tenerife is more suitable for you. El Médano beach is the perfect spot as it has many surf camps where you can rent equipment or take surf lessons. Plus, it has very good conditions for kitesurfing so that you can try various water sports.
Can you drink the tap water in Tenerife? People in the Canary Islands tend to buy bottled water because much of the tap water here is desalinated sea water – it's safe to drink but not particularly pleasant taste-wise.
Puerto de la Cruz – poshest part of TenerifePuerta de la Cruz is the beautifully lush, green, and posh part of Tenerife. It is also the second biggest town and located on the north of the island, about an hour drive from Costa Adeje and the South Airport (North Airport is more convenient, if you can – 20 min by car).
Mount Teide is a dormant volcano in the middle of the island and divides the two halves. In the north, the climate is wetter and cooler, which means it attracts fewer tourists. The south has more sunshine and warmer temperatures. This southern half is also less windy with fewer clouds, which gives a hotter climate.