Tenerife, a majestic volcanic island in the heart of the Canaries, offers an exceptional playground for surfing and adventure enthusiasts. With its mild, year-round climate, waves for all levels and breathtaking scenery, the island has everything a traveler surfer could wish for. To make the most of this Atlantic paradise, here’s a 7-day itinerary combining morning surf sessions with cultural and natural explorations in the afternoon.
Preparing your surf travel to Tenerife
Before delving into the details of our itinerary, a few practical points to consider:
When to go?
If you’re looking for more powerful surfing conditions, October to March is best. For gentler waves and a warmer climate, April to September is ideal.
Car rental
Essential for this itinerary that will take you all over the island. Book in advance to get the best rates, allow around €25-35/day.
Surf equipment
If you want to travel light, opt for local rentals. Many shops offer weekly packages from €80-100. Bring a 3/2mm wetsuit in winter, shorts or lycra in summer.
Accommodation
This itinerary proposes a base in Puerto de la Cruz with one night in the south to maximize exploration. Expect to pay €50-80/night for quality accommodation.
Day 1: Welcome to the North – Puerto de la Cruz
Morning: After arriving at Tenerife North airport (or South, in which case it’s an extra 1-hour drive), settle into your accommodation in Puerto de la Cruz. This authentic coastal town offers the perfect balance between local ambience, tourist amenities and proximity to the best surf spots.
Afternoon: First contact with Canarian waves at Playa Martiánez, an urban beach break ideal for warming up. This seawall-protected spot offers gentle conditions, perfect for getting to grips with your rental board and assessing your level after the trip.
Evening: Stroll along Puerto de la Cruz’s picturesque waterfront. Dine in one of the many restaurants in Plaza del Charco, the vibrant heart of the city, and try papas arrugadas con mojo, a local specialty not to be missed.
Local tip: For your first sunset, head for the promenade near Lago Martiánez, a complex of natural pools designed by César Manrique, to admire Teide’s pink and orange hues.
Day 2: El Socorro and La Orotava – Between waves and culture
Morning: Wake up early for optimal conditions at El Socorro, one of Tenerife’s iconic northern spots. This magnificent black sand beach offers a beach break with several peaks suitable for all levels. If you’re a beginner, this is the ideal opportunity to take a private lesson with one of the local schools (book the day before).
Noon: After your session, recharge your batteries at the little café overlooking the beach, where the locals gather to comment on the day’s waves.
Afternoon: Head for La Orotava, a colonial architectural gem just 15 minutes from El Socorro. Stroll through the cobbled streets lined with houses with carved wooden balconies typical of the Canaries. Don’t miss the Casa de los Balcones and the Victoria Gardens, with their breathtaking views over the valley.
Evening: For an authentic experience, dine at a guachinche, informal family-run restaurants serving traditional dishes and local wine at low prices.
Day 3: Bajamar and Teide National Park
Morning: Morning session at Bajamar, a spot on the northeastern tip of the island. This reef break offers fast, technical straights, ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. Beginners can enjoy the adjacent natural pools or watch the experienced surfers from the promontory with its unobstructed view of the line-up.
Noon: After your session, enjoy an invigorating brunch in one of Bajamar’s oceanfront cafés.
Afternoon: Time to discover Tenerife’s natural jewel: Teide National Park. Take the TF-24 road through the spectacular forest of La Esperanza and on to breathtaking lunar landscapes. The contrast between the morning ocean and these volcanic expanses is breathtaking.
Allow at least 3-4 hours to explore the park. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, trail no. 7 (Roques de García) offers an accessible 3.5 km loop through surreal rock formations.
Tip: Book in advance if you want to take the cable car to the top of Mount Teide (approx. €27/person). Tickets sell out quickly, especially in high season.
Evening: Head back down to Puerto de la Cruz as the sun begins to decline, offering spectacular plays of light on the volcanic landscape. Dine in the La Ranilla district, a former fishing village that has become an artistic and gastronomic area.
Day 4: Coastal Road Trip to the South
Morning: Leave Puerto de la Cruz with your luggage to begin your road trip south. First surf stop at Punta Blanca, a powerful point break accessible via a coastal path. This less-frequented wave offers great straight lines over rocky terrain. Reserved for intermediate to advanced surfers, it’s worth the detour for its wild, unspoilt setting.
Noon: Continue southwest to Garachico, a charming coastal village rebuilt after a volcanic eruption in the 18th century. Enjoy lunch in the main square in the shade of century-old trees.
Afternoon: Continuation to Los Gigantes to admire these impressive cliffs plunging sheer into the ocean (300 to 600m high). Possibility of a short boat trip to observe them from the sea (approx. €25/person).
Evening: Settle into your accommodation in the southern zone (Los Cristianos, Las Américas or Costa Adeje). Enjoy the sunset from the promenade, then dine at one of the many international restaurants in this more touristy area.
Day 5: Immersion in the South
Morning: Session at Las Américas, Tenerife’s best-known spot. This reef break offers several waves, including the famous “Spanish Left”. Watch the locals carefully before jumping in, as this spot can be demanding. For beginners, the beach section of Las Américas offers more accessible conditions.
Noon: Lunch at one of the beach clubs lining the Las Américas promenade, international atmosphere guaranteed.
Afternoon: Explore Los Cristianos and its authentic fishing port. Option to opt for a cetacean-watching excursion (2h, approx. €30/person) – the strait between Tenerife and La Gomera is home to a permanent population of dolphins and pilot whales.
Nature alternative: climb up to Masca, a village perched in the heart of the mountains offering breathtaking panoramas (1h drive from Las Américas).
Evenings: For nightlife lovers, the Las Américas area offers numerous bars and clubs. For a more relaxed vibe, head to El Médano, where surfers and kitesurfers meet in bohemian beach bars.
Day 6: El Médano and Montaña Roja
Morning: Head for El Médano, a small, authentic town in the south-east of France, renowned for its windsurfing and kitesurfing spots. In the morning, before the wind picks up, enjoy a surf session on this extensive beach break. The atmosphere is relaxed and international, with many travelers coming for the board sports.
Noon: Lunch in one of the cafés in El Médano’s main square, perfect for watching the activity on the water while enjoying local produce.
Afternoon: Easy hike to the summit of Montaña Roja, a volcanic cone overlooking the bay (45-minute round trip). From the summit, the 360° view of the island and ocean is spectacular, with Gran Canaria in the distance on a clear day.
On the way back north, stop off at Candelaria to visit the basilica and see the impressive statues of the Guanches, the aboriginal people of the Canaries, facing the ocean.
Evening: Return to Puerto de la Cruz. For your penultimate evening, treat yourself to dinner at one of the town’s gourmet restaurants, such as Casa Régulo, housed in a traditional Canarian mansion.
Day 7: Last Waves and Santa Cruz
Morning: For your last session, return to your favorite spot discovered during the week. If you’ve enjoyed El Socorro, now’s the time to go back there with the experience you’ve gained during your stay to fully appreciate its waves.
Noon: After returning your rental equipment, drive to the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, for lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Nuestra Señora de África market.
Afternoon: Explore Santa Cruz, its modernist architecture and urban ambience contrasting with the rest of the island. Don’t miss the maritime promenade and the auditorium designed by Santiago Calatrava, as well as García Sanabria Park with its many contemporary sculptures.
Practical tips to make the most of your stay
Surfing equipment: If you don’t bring your own equipment, there are several reliable shops offering quality rentals.
Transport: Surf spots are scattered all over the island, making car rental almost indispensable. Book in advance, especially in high season (summer and Christmas vacations).
Weather and conditions: Check the forecasts on Surfline or Windguru. Thermal winds often pick up in the middle of the day, so morning sessions are generally preferable.
Local culture: Canaries are friendly but appreciate respect for their culture and environment. In the water, respect the priority of the locals and avoid overloading the peaks.
Environment: Tenerife is committed to preserving its marine ecosystem. Use eco-friendly sunscreen and leave no litter on the beaches.
This 7-day program will enable you to discover the many facets of Tenerife, from its varied waves and extraordinary landscapes, to its unique culture shaped by the ocean and volcanism. The island offers the perfect balance between surfing sessions, natural exploration and cultural immersion. One of Tenerife’s greatest assets is its diversity: whatever the wind direction or swell, there’s always a functional spot on one of the island’s coasts. This versatility, combined with a mild climate all year round, makes Tenerife an unmissable surfing destination, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer.
So, are you ready to pack your suitcase for this surfer’s paradise in the heart of the Atlantic?