Surfing in Famara
Lanzarote
When the trade wind blows from the northeast and the waves crash against the 6 km of golden sand at Famara, you understand why this beach has become the surfing mecca in Lanzarote. Backed by the vertical cliffs of the Risco de Famara — 600 meters of wall dropping into the sea — and overlooking the island of La Graciosa, it is one of the most spectacular surfing settings in all of Europe.
Waves for All Levels
Famara offers conditions for everyone. The central area of the beach, with a sandy bottom, is perfect for beginners: long, gentle waves that allow you to stand up from the first lesson. To the north, the San Juan wave steps up for intermediate surfers. And at the reefs of La Santa, just a few kilometers away, experts find world-class lefts that have hosted international competitions.
Caleta de Famara: Surfing Soul
The small village of Caleta de Famara is the heart of Lanzarote's surf culture. Sandy streets, low whitewashed houses, surf schools on every corner, and cafes where coffee is served with sea views. Here, there are no big chains or luxury hotels: just surfers, artists, and travelers who found their place and decided to stay. The atmosphere is reminiscent of California's coastal towns in the seventies.
The surf schools in the area offer courses for all ages and levels, with equipment included and small groups. The instructors know every corner of the beach, every current, and the best time of day depending on the tide. A two-hour lesson is enough for most beginners to stand up on the board.
The best conditions for beginners are with mid-low tide. Schools offer lessons from €35 (2 hours with equipment). Always respect the flags and the lifeguards' instructions: the rip current can be treacherous. After surfing, El Risco is the restaurant with the best views in town.
Sunset on the Cliffs
If surfing isn't your thing, Famara has another gift: the Mirador del Río (another work by Manrique) and the hiking trails along the top of the Risco offer dizzying panoramas over the beach, La Graciosa, and the Chinijo archipelago. At sunset, when the golden light paints the cliffs and the surfers become silhouettes on the waves, the spectacle is hard to beat.
Famara is not just a beach: it's a state of mind. Here, the clock stops, worries are carried away by the wind, and the only thing that matters is the next wave.
LIVVO Tip: Even if you don't surf, it's worth a visit at sunset.
More to see in Lanzarote
Timanfaya National Park
Over 50 km² of volcanic landscape shaped by the 1730–1736 eruptions. The Ruta de Los Volcanes winds through a sea of solidified lava with smoking craters where underground temperatures exceed 600°C. The geothermal demonstrations at Islote de Hilario are a must.
Papagayo Beaches
A cluster of pristine golden-sand coves with crystal-clear water in the south of the island, protected within the Monumento Natural de Los Ajaches. Playa Mujeres, Playa de la Cera and Playa de Papagayo are the best known. Calm waters ideal for snorkelling.
Jameos del Agua
A unique space created by César Manrique inside a volcanic tunnel, where art and nature merge in a breathtaking setting. Highlights include its interior lake, the natural auditorium and the blind crab, an endemic species.
Viñedos de La Geria
A unique wine landscape in Lanzarote, where each malvasía vine grows in a volcanic ash pit. Local wineries offer tastings of volcanic wines with protected designation of origin.