Surfing & Beach Activities
Las Palmas is one of the best surf cities in Europe — and that all year round. The combination of consistent waves, warm water (18–24°C), a cosmopolitan surfer community, and affordable living costs has made the city a mecca for surfers, digital nomads, and winter escapees from all over Europe.
Surf Spots
- La Cícer (Las Canteras): The main surf beach right in the city. Beach break with various peaks, good for beginners to advanced. The surf schools are concentrated here. Wave quality: best from October to April.
- El Confital: The famous right-hand wave at the north end of Las Canteras — one of the best waves in Europe, but only for experienced surfers. Breaks over a rock reef with a big swell (3m+). Best in winter.
- El Lloret: Reef break south of Las Canteras, for experienced surfers. Fast, hollow waves.
Surf Schools & Camps
Las Palmas has dozens of surf schools, most concentrated at the La Cícer section:
- Group lesson (2h): From 25–35€ including board and wetsuit.
- Surf camp (1 week): From 250–400€ including accommodation, daily sessions, and theory.
- Board rental: From 10–15€/day (softboard), 15–20€ (hardboard).
- Wetsuit: In winter (Dec–Mar) a 3/2mm wetsuit is recommended, in summer board shorts or a shorty are sufficient.
Other Beach Activities
- Stand-Up Paddling: On the calm water behind La Barra, ideal for beginners. Rental from 10€/hour.
- Snorkeling: La Barra offers surprising underwater life right at the city beach — parrotfish, trumpetfish, sea urchins, and with luck, angel sharks.
- Yoga on the Beach: Several studios offer morning yoga sessions on the beach — the perfect complement to surfing.
- Beach Volleyball: Fixed nets at the southern section of Las Canteras, freely accessible.
💡 Tipp
The best surfing time is from October to April when consistent northwest swells reach the coast. But there are also surfable waves in the summer. For beginners, La Cícer is suitable year-round. Attention digital nomads: Las Palmas has dozens of coworking spaces right on the beach — close the laptop, put on the wetsuit, surf, and back to the desk.
