Surfing in La Cicer: A Surf Guide to Playa de las Canteras
Introduction to Surfing La Cicer
La Cicer is one of the finest urban surf breaks in Europe. Sitting at the southern end of Playa de las Canteras in the heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, it is a beach break that has shaped generations of local surfers and that delivers consistent, quality waves in the middle of one of the Canary Islands’ most vibrant and characterful cities. The beach itself is extraordinary by any standard as it is a long, golden arc of sand backed by the promenade and the colour of the city, with a natural reef known as La Barra running parallel to the shore that shelters the main beach and concentrates the surf energy at La Cicer into something altogether more powerful and interesting.
Walking out of the water and straight into the cafes, restaurants and life of Las Palmas is an experience that very few surf destinations in the world can offer, and it gives La Cicer a unique and deeply compelling identity that sets it apart from every other break on the island.
Best Season to Surf La Cicer
- Winter Season — November to March: La Cicer is at its most powerful and consistent during the winter months. North Atlantic groundswells wrap around the northern tip of Gran Canaria and arrive at the beach with a size and energy that transforms the break into something considerably more demanding and rewarding than the rest of the year delivers.
- Summer Season — June to August: The swell eases during the summer months and La Cicer produces smaller, more forgiving waves that are well suited to beginners and those building their skills in the water. The beach is at its most social during this period and the combination of surf lessons, SUP sessions and the full life of Las Palmas unfolding right behind the sand makes it one of the most enjoyable and accessible surf environments in the Canaries for those just starting out.
- Shoulder Seasons — March to May / September to November: The most well-rounded window for most surfers at La Cicer. Autumn brings building Atlantic swell from September alongside a city that has found its post-summer rhythm, and the combination of consistent, well-shaped waves and a slightly cooler, more local atmosphere around the beach makes it the most rewarding time for intermediate and advancing surfers to get the most out of this break. Spring offers a similarly compelling balance of improving surf and the full energy of Las Palmas in its most pleasant season.
Surf Spots and Beaches in La Cicer
La Cicer Beachbreak
Iconic beachbreak delivers steep lefts and rights breaking both ways on N/NE/NW swells across all tides, with summer providing forgiving whitewater and winter unleashing powerful hollow sections up to double overhead. Black sand volcanic bottom near cliffs creates consistent peaks steps from city center.
Some of the waves to be had at La Cicer.
Surf Camps and Lessons Recommendation
One of the most celebrated and well-credentialled surf operations in the Canary Islands, was founded in 2010 by Eduardo Acosta, a three-time Spanish Surf Champion and two-time European Champion in the over-50 category. The camp is based directly on Playa de las Canteras at the heart of La Cicer’s surf zone. Recognised as one of the best surf camps in Spain and operating as the Official Hurley Surf School in Gran Canaria as well as an official school of the Canarian Surf Federation, Mojo brings a level of coaching expertise and institutional credibility that is genuinely rare among surf schools anywhere in Europe.
What ties all of it together is Eduardo Acosta’s coaching methodology and the standard it sets across every instructor on the team. The combination of competitive pedigree, genuine local knowledge and a camp that has been refined over fifteen years on the same stretch of beach gives Mojo a depth and quality that newer operations simply cannot match. For anyone coming to Las Palmas to surf La Cicer and the surrounding breaks of Gran Canaria, it is the most experienced, most decorated and most complete surf base the city has to offer.
Other Things to Do in Las Palmas
- Las Canteras promenade:7km beachfront walk with chiringuitos.
- Vegueta old town: Columbus cathedral and colonial architecture.
- El Confital: Nearby reef break for advanced sessions.
- Tapas tours: Canarian cuisine in Triana neighborhood.
- Roque Nublo: Iconic island landmark day trips.
Conclusion on Surfing La Cicer
La Cicer delivers Gran Canaria’s ultimate urban beachbreak with year-round consistency, city accessibility, and progression potential from beginner to pro. Perfect Las Palmas surf hub accessing 18 breaks walking distance amid Canarian capital culture.
Oceanside and Surf Camp Las Palmas provide beachfront packages maximizing La Cicer’s world-class peaks.
FAQ: Surf Travel to La Cicer
All levels suitable?
Yes. Summer beginners, winter intermediates/advanced.
Tide flexibility?
Works all tides; mid-high winter, low summer optimal.
Crowds situation?
Busy weekends; school zones organized, locals welcoming.
Airport access?
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) 20min taxi to beachfront camps.
Are there other locations to do a Surf Camp or take a lesson in the Canary Islands?
Check out our Surfing in the Canary Islands Travel Guide if you’re interested in checking out other surfing locations.