Surfing in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife: Beginner Surf Guide

Introduction to Surfing Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz sits on the north coast of Tenerife, a town of genuine beauty and deep historical character that has been welcoming visitors since long before the island’s resort era began in the south. The volcanic black sand beaches of the north coast face directly into the Atlantic and pick up swell with a consistency and energy that the sheltered southern shores simply cannot match, and the breaks within easy reach of Puerto de la Cruz have shaped a local surf culture that is rooted, passionate and entirely authentic.

Puerto de la Cruz itself is one of the most liveable and characterful towns on Tenerife, with excellent restaurants, colonial architecture, the iconic Lago Martianez and a pace of life that feels genuinely different from the tourist belt of the south. For surfers who want quality waves wrapped in one of the most beautiful and historically rich towns in the Canary Islands, it is a compelling and deeply enjoyable base.

Best Season to Surf Puerto de la Cruz

• Winter Season — November to March: The north coast of Tenerife picks up North Atlantic groundswells with impressive consistency during the winter months and the breaks around Puerto de la Cruz respond with the most powerful and rewarding surf of the year. The town retains its warm, lively character throughout the winter and the combination of quality surf and the full life of Puerto de la Cruz makes it one of the most complete and enjoyable surf bases on the island during this season.
• Summer Season — June to August: Smaller, more accessible surf and warm, reliably sunny conditions make summer the most welcoming season for beginners and families getting their first experience of the north coast. The waves remain active and enjoyable throughout the warmer months and the town around them buzzes with an energy and a warmth that make every day off the board as enjoyable as every day in the water.
• Shoulder Seasons — March to May / September to November: The most well-rounded window for most surfers around Puerto de la Cruz. Autumn delivers building Atlantic swell alongside a town that has found its quieter, more authentic rhythm, and the north coast at this time of year is at its most beautiful and most rewarding. Spring offers a similarly compelling balance of consistent surf and uncrowded water, and both periods give intermediate surfers the best combination of wave quality and space in the lineup that this stretch of the Tenerife coast produces.

Surf Spots and Beaches in Puerto de la Cruz

Playa de La Barranquera

Barranquera reef break in nearby Valle de Guerra delivers quality right handers breaking over volcanic rock, handling north swells effectively with mid tide optimal for peaky takeoffs. Less crowded alternative to central Martianez while remaining accessible from Puerto base.

Combine with Martianez beach/reef (central spot with harbor protection) and Playa Jardín for versatile north shore sessions.

Surf Lessons Recommendation

Surf and Surfskate BMP

A mobile surf and surfskate school operating across the north of Tenerife, founded and run by Beatriz Morales Padilla, a certified instructor with over fifteen years of experience in surf and skate who has built one of the most genuinely warm and personally attentive operations on the island. Beatriz holds certification from the Federación Española de Surf and an Eco Surfing title that reflects her deep commitment to the ocean environment and a sustainable approach to teaching and operating in it. Her co-instructor David brings the same level of enthusiasm and technical clarity to every session, and the two together have earned a remarkable run of five-star reviews from students of all ages and nationalities.

The school operates as a mobile operation, moving to the best spots across the north of Tenerife according to the conditions on any given day, with Playa del Socorro serving as the primary surf location and transport available for those who need it. Sessions are personalised and adapted to every individual level, from complete beginners who have never stood on a board through to intermediates working on specific technique and wave reading. What comes through most powerfully in everything students say about Bea is how safe and supported she makes people feel in the water from the very first moment, going in alongside her students rather than watching from the shore and offering encouragement, correction and instruction that makes real progress feel inevitable. Private lessons, family sessions and group classes are all available, and the surfskate programme offers an excellent complement to the surf coaching for those who want to develop their technique and feel for the board on land between sessions. For anyone around Puerto de la Cruz looking to get into the Atlantic with proper guidance, a warm welcome and a coach who is genuinely invested in the experience, Surf and Surfskate BMP is the natural and most personal choice on the north coast.

Other Things to Do in Puerto de la Cruz

• Lago Martianez: César Manrique saltwater lagoon complex.
• Black sand beaches: Playa Jardín palm-lined surf zone.
• Teide volcano: Day trips to Spain’s highest peak.
• Canarian cuisine: Papas arrugadas + mojo beachfront.

Conclusion on Surfing Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz delivers Tenerife North’s premier urban surfscene with the assitance of local schools for individuals that want to improve their skills. If so, Surf Skate BMP provides local coaching maximizing protected north coast consistency.

FAQ: Surf Travel to Puerto de la Cruz

Wetsuit requirements?

3/2mm fullsuit north swells; spring suit summer smaller days.

Airport distance?

Tenerife North Airport 30min; South Airport 1hr 15min drive.

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.