Arrieta
- Shortboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Arrieta is a sheltered coastal spot centered on Playa de la Garita, known for beginner-friendly surf when the right conditions line up. It’s a reef/sand-bar style area: small to moderate waves are typically suitable for learning, with short rides and a generally non-intimidating feel compared with heavier reef breaks—though the exact character depends on how the reef and sandbar are being shaped that day. A key limitation is consistency: the spot is described as needing specific swell and wind conditions to open, and it can be relatively rare for it to be working well. The most favorable pattern is generally linked with a north swell, and best wind setups are described as producing offshore conditions for the break (notably west–northwest offshore winds in combination with north swell in one description). When conditions aren’t in the window, it can be flat or not perform as expected. Safety-wise, the main watch-outs are rocks and currents. Rocks are specifically identified as hazards, and the area can form rip currents near rocks and structures during larger swells. During the rougher season (reported for roughly October through March), waves can reach high and rough conditions when the spot opens—so it’s important to be conservative and only paddle in when you clearly understand the surf, access points, and safe zones. For timing, low to mid tide is repeatedly mentioned as favorable, and there’s also a note that surfing is often best on a rising low tide. Water temperatures are commonly in the high teens Celsius in winter and low 20s Celsius in summer, so most riders use a wetsuit year-round, with thicker winter options.
- Sheltered beginner learning waves when it opens
- Works best with north swell (and offshore wind alignment)
- Rocks at/near the break and pier area; rip currents possible on larger days
- Sheltered location with a beginner-friendly learning character when conditions are right.
- Soft, sandbar-style waves are described for practice (with short ride lengths).
- Easy access and fast walking access from parking.
- Spot is sheltered but can be inconsistent and may only work under specific swell/wind combinations.
- Rocks and shallow/submerged hazards at the ends can make conditions unforgiving.
- During October to March, when it does open, waves can become very high and rough.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E, SE
- Wind Range
- 12–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Predominantly N–NE trade winds (Alisios) influence the area; spot-level wind can still be inconsistent depending on the exact offshore component needed for best surfing.
- Reliability
- Moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Sheltered from NNE trade winds by high cliffs to the north; a more easterly component may be needed to reach the beach cleanly.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Sand with rock presence.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small surf is commonly expected; one source notes it starts working under about 1m and can hold up beyond 2m+.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach (Playa de la Garita) with scattered rocks near northern and southern ends.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Very dry climate; occasional rain can occur between December and February.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Arrieta is a sheltered break that needs the right conditions to open. Under suitable conditions it can produce fast, peeling rights (and occasional lefts) with a beginner-friendly learning character when waves are smaller.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- N
- Swell Height
- 1.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, Mid — A low-to-mid tide window is repeatedly indicated; one description also notes best surfing on a rising low tide.
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Sheltered by surrounding landforms/cliffs; reef is described as sheltered.
- Wind Effect
- Best surfing is described with west–northwest offshore winds in combination with north swell; another description notes offshore conditions in west winds with some protection from the strongest North trades.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swell exceeds about 2.5 meters (reported for the softer beach/sandbar character). Also noted: during Oct–Mar conditions can get rough and reach very high sizes when the spot opens.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality is described as good, with some sources characterizing softer/average quality for the learning sandbar.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Wave power is described as moderate for the reef break; other descriptions characterize softer, powerless surf on the beach/sandbar version.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling is indicated for the reef description; mushy/soft wave shape is indicated for the sandbar description.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast peeling reef right peak is noted in one description.
- Ride Length
- Short — Normal length is reported as short (< 50m); one description cites ~30–50m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Short, peeling waves ideal for learning and practice; normal length is reported as short (< 50m).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Arrieta in the full forecast view.
Arrieta wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–16 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- NE55°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2416 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–1.2 m6s period
- Temperature
- 21–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Arrieta is forecast for daytime winds of 5–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.5–1.2 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- currents
- submerged volcanic stones (in some sections)
- rip currents can form near rocks and the pier during larger swells
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards at Playa de la Garita.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Spot-level rescue availability is reported as none.
- Emergency Info
- In Spain, the emergency number is 112.
Rules of the spot
Respect any designated swimming areas, especially during summer months. Use caution around rocks at the ends of the launch/reef.
- Requires specific swell and wind conditions to open (spot can be inconsistent).
- Spot can be too dangerous when conditions are rough (Oct–Mar).
- Surf is most reliable on a rising low tide (for the beach/reef break).
- When winds and swell line up, the spot can open, but it can be very rough when conditions are not right (Oct–Mar).
- The pier can be used to jump into the water—always check depth and other swimmers first.
- When the spot is breaking, take care around the rocks and any posted/marked safe zones.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Arrecife
- Nearest Town
- Arrieta
- Parking
- Ample parking is available in a large dirt lot adjacent to the beach (and parking near the beach is available).
- Public Transport
- Regular intercity bus service connects Arrieta with nearby areas (frequency is limited compared with mainland cities).
- Access
- Drive toward Arrieta village as signposted; breaks appear on the right as you descend the hill; beach is visible and accessible within about 5 minutes walking.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation is available in the village of Arrieta and nearby areas.
- Food & Drink
- Several highly-regarded seafood restaurants and a beach bar (chiringuito) directly on the sand.
- Equipment Rental:
- No permanent rental shops are located on the beach; equipment is typically brought from shops in nearby towns.
- Gear Storage
- Limited storage is available through private accommodations or some school facilities.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repairs are available locally; major sail or kite repairs are typically found in nearby towns.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A celebrated volcanic cave complex and cultural site designed by César Manrique.
A major lava-tube attraction in northern Lanzarote.
Lanzarote’s wine-growing landscape known for volcanic vineyards and Malvasía wine.
A volcanic tunnel transformed by César Manrique into a concert hall and garden.
An extensive lava tube system offering guided underground walks.
Scenic trails along the lava-formed coastline connecting the villages.
Clear Atlantic waters and volcanic topography support marine exploration.
Sheltered lava pools perfect for children to swim and snorkel safely.
The northern volcanic attractions are among the island’s most family-friendly outings.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Arrieta?
The best overall months at Arrieta are September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Arrieta?
Arrieta works with NE, E, SE winds.
What skill level is Arrieta suitable for?
Arrieta suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.