Benijo (Anaga Coast)

Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Advanced
Skill Level
Mixed
Spot Type
Moderate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Benijo is a remote, exposed reef break on Tenerife’s northeast coast (Anaga). The setup is typically powerful, with fast-moving waves and rocky reef-bottom hazards, including sharp submerged rocks and reef in and around the lineup. Surf quality is reported as best when north to northeast swell aligns (with optimal swell directions commonly given as North, Northwest, and Northeast). When that swell window comes together, the break can hold significant size and remain surfable for experienced surfers, with reports of organized lines up to several meters before sets may begin to close out. Conditions are also strongly shaped by wind direction. South to south-southeast winds are repeatedly described as favorable, helping groom the North Atlantic swell into cleaner, more workable surf. One source notes a best wind direction of southeast, while another emphasizes south to southwest and south-southeast. Access and safety are the main constraints: reaching the beach involves a long steep stair descent from the road with limited parking, and the spot is known for strong currents/rips and heavy shore break. Sources also describe the location as isolated with limited emergency access and no lifeguards, so it’s important to check tide conditions (the beach can effectively disappear at high tide during larger sets) and to come prepared and experienced.

  • Remote, dramatic Anaga Rural Park coastline
  • Exposed reef break with powerful waves
  • Favorable grooming winds from the south through south-southeast on North swell alignments
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Powerful, fast, well-regarded reef surfing with consistent potential on the north/northeast swell window
  • Scenic volcanic Anaga setting; fewer crowds on weekdays due to remoteness
Heads up
  • Remote, exposed reef break with difficult access via steep stairs
  • Strong currents/rips and heavy shore break; not ideal for beginners
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SSE, SW
Offshore directions
S, SSE, SW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — Providers describe varying regimes (mixed/“frontal” in one source) with south–southeast favorable winds.
Reliability
fair
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
Best Months
November, December, January, February, March
Shadow Zones
High Anaga cliffs can provide some protection from southerly winds, helping keep conditions cleaner/offshore for those directions.

Water & beach

Water Type
Mixed
Beach
Mixed — Black volcanic sand with rock/reef in the surf zone is repeatedly described.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Big — Multiple providers describe big/powerful wave potential, with best working swell starting around 1.5–2 m and building to 3 m+.
Chop Level
Heavy chop — One source reports heavy shore break; exposed setting implies significant wave impact on entry/exit.
Launch
Small — Narrow black volcanic-sand beach accessed via a long steep staircase; exposed and difficult.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
18–24 °C
Water Temperature
15–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Mar: 3/2mmJan, Feb, Mar: 4/3mm (may be preferred in winter months)
Crowds by Season

Weekends can be busy; weekdays are generally quiet.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain more frequent in the Anaga region during November through February.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Remote, exposed reef-and-rock surf break with powerful waves and a reputation for being best suited to experienced surfers. Works strongly when north/northwest/northeast swell lines up; best wind alignment is south to south-southeast.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
N, NNE, NE
Swell Height
1.5–3 m
Optimal Tide
Mid, All tides — Tide preference is described as mid in one source, while another reports all-tides generally workable.
Shelter
Exposed — Open/exposed reef break with cliffs providing limited directional protection for some wind angles.
Wind Effect
Southerly winds (south, southwest, south-southeast) are reported as favorable/offshore for grooming the North Atlantic swell; southeast is also noted as favorable in one source.
Bigger Swell
Reported to hold larger swell and stay surfable when north swell aligns; can close out on the biggest sets (reported staying organized up to roughly 3–4 m before closing out).
Wave Quality
Good — Regional classic / good wave quality reported.
Wave Power
Powerful — Described as powerful, with strong waves on an exposed reef break.
Wave Shape
Mixed — One provider reports mixed wave shape; another describes hollow characteristics on the North swell alignment.
Peel Speed
Fast — Fast peeling reported.
Ride Length
Long — Normal rides reported around 50–150 m; exceptional days can extend to 150–300 m.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Rides commonly reported 50–150 m; exceptional days reach 150–300 m.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Benijo (Anaga Coast) in the full forecast view.

Benijo (Anaga Coast) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–13 ktsGusts 20 kts
Direction
ENE78°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2413 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Waves
0.9–2.1 m10s period
Temperature
22–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, Benijo (Anaga Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.9–2.1 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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 and reef near the break and along the access area
  • Strong rip currents / strong rips
  • Powerful undertow
  • Heavy shore break
  • Steep and slippery access stairs
  • Limited cell service / isolated location
  • No designated swimming area / difficult access for emergency services
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
Boots

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards reported for this location.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — Rescue availability is reported as no.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (reported about 45–60 minutes away via narrow mountain roads). In Spain, emergency number is 112; nearest major hospital is in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Moderate localism is reported; respect the local peak and keep noise/traffic low.

Rules of the spot

Respect the local peak; the spot is remote and emergency access is difficult.

Restrictions
  • No designated swimming area
  • Emergency services have difficulty reaching the beach
Local Tips
  • Plan for difficult access (long stair descent) and allow extra time for the walk back up.
  • Always check the tide—during large swells the beach can effectively disappear at high tide.
  • Park at the top near restaurants; don’t leave valuables in the car.
  • Because emergency services access is difficult, surf within your limits and go with an experienced crew.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Nearest Town
Taganana
Parking
Limited parking; parking above/near the beach access point and small gravel lots are reported near the trailhead/restaurants.
Public Transport
Limited bus service (TITSA Line 946) connects Santa Cruz to Taganana and Almáciga; road access is also possible from Santa Cruz and La Laguna.
Access
Accessible via the TF-134 road through the Anaga mountains; requires descending a long series of stone steps from the road level to the beach. Access is described as difficult with limited parking and a long walk/stair descent.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Rural houses and small guesthouses in Taganana and Almáciga are reported nearby, plus options in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Food & Drink
Restaurants near the start of the path/near the beach access area are reported, including traditional seafood places at the top of the cliff.
Equipment Rental:
No rentals available on-site; equipment must be brought from Santa Cruz or La Laguna.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Playa de Benijo0km

Scenic volcanic beach known for dramatic rock formations and sunsets.

Anaga Rural Parkregional area

Protected mountain and biosphere landscape with trails and viewpoints in the northeast of Tenerife.

Tagananaregional area

Historic mountain hamlet known for its scenic rural setting within Anaga.

Taganana Village2km

Historic and picturesque village preserved for traditional Canarian architecture and terraced vineyards.

Anaga Biosphere Reserve heritage landscaperegional area

Traditional rural settlements and protected landscape recognized as a biosphere reserve.

Anaga Rural Park Hiking1km

Hiking trails through laurel forests and along steep coastal cliffs.

Hiking the Anaga trail networkregional area

Extensive trail system through ridges, ravines, and laurisilva forest.

Casa África1km

Traditional Canarian eatery noted for fresh octopus and local fish near the beach area.

Playa del Roque de las Bodegas1km

A nearby, more accessible beach area with local restaurants and easier parking mentioned for families.

Visitor-center outings and scenic drivesregional area

Visitor-center based exploration and panoramic road trips through the protected area.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Benijo (Anaga Coast)?

The best overall months at Benijo (Anaga Coast) are November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Benijo (Anaga Coast)?

Benijo (Anaga Coast) works with S, SSE, SW winds. Offshore directions are S, SSE, SW.

What skill level is Benijo (Anaga Coast) suitable for?

Benijo (Anaga Coast) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.