Playa de Famara (Famara)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Medium waves, Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Playa de Famara (Famara) is a long sandy beach on the northwest side of Lanzarote, backed by dramatic cliffs and facing open Atlantic swell. It’s known for clean water and a largely sandy riding/launch environment, with shallow water near shore that transitions to deeper ocean water. Surf and wind conditions are both persistent through the year, which is why the spot is used for kitesurfing, windsurfing, wingfoiling, and beach-break surfing. Wind is dominated by NE trade winds (Los Alisios), with peak kitesurfing conditions in May through September. Reported wind strength typically spans roughly 12–35 knots depending on season and moment, and summer afternoons can receive an additional thermal/sea-breeze boost. Guidance also notes that the cliffs can create wind shadows and turbulence close to the northern end of the beach, so where you launch/ride within the bay matters. For kitesurfing, the main operational guidance is zoning: kite use is restricted to designated sections during peak months, with the village-front area described as a no-kite / surf-only zone in some guidance. For everyone on the beach, the highest priority safety issue is that rip currents are very strong and Famara is treated as a permanent no-swimming red flag. Surfing-wise, Famara is characterized as an exposed beach-break with multiple peaks and generally excellent wave quality on working swell. Reports describe optimal swell in the west to northwest sector and working wave heights from about 1.0–3.0 m, with ride lengths commonly in the 50–150 m range on good days. However, on bigger swells rips and shorebreak can become extremely hazardous—so conditions that are fun for experienced riders can be dangerous for beginners.
- Long sandy beach break with consistent Atlantic swell
- Reliable NE trade winds concentrated May–September
- Foil-friendly sandy bottom and shallow nearshore areas
- Cliff backdrop that influences wind acceleration and localized turbulence
- Long, sandy bay with extensive space for launching and water entry
- Reliable summer trade winds for kitesurfing and wind sports
- Consistent Atlantic swell for surfing throughout the year
- Clean water reported across sources
- Very strong rip currents; no swimming
- Dangerous on bigger-swell/surf days (shorebreak and strong currents)
- Wind shadows/turbulence near the northern end close to the cliffs
- Kite restrictions/zoning required around swimmers/surf areas
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, E
- Offshore directions
- SSE, SE, S
- Wind Range
- 12–35 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — NE trade winds (Los Alisios) dominate in summer; local topography can reinforce/accelerate wind.
- Reliability
- 70–91% wind probability reported for May–August; lower consistency in winter.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Reported as generally steady to gusty; summer can show moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Fine sandy bay.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Surf is described as small to medium on many days, with the potential to reach 3 m+ on larger swell periods.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Can be choppy depending on wind/wave state; high tide and onshore/cross-onshore setups can increase chop.
- Launch
- Big — Extensive sandy beach suitable for kite setup and launching.
Through the year
Peak crowds May–August, highest in July and August.
Rain is generally sparse; occasional showers reported between December and February.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Primary kitesurfing spot on Lanzarote with a long sandy bay; reliable trade winds in summer and Atlantic surf throughout the year.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Freeride and wave windsurfing; often described as weaker than the east coast but usable over a very extensive sandy bay.
- Sail Sizes
- 4–6.5 m²
Foil-friendly due to sandy bottom and shallow lagoon areas; watch for strong shore currents/rip currents and shorebreak.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions reported due to sandy bottom and shallow water near shore.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed beach break with consistent waves along the bay; multiple peaks reported across the beach.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, High — Best described as mid tide; some guidance notes rising/falling tides can work, and that very high tide can narrow the beach and change wave character.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open coastal exposure; positioned with cliff backdrop but not sheltered from ocean swell.
- Wind Effect
- North/Northeast trade wind is cross-onshore; Southeast offshore grooms waves (but offshore conditions are described as risky/undesirable for kite/wing). NW winds reported as onshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold 3 m+ on larger swells, but rips can become very powerful and potentially dangerous for beginners.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Regional classic / world-class descriptions appear across sources.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Some reports characterize surf as powerful on bigger days; typical guidance describes moderate-to-powerful energy.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Short on typical days (<50 m), with longer rides (50–150 m) on good days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides commonly range 50–150 m on good days; short rides (<50 m) are typical.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Playa de Famara (Famara) in the full forecast view.
Playa de Famara (Famara) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–16 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- ENE61°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2416 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.3 m11s period
- Temperature
- 21–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Playa de Famara (Famara) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.6–1.3 m with a period of about 11s. 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
- strong riptides (rip currents)
- shorebreak
- significant wave size on big days
- dangerous currents near larger swells
- underwater rocks at the southern end
- submerged rocks near a shipwreck area
- occasional jellyfish
- crowded peaks in peak season
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards reported; a lifeguard service is associated with peak-season/daylight at the main beach area.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is reported as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Arrecife (~25 minutes away); emergency number 112; coastguard availability noted in Lanzarote.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism reported in some guidance.
Rules of the spot
Kitesurfing only in designated zones during peak season; avoid the first beach stretch near the village and the village-front section reserved for other use. Follow on-site separation rules between kite users and swimmers/surf schools.
- No kiting in the village-front beach section.
- Kitesurfing restricted in some areas reserved for swimmers and surf schools.
- Do not swim; riptides are very strong and there is a permanent no-swimming red flag.
- Use the designated NE kite zone behind the bungalows; avoid the first beach section near the village (surf zone).
- Check tide before heading out—high tide can make the beach narrow and can affect wave form.
- When choosing surfing conditions, mid-tide is often best; low tide can close out and high tide can reflect off rocks.
- For consistent surf peaks, the 'Shipwreck' section is often reported as a key area.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Caleta de Famara
- Nearest Town
- Caleta de Famara
- Nearest Airport
- Lanzarote Airport (ACE)
- Parking
- Parking available along the beach road and near the bungalow settlement; overnight camper parking permitted. Parking can fill quickly in summer/weekends.
- Public Transport
- Buses (Guaguas) connect the area to Teguise and Arrecife; car rental recommended.
- Access
- 30km northeast from Arrecife Airport via Teguise to Caleta Famara; about 40-minute drive from Lanzarote Airport. Road access recommended; public transport limited.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Bungalows, hotels, and apartments in Caleta de Famara and the nearby bungalow settlement.
- Food & Drink
- Bars, restaurants, and grocery stores in the Caleta de Famara village.
- Equipment Rental:
- Extensive rental options in the village for kite and surf gear (including wetsuits and boards); availability also referenced via local kite/surf shops.
- Gear Storage
- Lockers available at kite schools and rental shops.
- Gear Repair
- Local shops offer minor surfboard and kite repairs.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Outdoor-focused coastline with volcanic scenery and a surf/wind culture concentrated around Caleta de Famara.
Volcanic landscape offering guided tours through craters and geothermal demonstrations.
An art, culture, and tourism center built inside a volcanic tunnel by César Manrique.
A major cliff backdrop that defines the regional landscape and viewpoints over the coast and the Atlantic.
Island views are a notable part of the coastal scenery from the Famara area.
A traditional Sunday market in the historic former capital of the island.
The village is noted as part of César Manrique’s childhood background.
Tandem flights launching from the Risco de Famara cliffs for aerial views of the bay.
The coast is widely recognized as a surfing destination with consistent Atlantic waves.
The open coastline supports wind sports at the regional level.
Renowned for local seafood and views of the Atlantic.
Inland areas near Teguise for hiking and exploring volcanic trails.
The long beach and cliff scenery support general sightseeing and low-intensity coastal recreation.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Playa de Famara (Famara)?
The best overall months at Playa de Famara (Famara) are May, June, July, August. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Playa de Famara (Famara)?
Playa de Famara (Famara) works with N, NNE, NE, E winds. Offshore directions are SSE, SE, S.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Playa de Famara (Famara)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Playa de Famara (Famara): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–35 kts.
What skill level is Playa de Famara (Famara) suitable for?
Playa de Famara (Famara) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Expert.