Lanzarote's best surf beach, backed by dramatic 600m Famara cliffs. A favourite with surfers and kitesurfers. The small village of Caleta de Famara at its southern end has an authentic fishing village atmosphere and excellent seafood restaurants.
Playa de Famara stretches for 6 kilometres along Lanzarote's north-western coast beneath the imposing Famara cliffs, a basalt escarpment that rises to 600 metres and descends almost vertically to the beach below. The visual drama of this setting — vast pale golden sand, white Atlantic surf, and towering black volcanic cliff — makes Famara one of the most striking coastal landscapes in the Canary Islands. The Atlantic swell arrives at Famara with considerable power, shaped by the northern exposure and the cliff geometry to create consistent wave conditions ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced depending on swell height and tide. Several well-regarded surf schools operate from the village of Caleta de Famara at the southern end of the beach, offering lessons for all ability levels and equipment hire. Caleta de Famara itself has developed a sought-after reputation as a low-key surf town with quality fish restaurants and a genuine fishing village atmosphere that has not been overtaken by resort development. The beach is not safe for non-swimmers or casual paddlers due to the rip currents generated by the surf — the flag system and advice from local surf schools should always be observed. Kitesurfing is also popular, particularly at the northern end of the beach where wind consistency is highest. The Famara cliffs above the beach fall within the Chinijo Archipelago Nature Reserve, and the cliff face provides nesting habitat for Eleonora's falcons — a rare raptor species — between May and October, as well as ravens, kestrels, and Barbary falcons year-round. On clear days the uninhabited island of La Graciosa is visible across the narrow Risco channel to the north. Car access is via the LZ-401 road to Caleta de Famara, with a small car park at the village end of the beach.
Good to know
- Best for
- surfers, photographers, hikers, wildlife-watchers, kitesurfers
- Facilities
- surf schools, some restaurants in village, limited facilities on beach
Location
29.0928, -13.5544 View on map
Highlights
- Dramatic 600m Famara cliffs forming one of Lanzarote's most iconic coastal backdrops
- Consistent Atlantic surf with several well-regarded surf schools based in Caleta de Famara village
- Eleonora's falcon habitat on the cliff face — a rare raptor species present May to October
- Clear-day views north to La Graciosa and the uninhabited Chinijo Archipelago islands
- Authentic fishing village atmosphere at Caleta de Famara with excellent local seafood restaurants
Tips for visiting
- Beginners should surf on smaller swell days in early morning — the surf schools assess conditions daily
- Non-swimmers should stay well back from the water's edge as rip currents exist even when the sea appears calm
- Restaurante La Caleta in Caleta de Famara is popular for grilled fish — arrive before 13:30 as tables fill fast
- Scan the cliff face with binoculars in summer for Eleonora's falcons nesting in the basalt ledges
- Late afternoon light on the Famara cliffs is the optimal time for landscape photography
When to visit
Famara is best for surfing from October to April when Atlantic swells are most consistent and powerful. Summer is better for kitesurfing and walking. Early morning at any time of year offers the best conditions for photography before the wind strengthens.
Accessibility
Good — car park at village end
Frequently asked questions
Is Playa de Famara safe for swimming?
Not for inexperienced swimmers. The beach is exposed to Atlantic swell and has strong rip currents. Surf schools and local lifeguards can advise on current conditions. The flag system should be followed at all times and casual swimming is discouraged.
Are there surf schools at Famara?
Yes. Several surf schools operate from Caleta de Famara village at the southern end of the beach, offering lessons for all ability levels and board and wetsuit hire. Lessons are available in multiple languages.
How do visitors get to Playa de Famara?
The LZ-401 road connects Arrecife and Teguise to Caleta de Famara. There is a small car park in the village. There is no regular direct bus service; a rental car or taxi is needed for most visitors.
What wildlife can be seen at Famara?
The Famara cliffs are a breeding habitat for Eleonora's falcon between May and October. Ravens, kestrels, and Barbary falcons are also present year-round. The wider area falls within the Chinijo Archipelago Nature Reserve.
Can visitors see La Graciosa from Famara?
Yes. On clear days, La Graciosa and the Risco de Famara channel are visible from the beach. La Graciosa appears as a low sandy island across the narrow strait and is the largest of the uninhabited Chinijo islands.