They're neighbours, half an hour apart by ferry, with the same winter swell and the same cheap charter flights, so the choice comes down to the coast. Lanzarote's surf is concentrated on the north: the long beach at Famara, where most people learn, and a string of heavy reefs around La Santa and San Juan that are for experienced surfers only. Fuerteventura has more to choose from, with the volcanic reefs of the North Track around Corralejo and Majanicho, the beaches of El Cotillo and a second coast in the south. For learning, Famara is hard to beat. For a mix of levels and more waves within a short drive, Fuerteventura has the edge.
Which one should you pick?
Learning
Lanzarote's Famara beach, where most of the island's surf schools work. Corralejo in Fuerteventura is the other good choice.
Experienced reef surfers
Both. Lanzarote's reefs around La Santa are heavier; Fuerteventura's North Track has more waves to choose from.
Beaches and non-surfers
Fuerteventura, with its long beaches and the Corralejo dunes.
Both on one trip
Easy: the ferry between Playa Blanca and Corralejo takes about half an hour.
When to go
Lanzarote is at its best from October to April, and Fuerteventura from October to March. Both are in good shape from September to June.
| Month | Lanzarote | Fuerteventura |
|---|---|---|
| January | Prime | Prime |
| February | Prime | Prime |
| March | Prime | Prime |
| April | Prime | Good |
| May | Good | Good |
| June | Good | Good |
| July | Quiet | Quiet |
| August | Quiet | Quiet |
| September | Good | Good |
| October | Prime | Prime |
| November | Prime | Prime |
| December | Prime | Prime |
More in our guides to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.