Famara & the north · Spain
Surfing San Juan
A left reef in Famara & the north, Spain, for advanced and pro surfers.
San Juan is a long left over reef on Lanzarote's north coast, about five minutes' drive from Caleta de Famara. On a good day it links two or three sections and gets hollow, and it has hosted international contests.
It needs a specific swell direction and tide, so it doesn't break every day, and it's best for intermediate and advanced surfers. Local surfers watch the forecast closely, so expect company when it's on.
It works best on a north-west swell with a south-east wind, mostly from October to April. The reef is sharp and shallow, so booties help. Caleta de Famara is the base, with plenty of places to stay, and if San Juan is too big, Famara beach is right next door.
When to surf
San Juan
San Juan is at its best from October to April. Conditions it likes: NW swell, SE offshore wind.
October to April: Prime
Biggest, most consistent NW-N swell, dry warm climate
May to June: Good
Smaller swell, still warm and windy
July to August: Quiet
Strong wind (Sirocco possible), smaller summer swell
The year across Lanzarote
Waves near San Juan
Famara
under 1 kmFamara & the north · Beach Break · Beginner / Intermediate
Caleta de Caballo
7 kmLa Santa · Right Reef · Intermediate / Advanced
Morro Negro
9 kmLa Santa · Right Reef · Advanced / Pro
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: Caleta de Famara is a small village at the end of the beach, with apartments, bungalows and surf houses, most within walking distance of the waves. Teguise, inland, is a quiet old town with a few hotels. In winter, the high season for surfers, the village books up, so reserve early.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Famara & the north guide.
Famara & the north surf guideSurf it often and something here is wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.