La Santa · Spain
Surfing El Quemao
A left reef in La Santa, Spain, for pro surfers.
El Quemao is a left that breaks over a shallow lava reef right in front of La Santa village, on Lanzarote's north-west coast. On a solid north-west swell it pitches fast and throws a thick, hollow barrel, and it's one of the best-known heavy waves in the Canary Islands.
The takeoff is steep, the reef sits close to the surface and there's very little room for mistakes, so it's for experts only. When it's on, the local crew is out, and it isn't on very often. Watch it from the shore before you decide, and wear booties.
When to surf
El Quemao
El Quemao is at its best from November to March. Conditions it likes: Big NW swell.
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 El Quemao
La Santa
under 1 kmLa Santa · Left Reef · Advanced / Pro
Morro Negro
under 1 kmLa Santa · Right Reef · Advanced / Pro
Caleta de Caballo
3 kmLa Santa · Right Reef · Intermediate / Advanced
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: La Santa is a small village close to El Quemao and the reefs, with a handful of apartments. Most visitors stay in Famara, about twenty minutes away, or in the resort towns on the south of the island and drive up when the swell is right.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the La Santa guide.
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