Once subdued by the Spanish crown Lanzarote became a vital cog in their growing empire. Providing a stopping off point for the Spanish vessels that were busily engaged in the transportation of precious metals such as silver and gold seized from the Incas in South America. A trade which helped to fuel the expansion of Spain’s empire. During the 18th century Lanzarote´s tranquillity was shaken by volcanic eruptions. Which went on almost uninterrupted for six years. Devastating much of the best farmland on the island. Leaving fields of solid black lava in their place. Today this area of island is the most popular visitor attraction on Lanzarote. With scenery that looks like a planet that has just been formed. And with temperatures that still reach up to 400 degrees just below the earths surface. Ably demonstrated by wardens who pour water into bore holes – only for it be expelled seconds later as hot steam. Visitors can even take a camel ride of this region – at the cost of just €10 per camel. Away from the volcanic interior Lanzarote is home to some fantastic beaches.

Whilst on other Canary Islands these are often made up of black sand the beaches on Lanzarote are all pure gold. With the coves of Papagayo in the south regarded as the most breathtaking on the island. Getting to the island is easy – especially from the UK. As there are cheap flights to Lanzarote available from most major airports. With a journey time of around four hours. Public bus services are few and far between outside of the three main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise. But fortunately car hire in Lanzarote is surprisingly inexpensive. A standard C class model can be hired for about €90 per week. Whilst petrol is cheap too.

Several of the surf schools on the island have been in business for over 10 years now and have well established bases, coaching surfers from all over Europe throughout the year. Famara is the best known spot on Lanzarote for surfing, for various reasons. It’s location is key, being in the perfect spot to receive those ideal Atlantic swells that roll in continuously, sometimes quite aggressively, sometimes more gently for beginners. Famara also has great sand, to keep the spectators happy and, being quite remote from the typical tourist beaches, there’s no problem with sun seekers getting in the way. An added benefit is the area’s beauty, with no lack of wonderful scenery to provide a perfect backdrop to a day’s surfing the waves.

Only rarely will surfers experience the huge waves that non-surfers conjure up in their minds when they think about the typical Hawaiian surfers shown in advertisements and film scenes, but for most of the surfers that visit Lanzarote, such big rollers would only mean most people having to sit out the day on the beach, watching just a handful of professional?level superstars getting their kicks. No, for majority of people the temperate waves of Lanzarote’s surf beaches are plenty big enough. In addition to the favoured beach at Famara, the tiny island of La Graciosa, which lies off the north west coast of Lanzarote, provides an alternative surf spot just south of the beach at Playa de las Conchas. South of Famara is another area around the La Santa Sports Club, with a choice of 4 locations, but only recommended for more experienced surfers due to the speed of the waves and the rocky sea bed.

Some final choices on the southern end of Lanzarote’s western coast are El Golfo and Janubio beach, both suitable for surfers of intermediate ability. Lanzarote has also gained a great reputation as one of the best competition locations in Europe and regularly hosts the European legs of the world’s top international surfing competitions. In early November 2009 the Santa Pro surf competition was held at Famara beach, although organisers were forced to shift beaches south to la Santa for a couple of days due to the conditions. Almost one hundred competitors competed for the prizes and huge twelve foot waves provided exciting conditions. Australian professional Drew Courtney defeated Brazilian Bernardo Miranda in the final.

Earlier in the year, during July, Spain held its national kitesurfing championships in Lanzarote at Playa de Famara, when 84 competitors visited the island to compete for the national titles. Top level windsurfing also came to Lanzarote during July when the PWA championship event was held at the Playa Las Cucharas in Costa Teguise. In 2010, there will be more professional surfing in the Canary Islands when the ASP Junior Surf Tour comes to Realejos in Tenerife during September.

For those new to surfing, who are not sure where to start, then the easier version of wave boarding or “boogie” boarding is the perfect option, even for young children and Lanzarote’s beaches are the perfect place to. With some cheap equipment and a little instruction, complete beginners can be out in the waves having fun within a few minutes. You just need a board and some optional flippers and you’ll be away. Unlike the UK, you won’t even need a wetsuit during the summer months. Its probably best to start with a session or two at one of the many surf schools, if only to learn about beach etiquette (how to avoid upsetting everyone else out there) and to understand the safety aspects of rip tides and danger areas. Apart from than that it’s a great surf sport for young and old.

Consider taking a cheap flight to Lanzarote and catching some waves while the rest of Europe battles the winter chills. This report highlights why many people now consider Lanazarote one of the best surf locations in Europe.