GO FURTHER CANARIAN ACTIVE ADVENTURES

Surfing in Famara

Many experienced surfers come to Lanzarote just to catch the famous Atlantic waves in Famara, with the Risco de Famara cliffs looming high above miles of golden volcanic sand, or at other nearby spots like El Quemao, a renowned challenge even for professionals. Famara Beach is known for having reliably good waves almost year-round. November to February are popular months for those with experience. Complete beginners might prefer the gentler summer waves, but most local surf schools can adapt sessions to your level at any time of year. Surf School Lanzarote is a long-established, International Surfing Association-accredited academy based in Famara, offering small-group classes and courses as well as private sessions for all abilities. surfschoolanzarote.com

Isla Graciosa

A narrow stretch of ocean known as El Río (The River) separates the northern tip of Lanzarote from remote Isla Graciosa, which is a superb day-trip destination for adventurous souls. First settled in the 1860s by a handful of families, this tiny island sits within the now strictly protected Chinijo Archipelago, a richly biodiverse pocket of the Canaries that’s home to a wide variety of birds and marine life. Ferries depart regularly from Órzola (Lanzarote’s northernmost town) for the harbour village of Caleta de Sebo, Isla Graciosa’s only full-time settlement. Most daytrippers head straight for the sandy beaches near the village, but the most rewarding way to explore the island is by hiring a bike. Caleta de Sebo has a few unfussy restaurants, or bring a picnic. visitlagraciosa.com

Windsurfing & wingfoiling

Strategically positioned on Lanzarote’s windswept northeast shores, the easygoing resort town of Costa Teguise has grown into a popular hub for windsurfing in the Canaries since it was first put on the map in the 1990s. Much of the action centres on golden Playa de las Cucharas, the town’s flagship half-moon beach. The main season runs from March to September and, due to the geography of the bay, conditions are regularly sheltered enough for beginners. Wellestablished Windsurfing Club Las Cucharas runs courses for all levels. In recent years, wingfoiling

— a sport that combines elements of windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing — has also boomed here, while paddleboarding offers a more relaxing way to explore on the water. lanzarotewindsurf.com

Left: Surfing is a popular activity along Lanzarote’s northern coastline