Caleta de Famara: the surfers’ paradise

by Kate | May 25, 2017 | Lanzarote Guide | 22 comments

Caleta de Famara: the surfers’ paradise

You know those movies set in California, where the boys with their vans loaded with surfboards scan the horizon waiting for the perfect wave? Caleta de Famara seems to be out of one of these films, with the difference that we are in Europe and not in America!

Situated on the northwest coast of the island, Caleta de Famara has always been a fishing village but, recently, it has developed tourism thanks to surf.

Throughout the village, we can find many surf shops that sell not only sport products but also surf and kite surfing lessons! In fact, heading towards the great Famara beach, we can see many groups of surf schools!

Famara beach is a rare beauty: almost 6 km long, it’s the largest of the island and the wave-shaped mountain that dominates the bay is a unique charm. This mountain is called “Risco”, and it’s the highest peak of the whole island with its 670 meters.

The beach is of fine golden sand and it’s absolutely forbidden to take a bath! Here the currents are very strong and dangerous and it’s allowed to enter in the water only when you practice surf, under the supervision of lifeguards.

How to get there

• By car

Follow the directions for Teguise. Just before arriving in this town, you will find a roundabout with a sign indicating Caleta de Famara: turn here.

This road is very beautiful and panoramic: you’ll drive surrounded by desert, framed by La Graciosa and Risco mountain and the ocean on the horizon.

• By bus

Line 20 from Arrecife

Line 31 from Costa Teguise

Where to eat

As I said at the beginning of the article, Famara was a fishing village and its history is mainly related to fishing. For this reason, we can find good seafood restaurants all over the village, but in particular one stands out to be in the Michelin guide: the restaurant “El Risco”. The quality of the products and the fresh fish used by this restaurant makes it certainly one of the best on the island and it’s definitely worth a try!

Where to sleep

During a holiday, staying at Famara could be a smart choice as the village is in a strategic location, convenient to reach both the north and south of the island.

There are different kinds of accommodation, depending on how much you want to spend and how many people you are.

• Famara Bungalow

High budget. Suitable for families or groups

Exactly in front of Famara beach we find these very recent residential buildings, independent cottages that climb on Risco de Famara and overlook the village. From here there is a great view and if you have the economic possibilities I recommend this kind of accommodation.

• Surfhouse

Medium / Low Budget. Suitable for single travelers, groups of friends or couples.

Every surf shop you will encounter certainly has a surfhouse under management.

The Surfhouses are houses shared with other people who come to Famara mostly for surfing and / or take lessons. There are both single and shared rooms available, and the rest of the house is all to share. It’s a very fun experience if you want to meet other people and make friends!

• Apartment in Caleta de Famara

Medium / High budget. Suitable for families or groups

Inside the village there are plenty of houses for tourists. Most of these apartments can be found on Airbnb’s website.

Famara is definitely one of the most magical places in Lanzarote and a visit to this resort is compulsory!

I recommend a walk on the beach during the sunset: the colors of Risco mountain and the coast will leave you breathless!

If you have any questions or comments about Caleta de Famara, leave a comment below!

22 Comments

Mariella on June 21, 2017 at 3:54 pm

Nice guide! Thank you for sharing. I recently learned how to surf and this could be a fun travel destination to practice haha xoxo – Mariella
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- Kate on June 22, 2017 at 5:28 pm
  
  Yes, definitely! The beach of Famara is perfect for beginners with its small waves and sandy beach 🙂 xx
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Meg on June 21, 2017 at 4:11 pm

Man I miss surfing. A lot! This looks like a must stop destination the next time I decide to pick up my board and catch some waves.
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- Kate on June 22, 2017 at 5:50 pm
  
  If you love surfing, you’d really like this paradise! <3
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Megan on June 21, 2017 at 4:12 pm

I would love to go and watch the surfing going on, I’m so impressed by the grace and skill of surfers. And you give great info here on the different options for staying there. Thank you!
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- Kate on June 22, 2017 at 5:53 pm
  
  Thank you Megan! Surfers are like dancers, and their stage is the ocean 🙂
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Theresa on June 21, 2017 at 4:33 pm

I have never heard of this place but it sounds really lovely and great seafood is great seafood no matter where you are!
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- Kate on June 22, 2017 at 5:54 pm
  
  Exactly!! Fresh seafood is the best 🙂
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Jenn on June 21, 2017 at 5:03 pm

This place looks like paradise. I hope I get the opportunity to visit!
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- Kate on June 22, 2017 at 5:54 pm
  
  it’s really a corner a paradise! a beautiful landscape and so much relax 😉
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jin on June 21, 2017 at 7:27 pm

Looks like a great quaint place to explore! I’ve never heard of this place – looks like I’ll be adding it to my bookmarks!
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- Kate on June 22, 2017 at 5:57 pm
  
  Yay! 🙂 yes, the landscape looks like something out of a painting 🙂
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Rosi C. on June 21, 2017 at 11:59 pm

love sunsets pics. looks like a nice place to visit. seems like Airbnb are everywhere
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- Kate on June 22, 2017 at 5:58 pm
  
  Haha yes Airbnb it’s definitely everywhere! 🙂
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Megan on June 22, 2017 at 2:09 am

What a spot! I thought I’ve seen a lot in Cali but never heard about this place. It certainly does make me think of the movies! I would love to put this on my list for my next trip to the West Coast!
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- Kate on June 22, 2017 at 6:00 pm
  
  Haha this place seems Cali but it’s actually Europe, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean! Can you believe it? 🙂
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Alice Ford on June 22, 2017 at 2:38 am

I was just on the Island of Tenerife, and absolutely loved it. I am planning on visiting Lanzarote in October and can’t wait to surf.
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- Kate on June 22, 2017 at 6:01 pm
  
  Yeeesssss very good choice! October is a good period for surfing! If you’ll need some advice, let me know 🙂
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Ada on June 22, 2017 at 9:00 am

Caleta de Famara seems like a perfect place for holiday! I didn’t even know you can surf 🏄🏿 in Europe 🙂 I love that sunset! I would love to sit there one day by the water and eat one of those delicious fishes 🙂
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- Kate on June 22, 2017 at 6:07 pm
  
  Yes, in Europe you can surf! 🙂 Especially here in Canary Islands: that’s why they are called the european Hawaii 😀
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Megan B. on June 22, 2017 at 4:58 pm

Gorgeous! I could definitely use a beach weekend right about now. When I lived in Barcelona I loved being able to relax along La Barceloneta. Thanks so much for sharing your guide to Caleta de Famara.
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- Kate on June 22, 2017 at 6:09 pm
  
  I’m glad you’ve appreciated my article 🙂 La Barceloneta is beautiful!
  Reply