Lanzarote - Playa de Famara
Spain
Lanzarote
The Famara beach, located in the north of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, stretches over 5 km of golden sand facing the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by impressive cliffs, it offers a wild and spectacular setting favored by kitesurfers for its consistent conditions.
It is an authentic spot where locals and visitors come together to ride in a relaxed atmosphere. The kitesurfing area is located in the northeast part of the beach, accessible by a dirt road.
With its waves and reliable wind, Famara is suitable for all levels depending on the tide and swell conditions.
Les données de vent affichées ici proviennent d’ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) sur 4 ans, retraitées pour refléter des conditions réalistes.
👉 Le vent moyen a été calibré pour éviter la sous-estimation habituelle des modèles.
👉 Les rafales ont été corrigées par un ratio médian afin d’éviter des valeurs extrêmes irréalistes.
👉 Chaque jour est résumé par le vent médian (P50) observé pendant les heures utiles (8h–20h), puis classé dans des plages de vent.
👉 Le mode pondéré mélange vent moyen et rafales pour refléter au mieux le vent ressenti.
- 🟢 10–16 nds : vent faible mais navigable (notamment en foil).
- 🟡 16–22 nds : plage idéale, conditions confortables pour la majorité.
- 🔴 22–28 nds : vent fort, réservé aux riders expérimentés.
- 🟣 28+ nds : conditions extrêmes, navigation engagée.
Localisation & Points d'intérêt
Informations utiles
wave
flatThe dominant wind comes from the northeast, often side-onshore relative to the northwest-oriented beach, which brings kiters back to shore in case of trouble and facilitates learning. The average strength is around 18 knots, with epic sessions thanks to the constant trade winds all year round.
The official riding area extends from the middle of the beach to the northern end, accessible by a path to the right of the Famara bungalows. Park along the path and choose your spot: to the north, small calm lagoons ideal for freestyle; in the center, bigger waves for wave riding.
Launching is easy on the wide sand, but beware of launching which is risky, especially in winter with swells up to 3 m. At low tide, the beach is 50 m wide with knee-deep flat water for beginners; at high tide, it narrows and the waves become more powerful, perfect for experts launching near the stone shelters of the parking lot. The waves break left and right in beach break, with ideal swell NE-NW.
The ideal conditions are a NE to E wind, side-onshore at 18-25 knots, with a medium to low tide for a wide beach and moderate waves.
The water surface varies from flat to chop at low tide in the northern lagoons, to powerful waves up to 3 m in the center at high tide or winter. Beach break with multiple peaks, perfect for surfing.
The riptides are very strong, especially in winter with the swell. The current can be marked near the channels, so one must stay vigilant.
The tide has an amplitude of about 2 m, changing the conditions: wide beach at low tide, narrower at high tide.
The most commonly used sizes are 10 m² for twintip, or slightly smaller like 8-9 m² on surfboard with strong wind.
The northeast trade winds ensure a regular and stable wind, enhanced by the cliffs that create a natural funnel. The strength varies from 15 to 25 knots on average, with side-onshore sessions ideal for all styles.
The regime is constant all year round, particularly reliable at Famara, the windiest spot on the island.
The climate of Lanzarote is mild and dry all year round, with air temperatures around 27°C in summer and about 20°C in winter. It is a perfect destination for riding without interruption, thanks to the reliable trade winds and generous sunshine.
The best months for kitesurfing are from May to September for more consistent wind, but conditions remain good even in winter with more swell.
The depth is gradual with a sandy bottom. You can stand up to about 50 m from the shore at low tide.
The water temperature ranges between 19°C and 22°C all year round. A 3/2 short wetsuit is sufficient in summer, full length in winter.