Sports in Tenerife

Surf in Tenerife, part 1,Golf, Los Palos, Amarilla Golf, Los Lagos, Things to do

Surf in Tenerife, part 1 (beginners)

The island of Tenerife offers ideal conditions for surfing. It comprises a large number of spots where to surf, from the most basic level beginner to world class waves, suitable only for experts.

This article is intended to indicate places on the island known for practicing the sport. Of course there are more peaks for surfing than the ones we provide here, but you will have to discover those for yourselves. What would become of this wonderful sport with no secret spots?

The first part of this article will focus on places for beginners. It is important to inform well about these places, to avoid a bad session or two. From here we would like to remember it is not advisable to underestimate a spot, as the currents, the lack of hours in the water or simply lack of level can play us a trick and what was supposed to be the session of your life, may become the worst experience.

Whether you've never picked up a board, as if you're just starting to surf your first foams (yes yes, let's be realistic foams), this is article is for you. We are going to order the spots depending on their situation, starting with the north.

El Socorro

Black sand beach in the north of the island. Surf for all levels, depending on the day. Many people in the water.

Quality of the wave: good
Experience: all levels
Frequency: very consistent
Type: reef, rock
Direction: left and right
Bottom: flat rocks with sand
Power: powerful
Swell direction: North / Northwest / West / South West / South
Wind direction: Southeast / East / Northeast
Size: Begins to work with 1.0m - 1.5m (3ft - 5ft) and holds up to 3m + (10ft +)
Tide: low and medium flood or down
Access: easy, parking in front of the beach.

Los Gigantes

A sandy beach, suitable for all levels of surfing. Located on the west coast of the island, with a magnificent landscape.

Quality of the wave: good
Experience: all levels
Frequency: consistent
Type: beach
Direction: left
Bottom: rocks with sand
Power: normal
Size: Begins to work with 1.5m - 2m (5ft - 6ft) and holds up to 2.5m + (8ft +)
Tide: low only, going up
Access: complicated, car necessary.

El Conquistador

Situated between Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, in front of "Liquid" nightclub. It was named for the hotel "El Conquistador". This is a fun wave, mild in comparison with other waves in the area.

Quality of the wave: good
Experience: all levels
Frequency: regular
Type: reef, rocks
Direction: left and right
Bottom: coral, sharp rocks
Power: normal / fun
Swell direction: West / Southwest / South
Wind direction: East / Northeast
Size: Begins to work with less than 1m (3ft)
Tide: medium, going up
Access: easy, in a tourist area.
Hazards: rocks.

Las Galletas

It's a smooth wave, ideal for beginners. Usually youth with bodyboards. Good wave for longboarding.

Quality of the wave: good
Experience: all levels
Frequency: occasionally
Type: reef, rocks
Direction: left and right
Bottom: coral, sharp rocks
Power: soft / fun
Swell direction: South / Southeast
Wind direction: North / Northwest
Size: Begins to work with 1.5m - 2m (5ft-6ft) and holds up to 2m + (6ft +)
Tide: any
Access: Very easy.
Hazards: rocks.

El Médano

Place known more for windsurfing and kitesurfing than for surfing . Place recommended for beginners with very basic knowledge or first contact with the board. Strong winds.

Quality of the wave: regular
Experience: beginner
Frequency: regular with strong wind
Type: sand, rocks
Direction: left
Bottom: sandy with some rocks
Power: soft / fun
Swell direction: Northeast
Wind direction: Northeast
Size: Begins to work with 1.5m
Tide: any, rise and fall of tide
Access: Very easy, detour in the TF-1 highway
Hazards: rocks.

La Candelaria

This wave is a relatively easy. Ideal to take the next step from beginner to intermediate.

Quality of the wave: good
Experience: all levels
Frequency: very consistent
Type: reef, rocks
Direction: Right
Bottom: sharp rocks
Power: Strong
Size: Begins to work with 1.5m
Tide: medium
Access: easy
Hazards: rocks.

Finally, it is important to remember:

Never underestimate the power of the sea.
Do not surf alone.
Respect the locals.
If you have questions, ask.
Try to visit the spot at low tide to see the rocks before going in.

To check the conditions we recommend:

Golf in Tenerife

There are a number of golf courses both here in Tenerife and also in La Gomera where our clients play. For each one we will be placing reviews from local players who live and work here in Tenerife so you can have a down to earth opinion of what the course is like before you visit.

In addition, we have special packages available for golfers catered to your needs. If you do not find the course you are looking for here or the accomodation package you need contact us and we will help you make your next round of golf and the trip to the 19th as easy as possible.

Los Lagos

Costa Adeje golf is built on a former banana plantation. Overlooking La Gomera Island the course offers some spectacular views.
The 18 hole Old Course was opened in 1998 with the 9 hole Los Lagos being developed a little later.

Reviews

Los Lagos is a 9-hole course located below the main Adeje course on the La Caleta road. It is a mixture of par3's 4's and one par 5 hole. Dress code is fairly informal; collared shirt golf shoes and shorts/trousers, though I have played in sandals without comment! Los Lagos is a beautiful course with lakes and palms. It's a good course for the medium-to-high handicapper, with the 'feature' hole (par 3) being a tee with the green some 40 metres below, but only 80 metres away. Another par-3 starts one side of a barrancho with the green on the other. It is quite hilly, so hire a trolly (or even a buggy). Prices are good - currently (summer 2009) at 18 euro for 18 holes.

It has no dedicated driving range or practice area - it uses the main Adeje one, which is just up the road from Los Lagos. Tee times are flexible, and you can usually turn up on the day to get a round straight away. No need to go to the main Adeje clubhouse to play Los Lagos. It has it's own small clubhouse/bar near the first tee. Another course popular with the locals and busy in winter..

If you are learning golf, and find Los Palos a little too easy, then Los Lagos is the next course to play. It has a great relaxed atmosphere and most holes are straightforward, but long enough to be a challenge.

(Gordon Bamber)

Amarilla Golf

Amarilla Golf is a 18 holes golf course located in the southern coast of Tenerife, in San Miguel de Abona. Near it is Golf del Sur, which complements the leisure and entertaiment options on the local area.

The character of the 18 hole course is marked by the incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the exclusive San Miguel Marina.

Amarilla Golf also offers Pitch and Putt, 9 holes, driving range, putting green and other services like golf academy, clubs rental, buggy bar etc.

Reviews

Amarilla golf is behind the industrial estate at Las Chifiras - look for the sign "Fairways Golf" It is a full size 18-hole course set amongst barranchos (bring plenty of spare balls!) and often quite windy. It has a driving range and practice putting area. Bunkers are yellow sand. Dress code is collared shirts, soft-spike shoes and tailored shorts or trousers. I play this course most weeks, and it has a very friendly welcoming atmosphere - which is its main selling point. Prices on all Tenerife courses are unstable this year (2009) but Amarilla is currently the cheapest full size course. Residents or swallows with an N.I.E. number can apply for a free discount card, which works for greenfees, bar prices and the golf shop. There is a special price for a round starting from 3pm as well; with the discount card, this is currently (summer 2009) only 20 euro - excellent value for Tenerife!

The course is par 72 and a mixture of par 3s 4s and 5s. The feature hole is the fifth (par 3) with a tee-off over the sea and across a 100-metre bay to the small tilting green. There are few trees and the course is very 'open' making it quite a challenge in windy weather.

You can usually turn up on the day and book a tee-time within the hour, though as usual in Tenerife, it is busy after Christmas. There is a small charge for a trolly, though it's well worth hiring a buggy on this longish course. All staff speak good English.

(Gordon Bamber)

Los Palos

Los Palos Golf Tenerife Center is a par 27 nine hole course in the South of the Island , five minutes from Playa de la Américas and Los Cristianos where temperatures are pleasant all year round.

Don´t be fooled into writing it off because it is a short course, Golf Tenerife 'Los Palos' is certainly not a pitch and putt and there are plenty of challenges to be encountered over its 914 metres: five holes are affected by water and others require very accurate hitting.

Opened in December 1994 Golf Tenerife 'Los Palos' was designed by José María Olazábal´s company, Integral Golf Design, and is located in an easily accessible area not far off the main Santa Cruz highway.

Reviews

Los Palos is a 9-hole course located south of Guaza. All holes are par-3, with the longest at around 140 metres and the shortest around 80 metres. It has a driving range, and practice areas for pitching, putting and bunkers. All bunkers are yellow sand. Dress code is informal, with only collars mandatory - if you want to play in denim shorts polo top and sandals - you can. Los Palos is the first golf course I played as a beginner, and a couple of years later, I still play once a week. It's also the cheapest 'proper' course in Tenerife. As a resident, and buying bonos in advance you can get 18 holes for around 16 euro (summer 2009).

It can be a challenging course - even for an accomplished golfer - as the fairways are narrow and the putting greens small. A high-handicap golfer should be able to complete 9 holes at around 35-45 (par is 27) The clubhouse serves food and drinks at normal prices, and English is understood.

You don't need to book a tee, and clubs can be hired cheaply. Trollys are free, and there are 2 teaching pros available for lessons. The 'selling point' of Los Palos is its relaxed infomal atmosphere. In winter, particularly after Christmas, it can get crowded though.

(Gordon Bamber)