Underrated Canary Island seaside village with famous beach - but there's a catch

This village in Lanzarote has one of the longest stretches of beach on the whole island, but think twice before jumping in the water.

While it has become a hub for exceptional surfers, swimming is not advisable on this famous beach. The fishing village of Famara is widely known as a surfer’s haven, located on the northwestern coast of Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands. Famara is located in the municipality of Teguise, occupying a large curving bay with many miles of beaches.

But while the waters may look inviting, they can be quite treacherous due to strong currents. For that reason, only experienced surfers typically brave the sea at Famara and swimming is not advised.

The strong winds in the area also make sunbathing unpleasant, but the beach is great for more active pursuits. Kitesurfing has become extremely popular on the beach, and travellers up to the challenge can try their hand at the sport.

There are also multiple surf schools where visitors can take lessons and test the waters under trained supervision. You can book a full-day surging lesson for beginners if you are completely new to the sport.

Lessons for beginners include instructions on how to paddle, how to stand up on your board and how to catch your first wave. As an extra perk, some schools even offer video analysis sessions so you can study and better improve your technique.

The smaller beach in the area, San Juan, has hosted many professional surfing competitions over the years. For instance, Famara has previously hosted the World Surf Championship which saw 200 participants descend to the Canary Islands from all around the world.

If you are keen on an active holiday outside the water, there are also plenty of great walking routes in Famara to explore. Travellers can walk along the Risco cliffs - though this can be quite treacherous as well.

Alternatively, hikers can walk to the capital of Teguise from Famara (or vice versa if you prefer to walk downhill). The high cliffs has also made the area a hubg for hangliders and paragliders in the off-peak seasons.

If you are really uninterested in any type of active holiday, Famara still has plenty to offer. Beyond stunning sunsets and scenery that can be enjoyed from almost anywhere in the village, there are also plenty of good eats to explore.

Restaurante El Risco is a farm-to-table establishment that has been acknowledged by the Michelin Guide. According to the Guide: “The decor here is simple but with a subtle maritime-inspired feel, but what stands out most of all are the magnificent views of the Playa de Famara, the surrounding mountains and, peering out across the ocean, the outline of the bucolic island of La Graciosa.”

The Guide advises guests to book well in advance due to El Risco’s heightened popularity. “Local fish and seafood as well as rice dishes are the main highlights on the menu, although we can also highly recommend the delicious daily specials. Best to book ahead as it is usually very busy!”