If you’re planning to surf during your island holidays, Famara is the spot you’ll hear about again and again and for good reason. Long, sandy, open, and welcoming, it’s a safe and family-friendly beach that works for all levels.

Famara is usually divided into three main areas. “El Codito” is ideal for intermediate surfers looking to progress. Around the lifeguard box is perfect for all levels and often the safest bet, especially if you’re still building confidence. Then there’s “El Palo” and “Papelillo,” where waves tend to be bigger but on the right day, they can turn into a playground for everyone.

You might have noticed that the flag is red almost every day. Normally, a red flag means no swimming, dangerous conditions like strong waves, powerful currents, or other risks. So what’s going on here? In Famara, the flag doesn’t really change throughout the year. Instead, it acts more as a reminder: if you enter the water, you do so at your own responsibility.

The good news is that the beach is always full of surfers, which means people around you are floating and aware of the ocean. Many surf instructors are also trained lifeguards, even when they’re not officially on duty. So while it’s not a dangerous beach, it’s still important to be mindful. Stay relatively close to shore, even if you’re a strong swimmer, and avoid unnecessary risks.

If you already have some experience but still consider yourself a beginner, one of the best things you can do is to talk to the locals at the surf school where you rent your board or chat with the lifeguards. Surfing in front of their tower is almost always a smart choice.

So, what should you watch out for?

First, the rip currents. It’s always worth understanding how they work, but the simplest advice is: don’t go too far out. If you do get caught in a rip, stay calm and signal for help. And before paddling out to bigger waves, ask yourself something important: if your leash breaks, can you comfortably swim back to shore? If the answer is no, you’re probably pushing too far beyond your comfort zone.

Another key factor is the number of beginners in the water. Famara is one of the most popular learning spots in Europe, which means many surfers don’t yet have full control of their boards. Keep your eyes open, maintain a safe distance, and try to find space between surf schools.

Also, watch your own board, especially on windy days. It can easily get blown away on the beach or even in the water and come straight back at you.

Depending on the season, you may also find areas with seaweed. These darker patches in the water are easy to spot. They’re not just uncomfortable. If there’s a lot of it, it can wrap around your leash and act like an anchor, making it much harder to paddle.

A simple but powerful tip: before entering the water, take a moment to observe. While you’re putting on your wetsuit and waxing your board, watch the surfers already out there. Where are they entering the water? Which areas are working? Are they drifting with the current? Who’s catching waves and who isn’t? This quick read of the ocean can make all the difference.

And finally, if you can treat yourself, take a surf lesson. Even if you’ve surfed before, you’ll get valuable local knowledge, refine your technique, and regain confidence. That first session after time away from the ocean can feel intimidating, and a good instructor helps you ease right back into it.