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Local guides · Caleta de Famara

Things to do in Caleta de Famara: a local guide

Famara is where we go when we want the island to slow us down. Sandy streets, white houses, the cliffs dropping into the sea and a beach that seems to go on forever.

29°07′N · 13°34′W
Caleta de Famara

What Famara is like

Caleta de Famara is a small fishing village on the north coast. The streets are unpaved sand, so bare feet or flip-flops are the norm. There are no big hotels or shopping streets: just surf schools, a couple of supermarkets, bakeries and fresh-fish restaurants. Mornings are quiet; in the afternoon the village fills with people coming back from the water.

The star is the Risco de Famara, a cliff several hundred metres high that closes the bay to the east. At sunset it turns orange, one of the finest views in the Canaries.

The beach

Famara beach runs for almost six kilometres of golden sand. At low tide you can walk the shoreline for hours. It faces the open Atlantic, with wind and strong currents, so swim carefully, near other people, and always respect the flags. For a calm dip, the rock pools by the village at low tide are best.

Surf, kite and wing

Famara is one of Europe's surfing heartlands, with waves almost all year and schools for every level. When the trade wind blows, the bay fills with kitesurfers and wingfoilers.

If you don't surf

  • Walk along the shore to the foot of the cliffs, or take the trails that climb towards the ridges.
  • Photograph the early morning and sunset light on the sand and cliffs.
  • Cycle the quiet roads between Famara, Soo and La Santa.
  • Do nothing: reading on the terrace to the sound of the sea counts.

Where to eat

These are our trusted food spots in the area, the ones we recommend to our guests:

Besides these recommendations, before you arrive we will send you our island guide, which we keep up to date.

Day trips

  • Teguise (15 min): the old capital, with a big Sunday market.
  • Haría (25 min): the valley of a thousand palms.
  • Mirador del Río (35 min): César Manrique's lookout over La Graciosa.
  • La Graciosa: ferry from Órzola for a day of white-sand beaches.
  • Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes (35 min): volcanic lava tubes.
  • Timanfaya (35 min): the volcano national park.

Practical tips

  • Car. The village is walkable, but a hire car is the way to see the island. The airport is about 30 minutes away.
  • Wind. Pack a light jacket even in summer.
  • Nightlife. Famara is quiet; for nights out, head to Arrecife or Puerto del Carmen.

Is Famara for you?

If you like a sea with character, walking barefoot, surfing or truly switching off, yes. If you want sunbeds, entertainment and shops, Puerto del Carmen will suit you better. Many guests combine both.

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