Planning your winter escape? Check out our Christmas & New Year Surf Camp in Morocco 2026/27, spots are limited.
When Europe turns cold and grey, surfers look south. The Canary Islands and Morocco are the two classic winter surf escapes, both a few hours’ flight from most European cities and both lit up by the same North Atlantic swells from October to March. On paper they look similar. In the water and on land, they are very different trips.
This guide compares the Canary Islands and Morocco point by point: waves, levels, water temperature, wind, crowds, costs, culture and travel. It is written by our coaching team in Taghazout Bay, so we will be honest about where the Canaries win as well.
Canary Islands vs Morocco at a glance
- Swell: the same winter North Atlantic swells reach both
- Waves: Canaries mostly volcanic reefs; Morocco a mix of sandy beaches and long right-hand points
- Water in winter: Canaries about 19 to 20 °C; Taghazout Bay about 17 to 18 °C
- Wind: Canaries often windy with trade winds; Taghazout Bay often calm or offshore in the morning
- Cost: Morocco is usually cheaper for food, accommodation and surf camps
- Best for beginners: Morocco
- Best for warm water and EU convenience: the Canaries
The waves
Canary Islands
The Canaries are often called the Hawaii of Europe, and for good reason. The islands are volcanic, so many of the best waves break over sharp lava reef. Lanzarote and the north shore of Fuerteventura have powerful, hollow reef breaks that suit experienced surfers. There are beginner beaches too, such as Famara in Lanzarote or the beaches around Corralejo in Fuerteventura, but the island setups often mean wind and exposed, punchy waves.
Morocco: Taghazout Bay
Taghazout Bay has one of the best mixes of waves in Europe’s winter backyard. Long right-hand points like Anchor Point, Killer Point and Panoramas fire for advanced surfers, while sandy, forgiving beach breaks like Devil’s Rock and Banana Beach are perfect for learning. Because the spots face different directions, there is almost always a wave that suits your level.
Winner: Morocco for beginners and intermediates; a draw for advanced surfers who love reef breaks.
Water and air temperature
The Canaries are a little warmer in winter. The water is usually around 19 to 20 °C, compared with about 17 to 18 °C in Taghazout Bay. Daytime air temperatures are similar, often around 20 °C in both places, with plenty of sunshine.
- Canaries: a 3/2 wetsuit is usually enough
- Morocco: a 4/3 wetsuit is the norm from December to March, a good 3/2 at either end of the season
See our Morocco water temperature and wetsuit guide for a month-by-month breakdown.
Winner: the Canaries, by a couple of degrees.
Wind
The Canaries are famous for their trade winds, and some islands are as popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers as with surfers. On windy weeks, finding clean waves can mean chasing sheltered corners of the island.
In Taghazout Bay, winter mornings are often calm or offshore, which makes early sessions especially glassy. The afternoon wind usually picks up later in the day, so our guides plan the main session in the morning.
Winner: Morocco, for cleaner winter mornings.
Crowds
Both destinations are popular in winter. In the Canaries, the best reef breaks are often dominated by a strong local crew, and some spots have a reputation for strict line-up rules. In Taghazout Bay, famous spots like Anchor Point get busy on big swells, but the number of spots spreads surfers out, especially if you stay in a quieter village like Tamraght.
Winner: Morocco, thanks to the number of spots.
Costs
Morocco is generally cheaper for food, accommodation and everyday spending. A full surf week with accommodation, meals, coaching and equipment often costs less in Morocco than accommodation alone in the busiest Canary resorts. At Endless Wave, all-inclusive weeks start at €470 per person.
- Meals: a tagine or fresh fish lunch in Morocco costs a fraction of a beach restaurant meal in the Canaries
- Accommodation: surf camps in Morocco usually include breakfast and dinner, often lunch too
- Car hire: rarely needed in Taghazout Bay if your camp includes daily surf transport
For detailed prices, read our Morocco surf camp cost guide.
Winner: Morocco.
Culture and atmosphere
The Canaries feel familiar to many Europeans: Spanish towns, the euro, EU rules and plenty of international resorts. It is easy and comfortable.
Morocco offers a real change of scene only a few hours from home: Amazigh villages, souks, tagines, mint tea, the call to prayer and sunsets over the Atlantic. Between sessions you can visit Paradise Valley, explore Agadir’s Souk El Had or enjoy a Gnawa live music night.
Winner: Morocco, if you want a trip that feels like travel.
Getting there
Both destinations have plenty of direct winter flights from Europe, often from the same budget airlines. The Canaries are part of the EU, so you can travel with an ID card if you are an EU citizen. Morocco requires a passport, but most European nationalities do not need a visa for short stays. Agadir Airport is about 30 minutes from Tamraght; read our guide on how to get to Tamraght from Agadir Airport.
Winner: a draw, with a slight edge to the Canaries for EU travellers.
Our verdict: which should you choose?
- Choose the Canaries if you want slightly warmer water, EU convenience, and you are confident on shallow reef breaks.
- Choose Morocco if you are a beginner or intermediate, want great value, a mix of beginner beaches and world-class points, calm mornings and a real cultural experience.
- Mixed-level groups and couples: Morocco, where everyone can surf the same week with coaching at their level.
When to go to Morocco in winter
The main season runs from October to March. November to February brings the biggest swells for the points, while October and March offer a good balance for intermediates. Christmas and New Year are popular: read our guide to a Christmas and New Year surf trip in Morocco, and see our monthly guides for November, December and January.
Frequently asked questions
Is Morocco or the Canary Islands better for beginner surfers?
Both have beginner spots, but Morocco’s Taghazout Bay has more sandy beaches and sheltered breaks, and surf camps there are usually more affordable, which makes it a popular choice for beginners.
Is the water warmer in the Canaries or in Morocco in winter?
The Canaries are slightly warmer, around 19 to 20 °C, compared with about 17 to 18 °C in Taghazout Bay.
Is Morocco cheaper than the Canary Islands for a surf trip?
Generally yes. Food, accommodation and surf camps usually cost less in Morocco, and many surf camps include meals and transport.
Which has more wind in winter?
The Canaries are known for strong trade winds. Taghazout Bay usually has calmer, often offshore mornings, which is why surf sessions there are planned early.
Do I need a visa for Morocco?
Most European citizens do not need a visa for short tourist stays, but you need a valid passport. Always check the latest rules for your nationality before travelling.
Spend your winter surf trip in Tamraght
Endless Wave is a family-run surf camp in Tamraght, in the heart of Taghazout Bay. Our all-inclusive weeks start at €470 per person and include ocean-view rooms, home-cooked meals, ISA-certified coaching or surf guiding, boards, wetsuits, daily transport and airport transfers.
- See all surf camp packages
- Beginner surf package
- Surf guiding for experienced surfers
- Ask for a quote for your dates
Still deciding where to go? Read our guide to the best surf destinations and why all-inclusive surf camps make life easier.
