Risco de Famara
Cliff Tall volcanic cliffs on Lanzarote's northwest coast
Famara’s long cliffs and sandy beaches on Lanzarote draw surfers, windsurfers and walkers; nearby villages supply seafood restaurants and viewpoints over the Atlantic.
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Risco de Famara is a coastal volcanic escarpment on the northwest coast of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. It forms a dramatic backdrop to the low-lying Famara plain and the long sandy Playa de Famara below.
The beach at the foot of the escarpment is a major activity area for surfing, kitesurfing and wind-based recreation due to reliable Atlantic wind and swell. The ridge and its headlands provide hiking and viewpoint opportunities with clear sightlines to the sea and nearby islets.
The escarpment and surrounding landscape are of volcanic origin, shaped by eruptions and subsequent erosion during Lanzarote’s geologic history. Over time the area has transitioned from traditional grazing and fishing use to a mix of conservation and recreational tourism.
Located on the northwest coast of Lanzarote near the village of Caleta de Famara in the municipality of Teguise, the cliffs face the Atlantic and overlook nearby small islets to the northwest.
- Wind and surf conditions: Strong trade winds make the beach and cliffs internationally known among surfers, kitesurfers and paragliders; wind and swell conditions are seasonally consistent.
- Access: The cliffs form a continuous coastal escarpment above the village of Caleta de Famara, with pedestrian access from the settlement to beach and trailheads.
What to See #
- Playa de Famara: The sandy shore that lies at the foot of the cliffs and is the main launch and access point for surfing, windsurfing and beach recreation.
- Risco ridge: The coastal ridge itself, which offers hiking and viewpoints over the Atlantic and the nearby islet of La Graciosa.
How to Get to Risco de Famara #
From Arrecife (the island capital) drive northwest on the LZ-1 toward Tinajo and then take the LZ-10 toward Caleta de Famara; expect about 30-40 minutes by car. Caleta de Famara is the common launch point for beach access and trails up the Risco. Public buses run from Arrecife to Teguise and Caleta de Famara but schedules are limited outside high season.
Tips for Visiting Risco de Famara #
- Bring windproof clothing - the Famara coast is exposed and can be cold even when inland is warm.
- If surfing, launch from Caleta de Famara and hire local instructors; launch conditions change with the tide and wind.
- Walk the coastal trails toward the Mirador to get sweeping views of La Graciosa and the Chinijo Islets - early morning or late afternoon light is best for photography.
Best Time to Visit Risco de Famara #
Best outside the peak of summer if the goal is walking the cliffs and getting unobstructed views; surfers prefer summer for consistent wind and waves.
Weather & Climate near Risco de Famara #
Risco de Famara's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 11°C to 27°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 36 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
