Considered by locals and visitors to be the 'Hawaii of the Atlantic', away from the buzzing nightlife, volcano-hikes and thriving old-town markets of the Canary Islands sit some of the best surfing beaches this side of the equator.
Cheap hotels right across the coastal areas of both Gran Canaria and Lanzarote make for excellent beach-based breaks where the only thing you need to worry about is the tide.
In the east of the Canaries, Lanzarote boasts a popular and exciting surfing season between November and March.
Dramatic landscapes with cliffs and volcanoes have created a rugged and unique coastline, and beachside Lanzarote hotels are popular with water-sports fans all year round.
The Tinago coast on the island is rumoured to be Europe's best area for surfing, with international championships, local surf clubs and lessons all taking to the waves.
The beaches around this part of the island are known for their lagoons, peninsulas, and have the region's renowned black volcanic sand as well as some picturesque white sandy stretches of beach, with peak-season waves reaching anything up to four meters high.
The Costa Teguise resort is also popular for windsurfing, with golden sandy beaches easily reached from some great Lanzarote hotels.
It's a little breezier than a typical lazy beach resort, and the great selection of surfing schools in the area makes it the ideal spot for beginners too.
These are great sunny spots to spend time in.
The windier weather means you can make the most of the sunshine without getting too hot and bothered, enjoying the sea breeze and the shady areas around the coastal cliffs.
On the neighbouring island of Gran Canaria, the gorgeous year-round summer weather and excellent cheap hotels help create the perfect atmosphere for beach life.
Sahara-like sand dunes dot the coastline, and with surfing and other sports being so popular with locals and visitors, there's something for everyone wherever you visit on the island.
In the south, the Surf Canaries surf school offers training for beginners and classes for all abilities, and is set in the sandy Maspalomas area, with the beaches of the Playa Del Ingles a short stroll from most Gran Canaria hotels.
With water parks, bars, shops and restaurants all nearby, the Playa Del Ingles is a great spot to base yourself for a holiday that will give you sun, surf and a fun holiday social life.
In Las Palmas, the busier city beach has a brilliant atmosphere, and beaches like La Cicer are ideal for first-time wave-catchers, with great surfing conditions from September through to April - a little out of the typical sun-catcher's season, meaning you'll find some great deals for cheap hotels.