Puerto De La Cruz - Martiánez

Puerto de la Cruz – Martiánez (Tenerife, Canary Islands) is a well-known urban surf spot on the north coast of Tenerife, exposed to the Atlantic and often working when bigger north swell hits the island.

Spot overview

• Type: Reef / rock break with a town-beach setting
• Location: Puerto de la Cruz, at Martiánez
• Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers, depending on conditions
• Vibe: Busy, local, and very accessible from town
• Best swell: North to northwest swells
• Best wind: Light offshore or calm, typically southerly winds

Wave characteristics

• Produces fast, hollow waves when conditions are solid.
• Can offer fun, punchy walls on smaller days.
• Due to the reef and shallow sections, the wave can be powerful and technical.
• Works best with some size; small days may be weak or inconsistent.

Conditions and hazards

• Shallow reef/rocks can make wipeouts risky.
• Strong currents are possible, especially with larger swell.
• The takeoff zone can be heavy and unforgiving.
• Entry and exit depend on tide and sea state, so it’s important to check carefully.

Tides

• Tide sensitivity is significant:
• Mid tide is often the safest and most workable range.
• At low tide, the section can become very shallow and dangerous.
• At high tide, the wave may lose some quality or power.

Amenities

• Being in Puerto de la Cruz, the spot is close to:
• Surf shops
• Cafés and restaurants
• Accommodation
• Easy road access and urban services

Overall impression

Martiánez is a classic Tenerife north-coast spot: powerful, scenic, and highly rewarding when it lines up, but it demands respect because of the reef setup and strong ocean conditions.