A powerful reef break on Tenerife's west coast, Punta Blanca sits in the stretch between Alcalá and Los Gigantes and delivers short, punchy waves with serious consequence on bigger days. It needs at least 3ft of swell to wake up and can handle 12ft-plus when northwest or southwest groundswell lines up with the right wind. Offshore conditions are key here as the reef is exposed, and the wave changes character quickly with size and tide. Midweek sessions run quiet with only a handful of surfers in the water, but weekends attract a more competitive crowd drawn by the quality when conditions align. Bottom: reef. Season: autumn through spring. Consistency: moderate, swell-dependent. Pack a step-up for anything above 6ft and check the entry carefully before paddling out, the reef is unforgiving and there is no obvious channel on smaller tides.
Weekdays this reef sees only a few surfers. Weekends bring a crowd when it is on. Standard respect protocols apply. Experienced surfers who know the spot hold priority on the better sets. If you are visiting, read the lineup before paddling out and give respect to earn it back.
The spot sits between Alcalá and Los Gigantes on Tenerife's southwest coast. There is parking in the area near a large house. A short road leads toward the water. Facilities are limited so bring water and wax. The rocky reef demands reef boots on low tide entries.
If Punta Blanca is maxed out or the crowd is thick, the southwest coast of Tenerife has other reef and point options that pick up similar swell. Playa de Los Gigantes and surrounding stretches can offer shelter or alternatives depending on wind direction and swell angle.
Forecast by Windy.app
