Canary islands
Windsurf and Kitesurf in Fuerteventura
Windsurf in Fuerteventura
There are two places in Spain that come up to everybody´s mind in Spain when the word windsurfing is mentioned: Tarifa in Cadíz (Andalucía) and Fuerteventura. As a matter of fact, windsurfing and kitesurfing are Fuerteventura´s two top attractions.
One good thing about Fuerteventura is that you will be able to enjoy windsurfing no matter what your level is. Pros traditionally go to Jandia (Playa de Sotavento, which name already gives an idea of what you will find there!) whilst Caleta de Fuste is a good place for beginners. Since there are so many kilometers of sandy beaches on the island, you will also be able to find less crowded spots to enjoy windsurfing or kitesurfing in El Cotillo, Corralejo, and Pozo Negro. Kitesurf in Spain has become increasingly popular and the original windsurf world championship of Fuerteventura today also hosts the kitesurf championship.
Wind and kitesurfing in Fuerteventura guide - Contents
Best places to enjoy windsurfing and kitesurfing in Fuerteventura
Caleta del Fuste
The sea is very calm in Caleta del Fuste and this makes it a perfect place for beginners. A day excursion to Caleta del Fuste is a good option since you will be able to combine a taster windsurfing course and a visit to the San Ventura castle (an impressive castle built to repel pirate attacks.
Playa de Sotavento
There is 100% probability you will encounter wind in this 22 kilometers sandy beach located in Jandia. Playa de Sotavento is the island´s number one windsurfing spot, and one of the top places in the world to enjoy this activity. The world championship (part of the world circuit cup) is organized every month of July in Playa de Sotavento in Fuerteventura.
You will also be able to enjoy kitesurfing and find courses for both wind and kite in Playa de Sotavento. This may not be however the best spot on some windy days for total beginners, but the lagoon on the same beach is perfect for both beginners and intermediate levels.
Corralejo
Although this area is not as popular as Jandia for windsurfing, Corralejo offers great windsurfing opportunities and a few companies offer lessons and material hire. The beach is suitable for both intermediate and advanced surfers, but there is a lagoon some 20 minutes drive where beginners will also be able to enjoy windsurfing in Corralejo.
El Cotillo
A rather les known area, El Cotillo is an interesting small town that boasts a golden sand beach which offers excellent windsurfing opportunities for advanced windsurfers. Not a place for beginners. Pleased also note that there are few services on the beach.
Best courses to learn windsurfing in Fuerteventura
On the beach close to Tarifa there is a sufficient amount of space for the different schools to establish their own cordoned-off area, necessary to avoid getting in the way of other swimmers. Courses in small groups (4 people max) including liability insurance ranges from 80 euros, for a basic course, to 350 euros for one week.
The walled area with its medieval castle gives a special charm to the city, where you can relax after a day of wind or kitesurfing and enjoy tapas in a unique setting with restaurants and small shops in the little streets of the old town.
Best courses to learn kitesurfing in Fuerteventura
Around Tarifa, you can participate in other outdoor activities to enjoy the scenery such as mountain biking a
The world windsurfing and kitesurfing championships in Fuerteventura
The world windsurfing championship has taken place in Fuerteventura since 1985. It has always been organised in the Sotavento beach, in the Playa Barca, a part of Sotavento where the tidal lagoon is located.
The championship is organised in such way that ensures it can be enjoyed as a tourist attraction not just for windsurfer fans, but also for thew whole family. Training is offered around those days and equipment can be rented too.
The atmosphere around the days of the championship is fantastic, with many tourists arriving to watch the top professionals at work.
Playa de Sotavento has a lagoon with optimal conditions for practicing for both beginners and intermediate levels. The lagoon extends for over 4 kilometers and it is 200 meters wide, a huge space that provides ample opportunities to enjoy, practice and learn this sport.
Most international windsurfing and kitesurfing stars meet at Fuerteventura to participate in the championship every year.
