Fuerteventura: the best kite spot in the Canary Islands
Fuerteventura, often dubbed the 'European Hawaii' is the best kitesurfing destination in the Canary Islands. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of North Africa, it is renowned for its long sandy beaches, breathtaking volcanic landscapes, and, most notably, its strong, reliable winds. The island’s proximity to other top kitesurfing spots, such as Dakhla and Essaouira in Morocco, as well as Tenerife in the Canary Islands, further enhances its appeal.
The island offers a variety of world-class kitesurfing spots. Sotavento Beach, located in the south, is renowned for its expansive lagoon, which fills up during high tide, creating a vast flat-water area ideal for both beginners and advanced riders. In the north, Flag Beach in Corralejo is another popular destination, known for its consistent winds and flat water. For those who prefer wave riding, El Cotillo and El Buro, in the northeast, provide excellent conditions. If you're a real pro and want some serious wave action, then there's Majanicho at the northern tip.
Fuerteventura's kite season
The peak kitesurfing season runs from May to September, with the most reliable winds typically occurring between June and August. During this period, the island benefits from the prevailing North Wind (Alisios). Average wind speeds during the peak months often exceed 20 knots and sometimes hit over 40 knots. If you're into Big Air riding, Sotavento is the place to be when the strong winds kick in! On the ocean side of the spot, the wind is typically side-offshore, and with the swell generating some top kickers, you’ve got the perfect recipe to really send it.
The island enjoys an average temperature of about 20°C throughout the year, with summer temperatures often reaching over 30°C and winter temperatures around 18°C.
Kite spots in Fuerteventura
9 Spots
© Fun & Fly
Sotavento, René Egli
With winds blowing 20-30 knots (offshore/sideshore), it can be gusty. The highlight is its lagoon, which fills up during high tide, creating a massive flat water area ideal for beginners. The spacious beach and lagoon can accommodate hundreds of kitesurfers. When the lagoon isn't filled, the spot is less suitable for beginners due to gusty winds and challenging conditions.
Beginner to Advanced
Sea, Lagoon
Freeride, Big Air
© Flag Beach
Corralejo, Flag Beach
Flag Beach, just 5 minutes from Corralejo, is a top kitesurfing spot in Fuerteventura. Sheltered by Lobos Island, it features calm waters with occasional swells during strong northeast winds. Ideal for beginners, but watch out for rocks at low tide and expect crowds during peak season.
Beginner to Advanced
Sea
Freeride, Freestyle
© ION Club
Risco del Paso
Risco del Paso is a must-visit spot on your kite trip, especially if you’re after flat water that can sometimes be choppy or shallow when the lagoon is full. This isolated beach, free from nearby hotels, benefits from the consistent northwest winds that blow regularly.
Beginner to Advanced
Sea, Lagoon
Freeride, Big Air
© Wing Fuerteventura
Matas Blancas
Located on the island’s southern coast near Costa Calma, Matas Bay offers some of the flattest water on Fuerteventura. The almost constant offshore winds create a Venturi effect, increasing the number of windy days compared to the northern part of the island.
Beginner to Advanced
Sea
Freeride, Freestyle
© i.ytimg
La Pared
La Pared is a challenging spot, especially when Sotavento is gusty. While the wind here is a steady 20-25 knots, it’s accompanied by big waves and dangerous sea conditions. The wind is typically onshore or slightly side-onshore, making launching tricky. At high tide, the sandy beach shrinks significantly, leaving little room to launch.
Advanced
Sea
Freeride, Wave Riding
© Fuerteventuraplayas
Corralejo, El Burro (Glass Beach)
El Burro offers powerful waves, strong winds, and easy access through a channel. It’s ideal for advanced riders, with long left-handers and sideshore winds. Watch out for rocks and urchins, and expect to share the spot with windsurfers and surfers
Intermediate to Advanced
Sea
Freeride, Wave Riding
© Marco's Surf Journal
Majanicho
Majanicho is a top kite wave spot in Fuerteventura, known for its massive, clean waves. Located in a bay that flattens the water, it's popular with wing foilers, windsurfers, and surfers. The spot catches every bit of available swell, offering long right-hand waves. Access is tricky and rocky, so only head of you're a real advanced rider.
Advanced
Sea
Wave Riding