Kitesurf in Fuerteventura : all you need to know
Fuerteventura, formerly known as fortaventure in French, is a land of adventure for kitesurfing enthusiasts, but also for surfers.
The best time for kitesurfing extends from May to September.
There are two main areas for kite. The south with the Sotavento spot and in the north, where the main spot is Corralejo.
High Season
Required level
Best suited for
Budget
Spots
Other activities
Why kitesurfing in Fuerteventura is a good choice ?
Fuerteventura is the 2nd largest island in the Canaries, located off the Moroccan coast (in the Atlantic Ocean) and belonging to Spain.
The island is elongated (100kms from north to south – 30kms at most in width), very volcanic and still quite wild.
It’s a must-visit destination in Europe, and ideal when you’re looking to go not too far (4h direct flight or 6h with a stopover), for not too much money.
What’s great about Fuerte is that you can find diverse conditions for kitesurfing depending on what you like to practice: freestyle, waves, freeride. The island is full of spots, some accessible where most practitioners can be found, others more isolated for those who like to explore. However, these are reserved for experienced individuals.
What sets Fuerte apart from Gran Canaria and Tenerife is that there are no really high mountains where clouds could accumulate and pour down their rain. So, there’s not much growing among the sand and rocks, giving Fuerteventura a unique landscape, which some people adore above all else.
In addition to sports enthusiasts, you’ll mainly find sun lovers in the large resorts of Jandia or Costa Calma, which are of little interest.
Those who prefer quietness and a surf vibe should escape to Cotillo or Lajares further inland.
Fuerteventura is definitely a top destination all year round for fans of board sports. It’s mild all year round, and when it’s not the season for wind, it’s the season for waves that takes over.
Best period and spots to kite in Fuerteventura
For the practice of kitesurfing in Fuerteventura, two areas are typically distinguished:
- The North (Corralejo region), the most developed part of the island where there are quite a few spots (notably wave spots like El Cotillo, but also more versatile ones like Flag beach). Beginners are usually taken by boat to practice in the open sea to avoid getting hit by waves.
- The arid South (Sotavento and Costa Calma) where the flattest and windiest areas of the island are located. In this area, mountains accelerate the wind at the narrowest part of the island. This results in a stronger, but also gustier, wind that blows over the large lagoon of Sotavento, a paradise for freestylers and freeriders.
Best season for kiting: May to September.
The Canaries are generally under the influence of northeast trade winds (like many well-known kite destinations). This wind, which the locals call the Alisio, is rather weak: 7-16 knots. For it to be a satisfying wind for kiting, other phenomena must come into play.
During the prime kite season, there are thermal phenomena that reinforce the Alisio to achieve winds blowing between 17 and 26 knots. On Sotavento, the wind is even higher due to the acceleration effect mentioned above.
The rest of the year, the trade winds and thermals weaken, bringing fewer sessions. However, it is still a destination that works all year round for kitesurfing, but it will be more unpredictable.
It is not uncommon to see some oceanic depressions, which bring their share of wind and waves.
Discover the kite spots in Fuerteventura
Corralejo - Flag Beach
El Cotillo
La Pared
Sotavento
What we love most
Drawbacks
- Easy access
- Great destination for families or friends
- Perfect combination of flat spots and waves
- Arid (some don’t like)
- mass tourism
- Windy in the south
- Not a lot to do outside of sports
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
Travel time: 4h for direct flights. From 6h for flights with a layover. Transavia and Smart Wings operate direct flights to Fuerteventura (FUE)
Direct flight: yes
Time difference: UTC+1
Airlines: Air France – Transavia – Iberia – Smart Wings
Main airports: Puerto del Rosario (FUE)
Flight price: 150 / 400€
Formalities
- Mandatory vaccines: No mandatory vaccines required
- Visa requirements: American and British nationals do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days
- Electrical adapter: Type F electrical adapter needed
- Official language: Spanish
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
Additional tips
It is imperative to rent a car on site to get around.
Be careful not to leave anything valuable in the vehicles, as some robberies have been reported.
Outside of the major tourist centers, you will find quiet, authentic small villages. If you are looking for a chill and surf atmosphere, ideal for a kite stay in Fuerteventura, you will easily find what you are looking for in El Cotillo or the village of Lajares, which is said to be the hipster capital of Fuerte.
For a more festive atmosphere, Corralejo should be preferred as it is much more touristy. It is said that the Canarians will never let you leave before making you feel comfortable. So go for it, and enjoy what Fuerteventura has to offer!
What are the best non kitesurfing activities ?
Fuerteventura is a volcanic island with a desert landscape, where sports activities will keep you busy! If by any chance you lack wind, I have some ideas for you!
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- Surf: If the wind is ideal for kitesurfing in Fuerteventura, the island is also well known for its surfing spots. The most famous spots are actually located more towards the north of the island near El Cotillo and Flag Beach.
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- Diving: Fuerteventura is also a good diving spot due to its volcanic nature. There are excellent dives to be done whether in the north or south of the island. For those who are not yet tired of their diving sessions in the Maldives, I highly recommend it.
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- Hiking: With its volcanic activity, the island of Fuerteventura also offers plenty of hikes for those who are not too worn out from their kite sessions. Among the most popular are the Corralejo dunes park and the ascent of the Holdon volcano.
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- Beaches: For those who, on kiteless days, prefer to relax, Fuerteventura offers a variety of beaches, each more beautiful than the last, including the most impressive one, Cofete beach.
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- Strolls: Finally, while the coast of Fuerteventura has not been spared by mass tourism and large hotel complexes by the sea, there are also some charming villages that you shouldn’t miss (on windless days of course, otherwise I want to see you in the water!).