This article is for you if you want to learn about our favourite kitesurf spots and the perfect season for your trip to Fuerteventura
If you are looking for sandy beaches and lots of wind all year round – Fuerteventura (“the Caribbean of Europe”) is the place to go. The probability for windy days is between 40 and 90 percent, depending on the season. Wind speeds accelerates to 6-8 Beaufort (40 – 70 km/h). Therefore conditions for kitesurfing on Fuerteventura are almost ideal.
Therefore there are lot of kite centers offering courses, kite camps and rentals. Fuerteventura therefore is not only the perfect spot for advanced kitesurfers but also for beginners who want to learn or improve their skills.
The best season to kitesurf in fuerteventura
The months of May to September are particularly suitable for kite trips to Fuerteventura due to the higher wind probability. In these months the wind probability is 70 to 90 percent. Because the northeast trade wind conditions are good all year round. Statistically, the least wind is in the winter months. But even then the wind probability is still 40 to 50 percent.
Nevertheless, the summer months are better suited for kiting on Fuerteventura due to the higher wind probability and also the higher temperatures. You can expect temperatures of up to 28 degrees Celsius in July, August and September. In the winter months, however, the average daytime temperature is still around 19 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Since the water temperature of the Atlantic varies between 17 and 22°C, depending on the time of year wearing a wetsuit for kitesurfing on Fuerteventura at any time of the year is advisable.
The Top 5 Spots for Kitesurfing in Fuerteventura
#1 Flag Beach
Overall: ★★★★★
Wind direction: sideshore from the left
Beach: sand with reef on each side of the beach
Tide: Always working
Services: Kite Center (Courses, Rental, Rescue)
Located in the northeast of the island just outside of Corralejo, Flag Beach is widely considered to be the main kiteboarding spot in Fuerteventura. The kite center is the oldest one of the island and its owner will happily give you a lesson on the history of kitesurfing in Fuerteventura. Classes are held on the ocean and by boat (so be prepared to get some pills from the next pharmacy if you get seasick). This is perfect for any beginner who is not able to go upwind, since their is no time wasted on walking upwind on the beach.The best months for kitesurfing are March to November. This is when the sea tends to be flat and the wind consistent (15-25 knots). In winter it can become too wavy and though it might be good on the occasional day it cannot be guaranteed. Waves up to 3 meters during winter are possible when swell comes in.Another benefit is that there plenty of cool places to stay in Corralejo and lots of bars and restaurants.
#2 El cotillo
Overall: ★★★★★
Wind direction: varies
Beach: sand, rocks, stones
Tide: Always working
Services: –
El Cotillo on the northwest coast of Fuerteventura is actually one of the more popular places on the island to catch some waves. However if there is no wind at Flag Beach it’s worth a try. The wind here is mostly stronger than at Flag Beach and can be quite gusty. Kiting is best at the southern part of the beach. There you have around 50 meters to enter with some rocks on the left and right. In case that you don’t manage to get back, there is another exit downwind. Not recommended for beginners.
#3 Matas Bay
Overall: ★★★★★
Wind direction: offshore with a bit of side wind
Beach: small rocks with little sand
Tide: Always working
Services: Kite Center (Courses, Rental, Rescue)
Matas Bay is a small bay located on the south eastern coast of Fuerteventura just a little bit north of Costa Calma. If the wind is offshore you can expect perfectly flat water. However, make sure to only go out if the kite center is open, because without rescue the risk of ending up in africa is high. In the off season there are many days of onshore wind, which are less gusty.
#4 Sotavento
Overall: ★★★★★
Wind direction: sideoffshore
Beach: sand
Tide: Lagoon only works at high tide
Services: Kite Center (Courses, Rental, Rescue)
Located in the south of Fuerteventura, Sotavento receives 20-30 knots of wind almost every day from spring to fall. Since the direction is mostly blowing across the land it can be quite gusty. There are small waves close to the beach getting bigger the further you get out. The water gets deep immediately.
There’s a flat water lagoon that leads out to the sea. Since the lagoon is heavily affected by the tides it’s actually only full of water for 2 or 3 weeks of the month; make sure to check out the tides online before you set off all the way down there. But when the water level is high enough and the wind is blowing, Sotavento’s flat water lagoon can be the best place for kitesurfing on the island.
The Kite Center “Rene Egli” has one of the greatest varieties of equipment for rental and it’s kept in perfect condition. Being able to rent euqipment for multiple days makes it our recommed place to get rental equipment.
#5 Risco del Paso
Overall: ★★★★★
Wind direction: sideoffshore
Beach: sand
Tide: Lagoon only works at high tide
Services: Kite Center (Courses, Rental, Rescue)
Located in the south of Fuerteventura Risco del Paso is located at the south end of the Lagoon. Similar to Esmeralda de Sotavento you can expect 20-30 knots of (gusty) wind almost every day from spring to fall. The Lagoon only works before, during and after high tide and checking the tide forecast ist recommended. If the lagoon is not working, you can kitesurf in the deeper waters of the ocean. Just make sure if rescue by the nearby kite center is available if the wind is offshore.
Summary: What is the best kitesurf location in Fuerteventura?
For beginners who want to take lessons we strongly recommend taking a course at flag beach, since the downwind service of the kite center will bring you to the spot with the best wind conditions by boat and you will have time to practice without the struggle of walking upwind. If you don’t want to take lessons or want to practice in a safe spot, we recommend the lagoon in sotavento and risco del paso. Shallow water makes it easy to walk upwind or pick up your board if you fall. You won’t have to be afraid of being draged into the ocean.
For advancend kitesurfers we also recommend going to the south. In the lagoon of Sotavento you can expect flat water and strong winds. If you prefer less people Flag Beach or some of the less frequentet spots like el cotillo or matas bay might be a good pick.
If you are into kiting waves stay on the west coast, but make sure you know what you are doing, since rescue services might not be available.