The oldest Canary Island is very dry and barren - rain is scarce on the whole island. In contrast to the wind - there is plenty of it. The north coast and the Costa Calma region on the south-east coast in particular are very well ventilated. Generally speaking, the spots in the south are particularly strong due to the local amplification. The reason for this is that the basic trade wind has to cross a gentle ridge at the narrowest point of the island and then accelerates turbulently on its way towards the water. The spots Sotavento, Risco del Paso and Matas Blancas in particular get the extra boost. Winds of 30 to 40 knots are not uncommon, especially in summer.
At the spots in the south there are various very well-equipped windsurfing centres and hotels as well as flats close to the spots. A car is not absolutely necessary here. This is in stark contrast to the north coast. Around the town of Corralejo, the wind is generally more moderate than in the south and the spots are spread out along the coast. It is therefore essential to have your own equipment and mobile equipment. There are only hire stations at Flag Beach and in Corralejo.
Spot Guide Fuerteventura
1 The North
The north is generally favoured by individual holidaymakers with a penchant for waves. The town of Corralejo on the north-eastern tip of the island, with its many flats, usually serves as a base camp. From there, it's off to the spots from Cotillo in the west to Glass Beach on the east side. Only a few degrees of wind shift often decide whether you can play badminton on the beach or enjoy a perfect wave day. As a result, windsurfing on Fuerte's north coast is usually also a motor sport. The spots to the east of Corralejo - Rocky Point, Flag Beach and Glass Beach - are easy to reach in just a few minutes. However, this also means that they can get very crowded in good conditions, both with kiters and surfers.
Flag Beach has a nice sandy beach with some rocks in the water and provides good, not too demanding wave conditions with many swell directions, but also flat water. Glass Beach can be very good in north-westerly winds, but also very crowded. The spots on the famous Northshore -Punta Blanca, Majanicho and Mejiones (3) - are not only difficult to reach via gravel tracks, but are also reserved for wave experts due to the challenging entry and sometimes mast-high waves. This also applies to Cotillo when the swell is big. Then the wave breaks close out and with an impressive shorebreak. Creamy days are rare here and then you share the spot with many kiters.
2 The south
The windsurfing epicentre of Fuerte is spread out in three sections around the Urbanizacion Costa Calma with its numerous hotels. To the north is the spotMatas Blancas (4) with offshore winds and very smooth water. Apart from a well-equipped surfing centre, there is nothing here. South of the village begins thePlaya de Sotavento (1) - one of the most famous surfing beaches. The only hotel for miles around is home to René Egli's huge and fully equipped surf and kite centre, which also hosts the World Cup. The wind is extremely strong here, especially in summer, and the water can be smooth, but often also very choppy. Kiters have their own section of beach. At high tide, a huge lagoon fills up with water and offers perfect training conditions. The spot follows at the end of the kilometre-long sandy beachRisco del Paso (2). There are a few flats and a surf centre here. The wind is also very good and in addition to relaxed freeride conditions, there is also a nice beginner's wave from time to time. The lagoon can also be surfed here at high tide.
Dunki's alternatives:"If you want to see something different, the small bay ofEl Castillo (3)a little south of the airport, perfect for freeriding or foilsurfing. In the far south, in the tourist centre ofJandia (4)The wind is much weaker than in Sotavento, but there are surfing stations and good freeride conditions at both the Robinson Club and Club Aldiana."
Further spot guides to the Canary Islands:
