The Best Kitesurfing Spots in the Canary Islands

Apart from their volcanic origins, it’s hard to find anything in common between the seven Canary Islands. These Spanish islands are so different that you won’t be able to tell them apart. They include Tenerife, the main island, La Gomera, La Palma, El Hierro, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, the island furthest from Tenerife. Three of these islands offer an excellent playground for learning and practising kitesurfing.

Fuerteventura remains the most popular of them all, thanks to the variety of spots accessible to all. The fact that it is so popular is also due to the attractive prices that attract travellers from all over the world.

The Canary Islands enjoy a subtropical climate (spring and autumn), mild and pleasant, dry throughout the year, even in winter, with no sudden changes in temperature between day and night. Winter temperatures are around 19 degrees, and summer temperatures 25-30 degrees. They lie on the Atlantic, just north of the Tropic of Cancer, a short distance from the African coasts of Morocco and the Western Sahara, and are under the “trade winds”, which are constant north-easterly winds of around 25 knots.

The beach at Vargas in Gran Canaria is aimed mainly at more advanced kitesurfers and those who want to become autonomous IK3! The wave has different beaks running left and right and sometimes a tube. The wind is really constant from April to September, making it an ideal kitesurfing spot. The beach is best at low tide and the size of the beach means it’s easy to launch at high or low tide.

Kitesurfing at Salinas de Pozo is an excellent spot for beginners. Located on the south-east coast of Gran Canaria, it’s a great place to learn to kitesurf in waves with different peaks along the beach. The area is windy, especially between April and September, when the winds are most powerful and constant. Because of the waves, this spot is ideal for intermediate to expert kitesurfers, and the best winds are north-north-easterly.

Best kitesurfing spots in Tenerife :

This is the most diverse island! From its landscapes to its sporting activities, this little piece of land is a veritable paradise.
Between banana plantations and pine forests, black sand beaches and natural pools, lava fields and coastal areas, you won’t believe your eyes!
What’s more, the year-round spring climate means that the island is home to some of the world’s best-known cycling, swimming, windsurfing and kite-surfing athletes.

1. Cabezo

The kitesurfing spot on El Cabezo beach, suitable only for the most experienced users, is located in the south of Tenerife, next to the tourist area of El Médano. The seabed is made up of sand and volcanic reefs, with waves breaking left and right. It’s best to kitesurf at high tide or mid-tide, as there are some volcanic rocks along the way that can be dangerous at low tide, and because in these conditions it’s a little easier to get into the water.

The ideal winds for kitesurfing are from the N-NE direction, blowing strongly off El Cabezo beach and reaching up to 45 knots. The wind is most consistent between April and September, when the region’s sporting and surfing atmosphere is also accentuated. It should be noted that on days with strong currents, the shore can be dangerous.

2. El Medano Bay

Located in the south of Tenerife, close to Reina Sofia airport, El Médano boasts ideal wind conditions for kitesurfing. The beach also offers a specially designated area for setting up kites, and there are different areas available, suitable for all levels of experience. The sport can be practised all year round, but it is in summer that it becomes one of the most popular destinations for kitesurfing enthusiasts in Tenerife, especially when the winds blow from the north and north-east.

The sandy seabed makes it easy for even beginners to get into the water at El Médano, while the lifeguard service makes kitesurfing here, which is possible at any time of day, regardless of the tide, very safe. A wide variety of tourist services are available along the beach, including a selection of shops and accommodation options, as well as several bars, cafés and restaurants. There are also a number of kitesurfing schools and specific equipment hire facilities.

Best kitesurfing spot in Lanzarote :

Known as the volcanic island, Lanzarote is a very volcanic island. Kitesurfing is mainly practised on Famara beach with a north-easterly wind. It’s important to note that the island of Lanzarote is better known for surfing. There is wind, but it’s not as strong as on Fuerteventura and Tenerife.

1. Famara

In the north-west of Lanzarote, near Teguise, lies Famara beach, the best kitesurfing spot on Lanzarote. As well as its fabulous wind conditions and breakers all over the beach, it is recommended for all levels of expertise. This easily accessible spot is located beneath the Famara cliffs. The nearby fishing village of Caleta de Famara has all the facilities you need for kitesurfing, including a surf camp, schools, repairs and shops selling equipment.

Famara beach is a perfect place for wave surfing, as it has several peaks that are powerful in the deepest areas. The wave is of the beach break type and the best wind conditions are NE-N in a side-on shore direction. Although kitesurfing can be enjoyed all year round, the winds are most consistent and favourable between May and September. This spot is most enjoyable at low or medium tide.

What’s more, beginners can learn to kitesurf in Fuerteventura. You can choose between a 2 or 3-day lesson to become a professional.

Although it may seem complicated, kitesurfing is actually very easy to learn. Most techniques can be simulated on the beach and, with the right training programme, you’ll get the basics down in just a few sessions.

Best kitesurfing spots in Fuerteventura :

Renowned for its miles of white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and constant wind all year round, Fuerteventura is the ideal destination for kitesurfers. Every year, 1.4 million tourists visit the island, which is best known for its warm temperatures, water sports and inexpensive lifestyle. Despite the construction on the seafront, the island has retained its authenticity.

1. Sotavento

To the south-east of Fuerteventura, just off the Costa Calma, lies the Playa de Sotavento kitesurfing spot. With a large surface area for kitesurfing, it is suitable for people of all levels. The wind conditions on the beach, together with the facilities and services available to kitesurfers, such as equipment hire and purchase, make Playa de Sotavento one of the most popular spots on Fuerteventura.

This spot is particularly popular thanks to the PWA (Professional Windsurfing Association) Windsurfing and Kitesurfing World Cup, which it hosts every year. The strongest and most consistent winds on Sotavento beach are in spring and summer, with speeds of over 50 knots from the north-east. The waves, which break very close to the shore, make little difference to the fact that access to the water on this beach is very easy for all levels.

2. Corralejo (Flag beach, Glass beach, Cotillo lagon, Cotillo beach, Majanicho).

In the town of Corralejo, to the north-east of Fuerteventura, you’ll find the kitesurfing spot known as Flag Beach. Located opposite the island of Lobos, the spot is in a protected area and is ideal for kitesurfers of all levels. The wave peaks and breaks in different directions along the beach, making it an ideal spot for kitesurfers of all abilities. Getting into the water at Flag Beach is very easy, even for those new to the sport. Flag Beach offers more consistent wind conditions during the spring and summer months – the best winds for kitesurfing, regardless of the tide, are those blowing in a northerly, north-westerly and north-easterly direction.

Glass Beach lends itself to all kinds of extreme sports, including surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. It’s also an excellent beach for family outings, where children can play in the sand or wade in its clear waters. The small bay, protected from the waves, is the ideal place for swimming and playing. The beach is located in the Dunas de Corralejo nature park.

El Cotillo was supposed to be the seat of power of Maxorata, the aboriginal kingdom to the north of Fuerteventura. However, before the Spanish conquest of the Canaries in the 15th century, little was written about it. Two centuries later, it had become a prosperous fishing village and port. With this progress came the constant threat of pirate raids. So, in 1743, the Castillo del Tostón defence tower was built.

Over time, El Cotillo lost its commercial importance. But its small population could still rely on one thing: fishing. This they did until the 1980s, when tourism discovered its wonderful shores. Since then, it has become known as one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Canary Islands and the whole of Europe.

To the north-east of Fuerteventura, you’ll find the beaches of the coastal village of El Cotillo. To the north, they stretch out in a series of family coves of white sand and calm turquoise waters. The El Cotillo coastline is famous for its lagoons. Stretching from El Caleton to the north of Faro del Tostón, they add character to an already fascinating seafront. What’s more, because of their location, most of the tourists who visit them are naturists.

La Concha beach is one of them, and one of the best known in Fuerteventura for its beauty, quality and tranquillity. The beach’s proximity to the town means you can enjoy a break with incredible sea views and stunning sunsets, where the sky turns from ochre to purple in a matter of minutes.

La Concha beach enjoys gentle waves thanks to its natural horseshoe-shaped reef. When the wind picks up, the “corralitos”, small circular walls of volcanic rock built by the residents, are the ideal refuge, and at low tide the smallest members of the family can play safely in the small rock pools that form. There is a car park very close to the beach and a lifeguard service, as well as flats and a restaurant nearby.

Stop off at the Corralejo dunes nature park, where a change of scenery is guaranteed! Take a stroll through the white sand dunes and you’ll be enchanted by the beauty of this magnificent desert.