Often referred to as the European answer to Hawaii, the Canary Islands certainly have the best and most consistent surf spots in Europe all year round. Its northern tip is ideally exposed to the west, north and east, which makes it a paradise for learning to surf because there is always a place exposed to small swells, or, conversely, a retreat spot, when the swell is strong.

Many people claim that Fuerteventura is the jewel in the crown of the Canary Islands. It is the second largest island in the Canary Islands, after Tenerife. It is still quite intact and quiet, although its popularity is increasing every year. During the winter months, the beautiful Canary Island of Fuerteventura lights up with a swell from the Atlantic, creating excellent waves for everyone, from beginners to expert surfers. To help you know where your next holiday in our surf camp in Fuerteventura on the sunny island, here are our favorite surf spots around the island.

Fuerteventura has an arid, almost lunar landscape and has many more white sandy beaches than the other islands. Strong winds are part of the landscape, which also makes this island a world famous windsurfing spot. The north coast is filled with exposed reefs that absorb all swells from west to east, and the waves are of varying intensity, from Lobos tubes to the softer waves of Derecha de los Alemanes. Here is an overview of the different spots to learn to surf in Fuerteventura:

West of Fuerteventura: Cotillo

Located on the northwest coast, facing the Atlantic Ocean, El Cotillo is described by many as the jewel of Fuerteventura. The main beach is a beach break with some big stones. In the south, Cotillo is isolated and currents can be extreme. The far south has some quality waves waiting for good conditions.

This charming village is located on the northern tip of the island and is becoming a very popular tourist destination in Fuerteventura. El Cotillo is a very small village, but you can find many good seafood restaurants there. The locals come here during the weekend to spend a day on one of El Cotillo’s beautiful beaches to enjoy a fantastic family meal. El Cotillo also owes part of its popularity to the beach of La Concha, which seems to be a tropical paradise.

There are some of the most beautiful beaches on the island on either side of the village. The village has two ports. The old port, which is used only once a year during the festival and the new port, which is still used by local fishermen. A fish market has been built on the wharf of the new port, but it is not yet open. During their first visit to Fuerteventura, people often stay elsewhere: in Corralejo or Caleta de Fuste. Then they find Cotillo on a day trip by Corralejo bus, coach or buggy, or on a rental car trip and quickly fall in love… It is certainly a place that has a lot of charm and many of them come back year after year, and often several times a year. It is the ideal place for a relaxed stay. You will not find nightclubs, however, there are very good bars and restaurants with a very varied choice.

Cotillo is ideal for observing the wonderful sunsets that occur here because of its west-facing orientation. What could be more pleasant than sitting outside a bar or restaurant with your favourite drink while watching the sun go down? There are many places to do it in the old port and elsewhere.

For those who like to lie in the sun and relax, it is the ideal place. But there is also a lot to do for the more active people. This ranges from water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing to cycling.
La Concha Fuerteventura beach is probably the most popular beach in El Cotillo lagoon. It is just north of the village, on the road, towards the lighthouse or a nice walk along the small beaches before the village.

It is protected from large waves by rocky reefs just offshore and there is a very beautiful sand. This makes it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. During very high spring tides, a shallow lagoon forms just behind the beach, which is ideal for young children.

Beach Break of El Cotillo for beginners surfers

It is probably the most popular beach break in Fuerteventura. It is a long sandy beach with waves to the left and right. It is a perfect place for intermediate surfers, but can also be used for beginner surfers; long waves are ideal for learning to surf.

Everything is fine it’s great here the weather is rather hot and windy but it’s fine. The waves are a little strong but I have made progress;). – July 2018, Laura from Bretagne

Reef Break from El Cotillo for intermediate surfers

Located north of the port of Cotillo, Spew Pits is a spot reserved for advanced surfers. This spot usually has waves, but it tends to be flat during the summer.

The beaches of the north of Fuerteventura

On the island of Fuerteventura, whose coastline is mainly bordered by beaches, the north coast is filled with reefs exposed to northern and northwest swells and waves. At the same time, it is enriched by the status of a wild refuge, much appreciated by surfers looking for a haven of peace and sunshine. In the middle of this steep north coast, the city of La Oliva, quite famous but little visited, is an enclave and a break in this extraordinary landscape.

One of the most popular waves in Fuerteventura is the one located on the spot of El Hierro, near the beach of Majanicho. We owe its reputation to the regularity and quality of its breakers.

Majanicho surf spot, north of fuerteventura

Best period: from October to April.

In the middle of the north of Fuerteventura, in a bay, is the small fishing village of Majanicho. In the flat bay, waves break on deep-water reefs. The right, long and clean side ends in the bay. A very easy place, the early days also very suitable for beginners. Depending on the tide, Majanicho can hold up to 2m50+ waves, on days of high and low tide, the wave can close on the other side of the bay. It’s time for a few rare locals to go surfing by tow. Mainly a winter spot when the trade winds come from further east and are reinforced by the canal between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

The Right of los Alemanes

It is a steep reef breach on the right that captures any swell from north to west. On a good day, you can mark a few tube sections. With a big swell from the west, the German right is often the only place where you can drive on the north shore. On smaller days, you can also surf a shorter left-handed person. Better at low tide. Surrounded by a beautiful sandy beach, it is the ideal site for surfers who love camping.

Genarosa

Genarosa is an exposed reef that has reliable surfing, although summer is generally flat, it works best in windy conditions
of southern land. The best direction of the swell is from the northwest. No beach break here and a reef break on the left too…

Surfable at all stages of the tide, there are sometimes a lot of people here.

Playa Morro aka Drop Beach

Sandy bottom beach that captures the swell of a NE wind. With the waves on the left and right, there are tearing currents at each end of the beach that are clearly marked with flags. A good beach for “non-surf” partners who just want to enjoy the sun!

East of Fuerteventura: Corralejo

Corralejo is a city located on the northeast coast of Fuerteventura.

It is known for the Corralejo Natural Park, with its windy beaches and dunes like Playa del Moro. The park is home to endangered wildlife species and the Montaña Roja, a volcano with panoramic views. The city, an old fishing village, is dotted with restaurants and bars. Nearby, the island of Lobos is a nature reserve with a multitude of rare birds. Corralejo is the most popular and largest tourist resort in Fuerteventura, whose size is constantly growing, while preserving its original charms as a fishing village. The old town is located next to the port and has a church and a square, today the centre of Corralejo’s nightlife.

The main attractions of Corralejo are the 7 miles long Playa Grande plage and the sand dunes that lie to the south of the city. A lively port from where you can enjoy all the water sports, or do one of the many boat trips, glass-bottom boats, ferries to other islands, fishing trips, sailing or scuba diving trips, many of which can be booked online. A pleasant walk along the seafront with bars, restaurants and shops.

A pleasant nightlife with many bars, restaurants and even discos, the best nightlife in Fuerteventura. The centre of this square is the main square, nicknamed “Place de la musique”.

Three smaller beaches located around the city centre

Among its white sandy beaches, you will find cafés and restaurants; ideal to recharge your batteries, relax and enjoy the wonderful climate. As far as accommodation is concerned, there are many hotels and villas of excellent quality, which guarantees visitors a first-class experience in Corralejo.

Corralejo is located northeast of Fuerteventura, just opposite the small island of Los Lobos, whose highly visible silhouette on the horizon is an important part of the surrounding landscape. You can take a boat from the port of Corralejo and spend the day in Los Lobos, or even cross to Lanzarote. The maritime atmosphere of the old town of Corralejo is perfect for a pleasant walk, where you can spend time tasting fresh fish and local wine in the city’s restaurants.

Flag beach

Surfing and kitesurfing alongside international restaurants. To get in shape, nothing beats surfing or kite surfing, which are very popular in some areas of Corralejo because they provide the perfect conditions for these sports.

A reef breach that breaks the water in abundance, the large outer peaks turn into manageable left and right inside. A good place to head towards when the northern runway has a big swell rushing in, it’s better to surf from mid-tide to high tide. The slow walls on the left are perfect for a longboard or a mini-mal.
Best time: spring, summer and autumn, the sun is almost guaranteed in summer and winter!