Sotavento Beach

The wind here blows most of the year, but the peak months for kitesurfing are from May until September, when the wind is at its strongest and can hit 40 knots some days. Generally during this time it’ll average over 20 knots, and the wind tends to pick up just before lunch, meaning if you like to sleep in this place might suit you. Due to the cross offshore wind direction the wind can be pretty gusty here, but compared to some Northern European spots it’s not too bad.

The water close to the beach is flat, and gets more choppy the further out you go, with little waves offering nice clean kickers to jump off closer to shore. Watch out for big shore dump at high tide and in strong wind, but generally it’s a pretty easy entry to the water. There is a kitesurf zone which is marked on the beach and with various signs, but if in doubt ask the local schools. Beginners will stay inside the lagoon at Sotavento, the ocean side is more for the kitesurfers who can stay upwind already. 

You’ll most likely want a wetsuit for the cooler months, but peak summer (June-August) you can often do with just shorts and t-shirt.

Around the kite spot Playa de Sotavento

Most of the accommodation options are a little away from the spot, and the island has a lot to offer if you don’t mind a bit of driving around. There are various tours on offer if you don’t want to drive yourself, with mountain biking, jet skis, quad bikes, and fishing to name just a few non kitesurfing activities. The local landscape is volcanic, so the geography on the island is impressive and hiking one of the nearby hills can make for a nice change from the beach. 

You’ll find restaurants and bars in nearby Costa Calma, and particularly at weekends there can be a lively vibe there with parties into the night if you fancy it. Further afield you’ll find Corralejo with a multitude of bars and a much bigger party scene, as well as Cotillo if you want to check out a completely different kite spot.

Most of the accommodation options are a little away from the spot, and the island has a lot to offer if you don’t mind a bit of driving around. There are various tours on offer if you don’t want to drive yourself, with mountain biking, jet skis, quad bikes, and fishing to name just a few non kitesurfing activities. The local landscape is volcanic, so the geography on the island is impressive and hiking one of the nearby hills can make for a nice change from the beach. 

You’ll find restaurants and bars in nearby Costa Calma, and particularly at weekends there can be a lively vibe there with parties into the night if you fancy it. Further afield you’ll find Corralejo with a multitude of bars and a much bigger party scene, as well as Cotillo if you want to check out a completely different kite spot.

The closest airport is Fuerteventura Airport (FUE), which is about 76km from the spot, so it will take you about one hour to reach Playa de Sotavento from the airport. The best option in Fuerteventura is to rent a car, which is pretty cheap and means you are free to explore as much of the island as you want.