Fuerteventura — Beaches & Surfing★★
Fuerteventura is the beach island of the Canaries — over 150 km of coastline, half of which are the finest sandy beaches. The island is flat (highest point only 807 m), desert-like, wind-swept, and sparsely populated (120,000 inhabitants on 1,660 km²). What sounds like desolation is actually breathtakingly beautiful: endless dune landscapes, turquoise lagoons, African-looking villages, and an emptiness that invites meditation.
Fuerteventura is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (the entire island!) and the surfing mecca of Europe: The northwest coast has world-class waves (up to 4 m), the southeast coast calm waters for learning. Plus kitesurfing, windsurfing, diving, and snorkeling in crystal-clear water.
Plan for 5–7 days — the beaches alone require several days.
The Best Beaches
★★★ Parque Natural de Corralejo
An 11 km stretch of dunes and beach in the northeast — one of Europe's most spectacular beaches. Fine white sand (actually crushed shells and corals), turquoise water, view of the island of Lobos. Several sections: the main beach (Banderas) is family-friendly, further south it becomes more secluded (nudist areas).
Free access. Parking at FV-1 (free). Bring wind protection — the trade wind almost always blows here. Water temperature 18–23°C depending on the season.
★★★ Playa de Cofete
The wildest beach in the Canary Islands: 12 km of untouched sand on the west coast of the Jandía Peninsula, accessible only via a hair-raising gravel road (12 km from Morro Jable, 30–40 min.). No infrastructure, no showers, no mobile reception. Instead, absolute solitude, dramatic mountain backdrop, and the spirit of adventure.
Warning: Strong currents — only experienced swimmers should enter the water! All-wheel drive vehicle recommended, standard rental cars at your own risk (check insurance!).
★★ Playa de Sotavento
The kitesurfing beach par excellence: 9 km long, at low tide a huge lagoon with knee-deep water forms — perfect for learning. Annual kitesurfing world championship. Kitesurfing courses from €80 (3 hrs), equipment from €60/day.
★ Isla de Lobos
Uninhabited island 2 km north of Corralejo — nature reserve with crystal-clear water, snorkeling paradise, and a short hike to the volcanic cone La Caldera (127 m, 30 min.). Ferry from Corralejo: €15 round trip, 15 min. ride. Access limited to 200 people/day — prior permit via lobospass.com.
💡 Tipp
Fuerteventura is the windiest of the Canary Islands — the trade winds blow 300 days a year. For a beach holiday without wind: The east coast (Costa Calma, Jandía) is more sheltered. For surfers and kitesurfers, the wind is naturally a blessing.
Surfing & Water Sports
Surf Spots
Fuerteventura is Europe's answer to Hawaii — consistent Atlantic swells, warm water (18–23°C), and spots for every level:
- Beginners: Playa de la Pared (gentle waves, sandy bottom), Corralejo (Flag Beach, surf schools), Rocky Point near El Cotillo
- Intermediate: El Cotillo — The Bubble (fast right over reef, only at high tide), Playa del Hierro (powerful beach breaks)
- Experts: Lobos Derecha (right wave over volcanic reef, accessible only by boat), La Izquierda de la Pared (heavy left with big swell)
Surf Schools: Corralejo has over 20 surf schools. Beginner course (2 hrs): €35–45. Weekly course (5 × 2 hrs): €150–200. Surf camp (1 week incl. accommodation): €350–500.
Best Surf Time: October to March (bigger waves, less wind). In summer, smaller swell but ideal for beginners.
Kitesurfing & Windsurfing
Fuerteventura is also one of the top 5 destinations worldwide for kitesurfing. The constant trade winds (15–30 knots) and shallow lagoons make it ideal. Hotspot: Sotavento (southeast). Beginner courses from €80 (3 hrs), equipment rental from €60/day.