The Canary Islands: windsurfing capital
Are water sports your thing? The idyllic Canary Islands are the destination for you. The weather, beaches and sea conditions are magnets for tourists who like their sports in the water. Like windsurfing.
The island of Fuerteventura is an all-time windsurfing favourite, but… Did you know the other islands are ideal for the sport too? Read on and discover the top spots for windsurfing in the Canary Islands; in Fuerteventura, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and La Palma.
What makes Fuerteventura’s beaches ideal for windsurfing?
Fuerteventura is an undisputed favourite for windsurfing aficionados. And for good reason, with its long beaches, crystal clear water and next-level weather conditions. The average year-round temperature in Fuerteventura ranges from 18ºC to 24ºC, and the trade winds are a constant, sometimes reaching speeds of 50 knots.
These fabulous conditions made it the perfect venue for the 2023 World Windsurfing and Wingfoil Championship, held in Pájara, and this summer’s upcoming Grand Slam in Sotavento from 25 July to 3 August 2024.
Best beaches for windsurfing in Fuerteventura
The three firm favourites for windsurfers are: Sotavento beach, Flag Beach Corralejo and Bristol-Shooting Gallery.
- Sotavento beach
Wave types: low and offshore
Water entry: easy to get into the water, it’s suitable for all levels. Having said that, it’s frequented by expert windsurfers.
Wind: wind speeds up to 50 knots
Best time to go: from April to September
Location: On the south of the island, on the Tuineje and Pájara coastline. Just a 10-minute drive from our Jandia Princess hotels.
Difficulty level: suitable for all levels
Can you hire equipment nearby? Yes, one of the most famous outlets is on Sotavento Beach lagoon, in the exclusive training area of René Egli.
Local attractions: Though nestled between the lively tourist hubs of Costa Calma and Jandía, Sotavento offers a tranquil escape. However, its charm doesn’t stop there. Sotavento is surrounded by five other beaches – Risco del Paso, Mirador, Malnombre, La Barca, and Los Canarios – all perfect for some relaxing beach time after conquering the waves.
- Flag Beach Corralejo
Wave types: small waves break along the length of the beach
Water entry: the sandy beach and seabed makes entering the water a breeze. You’ll find different-sized waves breaking in all directions, making it ideal for all levels.
Wind: generally hovers around 20 knots
Best time to go: spring and summer
Location: To the north of the island, in the popular town of Corralejo; an all-time water sports fan favourite. It’s a 1.5 hour drive from our Princess hotels. Ideal for a day out!
Difficulty level: beginners
Can you hire equipment nearby? Yes, at Flag Beach Windsurf or Wingfoil Online Academy Fuerteventura.
Local attractions: Corralejo is one of the island’s tourism hotspots. It’s got the perfect ambience for drinks, and plenty of shops to go to after your exercise hit. Or, you could spend the day enjoying the spectacular scenery at Corralejo Natural Park and the impressive sand dunes. Plus, boats launch from there to Isla de Lobos.
- Bristol-Shooting Gallery
Wave types: they come from right to left throughout the whole beach
Water entry: the volcanic soil is tricky for less seasoned windsurfers. The breakwater is recommended for more advanced windsurfers.
Wind: can reach 40 knots
Best time to go: winter or spring
Location: North of Corralejo. It’s 1 hour, 40 minutes away from our Princess hotels.
Difficulty level: high
Can you hire equipment nearby? Point Break Fuerteventura Surf Kite Wind SUP School & Rental is the nearest place. It’s right on the Corralejo Beach promenade.
Local attractions: like the last spot, it’s located close to Corralejo, to the north of the island. You can enjoy the kilometres-long stretch of beaches and dunes. And, because it’s a fishing town, you can sample the island’s cuisine at a number of restaurants, or head to charming El Cotillo.
Top windsurfing spots in Tenerife
The island of Tenerife is another tourist destination made for sensational windsurfing. It’s more common in the south of the island, where the gentle temperatures (20ºC – 25ºC) and wind are particularly favourable for the sport.
- Playa de El Médano
The island’s standout windsurfing destination is El Médano beach, home to the Windsurfing World Championship for nine consecutive years. Two spots are ideal for the sport: El Médano beach and El Cabezo beach. The wind is a constant, so it’s also frequented by kitesurfing fans. Temperatures are usually mild and warm, with an average year-round temperature of 23 degrees.
Wave types: close to the coast
Water entry: the sandy beach and seabed makes entering the water a breeze
Wind: generally not higher speeds than 20 knots
Best time to go: July and August
Location: In the south of the island, in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona. It’s a little more than 20 minutes from our Princess hotels in Costa Adeje.
Difficulty level: medium-high
Can you hire equipment nearby? There are a number of outlets along the promenade, the most well-known and closest to the beach are: Medano Kite Club and Godzilla Surf Shop-School-Rental, as well as a number of surf schools.
Local attractions: the famous Red Mountain is right next to the beach. You can climb to the top in under an hour. And when you get there, you’ll get incredible views of the whole of El Médano and La Tejita beach. It’s a very multicultural area offering plenty of leisure options and a great atmosphere.
- El Cabezo
Wave types: large. They can be dangerous for non-professionals
Water entry: strong winds make it difficult for beginners
Wind: in excess of 20 knots
Best time to go: July and August
Location: In the south of the island, in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona. It’s a little more than 20 minutes from our Princess hotels.
Difficulty level: high
Equipment hire: Wet El Cabezo Surf Shop
Local attractions: a great promenade that runs the length of the beaches, and is a popular spot for running and cycling enthusiasts. The conditions along the coastline are great for all types of sports.
- Las Américas beach
Wave types: large waves, ideal for more advanced levels
Water entry: the rocky ground can make for a trickier entry
Wind: 10 to 25 knots
Best time of year to go: in winter
Location: In the resort of Playa de Las Américas, known as El Conquistador. In the southern municipality of Arona. It’s less than ten minutes from our Princess hotels.
Difficulty level: medium-high
Equipment hire: there isn’t anywhere to hire windsurfing equipment
Local attractions: Playa de Las Américas is one of the island of Tenerife’s tourist hotspots. A promenade links Las Américas and Costa Adeje. Along the length of it, you’ll find plenty of shops stocking international brands, or you could stop off for a drink at one of the beachfront bars. There are plenty of beaches nearby where you can take a dip, including Troya beach and the beach at Playa de Las Américas itself.
Top windsurfing spots in Gran Canaria
The length of the island of Gran Canaria is dotted with windsurfing spots, suitable for all levels. Thanks to the brilliant conditions, the island has hosted competitions including the Gran Canaria Windsurf World Cup and Red Bull Rockets Award in 2023. The island has become a destination of choice for top windsurfing professionals to enjoy their sport. Plus, the water temperatures tend to hover around an agreeable 18ºC to 23ºC.
- Pozo Izquierdo
Pozo Izquierdo is one of the island’s main windsurfing destinations. The beach has even been home to world championships including the PWA Windsurfing World Championship in 2023.
Information of interest:
Wave types: more than a metre high
Water entry: the rocky ground makes it tricky for beginners
Wind: between 30 and 35 knots, sometimes hitting 40 knots.
Best time of year to go: from October to March
Location: In the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana. Just 20 minutes from our Gran Canaria Princess hotel.
Equipment hire: Pozowinds and LPWS Pozo Windsurf Rental.
Local attractions: Pozo Izquierdo is a municipality that stands out for its black sand and pebble beaches. The NE side onshore wind conditions make it the perfect haven for water sports lovers.
- Vargas
Information of interest:
Wave types: modest waves, breaking near the coastline.
Water entry: difficult, due to the pebbly seabed
Wind: does not exceed 25 knots
Best time of year to go: from October to March
Location: In Agüimes, on the east of the island. It’s 40 minutes from our TUI BLUE Suite Princess and Mogán Princess & Beach Club hotels, and 30 minutes from the Gran Canaria Princess.
Difficulty level: suitable for all levels
Equipment hire: there isn’t anywhere to hire equipment in the area
Local attractions: Vargas beach is in the municipality of Agüimes, home to stunning natural spaces and charming villages.
Windsurfing is also an option on the island of La Palma, specifically in the capital Santa Cruz de La Palma. The beach of Santa Cruz de La Palma offers family-friendly conditions and a relaxed atmosphere and is therefore perfect for windsurfing beginners.
As you can see, each of the Canary Islands comes with its own charms. Take to the waves and go windsurfing in the Canary Islands; you won’t be disappointed!
Categories: Canaries, Sports & Wellness, Lifestyle
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