Surfing in Fuerteventura

Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Wikimedia Commons

1 day

Why go

Fuerteventura pairs a steady trade-wind swell with warm water and empty sand, from the heavy reef breaks off Corralejo to forgiving beach breaks and lagoons in the south. It is the Canaries' surf island.

When

In season: Oct–Apr · Peak: Nov–Mar

Who it’s for

Skill

Beginner–Advanced

Effort

Moderate

Suitable from

10+ · Kid+

Crowds

Steady

Cost

$$$

Surfing specifics

Break type: Reef
Wave size: 1 to 3 m m
Wetsuit: 3 mm

What to expect

Powerful, sometimes shallow reef on the north track for the experienced; mellow, consistent beach breaks elsewhere for everyone. Winter brings the biggest, cleanest swell.

Routes

What the difficulty bands mean

easy: Accessible with basic fitness; no technical skills or exposure.
moderate: Sustained effort or some exposure; comfort on the terrain expected.
hard: Long, technical or serious — experience and the right conditions required.

Playa del Moro, Corralejo
easy
Beach break in the dunes, forgiving and consistent
1 day
Playa de Sotavento
moderate
Long sandy lefts in the south, and the flatwater lagoon next door
1 day
El Hierro and the North Track
hard
The reef breaks off Corralejo, the island's best-known waves
1 day
La Pared
hard
The west coast swell magnet, powerful and exposed
1 day

How to start

Fly to Fuerteventura and base in Corralejo (north reefs) or the south for beach breaks. Surf schools abound; the North Track reefs are for confident surfers only.