Sotavento is 9 kilometres of beach that transforms twice a day. When the tide goes out, an enormous sandy lagoon is revealed — shallow, warm and flat as a table. It is here, on the south-eastern coast of Fuerteventura, that the PWA Windsurfing World Cup and major kitesurfing competitions have been held for years. But Sotavento is far more than a sporting arena.
The lagoon — a natural phenomenon
The greatest attraction of Sotavento is the lagoon that forms at low tide. Over a length of about 4 kilometres the sea retreats, exposing a vast sandy flat separated from the ocean by a narrow strip of sand. The water in the lagoon ranges from a few centimetres to waist depth — ideal conditions for beginner kitesurfers and windsurfers, as well as for families with children.
The size of the lagoon changes with every tidal cycle. It is at its most expansive around new and full moons, when tides are at their strongest. At extreme low tide the lagoon can almost disappear, leaving only wet sand behind. It is worth checking the tide tables before your visit — local kitesurfing schools (such as the legendary René Egli school) publish current conditions on their websites.
A kitesurfing and windsurfing mecca
Sotavento is one of the most important kitesurfing spots in the world. Every summer (usually July) it hosts a leg of the PWA Windsurfing World Cup along with kitesurfing competitions — a water-sports festival attracting the best riders from across the globe.
The trade wind blows here from the north-east and is strongest and most consistent from spring through autumn, sometimes exceeding 50 knots. Professional schools and equipment-hire centres line the beach, the largest being the René Egli centre, which offers courses from beginner to advanced level as well as lagoon rescue services (~€90 for a weekly rescue pass).
Not just for sports enthusiasts
Even if kitesurfing or windsurfing is not your thing, Sotavento is worth visiting for the landscape alone. A walk along the 9 km beach is one of the most beautiful experiences on Fuerteventura — a blend of lagoon blues, white sand and ever-blowing wind that sculpts the sand into Sahara-like dunes.
At the northern end of the beach lies the resort of Costa Calma with hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. To the south the beach transitions into wilder stretches where solitude is easy to find even at peak season. The chiringuito bar by the Risco del Paso car park is a legendary spot — cold beer with a view of hundreds of kites against the setting sun.
Practical information
- Beach length: approx. 9 km (from Costa Calma to Risco del Paso and beyond)
- Lagoon: forms at low tide — check the tide tables before visiting
- Wind: consistent NE trade wind, strongest spring–autumn
- Kitesurfing schools: René Egli, Pro Center, FunSurf and others
- Facilities: car parks, chiringuito, hotels in Costa Calma
- Swimming: lagoon is safe; ocean — watch out for currents and wind
When to go
For kitesurfers and windsurfers the best period is May–September, when the wind is most reliable. For beachgoers and walkers, autumn and spring are ideal — warm but less windy. Winter can be cooler and cloudier, but even then Sotavento impresses with its emptiness and the raw beauty of its landscape.
Nearby beaches
Several other beaches worth visiting lie close to Sotavento. Playa de Costa Calma is a well-equipped stretch right by the resort, ideal for a relaxed day. To the south of Sotavento stretches Playa de Jandía, and further still — the wild and extraordinary Cofete, reached by a dirt road through the mountains of the Jandía Peninsula.
Weather at Playa de Sotavento
Sotavento is famous for hosting world championship kitesurfing and windsurfing events. The steady trade wind makes it a paradise for water sports but can be a challenge for sunbathers. Check the current weather in Costa Calma, especially wind conditions.