Sotavento

Overview

Situated along the east coast of the Jandía Peninsula in the south of Fuerteventura, Playa de Sotavento is often regarded as the best beach on the island. As yet untouched by the sprawling hotels and real estate tourism found on other coastlines in the archipelago, Sotavento is home to an unspoiled stretch of glorious powdery white sands that give way to the warm turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Due to being in the path of a continuous gust of trade winds, the coastline is an immensely popular destination for windsurfing and kiteboarding enthusiasts looking to hone their skills. Each July, they even have the chance to learn from the very best as Sotavento plays host to the PWA Windsurf & PKRA Kiteboard World Cup.

How To Get There

There are currently no bus routes to the beach, so the beach is only accessible either by car or taxi.

There are several vehicle-friendly trails which fork off the FV-2 motorway that lead to the coastline. If heading from Puerto del Rosario airport, the journey should take approximately 45 minutes.

Activities

Windsurfing and Kiteboarding

As Sotavento is home to the PWA Windsurf & PKRA Kiteboard World Cup each year, the beach is a haven for those that love to ride the wind whilst on the crest of a wave. With favourable gusts and oceanic swells, conditions are perfect for both professionals and beginners alike.

René Egli Windsurf & Kite Academy

Situated by the beach’s Hotel Melia Gorriones, this well-respected organisation has been operating for 27 years. Beginners’ windsurfing courses, which include use of equipment and ten hours tuition, cost €220. There is a 15% discount if courses are booked in advance.

For those intrepid enough to hit the waves without lessons, the rental of equipment costs €65 for four hours. The company is also certified to allocate internationally-recognised windsurfing licenses to both adults and children.

Address: Hotel Melia Gorriones, Playa Sotavento

Tel: +34 928 54 74 83

Fax: +34 928 54 73 88

E-mail: info@rene-egli.com

PWA Windsurf & PKRA Kiteboard World Cup

Held at the end of each July, the beach’s usual serenity is eclipsed by one of the most eminent events in the windsport calendar. Day events usually commence at 10am and finish at 6pm followed by a surfeit of bacchanal proceedings and parties held on the beach and at the Hotel Melia Gorriones. If you are planning to stay at the hotel, it’s best to book well in advance.

www.fuerteventura-worldcup.org

Other Activities

If you wish to swap your sail for a snorkel, the clear turquoise waters, which are devoid of rocks, make for excellent diving conditions. For the more terrestrially-inclined, remember that the beach is also popular with nudists!

Restaurants

Sotavento’s reputation as one of the most unspoiled areas in the Canary Islands comes at a gastronomic cost: a distinct lack of restaurants and bars aside from the Hotel Melia Gorriones which remains an easy and attractive option for its guests. Otherwise, neighbouring Costa Calma, a short taxi ride away, has a plethora of cheap and small cafes.