Fuerteventura, literally translated, means ‘strong fortune’ – and if you’re into surfing you’ll find nothing but good luck here. Why? Because this tiny island in the Canaries, with its strong winds, perfect waves, and long sandy coastline, is a surfer’s dream come true! Whether you’re keen on traditional surfing, kitesurfing, or windsurfing, Fuerteventura delivers. So grab some buds and your board and book yourself a ticket to hang-ten heaven!
Interested in the rest of the Canary Islands? Check out Tenerife.
Top Spots
There are no bad surf spots on Fuerteventura, but get started with a few of our favourites. All of them are clustered around the northern tip of the island, so you can easily hit up more than one beach if you’re feeling ambitious.
Rocky Point – Located near Corralejo harbour, this is a great spot to get started. If you or one of your mates is new to surfing, there are two surf schools here where you can book lessons. Even if you’re a seasoned pro, this relatively easy spot is a gentle way to get your sea legs back! Waves here break left and right over a shallow reef with the left wave a little further out, making for a long paddle. The right wave is ideal for long boards, so if you’ve packed one of these you’re in luck! One more thing: as the name suggests, this spot can be pretty rocky, so watch where you put your feet.
Recommended read: Flying with Windsurfers or Surfboards
El Muelle – Right next door to Rocky Point is El Muelle, a reef break just north of Corralejo harbour wall. These point break waves are more suited to intermediate surfers or beginners looking to take the next step. The right hand wave is quite a short ride, and can deliver you right onto the rocks if you’re not expecting it.
Pop Corn Reef – A little way west down the coast from Corralejo, this colourfully named exposed reef break gets some truly epic waves – but it’s not very consistent, so patience may be needed. Your best bet for some truly perfect waves comes when the wind is from the south and the swell angle to the northwest, so always keep an eye on the forecast. A top spot for advanced surfers, Pop Corn Reef is often extremely crowded – but isn’t that always the case with the best places?
Caletta – Just east of Majanicho you’ll find this popular advanced surfing hotspot. Expect to be sharing the water with kitesurfers and windsurfers, too. The waves here break in deeper water over a sharp reef (mind your toes) with an impressive hollow barrel. Don’t get overconfident though – the powerful wave can easily break your board.
Majanicho – The right point waves at this spot break in the bay by the tiny fishing village of Majanicho. With plenty of variation in wave size, this can be a fun spot – albeit less extreme than some of the other waves around this part of the island. Perfect for the intermediate surfer, Majanicho attracts a respectable amount of people but isn’t as crowded as some of the other beaches.
The Bubble – On a roll and ready to take some risks? Check out the Bubble, a fast and hollow reef break very popular with locals. If you’re looking for those huge, magnificent barrels, here’s the place to find it. Since the water is relatively shallow, the waves break quickly and spectacularly, giving you just enough time to dart in and out of the barrel.
How to Get to Fuerteventura
Already packing up your board? With this kind of surfing, who can blame you? Luckily, it’s not as hard to get to this remote island as you might think. Several budget airlines, including Ryanair and easyJet, operate nonstop flights out of London Stansted, Luton, and Gatwick. Total flying time is about four and a half hours. You might even be able to catch a glimpse of the ocean swells as you come in for a landing.
Once you’ve touched down, it’s time to hang ten. Arrange your Fuerteventura airport transfers with Shuttle Direct to have a private car or shared shuttle waiting for you at the terminal. If you’re planning to bring your own board, make sure you mention the extra luggage during the book process so your driver can accommodate you.
Where to Stay:
Corralejo Surfing Colours Apartmentos – These bright and modern studio apartments make for a fantastic home base for your surfing trip, whether you’re travelling with friends or flying solo. A simple kitchenette allows you to do some basic food prep, but don’t worry if you’re not a cook – the breakfast buffet downstairs is well-stocked. Bonus: treat yourself to a Thai massage to work out the kinks after a long day on the waves.
Oasis Dunas – Everything you could ever need is right here at Oasis Dunas, truly a home away from home. This spacious three-star apartment complex includes basketball and tennis courts, a fitness centre, a pub, buffet restaurant, pizzeria, poolside bar… you get the picture. Just a mile and a half from Corralejo Harbour, you’re in a prime position to hit the beach and catch those waves.
Arena Beach – Directly adjacent to Corralejo Sand Dunes National Park, Arena Beach is a little oasis among the sand. The apartment complex is a short walk from the main harbour, and will welcome you back after a tiring day with its spa, sauna, and gym. The airy studio apartments sleep one to two adults and are perfect for the travelling bachelor – although there’s still room if you want to bring a buddy!
About Shuttle Direct:
Whether you’re chasing waves or just looking to rack out on the beach, Shuttle Direct can help you get your holiday off to a great start. As the top provider of airport transfers across Europe and North Africa, we’re well-equipped to help travellers criss-cross the globe. Book online to explore our options – from private cars to shared shuttles – and decide what’s right for your next journey.
