Sotavento
Costa Calma - Spain
Spot Type
Flat
Water
Crystal Clear
Beach
Sand
Rider Lever
beginner
Spot characteristics
Spot Type
Flat
Rider Skill
beginner
Crowd
Seasonal Crowd
Beach Type
Sand
Water Quality
Crystal Clear
Tide Influence
All tide levels with different conditions (chop - flat - wave)
Description of Sotavento (Spain)
Sotavento is one of those legendary kiting spots that really lives up to the hype. Tucked into the southeastern tip of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, it’s a wind machine in summer thanks to the island's mountain-driven venturi effect. That means strong, consistent winds almost daily, peaking at 7 to 8 Beaufort—right around 30 to 35 knots most afternoons from June through August. You’ll find yourself reaching for your smallest kite on many days, especially when the midday thermal kicks in and sends gusts ripping across the flat water lagoon.
What makes Sotavento so special is its size and layout. The beach is massive, stretching for kilometers with fine white sand that makes launching and landing super straightforward. Even if it’s busy, you’ll find space. The spot has two main zones: down south, near René Egli 2, you’ve got the more sheltered lagoon area with smoother, flatter water ideal for learning or refining tricks. A bit further north, the second center caters more to intermediate and advanced riders who want to push their riding into deeper water or take advantage of the gustier offshore sections.
The water is mostly flat, with minor chop and the occasional knee-high wave depending on wind direction and tide. The tidal lagoon fills and empties based on the moon cycle, so if you’re riding close to low tide, expect to walk across some sandbanks or deal with shallow puddle-depth spots—booties help avoid stubbed toes and cuts. Southeast and northwest winds dominate, so depending on the season, you’ll get side-on from the left or tricky side-off that demands solid spatial awareness, especially if you drift too far out.
The schools down here are well-equipped, the rental gear is solid and regularly updated, and both René Egli centers run rescue boat services if you drift beyond the safe area—though be aware the pickups can come with a surcharge if you’re not in a lesson. The infrastructure makes it beginner-friendly but also keeps you dialed in if you're progressing towards freestyle or big air. You’ll spot beginners getting first rides near the lagoon shallows, while upwind you'll see riders throwing loops and unhooked tricks thanks to the moderate kickers forming across the open water chop.
Costa Calma is the nearest town and just a few minutes away, so getting to the beach from your hotel or apartment is easy whether you’ve rented a car or are relying on public transit or a shuttle from the kite centers. The town has supermarkets, repairs shops, and everything you’ll need to recharge after a big day on the water. There's also beachside chill zones and casual cafes where riders debrief sessions over fresh fish or cold beers while watching the sun go down behind the volcanic hills.
All in all, Sotavento is a solid spot if you're after consistency, space, and progress-friendly conditions. It handles the beginner phase well but also lets you evolve quickly thanks to its mix of water states and wind strengths. Just know your limits during those high-gust hours in the afternoons—it’s easy to get overwhelmed if you choose the wrong kite or drift too far offshore.
Check also the nearby Risco del Paso kite spot.
Spot Gallery (3)
Spot best suited for
Spot profile
Travel spot
The typical kite travel destination, it is known for its great conditions, and kiters from around the world come here for their vacations.
Family spot
Located in an area that offers amenities for all the family and can provide good alternatives for everyone when the kiters are in the water.
Equipment
A shorty wetsuit is plenty in the summer, but late autumn through early spring can be chilly in the evenings, so a 3/2 full wetsuit gives you comfort for longer sessions. The lagoon can have shallow sandy spots or surprise drop-offs depending on tide, so light neoprene boots or reef shoes are useful.
Wind Conditions
Main wind directions
% of Windy days per month
Wind Speed Range
From 15 to 30 Knots
Suggested sizes
7 mt and below
8 - 9 mt
10 - 11 mt
12 - 13 mt
Forecast on Windy.com
Dangers
The most important thing to be aware of at Sotavento is the venturi effect caused by surrounding mountains—it cranks up the wind, especially in the afternoon. You can show up at 10am and it’s soft and smooth, but by 2pm the wind ramps up 10 or 15 knots stronger, often with punchy gusts. This means making the wrong kite choice can lead to getting seriously overpowered, particularly if you’re in the middle of a session when the gusts hit hard. It's not just about choosing the right kite—it's making sure you're ready to change down quickly if conditions shift, which they often do.
Also, depending on the time of year, wind direction can swing to side-offshore, which is sketchier if you're riding far from shore. That's why beginners should stay inside the lagoon or very close to shore and preferably ride when there’s a rescue boat operating. The water gets shallow fast in some areas at low tide, exposing sandbanks that can cause you to catch a fin or edge unexpectedly if you're not paying attention. Booties help, but so does keeping an eye downwind when the tide’s out.
Another aspect to watch out for is flying in high tide when the lagoon is full—there’s more space, but also more riders. Collisions can and do happen on busy days unless people stay aware of right-of-way rules. The good news is both René Egli centers have staff around and patrol boats to keep things under control, especially in peak season. Stick to designated zones if you're new, and always ask the locals or instructors about wind shifts—they’ll save your session more than once.
Location
Closest City
Costa Calma
How to get There
Get yourself to Fuerteventura Airport (FUE), then head about 65 km south to Sotavento. Renting a car is your best option for flexibility—it’ll run around €100 for the week. If you’re packing light, a taxi works too, but it’s around €65 one-way. Some kite schools, like René Egli, offer airport or hotel shuttles if you’re booked in with lessons or equipment. Buses also run regularly from the airport or Puerto del Rosario down to Costa Calma, and from there it’s a short drive or ride to the beach—just follow the signs to Hotel Melia or Sol Gorriones and park at the end of the sand track.
Access
Sotavento beach is fully public and has free parking right on the sand. No permits or entry fees are needed. Just follow the signs from the main road to Sol Gorriones and keep driving until you reach the beach. Both René Egli locations have school-run zones marked by flags and buoy lines where their lessons take place, so avoid those unless you’re part of them. Rescue services are available during
What to do besides kitesurfing
Costa Calma and the surrounding area near Sotavento are super convenient for setting up base for your kite trip. There are loads of accommodation options—everything from budget apartments to big resort-style hotels like Melia Fuerteventura right next to the launch zone. Having a room there means you can literally walk to your kite every morning, pump and go—nothing better. Most hotels have gear storage and rinse stations, which is a dream after sandy sessions. The restaurants in Costa Calma suit pretty much every vibe—surf cafes slinging good coffee and bowls, beach restaurants with seafood and tapas, and even some German bakeries (big German crowd comes here to kite) that do insane breakfast before your session.
If you're not kiting, there's solid stuff to do—a few decent hikes into the volcanic hills, long beach walks in either direction, or drive up the coast to La Pared for different surf vibes. You’ve also got local markets where you can score fresh fruit, island-made cheeses, and aloe products. Family-wise, it’s super chill—shallow lagoon water is perfect for little ones to splash in, and most hotels have pools and play areas.
Nightlife is mellow here, more about beers after sunset than clubs. A few casual bars keep it lively late into the evening if you're in the mood. Wi-Fi’s strong across town if you're working online while kiting. Renting a car is totally worth it—even if just to store gear or chase wind to other spots like Risco del Paso or Flag Beach on a day trip. Parking at the beach is easy even mid-summer.
Generally, Sotavento is well set up for long stays. You can come with the crew, your family, or solo, and you’ll get quality wind and community. The vibe on the beach is relaxed but stoked—a proper blend of learners, freestylers, weekend cruisers, and international riders mixing up their sessions all day long. Don’t forget sunscreen—the sun hits hard here, and you’ll be baking out there wind or not. Bring backup lines and a screwdriver—no local core shops, but the kite schools can often help in a pinch. Whether you're here for a week or a month, it keeps delivering if you’re down to adapt each day based on tide, gusts, and crowd levels.