Piedra Playa
El Cotillo - Spain
Spot Type
Wave
Water
Crystal Clear
Beach
Sand
Rider Lever
beginner
Spot characteristics
Spot Type
Wave
Rider Skill
beginner
Crowd
Few people on the spot
Beach Type
Sand
Water Quality
Crystal Clear
Tide Influence
Tide independent
Description of Piedra Playa (Spain)
Piedra Playa is one of those rare wave spots that manages to feel raw and remote, yet still friendly enough for newer riders. Located just outside El Cotillo on Fuerteventura’s northwest coast, the beach is divided into three main zones, with the central section specifically set aside for kitesurfing. That means you’re not dodging too many surfers or swimmers, which helps keep sessions more relaxed—and safer.
The launch itself is sandy with a few boulders closer to the cliff sides. They’re nothing gnarly, just something to keep an eye on when landing or coming back in through the white water. Beginners can breathe easy; everything’s visible and spaced well.Wind-wise, the action really kicks off in March but, from May through September, it gets a lot more reliable.
During prime season, expect solid winds from the north and northwest, and occasionally northeast or even south. Just don’t bother when it’s easterly—it doesn’t work at all here. You’re generally flying 10 to 12 meter kites if you’re in that 70kg range, with wind often sitting between 18 and 25 knots. That’s plenty for wave riding, and for trying your first entries into small to mid-size wave play without getting overwhelmed. The natural terrain is what makes this spot stand out. Rugged cliffs give you great reference points when you’re out on the water, and the waves tend to break cleanly over a shallow sand bottom. It’s forgiving for falls and great for building confidence in the surf.
The beach picks up NW swells pretty regularly, though you’ll also get solid NE swell at times too, adding variety to the wave shape. You never really feel boxed in—there’s enough room to edge out and turn back without stress.What I’ve always dug about Piedra is how uncrowded it is, especially compared to Flag Beach or Sotavento down south. Even in peak season, you’re usually sharing the water with just a handful of riders.
The laid-back energy spills from the beach into El Cotillo itself, which is a fishing village turned surf town with enough infrastructure to keep you supplied—gear repairs, food, beds—but without the noise or crowds. Think low-key tapas joints, cold beers after a sunset session, and decent Wi-Fi if you’re sticking around a while.Another highlight? The sunsets. They’re intense. Like, stop-mid-session-and-just-watch kind of intense. The view west, across that open Atlantic, framed by the dark cliffs? It sticks with you. Great for photographers too if you’re into that.On the logistics side, getting to the spot does require a bit of planning. You’ll turn off from El Cotillo and follow an offroad dirt track that traces the coast. It’s totally doable in a normal car if you drive slow, but if you've got an SUV rented, you'll cruise in no problem. Just don’t come here planning to walk in with gear—it’s not that kind of beach.
And remember: no schools directly on site, so bring your own gear or rent in town. There’s a lot of potential here for freeride and some small wave fun, but don’t come expecting smooth lagoons—it’s all about dealing with the real ocean here. But that’s the fun part, right?
Spot Gallery (2)
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.
Adventure spot
That dream place out of the normal touristic routes. Once you reach it, you feel in paradise, it can be anything extraordinary, a hidden gem, remote and fascinating.
Equipment
During summer months, a shorty wetsuit is usually enough, but in cooler months (March, April, October), a full wetsuit is better, especially if you’re spending long hours in the water. The water’s not icy, but that Atlantic chill can creep in. Rugged beach shoes or dedicated surf booties are recommended to avoid slipping on the occasional large rocks.
Wind Conditions
Main wind directions
% of Windy days per month
Wind Speed Range
From 18 to 25 Knots
Suggested sizes
8 - 9 mt
10 - 11 mt
12 - 13 mt
Forecast on Windy.com
Dangers
There’s no lifeguard, no immediate kite shop, and no quick exit if something goes wrong—so take that into account before launching. The biggest safety consideration at Piedra Playa is the cluster of large volcanic rocks on the beach and in the shore break, especially just off the central launch area. These rocks are clearly visible most of the time, but during high tide or big swell, they can become submerged. That’s not where you want to be if you're tangled or doing a sketchy landing.
The waves here can form sharp shorebreaks (locally called 'olón') that snap hard, especially on a dropping tide. If you're launching or coming in during one of these phases, time it well or you’re going to get worked. For newer riders, this caught-inside risk is real—always keep some distance from the cliffs on either side of the bay because there’s not much bailout zone. Self-rescue is possible and the beach is long, but the wind can gust around the cliffs when it shifts northwest sharply.
Make sure your kite setup is tuned—lines clean, safety releases tested. The place feels isolated too; cell service is hit or miss down by the beach, so make a plan with your crew ahead of time. Don’t ride solo, and bring a drybag with basic essentials. No restroom, no shade, no vendors—it’s raw, so don’t expect help from folks around you. Keep an eye on changing wind angles, and get familiar with the drop-off zones—there’s deep water with pitching sets depending on swell direction.
Location
Closest City
El Cotillo
How to get There
Piedra Playa is about an hour’s drive from Fuerteventura Airport. You’ll head northwest toward El Cotillo, then take the dirt track that starts just left of the town along the coastal side. The track runs along the cliffs toward the beach area. A car with decent clearance is recommended since the road isn’t paved.
Access
The spot is publicly accessible and free to enter, but reaching it requires navigating an offroad coastal track outside El Cotillo. While not technically a private road, it is unpaved and rugged, so it’s best done in a high-clearance or 4x4 rental. Normal cars can make it but risk bottoming out in spots. There are no facilities or signs—just natural terrain leading to a wide sandy beach.
What to do besides kitesurfing
El Cotillo is a laid-back base that’s perfect for kitesurf travelers who want real wind without the resort vibe that’s taken over other spots in Fuerteventura. The town sits just above Piedra Playa and has everything you need without being flashy—a solid handful of local bars, nice sunset restaurants, tapas joints, and a supermarket for camping or long-stay backpackers. The night scene is mellow; think quiet beers, not beach parties.
Gear rentals and basic repairs can be handled at shops in town, though gear selection can be limited, so bring what you rely on most. Accommodation runs from surf lodges to boutique hotels and self-catered apartments. No high-rises here. If you’re planning rest days (or the wind dies out), there’s as much to enjoy on land: the cliffside hikes right above Piedra offer panoramic ocean views, and down by the harbor you’ll get a dose of the island’s fishing village roots still intact. History buffs can check out El Tostón castle for a quick cultural detour.
For food, don’t skip La Vaca Azul—grilled octopus with a cold Dorada after a long session hits differently here. There’s also a few bakeries and pizza spots in town that understand post-kite hunger. If you're mobile, drive 20-30 minutes north or south and you’ll find other riding spots with different conditions, making Piedra a great base camp if you're chasing the right wind and swell setups.
Just know that beyond El Cotillo, you won’t find much until Corralejo or La Oliva, so stock up on basics before heading out. And while it's not a family-perfect, lounge-on-the-beach kind of scene, dedicated kiters who've outgrown noisy kite stations and jammed-up launch zones will find peace and play here. The sunsets from above the cliffline are reason alone to pause each evening, kite deflated, with a camera or cold drink in hand. You’ll want to stay longer than planned—and that’s not a bad thing.