Fuerteventura – El Cotillo
Spain · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wellenreiten
About this spot
El Cotillo sits in the northwest of Fuerteventura, a laid-back fishing village rather than a resort. South of town the Piedra Playa beach break begins beneath a steep cliff, with several reefs within reach. The beach is exposed to the North Atlantic and picks up west, north-west and north swell – in winter the waves get big, a spot for wave surfers and strapless kiters.
The trade winds from north to north-east usually blow side-onshore, but can turn offshore close to shore and are gusty under the cliff. The north coast is one of the most wind-reliable in the Canaries, with 150–190 wave-sailing days a year, around 70% of them side-shore. When is the best time? Wind and waves run year-round, most reliably October to March for swell and June to September for the summer trades. Piedra Playa is split into zones for surfing, kiting and windsurfing.
Location
Insider tips
For waves come October–March, for steady trades June–September. The wind can turn offshore near the shore – check your gear and position. Piedra Playa is zoned: keep kite and windsurf areas clear of the surf peaks.
⚠︎ Hazards
Open Atlantic side – heavy currents and shore break with large swell, winter waves up to several metres. The cliff makes the wind gusty, and close to shore it can turn offshore. Rocks and reefs near the shoreline.
Nearby surf schools
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