The Hawaii of Europe
Traveling surfers discovered the islands as a surf destination in the eighties. Here they found a island chain of volcanic origin, based off the continental shelf surrounded by deep waters in a subtropical climate and the trade-wind zone. Fuerteventura has a very laid-back island style, warm water and quality waves often compared to Hawaii, giving way to the Canary Islands becoming known among surfers as the Hawaii of Europe.
Surf Spots
Year round consistent swells and spots holding waves at all levels await surfers travelling to Fuerteventura. The northern tip of Fuerteventura around Corralejo, just across from Lanzarote, is the main surfing area on the island, with long sandy beaches and reef breaks on the western, northern and eastern shores. There are more than 50 surf spots within a distance of 25 km, catering for all levels, from easy beach breaks for beginners up to long walls for manoeuvres & tricks to solid tube riding and big wave action, featuring some true world class breaks.
In general, surf spots are well away from the main tourist activity and are frequented only by surfers. The waves at the north shore are long and perfect and most are reef breaks. There are also very long sandy beaches at the east and west coast, perfect for beginners.
The water temperature varies between 18º C in winter and 24º C in summer and the weather is warm all year long, with a 23ºC average in winter! Warm water all year round and people surf in board shorts or short wetsuits!