An archipelago blessed with year-round warmth, Atlantic waters and almost guaranteed wind, it’s little wonder that Canary Islands windsurfing holidays are some of the best on the planet. The brisk, humid and north-easterly trade winds stir up the waters, creating perfect conditions and with the infrastructure in place to boot, these islands are the real deal.
With spots ranging from exposed to sheltered, conditions are suitable for all levels of riders, from experts to absolute beginners. In most cases this means more experienced riders head to the north of the islands and those learning the ropes head south, but conditions do vary. In this guide we’ve broken it down island by island giving you the basic info on each to help you decide where to go.
We have also included some suggestions about tour operators offering Canary Islands windsurfing holidays from the UK and local windsurfing centres to check out if you are already there and just want to hit the water.
Fuerteventura
The second largest of the islands and one of the least developed, conditions range from flat, shallow lagoons to full on wave sailing spots. Sotavento, on the south of the island, is found on miles of white sandy beach and viewed as one of the windiest places on earth.
We recommend you check out the Rene Egli Windsurf-Centre to help you get on the water. If you are looking for a package windsurfing holiday to Fuerteventura Travel Action have great deals.
Tenerife
With almost 360 days of sunshine and 260 days of wind each year, this could be considered a windsurfing paradise. Thanks to the incredible windsurfing conditions, El Medano on the south coast near the airport, has been transformed from a traditional fishing village into an international windsurfing hub over recent decades. Choose between the North and South bays depending on your ability level, for wave riding and flat water.
El Medano provides perfect conditions for slalom-sailing, free-riding and wave riding. With conditions suitable for windsurfing over 65% of the time it is the most wind-reliable spot in Europe. The friendly village has lots of restaurants and bars to make your windsurf holiday complete.
Tenerife Windsurf Solution provide the best possible windsurf-gear 365 days a year. With set-ups ranging from free-race to hardcore-wave, by 8 different board and sail manufacturers you will windsurf on your perfect set-up. TWS is often visited by windsurf magazines to conduct gear tests at the centre – need we say more?
For more information about contact Tenerife Windsurf Solution by email: info@tws-windsurf.com, phone: T +34 922 179 401 / +34 609 660 387, drop in to the centre: Paseo Nuestra Señora Mercedes de Roja 56, El Médano, Tenerife, or check out their website: www.tws-windsurf.com.
Gran Canaria
The fact Gran Canaria has become home to the windsurfing elite over the last few years – including stars like Björn Dunkerbeck, Marcos Perez and Vidar Jensen – should tell you everything you need to know. Perfect flat water and light wind conditions in the Bahia Feliz are ideal for beginners but with plenty of high-wind locations there is something for more advanced riders too.
Club Mistral offers Gran Canaria windsurfing lessons and gear hire, for a package holiday check out Sportif.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is the closest island to mainland Africa and is no longer just a place for sun worshipers. It has cultivated a new image of a fun-filled island of activities both in the water and on land. Windsurfing conditions are of an world class standard and other watersports are not shabby either. Costa Teguise is home to the windiest beaches and is the go to destination for windsurfing.
ZOCO Canarias offer lessons and self-catered accommodation on the island and Active Adventures provide package windsurfing holidays to Lanzarote from the UK.
These are just the four largest of the thirteen islands, with plenty more Canary Islands windsurfing holidays to be found across the archipelago. From La Palma and La Gomera, right down to the smaller Roque del Etse and Oeste, there are some magnificent conditions throughout the year. Conditions in the summer months do just edge it but they come with bigger crowds too, so it’s up to you when you want to travel. Year-round conditions in the Canary Islands make this a real possibility.
A combination of perfect geographical location for great windsurfing conditions and solid tourist infrastructure make the Canaries a must visit destination for windsurfers of all levels. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or seasoned pro, Canary Islands windsurfing holidays seldom, if ever, disappoint.
