Kite Flying on Fuerteventura North Shore
Long before kitesurfing exploded on the island, the constant trade winds and wide-open coastal plains made Fuerteventura a paradise for traditional kite flying. The North Shore — the strip between Corralejo and El Cotillo — offers steady 15-25 knot winds almost every afternoon from April to October, with no power lines, no trees and no obstacles for hundreds of metres in every direction. Whether you bring a basic single-line kite for the kids or a four-line stunt rig, you will find your spot.
3. Getting There
-
Location: North Shore Fuerteventura, the open plain west of Corralejo along the FV-10.
-
By car: 5-10 min from Corralejo on the FV-10. Park at any of the small lay-bys before Majanicho. Best spots are between Punta Elena and El Hierro.
-
By bus: Tiadhe line 6 to Corralejo, then taxi or rental car for the last 5 km. No direct public transport.
-
By bike: popular gravel-cycling route, kites strap onto rear racks easily.
🏨 Looking for a base near the North Shore?
Compare apartments and surf houses in Corralejo →
4. What to Expect
-
Feel: the constant pull of the alisios on the kite line, golden afternoon light, volcanic sand under bare feet, total absence of crowds.
-
Perfect for: families with kids, hobby kite-fliers, stunt-kite teams, photographers chasing colour-against-volcano shots.
5. History & Culture
Traditional kite flying ("volar cometas" in Spanish) is a beloved Canarian pastime. Every March the island of Fuerteventura hosts the Festival Internacional de Cometas in Corralejo Dunes — one of the largest kite-flying festivals in Europe, drawing teams from Japan, USA, Germany and Italy. Giant inflatable kites in the shape of octopuses, gecks and dragons fill the sky over the dunes for a whole weekend.
6. Best Kite-Flying Spots Around the Island
-
North Shore (Punta Elena — El Hierro): the classic, vast open plain, steady wind.
-
Corralejo Dunes: location of the international festival, golden sand backdrop.
-
Caleta de Fuste plain: sheltered and family-friendly, easy parking.
-
Sotavento (Costa Calma): long flat beach, popular with stunt-kite teams.
-
Cofete: wild and remote, dramatic backdrop of the Jandia massif.
7. Did you know…
Local children traditionally build their first kites using bamboo sticks, plastic bags and old fishing line. The shape ("la pajarita") is the simplest single-line diamond — you will often see them flying along the seafront in Corralejo at sunset, with grandparents proudly watching their grandkids master the line tension for the first time.
8. Quick Practical Tips
-
📅 Best time: afternoon sessions (14:00-18:00) when the trade wind is steadiest, March to October. December festival in Corralejo Dunes.
-
🧸 Pack light: kite + 30 m line, sunglasses, sunscreen, a windbreaker for late afternoon, water and snacks.
-
🌀 Wind factor: ideal range 12-25 knots. Above 30 knots use a more rigid kite or wait it out.
-
📋 Facilities: none on the North Shore plain. Bring everything you need. Toilets at Corralejo Dunes carpark.
-
🌍 Respect nature: keep kites away from nesting bird zones in the dunes (signposted). Never leave broken kite string on the ground.
9. Kite Flying on Fuerteventura
(video coming soon — in the meantime, take a look at our North Shore overview)
