Airview of the Sotavento lagoon - exclusive teaching area for René Egli Fuerteventura
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Sotavento Beach and Lagoon

4.7
·2k reviews·Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

A stunning Fuerteventura beach where tides create a vast lagoon, perfect for water sports and breathtaking natural beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

High tide

Creates the stunning lagoon

CrowdMedium
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Airview of the Sotavento lagoon - exclusive teaching area for René Egli Fuerteventura

Sotavento Beach and Lagoon

Best Time

High tide

Creates the stunning lagoon

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning Fuerteventura beach where tides create a vast lagoon, perfect for water sports and breathtaking natural beauty.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"One of the most, if not THE most beautifull beach of Fuerteventura."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Access via Hotel Complex

You'll need to drive through the Melia hotel complex to reach the beach. It's worth the slight detour!

🌬️ Windbreaker is a Must

It can get surprisingly chilly with the strong winds, even on sunny days. Pack layers!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Tidal Lagoon

The Tidal Lagoon

Central Sotavento

A vast, shallow lagoon forms at high tide, perfect for water sports and surreal walks. It's a photographer's dream.

Kite and Windsurfing Haven

Kite and Windsurfing Haven

Main beach area

Witness or participate in thrilling water sports with hundreds of colorful kites and sails dotting the horizon.

Endless Golden Sands

Endless Golden Sands

Entire stretch of Playa Sotavento

Miles of soft, golden sand meet turquoise waters, offering a sense of untouched paradise and freedom.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wind and Tides

Sotavento is famous for its strong winds, making it a kite and windsurfing paradise. The landscape dramatically changes with the tides, creating a vast lagoon at high tide. Plan your visit around these natural phenomena for the best experience.

Pack for All Conditions

While Fuerteventura is warm, the wind at Sotavento can be surprisingly chilly. Bring layers, including a windbreaker or jacket, even in summer. Also, pack plenty of water and snacks as amenities are scarce.

Best Times

When
High tide
Why
Creates the stunning lagoon
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon
Why
Winds pick up for sports
Crowd
High
When
Early morning
Why
Quieter, beautiful light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@dragarmek #trend #friends #grancanaria #laspalmas #tenerife #sotavento #smile #street #trendy #beyonce #summer
@lauhernandez1
234 likes • 7.2K views

🚗 Access via Hotel Complex

You'll need to drive through the Melia hotel complex to reach the beach. It's worth the slight detour! Reddit

🌬️ Windbreaker is a Must

It can get surprisingly chilly with the strong winds, even on sunny days. Pack layers! Reddit

🌊 We found a secret beach in Fuerteventura… and it’s pure paradise! 🏝️✨ No crowds, just golden sand, a few palm trees, and a stunning lagoon at high tide. The water is turquoise, the landscape untouched… and the feeling of freedom is absolute. Just a stone’s throw from the Melia hotel, yet it feels like another world. 📍 Who would love to escape here for a while? 😍👇 ✨ **Save this post for your...
frenchiesontrip
627 likes • 48.3K views
I want to get away, I want to fly away…. here in the lagoon in Fuerteventura! One of the most spectacular places in the world for water sports and beach lovers! #welovefuerte #fuerteventura #fuerteventuraexperience #dji #wanderlust #kitesurf #kitesurfing #sotavento #djimavicpro #drone #canaryislands #wingfoil #beach
welovefuerte
13.4K likes • 513K views

💧 Bring Your Own Supplies

There are no bars or restaurants directly on the beach, so pack water and snacks. Reddit

📸 Capture the Changing Landscape

The beach transforms with the tides. Don't miss the magical lagoon at high tide! Instagram

Sotavento Beach: where the sand moves as much as the wind! This beach is constantly changing. Thanks to the tides, it sometimes turns into a giant lagoon. Walking here, with soft sand under your feet and the turquoise ocean stretching endlessly, feels like pure freedom. Add a warm breeze, and you never want to leave! #SotaventoBeach #Fuerteventura #sailing #zeilen #jeanneau #sunlegende41 #saili...
markde3
49 likes • 778 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Access via Hotel Complex

You'll need to drive through the Melia hotel complex to reach the beach. It's worth the slight detour! Reddit

🌬️ Windbreaker is a Must

It can get surprisingly chilly with the strong winds, even on sunny days. Pack layers! Reddit

💧 Bring Your Own Supplies

There are no bars or restaurants directly on the beach, so pack water and snacks. Reddit

📸 Capture the Changing Landscape

The beach transforms with the tides. Don't miss the magical lagoon at high tide! Instagram

🏄‍♀️ Water Sports Galore

Ideal spot for kite and windsurfing. Watch the pros or take a lesson! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Sotavento Beach and Lagoon is overwhelmingly praised as one of Fuerteventura's most beautiful and unique destinations. Visitors rave about the stunning turquoise waters, vast golden sands, and the magical tidal lagoon. It's a world-class spot for kite and windsurfing, though some note the strong winds can be chilly and amenities are scarce, requiring visitors to come prepared.

"One of the most, if not THE most beautifull beach of Fuerteventura. There always is a lot of wind here. Ideal for kite and windsurfing. Looks different during ebb and flow. A must see if you vistit Fuerteventura."

Bram Slijpen

"Playa Sotavento in Fuerteventura is absolutely breathtaking—one of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever visited! The wide stretch of golden sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and peaceful atmosphere make it feel like a hidden paradise. Whether you’re walking along the shore, relaxing in the shallow lagoons, or just taking in the views, it’s pure magic. A must-visit if you’re in Fuerteventura!"

Valerie Alvarez

"Beautiful free beach perfect for water sports but also for walks - can get pretty windy so suggest always taking a jacket - there are no bars or restaurants in the area so come equipped"

girasole91

What People Like

Breathtaking tidal lagoon
Ideal for kite/windsurfing
Beautiful golden sands

What People Dislike

Strong, chilly winds
Limited amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access to Sotavento Beach and Lagoon is typically through the Melia hotel complex. You'll need to drive onto their grounds to reach the parking area for the beach. Some visitors mention it can feel a bit tricky, but it's well worth the effort. Reddit

Public transport options directly to Sotavento are limited. Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach the beach and explore Fuerteventura at your own pace. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available near the beach, usually accessible via the Melia hotel complex. Arrive early during peak season to secure a good spot. Reddit

While Sotavento is part of a larger coastal stretch, walking from other major beaches might be quite a distance. Driving is recommended for ease of access. Instagram

The lagoon is best experienced during high tide when it forms a vast, shallow expanse. You can walk through it or enjoy it from the shore. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Sotavento Beach is a public beach, so there are no entry fees or tickets required to access it. Reddit

Parking is generally free, though it's always a good idea to check for any temporary charges or specific hotel policies if you're using their access route. Reddit

As a natural beach, Sotavento is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

Yes, there are often rental facilities and schools available at Sotavento for kite surfing, windsurfing, and wing foiling, especially near the lagoon. Instagram

No, the lagoon is a natural part of the beach and is free to access. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Sotavento is renowned for its consistent and strong winds, making it a prime location for kite and windsurfing. It can be quite breezy, so pack accordingly. InstagramReddit

The main activities are kite surfing, windsurfing, and wing foiling. It's also perfect for long walks, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning scenery. Instagram+1

The lagoon area at high tide is shallow and calm, making it suitable for wading and beginner swimmers. The open sea can have stronger currents. Instagram

Light, quick-drying clothing is ideal. Definitely bring a windbreaker or jacket, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat. Reddit

It can get busy, especially when the wind is good for water sports and during peak tourist seasons. Visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours can offer a more serene experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are very limited amenities directly on Sotavento Beach itself. It's highly recommended to bring your own food and drinks. Reddit

The closest dining options would be within the nearby hotel complexes, such as the Melia Fuerteventura. For more variety, you'll need to drive to nearby towns like Costa Calma. Instagram

Absolutely! Sotavento is a perfect spot for a picnic. Just remember to take all your trash with you to keep the beach pristine. Reddit

While some water sports centers might have small snack bars, there aren't traditional beach bars directly on the sand. Reddit

Fuerteventura offers fresh seafood, goat cheese (majorero cheese), and traditional Canarian dishes like 'papas arrugadas' (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauces. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The lagoon at high tide offers incredible reflections and surreal landscapes. The vast sandy plains with kitesurfers in the distance are also iconic. Instagram+1

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The dramatic changes during tide shifts also provide unique photo opportunities. Instagram

Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or during events. Always check local regulations before flying. Some stunning aerial shots have been captured here. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for photographing distant kitesurfers. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the water and sky. Instagram

The constantly shifting sand dunes and the vastness of the lagoon create a dynamic and ever-changing photographic canvas. The contrast between the golden sand, turquoise water, and colorful kites is striking. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sotavento Beach offers a unique experience for families, especially when the lagoon forms at high tide. The shallow, calm waters of the lagoon are perfect for younger children to paddle and play safely. It's a fantastic spot for building sandcastles and exploring the wet sand for shells and small sea creatures. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as on-site facilities are limited. A windbreaker is also a good idea for little ones, as the breeze can be brisk. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Water Sports Enthusiasts

For kite surfers, windsurfers, and wing foilers, Sotavento is a dream destination. The consistent, strong winds and the vast, shallow lagoon provide world-class conditions. Numerous schools offer lessons for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced riders looking to hone their skills. You can rent equipment on-site and join the vibrant community of athletes who flock to this spot. Instagram+1

📸 Photographers and Nature Lovers

Sotavento's ever-changing landscape offers incredible photographic opportunities. The dramatic transformation of the beach by the tides, creating the expansive lagoon, is a sight to behold. Capture the vibrant colors of the water and sky, the textures of the sand, and the dynamic action of the water sports. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for stunning shots. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of the Tidal Lagoon

Sotavento Beach is most famous for its incredible tidal lagoon, a phenomenon that transforms the landscape daily. At high tide, the sea pushes inland, creating a vast, shallow expanse of turquoise water that stretches for miles. This natural wonder is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, offering calm, shallow conditions perfect for learning and practicing.

The lagoon's appearance changes dramatically with the ebb and flow of the tide. At low tide, it recedes, revealing expansive sandbanks and creating intricate patterns on the wet sand. This constant transformation makes Sotavento a dynamic and endlessly fascinating destination. Visitors often describe walking through the lagoon as a surreal and freeing experience, with the soft sand underfoot and the endless horizon. InstagramReddit

For photographers, the lagoon is a dream. The reflections on the calm water, the interplay of light and shadow on the sand, and the vibrant colors of the sky and sea create breathtaking compositions. It's a place where you can capture both grand, sweeping landscapes and intimate details of the natural environment. Instagram+1

A World-Class Kitesurfing and Windsurfing Destination

Sotavento Beach is globally recognized as a premier spot for kite surfing and windsurfing. The consistent, strong winds that sweep across the peninsula, combined with the expansive, shallow lagoon, create ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced riders. You'll see hundreds of colorful kites and sails dotting the horizon, a testament to the beach's reputation.

Several international competitions, including the GWA Wingfoil World Cup, are held here, attracting top athletes from around the globe. Instagram If you're looking to try these sports, Sotavento offers numerous schools and rental shops where you can take lessons or rent equipment. The lagoon's shallow waters provide a safe environment for learning, while the open sea offers more challenging conditions for advanced riders.

Even if you don't participate, watching the skilled riders navigate the wind and waves is an exhilarating experience. The sheer energy and visual spectacle of so many people enjoying the elements make Sotavento a vibrant hub for wind sports enthusiasts. TikTokInstagram

Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and What to Expect

When planning a trip to Sotavento, remember that it's a natural, somewhat wild beach. While stunningly beautiful, amenities are minimal. Most visitors recommend bringing your own food, water, and plenty of sunscreen. The strong winds, while great for sports, can also make it feel cooler than expected, so packing a windbreaker or jacket is a wise move, even in warmer months. Reddit

Accessing the beach involves driving through the grounds of the Melia hotel complex, which can feel a bit unusual but is the standard route. Reddit This means there aren't many spontaneous dining or shopping options right on the beach. Plan to stock up before you arrive or be prepared to drive to nearby towns like Costa Calma for more services. Instagram

Despite these practical considerations, the sheer beauty and unique environment of Sotavento make it a must-visit. The feeling of freedom, the dramatic landscapes, and the vibrant atmosphere for water sports create an unforgettable experience. InstagramReddit

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