Lanzarote Kitesurfing

Lanzarote has long been a favourite for kitesurfers, and it is easy to see why. The island enjoys steady trade winds, warm waters and a wonderful mix of spots, from calm lagoons to stretches of coastline where the waves roll in. Over the years, a friendly community of schools and rental shops has grown up here, making it simple for both newcomers and seasoned riders to get out on the water. 

Thanks to the reliable northeast winds that sweep through the Canaries, you can usually count on good conditions, especially from June to August when the breeze is at its strongest. Whether you are just starting out on the gentle sands of Costa Teguise or heading for the waves at Famara, there is a place here for every level. And while the main season runs from April to October, you will often find rideable days all year round.

Playa de las Cucharas is where most kitesurfers head in Lanzarote, and for good reason. This stretch of sand in Costa Teguise has become a favourite for both locals and visitors who want to learn or simply enjoy the sport in a safe, welcoming environment. At the southern end of the beach, you will find a clearly marked kite zone, with signs and flags making it easy to spot. The local authorities do a great job of keeping kiters, swimmers and sunbathers safely apart, so you can focus on enjoying your session without any worries. The wind here usually blows in from the northeast, onshore or cross-onshore, which is ideal for beginners as it gently brings you back towards the beach.

The bay itself is shallow and sandy underfoot, which is a real comfort when you are learning and find yourself taking a few tumbles. It is easy to stand up, catch your breath and get going again. There are several excellent kite schools right on the beach, all IKO-certified, and you will spot their storage containers dotted along the sand. After a good session, it is not unusual to see kiters relaxing at the nearby beach bars, sharing stories and enjoying the laid-back, friendly vibe that makes this spot so special.

On a lively summer afternoon, the sky above Cucharas fills with colourful kites, creating a wonderful spectacle that often draws a crowd along the promenade. The only real challenge here is space, especially during the windiest days in July and August, when the kite zone can get quite busy. If you are just starting out, it can feel a bit daunting to share the water with more experienced riders showing off their skills nearby. Many of the local schools know this well and will often arrange lessons early in the morning, when things are much quieter and the water is yours to enjoy.

Famara beach, set along Lanzarote’s wild northwest coast, offers a completely different kite experience to Costa Teguise. Here, the wind sweeps in from the northeast, tumbling over the cliffs and reaching the sand at an angle that carries you out to sea. This spot is best suited to confident kiters who are comfortable with self-rescue and upwind body-dragging. If you are still building your skills, it is wise to wait until you feel ready, as the wind can quickly take you away from shore. For those with experience, though, Famara is a truly special place to ride.

The mix of steady wind, rolling waves and the towering Famara cliffs makes for a kite session you will remember. Most days bring waist to head-high waves, ideal for carving turns, catching a little air or enjoying the freedom of strapless surfboard riding. The beach stretches out for what feels like miles, and even on a good day, there is plenty of space to enjoy the water without feeling crowded.

There are days when you might have a whole kilometre of coastline almost to yourself, with just the sound of the waves and the wind for company. Famara really comes into its own when the northeast trade winds are blowing at 18 knots or more. On lighter wind days, you will find Cucharas offers a more forgiving angle and is a better choice for making the most of your session.

Aside from the two main kitesurfing spots, there are a handful of other places around Lanzarote where you can catch the right conditions if you know when to look.

Playa Honda, just beside the airport on the east coast, is a favourite with local riders thanks to its long, open beach and steady trade winds. The water here is usually flatter than at Famara, making it a pleasant change if you prefer smoother conditions. There are no official kite schools or facilities, so it is more of a spot for those who already know what they are doing. Down in the south, around Playa Blanca, you might be lucky enough to catch a good session when the wind swings from the south or southeast. These days are rare, mostly turning up in the winter, but they can offer something special for those willing to wait.

The lagoon at Los Pocillos, close to Puerto del Carmen, is shallow and flat, and you will sometimes see intermediate riders making the most of lighter winds here. It is not an official kite spot and can get a bit weedy, but it has its moments. If you have a car and a sense of adventure, Lanzarote’s 250 kilometres of coastline can surprise you with hidden opportunities, all depending on the wind that day. If you are ever unsure, just drop by the beach bars at Las Cucharas—local riders are usually more than happy to share their favourite spots when the conditions are a bit out of the ordinary.

The steady trade winds are one of the things that make Lanzarote such a special place for kitesurfing. Blowing in from the northeast, they pick up speed as they weave between the islands, creating ideal conditions for much of the year. If you are visiting in June, July, or August, you can look forward to plenty of breezy days, with winds often in the 20-30 knot range. It is rare to go a whole week in summer without several good sessions on the water. 

May and September are also reliable, just a touch gentler, while April and October can be a bit more unpredictable; some days are perfect, others calm and peaceful. Even in winter, when the winds are less consistent, there are still plenty of opportunities to get out, especially when the Atlantic brings a bit of drama to our shores. In the afternoons, the sun warms the land and draws in extra wind, especially at Cucharas, which is a favourite spot for many locals. Most people here ride with a 9 to 12 metre kite, but if you are here in the height of summer, it is worth packing a 7 metre as well, just in case the wind really picks up.

Costa Teguise is home to a number of excellent kite schools, most of them gathered around Playa de las Cucharas. Here, you will find instructors who are IKO-certified, which means they have completed thorough training in safety and teaching, so you can feel confident you are in good hands.

Beginner courses usually take place over three days, starting with learning to handle the kite on the sand before moving into the water for body dragging and your first rides on the board. Prices for a full beginner course, with all the equipment provided, are generally between 250 and 350 euros. If you prefer to learn with others, group lessons with two or three people per instructor are available for about 80 to 120 euros for a three-hour session.

If you would rather have one-to-one attention, private lessons are available for around 150 to 200 euros per session and can really help you progress quickly. Most people find they need between 6 and 12 hours of instruction before they are riding on their own, though this depends on your fitness, coordination and the conditions on the day. The schools provide all the gear you need, from kite and board to wetsuit and helmet. Some even offer radio coaching, so your instructor can guide you as you ride, offering tips and encouragement in real time.

If you are a confident kitesurfer with your own certification, you will find that Costa Teguise has a good selection of shops offering equipment rental by the day or week. Expect to pay between 60 and 80 euros per day for a full setup, or 250 to 400 euros for the week, depending on the season and the quality of the gear. 

If you only need a kite, prices are usually 40 to 50 euros per day, while boards cost 20 to 30 euros. Most shops have a range of kite sizes from 7 to 14 metres, so you can always choose the right one for the wind conditions without the hassle of bringing several kites with you. Many of the beach schools and rental shops also offer storage, often in secure containers right by the sand. This usually costs 30 to 50 euros per week and is a real bonus, as it means you do not have to lug wet, sandy gear back to your accommodation. 

If you prefer to bring your own equipment from home, most airlines will take kite bags as sports luggage for 30 to 60 euros each way. I always recommend packing your kite, harness, and wetsuit in a dedicated kite bag, and using a padded board bag to keep everything safe on the journey.

Here on Lanzarote, we are lucky to have several operators offering dedicated kite camps that blend comfortable accommodation with daily water sessions, expert coaching, and plenty of opportunities to socialise. These camps are a favourite with solo travellers and groups of friends who prefer to have everything organised, so they can simply enjoy the experience. Most kite camps are based in Costa Teguise, where you will typically stay in a shared apartment or villa, with daily transport to the beach, all your equipment and coaching included, and relaxed evening activities like group dinners or yoga. Prices usually range from 500 to 900 euros per week, depending on the type of accommodation and the level of coaching you choose. 

Some camps are perfect for beginners, while others are designed for those looking to improve their skills or try out new tricks and wave riding. One of the things we love most about these camps is the friendly, sociable atmosphere. People come from all over Europe, and sharing the adventure of learning together in Lanzarote’s warm, reliable winds makes for a truly welcoming environment. If you are travelling alone and would rather not spend your days on a resort beach by yourself, a kite camp is a wonderful way to meet new friends and make the most of your time on the island.

Kitesurfing is a lively and rewarding sport that does ask for a bit of fitness, coordination and confidence in the water. Here on Lanzarote, most of the local schools are happy to welcome students from about age 10 or 12, depending on how comfortable they feel in the sea. It is always lovely to see younger children starting out with trainer kites on the sand, learning the basics before they venture onto the water. There is no real upper age limit either, and it is quite common to see people in their 40s, 50s or even older discovering the sport for the first time, as long as they feel fit and happy in the ocean.

Kitesurfing can be a little more challenging to adapt for people with physical disabilities, as it does require managing both the kite and the board at once. That said, adaptive kitesurfing is growing around the world, and I have seen riders with lower limb amputations or partial paralysis enjoying the freedom of the sport here, thanks to specialised equipment and patient, experienced instructors. If you are interested in giving it a go, it is always worth having a chat with the schools in Costa Teguise to discuss what might be possible. The shallow, sheltered waters at Cucharas are among the most welcoming on the island for adaptive kitesurfing. And for friends or family who prefer to stay on shore, the Cucharas promenade is a lovely spot to watch the action, with plenty of cafes, restaurants and a sandy beach just a few steps from the kite zone.