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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Creates the stunning lagoon

Sotavento Beach and Lagoon
Best Time
Creates the stunning lagoon

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Fuerteventura beach where tides create a vast lagoon, perfect for water sports and breathtaking natural beauty.
"One of the most, if not THE most beautifull beach of Fuerteventura."

🚗 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!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Endless Golden Sands
Entire stretch of Playa Sotavento
Miles of soft, golden sand meet turquoise waters, offering a sense of untouched paradise and freedom.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wind and Tides
Pack for All Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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!
💧 Bring Your Own Supplies
There are no bars or restaurants directly on the beach, so pack water and snacks.
📸 Capture the Changing Landscape
The beach transforms with the tides. Don't miss the magical lagoon at high tide!
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!
🌬️ Windbreaker is a Must
It can get surprisingly chilly with the strong winds, even on sunny days. Pack layers!
💧 Bring Your Own Supplies
There are no bars or restaurants directly on the beach, so pack water and snacks.
📸 Capture the Changing Landscape
The beach transforms with the tides. Don't miss the magical lagoon at high tide!
🏄♀️ Water Sports Galore
Ideal spot for kite and windsurfing. Watch the pros or take a lesson!
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Sotavento Beach is a public beach, so there are no entry fees or tickets required to access it.
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.
As a natural beach, Sotavento is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
Yes, there are often rental facilities and schools available at Sotavento for kite surfing, windsurfing, and wing foiling, especially near the lagoon.
No, the lagoon is a natural part of the beach and is free to access.
🎫 🧭 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.
The main activities are kite surfing, windsurfing, and wing foiling. It's also perfect for long walks, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning scenery.
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.
Light, quick-drying clothing is ideal. Definitely bring a windbreaker or jacket, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are very limited amenities directly on Sotavento Beach itself. It's highly recommended to bring your own food and drinks.
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.
Absolutely! Sotavento is a perfect spot for a picnic. Just remember to take all your trash with you to keep the beach pristine.
While some water sports centers might have small snack bars, there aren't traditional beach bars directly on the sand.
Fuerteventura offers fresh seafood, goat cheese (majorero cheese), and traditional Canarian dishes like 'papas arrugadas' (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauces.
📸 📸 Photography
The lagoon at high tide offers incredible reflections and surreal landscapes. The vast sandy plains with kitesurfers in the distance are also iconic.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄♀️ Water Sports Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers and Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Tidal Lagoon
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.
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.
A World-Class Kitesurfing and Windsurfing Destination
Several international competitions, including the GWA Wingfoil World Cup, are held here, attracting top athletes from around the globe. 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.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and What to Expect
Accessing the beach involves driving through the grounds of the Melia hotel complex, which can feel a bit unusual but is the standard route. 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.
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.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit