THE LURE: Sotavento has been the venue for the PKRA Fuerteventura world cup tour stop for the last six years. Sotavento experiences a wind-funnel effect and gets strong and consistent winds that brush across its huge, white sand beaches. The four kilometre-long beach has a special launching site complete with launch assistants. Depending on the tides, on the inside is a large waistdeep lagoon that is ideal for beginners or intermediates who want to practice their skills. On the outside, the open ocean beckons under the watchful gaze of the lifeguards in watchtowers. The winds are mainly cross-offshore in the summer and cross or onshore in the winter.
WIND & WEATHER: The best months for consistency and favourable wind directions are the summer months, between April and October. The winter months bring changeable conditions, a lot of onshore winds, but also waves. In the summer the air temperatures sit at a beautiful 28°C and dip to 22°C in winter.
WATER: Not too much movement in the water temperatures, rising from 18°C in the winter to 22°C in the summer months.
OFF THE WATER: Sotavento has a good hotel right on its beach. Just three kilometres from Sotavento, there are more hotels and apartments in Costa Calma. Plenty of varied nightlife and food options in the area, too. You can also rent bungalow-style accommodation with swimming pools.
Fuerteventura is another well-equipped tourist destination, and as such is set-up with all the usual activities to attract the crowds, such as biking, diving, jet-skiing, catamaran sailing and surfing.
AIRPORTS: Fuerteventura Puerto del Rosario (FUE): 45 minute drive from Sotavento.
GETTING ABOUT: Taxis and buses are available from the airport, but a hire car is recommended to get the most out of the island. Every company has an office at the airport, but book prior to arrival for the best deals.
In the south if you're staying at the Sol Melia hotel in Sotavento, taxis or airport transfers would be fine.
