In our humble opinion, Spain is an amazing place for a watersports holiday.
From golden beaches and long summers to delicious food and vibrant cities, there is a lot to love about Spain. But just what is it that makes this beautiful country and the Spanish Canary Islands such a world-class destination for watersports? And which sports could you try during your holiday there?
Why Spain?
There are a few good reasons why Spain is such a perfect destination for watersports and that gorgeous sunshine climate is definitely one of them! The south of the country especially enjoys lovely Mediterranean weather. Think hot, sunny days and warm evenings relaxing under the stars. And where’s the best place to cool off during the heat of the day? The water, of course.
Enter Spain’s vast coastline, deep lakes, wide rivers and idyllic islands. Whatever your preferred environment, there’s somewhere for everyone to enjoy messing around on – or in – the water. From the rugged northern coast with its surf-ready waves to the 1,000-mile Mediterranean coast with its calm, warm waters, this is a spectacular playground for watersports fans.
The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago, closer to Morocco than Spain, where you can enjoy sunshine and watersports all year long.
We also love that Spain is such a family-friendly country. Kids are welcomed almost everywhere and there’s a real community vibe, with everyone from grandparents to toddlers having fun together – whether it’s on the beach or in a shady pavement café. And when it comes to watersports, there are so many that can be enjoyed as a family, even if you’re travelling with younger children.
Watersports you can try in Spain
It will come as no surprise that there’s a huge choice of watersports you can try in Spain. Whether you’ve always wanted to have a go at dinghy sailing or you’re an experienced sailor looking to mingle with the super yachts in the marinas of Marbella, Spain is famous for its excellent sailing conditions. Wind conditions vary depending on your location, from the strong trade winds that breeze through the Canary Islands to the gentle thermal winds of the Med.
Of all the great breezy spots on the Spanish coast, Tarifa is known as the country’s windiest, making it a real mecca for windsurfing. The narrow Strait of Gibraltar funnels the wind to create epic conditions for experienced riders. If you’re just starting out, you might prefer the calmer Mediterranean coast though!
Another favourite wind sport, kitesurfing, is gaining in popularity year on year. Spain is the ideal place to join in the action yourself. Warm waters and steady breezes make for ideal conditions to have a go at one of the most fun watersports out there. Nothing brings out your inner child like flying a kite!
We love relaxed paddle sports too. Sports, like paddle boarding and kayaking, allow you to explore the coves and beaches of the coast at your own pace. There’s nothing more peaceful than gliding through the water with only the sounds of your paddle striking the waves for company. That said, a fun group session can also throw up a lot of laughs.