Fuerteventura International Kite Festival – Art in the Sky

Each November, the skies above the golden dunes of Corralejo transform into a floating gallery of color, imagination, and movement during the Fuerteventura International Kite Festival. What began as a small local gathering has grown into one of the island’s most anticipated cultural events — a family-friendly celebration of creativity, freedom, and the elements. It’s a unique experience that brings together expert kite flyers, curious travelers, and awe-struck spectators in one of Fuerteventura’s most beautiful natural settings.

Location and Setting

The festival takes place in the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo, just south of the vibrant town of Corralejo. The wide, open landscape of rolling sand dunes and steady trade winds creates the perfect natural arena for kite flying.

Surrounded by desert-like scenery on one side and turquoise ocean on the other, this backdrop enhances the dreamlike experience of hundreds of kites dancing across the sky — from cartoon animals and abstract shapes to enormous, intricately designed creations.

History and Spirit of the Festival

The Fuerteventura International Kite Festival was founded in 1987 by a small group of local and visiting enthusiasts. Since then, it has grown into a beloved international event attracting participants from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Despite its global reach, the festival has retained a community-centered and welcoming atmosphere. It’s not a competition but rather a gathering of creativity, performance, and joy — open to everyone, whether you’re a professional kite designer or a traveler simply wanting to fly a simple kite under the Canarian sun.

Main Events and Activities

The festival typically runs for several days in early November, offering a mix of planned displays and free-form kite flying:

Main Display Days on the Dunes
The first few days are dedicated to the most spectacular flights, as professional teams and artists unveil massive kites shaped like whales, dragons, octopuses, astronauts, and more. The sky becomes a living artwork as the kites cast shadows over the golden sands.
Family and Children’s Day
A day specifically designed for families and children, with kite-building workshops, small-scale flying areas, and gentle entertainment for all ages. Local schools and communities often participate, and tourists are welcome to join.
Evening and Beach Events
In the evenings, Corralejo hosts music performances, food stands, and artisan stalls, creating a festive atmosphere around the harbor and beachfront promenade. It’s an opportunity to enjoy local cuisine and mingle with kite flyers and visitors from around the world.
La Playa del Burro Day
On the final day, kite flying moves slightly south to Playa del Burro, offering a more intimate beach setting. This location is particularly popular for photography and for those who want to avoid larger crowds.

Why Visit the Festival as a Tourist

Unforgettable Visuals
The sight of hundreds of colorful kites soaring above the dunes, with the ocean in the distance, is unforgettable and a photographer’s dream.
Engaging for All Ages
The festival is completely family-friendly, yet just as fascinating for solo travelers and couples looking to experience something truly local and magical.
Connect with Nature and Art
With no commercial agenda or loud crowds, the event connects art with wind, nature, and shared experience — a peaceful and inspiring alternative to high-energy events.
Support for Local Culture
The festival also promotes local artisans, food vendors, and music, creating a wider cultural experience rooted in Fuerteventura’s community and traditions.

Practical Tips for Visitors

When to Go: The festival usually takes place over a long weekend in early November. Confirm dates in advance and plan accommodation in Corralejo, which gets busier during this time.
What to Bring: Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, and comfortable shoes for walking on sand. Cameras and binoculars are also a great idea.
How to Participate: You don’t need to be a professional to fly a kite. Bring your own or buy one locally — shops in Corralejo sell them during the festival week.
Transport and Parking: Parking areas near the dunes are limited during the event, so it’s best to arrive early or walk from town.

Environmental Respect

The event takes place in a protected natural park. Organizers and local authorities emphasize sustainability:

Visitors are encouraged to avoid littering and to take all belongings with them.
Drones are prohibited during the festival to avoid interference with the kites.
Kite flying is restricted to designated zones to protect wildlife and dune stability.

Conclusion

The Fuerteventura International Kite Festival is one of the island’s most enchanting and joyful events. It brings together art, wind, landscape, and community in a way that feels both intimate and spectacular. Whether you’re watching giant whales float above the sand or building a simple kite with your child, this celebration of flight captures the very spirit of Fuerteventura — free, colorful, and in harmony with the elements.

Fuerteventura International Kite Festival – Art in the Sky

See also

Explore the Volcanoes Route (Ruta de los Volcanes) – Walking the Spine of La Palma’s Fireborn Landscape

La Gomera – The Lush Island of Silence and Whispers

Playa de las Américas – I just can´t get enough…