Glass Beach (El Burro)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Crowded
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Glass Beach (also known as Playa del Burro / El Burro) is a reef-break spot on the northeast coast of Fuerteventura near Corralejo. While the shoreline is sandy, the water is dominated by a rocky reef shelf, making the setup/exit and safe navigation more demanding than a purely sandy beach launch—particularly when the tide is low. The break is known for clean, glass-like wave faces when conditions are right, and it can work for both surfing directions (left and right described across sources). Wind is driven mainly by consistent northeasterly trade winds (N to NE/ENE), typically strongest from May into late summer. Multiple sources indicate that wind picks up in the afternoon and eases toward sunset—so mornings and evenings can be better for surfing, while afternoons are better aligned with windsurfing performance. Typical wind speeds are described around 15–25+ knots, with very high reliability in summer months. For wind sports, the spot is highlighted as a best summer option for wave riding: windsurfing is framed as particularly strong for wave freeride and jumps, and kitesurfing is described as good for wave riding and freestyle when wind angle supports clean, well-spaced waves. Sail/kite choices and intermediate skill level are repeatedly referenced, and priority/lineup rules are important due to the crowded nature of the spot. Safety-wise, the key constraint is the reef: rocks under the wave and a tricky rocky entrance require extra caution. High tide is described as much safer for crossing the rocks, and riders are advised to respect surfers and avoid interfering with those already using the lineup. Emergency services are available via 112, while rescue availability for the spot is reported as no/limited; nearest medical facilities are in Corralejo.
- Glassy, clean reef-break waves on suitable days
- Reliable N/NE trade winds in May through August
- Afternoons commonly prime for windsurfing
- Reliable summer trade winds support windsurfing and kitesurfing
- Clean, peeling reef waves are a highlight for surfing when swell and wind align
- Sandy launch area with defined access near Corralejo
- Rocky reef shelf/rocky bottom makes entry tricky, especially at low tide
- Can get very crowded during summer and school holidays
- Advanced-looking conditions for foiling due to the rocky entrance
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, ENE
- No-go directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Northeasterly trade winds; typically steady in summer.
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as steady/very steady during the summer trade-wind months.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August
- Thermal Window
- Other · Afternoon · Wind tends to pick up in the afternoon and eases by sunset.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Fine sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Sources describe medium conditions generally; best sessions can reach up to around 3 meter glassy waves for wind-assisted wave riding.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Described as chop/sensitive glassy quality when wind is absent or aligned.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach launch; water entry is dominated by a rocky reef shelf that can be tricky to navigate.
Through the year
Highest during summer months and school holidays.
Rain is rare, with the most likely period reported between December and February.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Popular for wave-riding and freeride when the wind is suitable (north/side-shore conditions noted for clean, well-spaced waves).
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
One of the best wave-sailing options in the north of the island for intermediate to advanced riders; strong for jumping and riding in side-shore winds and praised as the best summer spot for wave riding.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.7 m²
Possible but challenging due to the rocky entrance; high tide strongly recommended to avoid hitting the reef.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil setups are limited by the rocky entrance.
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
A reef-break producing both left and right waves with glass-like surfaces on the right conditions.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is noted for optimal surfing.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef-break.
- Wind Effect
- Glassy/clean faces when the wind is absent or when winds align well for riding.
- Bigger Swell
- On significantly larger size it can close out or become messy.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Described as good quality; can be very clean on the best days.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Working conditions described as moderate power.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Known for clean, glass-like peeling waves on the reef.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peels over the reef at a medium speed on working swells.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Typical ride length described as medium.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer a good face for carving, with occasional faster sections over the reef.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Glass Beach (El Burro) in the full forecast view.
Glass Beach (El Burro) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–14 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- ENE71°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2414 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–1.2 m7s period
- Temperature
- 21–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Glass Beach (El Burro) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.5–1.2 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks under the wave
- rocky/reef bottom
- significant rocky shelf under the water surface (especially hazardous at low tide)
- crowds (can get very busy)
- currents/moderate drift
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is reported as no for the spot; broader regional rescue support is limited/seasonal.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number 112; nearest medical facilities are in Corralejo. Rescue availability is reported as no/limited for the spot.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism is reported as none at this location.
Rules of the spot
Respect surfers and priority on wave peaks; do not interfere. Restrictions for designated swimmer/surfer zones are enforced.
- Respect designated zones for swimmers and surfers.
- High tide is much safer for crossing the rocks and navigating the rocky entrance.
- Be sure to respect surfers; conditions can get very crowded—avoid interfering with people in the lineup.
- Keep valuables out of sight; the parking/roadside area can be close to vehicles.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Corralejo
- Nearest Town
- Corralejo
- Parking
- Parking available; also described as an unpaved roadside parking area that can get busy on weekends.
- Public Transport
- Local buses serve the Corralejo area.
- Access
- Need a vehicle, preferably a car; alternatively take the bus from Corralejo to Grandes Playas and proceed south past the two Hotel Riu. Also described as directly accessible via the FV-1 road connecting Corralejo and Puerto del Rosario.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Extensive accommodation options in Corralejo (hotels, apartments, and surf camps).
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on the beach itself; nearest cafes and restaurants are a short drive away in Corralejo.
- Equipment Rental:
- Numerous rental options are available in Corralejo.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage is available via nearby surf schools/centers in Corralejo.
- Gear Repair
- Repair shops for kites and boards are reported in the Corralejo industrial zone.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Visitors commonly combine reliable wind conditions with dune/coastal scenery and services based in Corralejo.
Protected white sand dunes and expansive beaches.
Large dune and coastal landscape close to the northern surf and kite area.
Uninhabited islet with a small fishing village and nature trails, accessible by ferry.
Traditional island settlement with historic architecture and local heritage interest.
Trails leading to craters of extinct volcanoes like Calderón Hondo.
Non-water activity in the protected dune and coastal landscape.
Wider region known for mixed-board sports and windy coastal exploration.
Seafood restaurants and tapas bars along the waterfront.
Concentrated dining and nightlife options in the main resort area.
Water park with slides and wave pools.
Family-friendly sightseeing in the nearby coastal dune landscape.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Glass Beach (El Burro)?
The best overall months at Glass Beach (El Burro) are May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Glass Beach (El Burro)?
Glass Beach (El Burro) works with N, NE, ENE winds. No-go directions are E.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Glass Beach (El Burro)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Glass Beach (El Burro): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Glass Beach (El Burro) suitable for?
Glass Beach (El Burro) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.