A small coastal village with simple restaurants, a rocky shoreline and remarkably little conventional tourism. Yet since the late 1980s, Pozo Izquierdo has held a firm place on the world map of windsurfing. In July 2026, the international elite gathered here for the 38th edition of the Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup. Visit in summer and it soon becomes obvious why.
A handful of streets lead down towards the Atlantic. White and brightly coloured houses stand close to the coast, with small restaurants, bars and surf shops in between. There are no large hotel complexes, no shopping boulevard and no carefully polished resort promenade.
Then you step out of the car. The wind hits you immediately.
A World Cup venue for decades
Pozo Izquierdo belongs to the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana and has been one of the best-known names in the international windsurfing scene for decades. From 4 to 12 July 2026, the 38th Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup took place here, bringing leading wave riders from the international circuit to the coast of Pozo Izquierdo.
Philip Köster won the men's event in 2026, while Daida Moreno took the women's title. Her victory fits the story of this place particularly well: the multiple world champion has deep roots in Pozo Izquierdo and, together with her twin sister Iballa, has helped shape the international reputation of this windsurfing spot for many years.
Another famous name connects several generations with Gran Canaria: Dunkerbeck. Bjørn Dunkerbeck grew up on the island and became one of the defining figures in the history of windsurfing, winning 42 world championship titles. His son Liam is continuing that story and reached the men's final at Pozo Izquierdo in 2026, finishing fourth.
Powerful winds and demanding waves have made Pozo Izquierdo one of the established venues of international windsurfing.
In summer, you understand why
When I visited in August, the wind was strong and relentless. Yet it never felt unpleasant. It was warm and, beneath the intense summer sun, provided a welcome sense of relief. Out on the Atlantic, windsurfers race across the rough water, disappear behind spray and breaking waves, then reappear seconds later. You do not need to be a windsurfer yourself to stand here and watch for quite some time.
The surfers are simply part of the place
Windsurfing is woven into everyday life. Younger surfers sit in the small restaurants alongside local residents, while others stand by the coast with their boards or simply look out to sea. Nothing about the mixture feels staged or unusual.
In that respect, Pozo Izquierdo has something of the character of a classic surf town – but without the tourist performance that often comes with it.
Sea, wind and a sheltered place to swim
There is no classic sandy beach here. The shoreline is made up of stones and dark volcanic ground. On the more sheltered side, there is a swimming area with steps and railings. Nearby, people sit in the sun on the terraced waterfront and watch the sea. Just a few metres further on, the open Atlantic takes over again.
Small restaurants instead of a tourist strip
During my visit, most of the people in the restaurants were Spaniards and local residents, with members of the surf community sitting among them. The quality of the food was better than I had expected. You can eat well, have a drink and sit almost directly beside the Atlantic – at prices that still feel reasonable for what is served.
The village felt lively, but never crowded.
Surprisingly close to the south
From Maspalomas, the drive takes around 20 minutes. From Salobre Golf Resort, allowing roughly half an hour is realistic. During my visit, parking was easy to find. Geographically, Pozo Izquierdo is close to the tourist south. In atmosphere, it feels much further away.
Anyone who wants to experience a different side of Gran Canaria for a few hours in summer will find it here: the Atlantic, powerful trade winds, small restaurants and a coastal community shaped by everyday life and windsurfing.
Once a year, the world's windsurfing elite arrives in Pozo Izquierdo. When the competition is over, everyday life by the Atlantic simply continues.
And why World Cups have been held here for decades becomes clear the moment you step out of the car.
