Fuerteventura Beaches Guide

Fuerteventura Beaches - Overview:

Miles of golden sandy beaches are the greatest attraction of Fuerteventura and they rate amongst the best in the world. The two biggest beaches, which are also designated 'Natural Parks', are the dunes of Corralejo in the north of the island, and along the south east coast of the Jandia Peninsular at Sotavento. Both areas are popular with windsurfers.

There are also excellent beaches with tranquil lagoons in the fishing village of El Cotillo, with surfing beaches along the west coast, and the sophisticated resort of Costa Calma has some of the most tranquil beaches on Fuerteventura, with a 21km stretch of golden sand. Also the remote sands of Barlovento beach are further down the Jandia Penninsular. There are so many quiet beaches on Fuerteventura that naturism is popular and is practiced on most beaches outside resort and hotel areas.

Fuerteventura Beaches - Corralejo:

There are small beaches within the town of Corraleco but most people head for the famous sabd dunes which start about 2km out of town and extend for about 10km. This 'national park' is popular with windsurfers and naturists and a novelty 'mini-train' shuttles visitors along the road from Corralejo to the edge of the village, from where you can walk to the dunes.

These dunes (which are a protected nature reserve) lie just beyond the town. The dunes spread for miles along the east coast and this is what makes Corralejo such a paradise for beach lovers. No building work is allowed in this area with the exception of two hotels.

Fuerteventura Beaches - El Cotillo:

The main attraction of El Cotillo are its superb beaches. A short stroll south of the village will bring you to superb sandy, virtually deserted beaches backed by cliffs. Care needs to be taken here when swimming, as the currents can be very strong.

In contrast, to the north of El Cotillo, is a unique coastline where offshore reefs of lava have created a barrier against the ocean waves and protect quiet lagoons with sandy beaches. The still waters of the lagoons are warm and tranquil and attract hundreds of little fish. These are an added attraction and this area is ideal for snorkelling.

Fuerteventura Beaches - Jandia:

The people of Pajara are justifiably proud of the beaches in Jandia. The lighthouse at the Playa Del Matorral acts not only as a warning to shipping, but as the point at which the beach is divided into naturist and non naturist sections. The beach in the north attracts more naturists and the one in the south is used more by non-naturists.

Playa de Sotavento:
Playa de Sotavento (leeward beach) is in the lee of the wind. There is a very long spit here and an enormous 'lake' appears at high tide. It is home to the Reni Egli centre and there are always windsurfers and kiteboarders practising their art here.

Playa de Barlovento:
Playa De Barlovento (windward beach) and the Playa de Cofete are much less accessible, and the sea conditions here are much wilder. An excellent view of both can be seen from the Pico de Zarza.

Costa Calma Playa Barca:
Costa Calma's main attraction has to be the long sandy beach of Playa Barca to the southwest. It is always easy to find a quiet, sheltered spot here even during peak season. Windsurfers are particularly fond of this beach because of the strong off shore trade-winds during the summer months.

Morro Jable:
Morro Jable has some of the most beautiful beaches, being the longest in the Canary Islands stretching 35km. There there is plenty to do for the water sports enthusiast from jet skiing to windsurfing.