Lying about 100km off the coast of north Africa is the second largest of Spain's Canary Islands, Fuerteventura, a long time favourite destination for European holidaymakers looking to fly south for winter sun and warmer climes.
Famous for its stunning white sand beaches, lunar-like landscape and relentless Atlantic winds, Fuerteventura has become a mecca for watersports enthusiasts of all varieties. In fact, it's even been called Europe's Hawaii thanks to it's epic surf breaks, volcanic interior, laid back attitude and impressive hiking trails. What you might miss though is some of the greenery since it rarely rains on Fuerteventura.
The island caters for a mixed bag of visitors from families to nomadic surfers. You'll find plenty of hostels, surf and windsurfing camps, yoga retreats and more traditional resorts.
If you're looking for relaxing and tranquil vibes, head to El Cotillo. If you want somewhere a little more lively, visit Corralejo. Travelling with the family and want to stay on the beach near the resort, then try Caleta de Fuste.
With year round sun and a seemingly endless supply of beaches, Fuerteventura should be a on every beach-lover's bucket list.
Cofete Beach is located just around the headland from the southern tip of Fuertaventura. The bright lights and resorts to the north of the island will do nothing to prepare you for the awe-inspiring scale and wildness of this beach. The beach is a wide expanse of golden sand that continues for as far as the eye can see. Directly behind the beach the dramatic mountains of Jandia rise hundreds… read more »
Situated on the "Calma Costa" which runs along the south east coast of Fuerteventura is Sotavento beach. A vast tract of golden, windswept beach this stretch of coast is about one of the most remote areas on the island.
Sotavento is a collection of beaches which together create a virtually unbroken stretch of sand from Playa Barca right down to Morro Jable on the southern tip. That's 25 km… read more »
Not to be confused with the beach of a similar name in Fuerteventura's south, Playa de Esquinzo is a relatively remote stretch of soft golden sand on the northwest coast, six kilometres from El Cotillo. It lies within a small horseshoe shaped bay at the end of a gravel road and beyond a footpath leading from the car park down the dark cliffs to the waves.
Curving around the southernmost point of the island, the three-kilometre-long Playa del Matorral can be roughly split into two equal parts. Its rich golden sands have been awarded Blue Flag status for cleanliness time and time again over the years, while the waves that come ashore are also normally calm.
The section closest to the city of Morro Jable is where you'll find the majority of hotels, as well as most… read more »
A wild and relatively wind-swept section of Fuerteventura's northwest coast, Playa del Águila also goes by the name of Playa de la Escalera, or Stairs Beach. A beach for a romantic sunset stroll rather than family day out, its orange-gold sands are backed by high sheer cliffs and lack any kind of facilities.
To reach it, visitors must travel a short distance along an unsurfaced road before tackling a set of… read more »
Playa del Castillo is one of Fuerteventura's most popular beaches when it comes to visitor numbers and names. Also known as Caleta de Fuste and Piedra Playa, it is considered a good beach for families even though strong surf means younger paddlers shouldn't be left alone in the water.
Close to a wide range of hotel complexes and places to eat and drink, it lies on the western side of the… read more »
Playa Esmeralda sits on the broad neck of the Jandia peninsula in the far south of Fuerteventura, and faces east. Best reached with a private vehicle, the final section of the journey requires a short drive along a dirt road from the FV-2 highway. Beyond the car park, low cliffs slip down onto the beige sand.
Playa Esmeralda stretches for roughly 400 metres in length, and at its maximum extent is… read more »
While small by most standards, at 2.5 by 10.5 kilometres, Dunas de Corralejo Natural Park remains one of the highlights of the Canaries. Part beach and part volcanic landscape, it is named after the huge sand dune which sits at the park's northern end. It sees pale sands meet shallows the colour of turquoise. Meanwhile, its southern end takes on a slightly different scene, with rocks spread across the deep… read more »
Playa de Costa Calma, or Costa Calma Beach, can be found just off the main road in Fuerteventura's south. Roughly two kilometres in length at low tide when several sections of coast are joined together, the beach is a good all-round option, with sunbathing, swimming and a variety of water sports on offer.
Made up of white sand and waters that are hard to resist, Playa de Costa Calma is backed… read more »
Almost closed off from the seas that surround the Isla de Lobos, Playa de la Concha lies at the end of a bay formed by a jutting peninsula. It is pretty much the only beach on this uninhabited island since the rest of its coastline is dominated by volcanic rock.
Easy to access thanks to its proximity to the pier where ferries dock, Playa de la Concha comprises white sands and… read more »
Separated from its neighbouring beaches by low walls of natural rock, Playa del Ajibe de la Cueva is just south of the village of El Cotillo on Fuerteventura's northwest coast. Approximately 400 metres in length, it is primarily formed from fine sand a beautiful golden colour.
Particularly population with the island's young people, Playa del Ajibe de la Cueva is also regarded as a top destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing due… read more »
Playa de Gran Tarajal sits along Fuerteventura's southeast coast. Edged by whitewashed villas that climb part of the way up the surrounding hills, it stretches for approximately 600 metres with sand that shifts between golden yellow and black dependent upon the prevailing weather conditions.
A favourite with locals rather than tourists, it can be up to 90 metres wide at low tide and generally has good swimming conditions thanks to a… read more »
Situated on the coastal side of Dunas de Corralejo Natural Park, the stretch of sand which forms Flag Beach also goes by a number of other names, including Playa de Pozo and Playa del Medano.
Curving around Fuerteventura's northeast coastline, the beach offers views of Isla de Lobos and some of the best water sports facilities on the island. These include kite, wind and board surfing, alongside areas dedicated to… read more »
A beach that is as deep as it is wide, Playa de Ajuy is composed of dark, almost black sand surrounded in bare grey cliffs on either side. Situated on the west coast of Fuerteventura, Ajuy Beach is an area of the island's coast to enjoy from the land, since strong currents can drag swimmers out to sea.
Immediately behind Playa de Ajuy you'll find a handful of authentic restaurants, many… read more »
