Playa de Esquinzo (Butihondo)

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.

Roughly 300 metres long by 30 metres deep at its widest point, Playa de Esquinzo is rarely crowded. Occupying the mouth of a dry riverbed, it has a reputation as an excellent spot for surfing, although you’ll need to have a good level of experience on the board and be willing to drag your kit down from the car. Its crashing waves means it’s not the best beach to head to for swimming.

Protected by its high cliffs and edged by a few harmless boulders, Playa de Esquinzo is also known as a nudist beach. There are no facilities, meaning you’ll have to bring everything you need for the day, including sunbeds and umbrellas.