The best beaches in Fuerteventura: from Cofete to Corralejo
Few Canary Islands take the word beach as far as Fuerteventura: the stretches of sand are measured in kilometres, not metres. There are wild shores, lagoons in impossible colours, family-friendly coves and surf spots. The perfect beach mostly depends on what kind of day you're looking for.
Cofete, the silence of the south
At the southern tip of the Jandía peninsula, Cofete commands respect before you even arrive: the access track already hints that you're entering different territory, between mountain, wind and open ocean. The surf and currents make swimming inadvisable, but few landscapes on the island carry this much weight.
Sotavento, the play of the tides
Sotavento is perhaps Fuerteventura's most photographed beach. With every tide its shallow, turquoise-toned lagoons shift, a setting much sought after by windsurfers and kitesurfers, and just as much by anyone who simply wants to walk and look.
Corralejo, dunes facing the sea
The beaches of Corralejo Natural Park combine pale sand, dunes and views towards Isla de Lobos. Staying in the north puts this landscape within easy reach, without giving up nearby services. Swimming with the dunes as a backdrop is one of Fuerteventura's most recognisable scenes.
El Cotillo, lagoons at sunset
Anyone after a slower pace will find it in El Cotillo: lagoons for a calm swim when the sea allows, and open beaches that deliver some of the island's best sunsets. The atmosphere here stays fishing-village, far from the buzz of the more touristy areas.
Caleta de Fuste, the easy option
For those travelling with children, or who prefer more sheltered waters, Caleta de Fuste works well thanks to its location and nearby services. It doesn't have Cofete's wild character or Sotavento's spectacle, but it delivers without complications.
Fuerteventura hands out beaches for every kind of trip, but they all share a sense of space that's hard to find elsewhere: here, the sea doesn't just accompany the landscape, it dominates it.
FAQs
Which is the best beach in Fuerteventura?+
It depends on the plan: Cofete for wild scenery, Sotavento for its lagoons and tides, Corralejo for dunes and turquoise sea, El Cotillo for quiet sunsets, and Caleta de Fuste as a comfortable, family-friendly option.
Can you swim at Cofete?+
It isn't advisable: the surf and currents are strong. It's mainly visited for the power of its landscape, at the southern tip of the Jandía peninsula.
Which beach is best for travelling with children?+
Caleta de Fuste, thanks to its location, its nearby services and waters that are generally more sheltered than the island's more open beaches.
Why is Sotavento beach so well known?+
For its shallow lagoons, which change shape with the tide and create widely photographed turquoise tones. It's also a reference point for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
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