Golden sands, wind-whipped waves, hidden coves – the beaches in Fuerteventura are the real deal. Whether you’re a surfer chasing swells or just want to laze under the sun with a book and a cerveza, here are 14 of the island’s most spectacular stretches of coast.
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I’m Hazel – a British travel blogger with a bit of an obsession with islands. I’ve explored most of the Canary Islands, but Fuerteventura is the one I keep coming back to. The beaches here are honestly some of the best I’ve ever seen – endless golden sands, hidden black coves, and lagoons so clear they look unreal.
There’s a raw, untamed beauty to Fuerteventura that’s different to the other islands – less polished, more elemental – and that’s exactly what makes it special to me.
Let’s dive into the best beaches in Fuerteventura!
1. Sotavento Beach 🌊
Windsurfing paradise with wild beauty
This 27km wonder on the southeast coast is pure drama. Rolling dunes, turquoise lagoons, and wide-open space.
When the tide’s out, it reveals a surreal stretch of sandbanks you can walk for miles.
It’s actually five beaches in one (La Barca, Risco del Paso, Mirador, Malnombre, Los Canarios), and a top pick for kite- and windsurfers.
No big resorts = blissful quiet.
I recommend renting a car from Discover Cars to get to this beach. Bring your own snacks and plenty of sunscreen!
2. Caleta de Fuste Beach 👨👩👧👦
Family-friendly & super convenient
Tucked into a sheltered bay near El Castillo, this soft-sand beach is perfect for little ones.
The calm, shallow waters are ideal for paddling, and there are plenty of restaurants and playgrounds nearby.
Bonus points for being super close to the airport – you could be on the beach an hour after landing.
3. La Pared Beach 🌅
Cliffs, solitude, and sunsets
A bit off the tourist trail, La Pared is a windswept beach hemmed in by dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops.
Surfers love it for its powerful waves, while others come here for quiet walks, sunset-watching, or just to escape the crowds.
There’s not much in the way of facilities (and that’s part of the charm).
4. Cofete Beach 🏞️
Remote, wild, and utterly jaw-dropping
One of the island’s most legendary beaches, Cofete is like a postcard from the edge of the world.
It’s a 20km off-road drive (4×4 recommended), but the reward is a cinematic stretch of empty sand backed by towering mountains.
There are no shops or sunbeds – just raw, untouched beauty and a mysterious old villa nearby with a story to tell.
Getting to Cofete requires taking a 4×4 vehicle along a 20km bumpy unpaved track. I recommend taking an organised 4×4 tour, as these are operated by expert local drivers.
5. El Cotillo Beach 🏄♂️
Surfer’s haven with chill vibes
Northwest Fuerteventura brings you El Cotillo – a charming village with a beach scene that’s all about surfing, sunsets and slow living.
The waves are great for beginners and pros alike, and the village itself is packed with friendly surf schools, seafood spots, and casual bars that spill out onto the sand at golden hour.
6. Playa de la Concha 🐚
Shallow lagoons and sunset dining
A short stroll from El Cotillo centre, this calm and crescent-shaped bay is the perfect paddle spot for little ones.
When the tide recedes, small pools appear between natural stone walls known as corralitos – perfect for wind protection and curious toddlers.
It’s also a dreamy place to watch the sun dip below the horizon over dinner.
7. Playa del Matorral 🐦
Beach + biosphere = win-win
This wide beach in southern Fuerteventura runs alongside Morro Jable’s seafront promenade, making it easy to pair a beach day with shopping or dinner.
Look out for the lighthouse and nearby salt marshes – home to protected plants and birds. It’s a lovely blend of nature, comfort, and Caribbean-clear water.
8. Corralejo Natural Park Beach 🏜️
Sandy dunes meet turquoise sea
Where else can you sunbathe in the shadow of golden sand dunes that look like they belong in the Sahara?
This beach at Corralejo is as vast as it is beautiful, with quiet patches for naturists, bustling spots for watersports, and miles of unspoiled coastline.
Bring a picnic, a camera, and your sense of adventure – it’s a whole day out. And there’s much more beyond if fancy venturing into Corralejo itself.
🎟️ Sand-based activities include dune buggy tours, ATV style quad bike safaris, mountain bike and electric bike tours and even private sand dune photo sessions.
9. Popcorn Beach 🍿
Instagram-famous and totally unique
Not your average beach day! Popcorn Beach gets its nickname from the unusual white algae fossils that resemble popped corn kernels.
It’s more of a photo-op than a swim spot, but worth the effort for the weird and wonderful landscape (and the bragging rights). Accessible by car or a scenic hike from Corralejo.
10. Playa Esmeralda 💎
Soft sand and peaceful seas
Esmeralda means “emerald” – and this beach lives up to its name with water so clear and still it looks like a giant swimming pool.
Nestled between rocky outcrops near Costa Calma, it’s a top spot for snorkelling, quiet sunbathing, and forgetting the rest of the world exists.
Resorts nearby offer all the creature comforts, but the vibe on the sand stays chill.
11. Lobos Island Beaches ⛴️
Island escape in 15 minutes
Hop on a quick water taxi from Corralejo and you’ll land on Lobos, a tiny uninhabited island with rugged trails, lunar landscapes, and postcard-worthy beaches.
Playa de la Concha here is a sheltered bay with gin-clear water, while El Puertito offers dreamy rock pools and a rustic pier perfect for photos.
Remember: you’ll need a free permit to visit, so book ahead.
12. Gran Tarajal Beach 🐟
A secret spot with local flavour
If you’re craving an authentic Canarian beach day, head to Gran Tarajal. The sand here is darker and volcanic, and the vibe is more local than touristy.
After a dip, explore the town’s tapas bars or grab a seafood lunch along the seafront promenade. It’s relaxed, real, and refreshingly off the beaten path.
13. Playa El Puertito 🐢
Snorkel heaven with volcanic rock pools
On the southern edge of Isla de Lobos, this little beach boasts spiky black lava rocks, tranquil pools, and the occasional turtle gliding by.
It’s a peaceful escape, great for snorkelling or simply soaking in the natural surroundings. Bring water, snacks, and maybe your snorkel mask – there are no shops here!
14. Ajuy Beach ⚫
Black sands and sea caves
Ajuy feels like a different planet. Its pitch-black sands are dramatic enough, but throw in rugged cliffs and wave-carved caves and it becomes something truly special.
While the beach isn’t safe for swimming, the hike to the Ajuy Caves is one of the island’s best coastal walks. Stick around for grilled octopus in the village’s tiny seafood joints.
Fuerteventura Beach Map 🗺️
Want to see where all these stunning spots are? Here’s a handy map showing the exact location of each beach – just tap the pins or save it for later!
📝 Quick Tips for Fuerteventura Beaches
🌞 Sun protection is non-negotiable – Fuerteventura’s breeze can be sneaky, and you’ll burn faster than you think.
💧 Bring plenty of water and snacks – not every beach has facilities, especially remote ones like Cofete or Ajuy.
🚗 Hire a car (ideally a 4×4 for wild spots) – public transport is limited, and the best beaches are often off the beaten path. I recommend Discover Cars.
🏴 Check beach flags before swimming – currents can be strong, and lifeguards aren’t present everywhere.
🧢 Pack layers and a windbreaker – the famous Fuerteventura winds can make even the sunniest beach day breezy.
📸 Don’t take the popcorn from Popcorn Beach – it’s protected, but you’ll get amazing photos (and bragging rights).
FAQs About Beaches in Fuerteventura 💡
Planning a beach-hopping adventure in Fuerteventura? You’ve got questions – I’ve got answers! From where to swim safely to how to reach those secret sandy gems, here’s everything you might be wondering before you hit the coast.
It depends on your vibe! For wild beauty and remote feels, Cofete wins every time. Sotavento is a dream for kitesurfers and long beach walks, while Caleta de Fuste and La Concha in El Cotillo are ideal for families. For something Instagram-worthy, check out Popcorn Beach.
Not all of them – and that’s key to know. Ajuy and Cofete have strong currents and are better for admiring than swimming. For calm, swimmable waters, head to Caleta de Fuste, La Concha, or Playa Esmeralda.
Most of them, yes. Fuerteventura is a big island and some of the best beaches (like Cofete or Popcorn Beach) are in remote areas with little to no public transport. Renting a car is the easiest way to beach-hop.
Try Corralejo for surfing and dune buggies, Sotavento for kitesurfing and windsurfing, and El Cotillo for surfing lessons. You’ll find rental shops and surf schools in all major beach towns.
Yes – Fuerteventura is pretty relaxed when it comes to clothing-optional sunbathing. You’ll often find naturist areas at quieter stretches of Corralejo Dunes, Sotavento, and Cofete.
Fuerteventura is a year-round destination, but spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are sweet spots for warm weather and fewer crowds. Summer is hotter and busier, while winter still has sunshine but stronger winds.
It is real – and it’s bizarrely cool! But no, don’t take the popcorn-like algae fossils home. They’re protected and removing them damages the ecosystem. Snap a pic instead, and leave them in their natural habitat.
Related Reading for Fuerteventura beaches 📚
Loved this beach roundup? Dive deeper into your Fuerteventura planning with these popular posts:
☀️ Fuerteventura Travel Guide: Spain’s Sun-Kissed Slice of Paradise.
🌴 12 Best Things to Do in Fuerteventura.
⛵ Ultimate Guide to Visiting Lobos Island.
🏄♂️ 10 Great Things to Do in Corralejo.
🌍 Which Canary Island is Best for Your Trip?
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