Date of publication 01/11/2023
The best beaches in Fuerteventura
With more than 90 miles of coastline, Fuerteventura is often called “the beach of the Canary Islands.” Its indigenous name, Maxorata, could be translated as “the greater island.” As is often the case, the words themselves offer a sense of scale: whether you imagine a shoreline shaped by the Atlantic Ocean or a vast island that is, in itself, a superlative, it becomes easier to understand its coastal beauty. But which are the best beaches in Fuerteventura? And above all, how do you choose the right one for each type of traveler?
In this top 10 of the best beaches in Fuerteventura, you’ll discover favorites among surfers, as well as those sheltered from the wind and the most comfortable, beautiful options for visiting with children. However you travel, and whatever your style, on this island of volcanoes, there is a stretch of coast that feels made for you. And it’s waiting.
Jandía Beach
Where are the best beaches in Fuerteventura? In the south of the island, where rugged landscapes give way to turquoise, crystal-clear waters and long stretches of golden dunes, lies the Jandía Peninsula, an area of remarkable ecological richness. It is separated from the rest of the island by the Isthmus of La Pared and is home to the Jandía Natural Park. The beach that shares its name is considered one of the best wind-sheltered beaches in Fuerteventura, making it ideal for a day of relaxation. It is also home to some of the best hotels in Fuerteventura.
Selfie spot
If you’re looking for the perfect selfie spot, you’ll find it at Jandía Beach. Its unspoiled white-sand landscapes create the feeling of being on a remote, untouched island, yet with every comfort close at hand, including Wi-Fi. On May 26, 2009, the entire island of Fuerteventura was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. With coastal settings like this, it’s easy to see why.
Matorral Beach
Without leaving the Jandía Peninsula, you can also reach one of the best white-sand beaches in southern Fuerteventura, Matorral Beach. It is located near the Morro Jable resort area, in the municipality of La Pájara. Here, wild nature and accessibility find a natural balance. Along its more than 1.8 miles of shoreline, untouched areas coexist with zones that offer full services. The Morro Jable Lighthouse and the Saladar wetland are both well worth a visit.
An active beach
Beyond surfing or kitesurfing, El Matorral also offers the option to rent canoes and paddleboards, as well as to play beach volleyball thanks to the nets set up along the shore. Another way to explore this beach is by bike, as a cycle path runs alongside it.
Bajo Negro Beach
At Bajo Negro Beach, which is largely nudist, the wind is minimal, and the waves are gentle. This, combined with clean, shallow waters, makes it an excellent place for swimming, sunbathing, and unwinding. It has also been awarded the Blue Flag for its quality and sustainability.
A visit to Corralejo Natural Park
Bajo Negro Beach is located within Corralejo Natural Park, in the north of the island. Its two distinct areas offer a clear example of Fuerteventura’s striking contrasts: one side features sandy shores bathed in turquoise waters, while the other is more volcanic, with unusual lava formations in ochre and reddish tones. Before visiting the park, it’s worth reviewing a few simple sustainable travel tips. When it comes to caring for the planet, every small action matters.
Cofete Beach
Cofete Beach is located on the windward side of the Jandía Peninsula. Reaching it requires crossing a rocky path, as it is protected by dramatic mountain landscapes. The reward, on the other side, is more than 7 miles of golden sand and deep blue sea stretching toward the horizon. Due to its remote access, it is rarely crowded. This is the place to come if you’re seeking privacy and calm.
The island’s most romantic corner
Planning your next getaway as a couple? At this beach, the sense of romance reaches its peak, especially at sunset. Picture yourself there, watching the sun dip below the horizon with someone special. Nothing more is needed. Near this setting is the Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace, one of the island’s standout hotels for couples, where you can complete the experience. This five-star property is designed with couples in mind, offering suites and exclusive Star Prestige areas that provide an added sense of calm and privacy.
The best beaches in Fuerteventura for kids
Castillo Beach
Located in Caleta de Fuste, Castillo Beach is a stretch of coastline with fine white sand that is ideal for visiting with children. It takes its name from a nearby 18th-century fortress. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly. This beach also offers sun loungers and umbrella rentals, restaurants and beach bars, taxi and bus stops, and a seafront promenade. With very few waves, it is especially comfortable and safe for swimming. It sits close to the marina and less than a ten-minute drive from the airport.
Where to eat at Castillo Beach
To experience the best of Canarian cuisine, head to some of the local beach bars in Caleta de Fuste, popular among residents. La Frasquita is a traditional eatery known for its fresh fish and seafood dishes, as well as its papas arrugadas with mojo picón and green mojo. At Oliver Tapas Bar, you’ll find regional recipes served as small plates designed for sharing. Another option is to plan a beach picnic, complete with Majorero cheese paired with one of the Canary Islands’ distinctive volcanic wines.
Moro Beach
Moro Beach ranks among the best beaches in northern Fuerteventura. It stands out for its clear turquoise waters and gentle waves, which are usually calm. At just under 1,000 feet in length, it is well connected and has lifeguard service. Many families come here in search of peace without giving up convenience. If, after a few days in the north, you’re looking for family-friendly accommodations in the south of Fuerteventura to continue exploring the island, Iberostar Waves Gaviotas Park is one of the top choices. This hotel offers adapted rooms, a Star Camp program, and several children’s areas, including an outdoor pool with a play zone. It forms part of the Gaviotas Complex together with Iberostar Waves Playa Gaviotas, one of the most complete beachfront hotels in the area, which also features an exclusive Star Prestige area for adults seeking an added sense of calm.
Getting started with surfing
At Moro Beach, there are numerous surf, kitesurf, and paddleboarding schools. Its moderate waves make it an ideal place to try these sports for the first time under supervision. In the surrounding area, you can also enjoy walking excursions, and diving and snorkeling to discover the fascinating underwater world within Corralejo Natural Park.
The best beaches in Fuerteventura for surfing
Sotavento Beach
At Sotavento in the Jandía area, you can practice surfing even if you have limited experience. The winds are moderate, and the waves are manageable depending on the section. The beach is divided into five areas, each suited to a different level: La Barca, Risco del Paso, Mirador, Malnombre, and Los Canarios.
Making friends
The surfer lifestyle is naturally social. Whether you’re traveling solo or with others, Jandía is a place to meet people and make new connections. In the evening, local bars and beach spots become lively gathering places, with live music, cocktails, and a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
Flag Beach
The surf spots around the town of Corralejo stand out for their versatility. At Flag Beach, wind conditions and wave patterns from different directions also create ideal settings for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The area is home to numerous schools and academies.
The best sunset
At sunset, Flag Beach and the surrounding shores of Corralejo fill with surfers, as well as couples, groups of friends, families, and other travelers in search of the perfect end to the day. Its desert-like landscape frames striking sunsets, with glowing skies and a mirror-like ocean that is always shifting, always surprising.
Hierro Beach
With powerful waves breaking over a volcanic reef, this beach is a favorite among experienced surfers. It is located in the north, near the fishing village of Majanicho. The so-called “Hierro Left,” a long, powerful wave ideal for barrel riding, is considered one of the most famous and challenging in Fuerteventura, along with “Acid Drop.”
A meditation session to connect with the island
A meditation session overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is the perfect way to slow down and reconnect with the island after a day of surfing. Hierro Beach offers a raw, distinctive landscape that lends itself naturally to this kind of experience. All you need to do is close your eyes, breathe, and let yourself be carried by the island’s energy. With more than twenty volcanic areas, Fuerteventura invites an active, immersive kind of travel.
The best beaches in Fuerteventura are just the beginning. Beyond them, yet still close by, the other Canary Islands extend the same volcanic welcome. From Tenerife, with its tropical contrasts from north to south under the watchful presence of Mount Teide, to Lanzarote, with its endless cactus gardens, lunar landscapes, and distinctive sense of exclusivity.
