15 January 2020 | Updated 25 July 20257 min read
Playa de Sotavento This pristine stretch of sand is one of Fuerteventura's best beaches.
Fancy a beach holiday? The Canary Islands have some of the best stretches of sand in Europe but one in particular is famous for them.
Fuerteventura is a beach-lover’s dream. Whether you’re after a family-friendly Blue Flag beach, a romantic hideout with pristine stretches of silky white sand, or windswept shores for surfing and windsurfing, the second-largest Canary will have something to suit.
Here, we round up 18 of the best beaches in Fuerteventura to visit on your trip.

Cofete is one of the most unspoilt and spectacular beaches in Fuerteventura, with 12km (8 miles) of golden sand set against the backdrop of the Jandia mountains. It’s also a foodie find. Restaurant Cofete has one of the most stunning beach views on the island, not to mention top-notch food. The grilled fish and salads are fantastic. But don’t try getting here in a regular car. You’ll need a 4x4.

On the southeast of the island, Playa de Sotavento is a favourite with surfers and kite surfers, thanks to its strong, steady winds. It’s also part of a 23km-stretch (17 miles) of blissfully clean sand and warm waters.

The sand dunes around Corralejo, just south of the main Corralejo resort, are part of a protected national park area and one of the most beautiful stretches on the island. There are parasols and loungers on the beach as well as an area specially marked for wind and kite surfers. Otherwise, just come here to sink your toes into miles of soft white sand.

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Tucked away in the northwest of Fuerteventura, this lovely, family-friendly cove is famous for its stretch of silky white sand and wonderfully clear, emerald water. It’s also just a short walk to the harbourfront at El Cotillo where you’ll find La Vaca Azul (The Blue Cow) one of the best seafood restaurants on the island. Try the paella, prawns, squid or mussels.

This beach near the Morro Jable Lighthouse is a big favourite with holidaymakers thanks to its shallow, clear water that is perfect for paddling in. The pristine milky white sand is crying out for sandcastles, and you can also try diving and watersports.

A lovely horseshoe bay with nearly half a mile of pale gold sand, Playa del Castillo in Caleta de Fuste has been nicknamed ‘Little Britain’ thanks to its popularity with British holidaymakers. Beachfront cafés, shops and bars are a pebble’s throw away and there’s also volleyball and mini-golf on the beach. It’s a popular choice with families and windsurfers.

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As its name suggests, the water at Playa Esmeralda is a mesmerising emerald colour, and it’s pleasantly calm thanks to the shelter of the surrounding cliffs. You’ll find this 400m-long (1,312ft) stretch of golden sand on the southeast coast, between Playa de Costa Calma and Playa de Sotavento. There is a car park close to the beach, accessed via a dirt track road.

The waters on the island’s ‘calm’ southeast coast are wonderfully gentle, and Playa de Costa Calma (the clue is in the name) is one of Fuerteventura’s best beaches for swimming. Costa Calma is also the island’s second-largest resort, so there’s no shortage of shops and restaurants. If you’re with kids, the Oasis Park Zoo is just a 15-minute drive away.

This wonderfully wild, desert-like beach near El Cofete in the south of the island may not be the easiest to get to – you have to drive along a bumpy dirt track from Morro Jable or get a bus – but it’s worth it once you arrive. With over 6km (4 miles) of idyllic golden sand, this is about as romantic as they come. It’s popular with naturists too.

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Not to be confused with the more touristy Ezquinzo-Butihondo, this golden beach in north Fuerteventura is over 6km (4 miles) from the nearest town. The scenery is a spectacular mix of black and white as black volcanic rocks behind the beach suddenly switch to gold next to the emerald ocean. Its seclusion means you’ll need to bring your own food and drink provisions. Be careful in the water too as the currents are strong.

On the east coast of the island, La Guirra has gleaming white, soft sand and calm, clean water perfect for splishing and sploshing in. There are also parasols and sun-loungers, and it’s very close to Caleta de Fuste so you won’t have to trek too far for shops or restaurants.

You’ll be hard pushed to find a less touristy beach than this lovely small fishing bay laced with palm trees on the southeast of Fuerteventura. Fishermen still set out in their trawlers from here and it’s popular with locals who love the fine dark sand and wonderfully calm waters. Don’t expect parasols or sun-loungers, however. It’s not that kind of beach.

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If you like the idea of lazy days on the beach but want shops, bars and restaurants close at hand, Corralejo Viejo is a great choice. With its fine, golden sand, the beach sits right in front of the promenade, harbour and marina at Corralejo – one of Fuerteventura’s top resorts.

Partly because the beach is mainly pebbly rather than sandy and partly because it’s not that near any of the major resorts, Giniginamar, on the southeast of the island, is another popular spot with local islanders. This is the opposite end of the spectrum from the big beaches but it’s not so remote you won’t find a bite to eat. A couple of bars in the tiny fishing village serve good, local food.

Blue Flag Playa de Gran Tarajal is a favourite with locals. Calm, clear waters make it one of the best beaches in Fuerteventura for swimming, while dark, soft sand and plenty of facilities mean families love it too. Its proximity to Gran Tarajal harbour means it's also a top spot for seafood lovers. Enjoy sampling the catch of the day from one of the many restaurants, cafés and bars lining the beachfront promenade.

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It may be just half an hour’s walk south of the main beach at El Cotillo, but La Escalera (aka El Aljibe de la Cueva) is one of the most wonderfully remote beaches on the island with miles of golden sand. This is properly wild, however, so do bring your own picnic, drinks and supplies as you won’t find any shops or bars nearby. And be prepared to scale steep steps to reach it.

With its huge waves and strong winds, surfers of all kinds just can’t get enough of this beach near El Cotillo in the north of the island. You’ll find several local surfing and kite surfing schools nearby but be aware that the currents can be dangerous when swimming.

Backed by rugged cliffs and pounded by Atlantic swells on the island’s wilder west coast, Playa del Águila is a hit with experienced surfers but it’s also a dream for photographers and nature lovers. This is not a beach for swimming – the currents are strong – but for soaking up Fuerteventura’s raw beauty, it’s hard to beat. Bring everything you need as there are no facilities.

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