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Jandía, Fuerteventura is a peninsula at the southern end of the island, full of remote beaches, wild landscapes, and breathtaking views. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of Fuerteventura, and my favorite place to find refuge from the more touristy centers.
Anytime we travel, we always rent a car in Fuerteventura and spend a few days exploring the beaches of Jandia. Some of the best beaches in Fuerteventura are here, including our all-time favorite, Cofete Beach. I’ll tell you more about it later, along with several other cool things to do in Jandia.
If you don’t plan on renting a car, you can find many interesting excursions in Fuerteventura that visit the Jandía Peninsula, so you can fully appreciate its rustic beauty.
In this guide, I’ll share the most important information and tips to help you plan the perfect holiday to Jandia. Along with activities and attractions, I’ll recommend some hotels and restaurants in Jandia. You’ll quickly see why this is one of the best places to visit in Fuerteventura!
1. Cofete Beach and Villa Winter, two must-see places in Jandia, Fuerteventura
As I mentioned, Cofete Beach is one of my all-time favorite places in Jandía. Many consider it to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, thanks to its charming surroundings and natural scenery. This beach stretches for 7.5 miles and offers amazing views of Fuerteventura’s highest mountain range, so it’s quite a special place.
Given its remote location, getting to Cofete Beach is a bit tricky. The road leading to the beach goes across a mountainous massif, so we were intimidated the first time we took this route. If you don’t want to drive, I highly recommend this 4×4 tour, which will allow you to experience this incredible place without worrying about transportation.
1. Cofete Beach and Villa Winter, two must-see places in Jandia, Fuerteventura
At the end of this beach, you’ll find the Islote de las Siete Viudas (Islet of the Seven Widows), which shares a border with Barlovento Beach. You can only access this area on foot, but it’s worth walking along the golden sand and seeing the fantastic surroundings for yourself.
Another cool thing about this Jandia beach is that it’s home to one of the most curious sites, Villa Winter. This old mansion was built by Gustav Winter, a German engineer who found refuge in the peninsula’s solitary environment. It’s also said that Villa Winter was a meeting place for Nazi officers during World War II. Legend or not, the structure has an intriguing aura about it, so it’s worth visiting.
2. Jandía Natural Park, one of the top attractions in Jandia, Fuerteventura
Visiting Jandía Natural Park is one of the best things to do in Jandia, Fuerteventura. This natural space conserves many endemic bird and plant species that are native to the island, and it has been a declared natural park since 1987.
Here, you can find beautiful flora and spectacular scenery, which is why it’s a must-see for nature lovers. Among the different environments here, you’ll see mountains, sand dunes, lagoons, and some of the best beaches in Jandia.
2. Jandía Natural Park, one of the top attractions in Jandia, Fuerteventura
To make the most of your visit, I recommend taking this buggy tour, which will take you through the natural park and the picturesque village of Puertito de la Cruz. Along the way, you’ll get to admire the panoramic views and breathtaking landscapes, so it’s perfect if you’re short on time.
We took this tour the last time we visited Fuerteventura, and it was a blast. I appreciated that the guides took the time to instruct us on how to drive the buggy, and they were super knowledgeable. We felt safe the entire time, which allowed us to fully enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience.
3. Puertito de la Cruz, a town you must visit in Jandia, Fuerteventura
I mentioned that the buggy excursion goes through Puertito de la Cruz, but it’s worth visiting this town even if you don’t take the tour. This small hamlet boasts one of the best locations in Jandia, as it’s within the natural park and next to the Punta de Jandía Lighthouse. From here, you’ll get some of the most dramatic and rustic views on the entire island.
Puertito de la Cruz is home to only about 30 people, and coming here is like taking a step back in time since it has preserved the traditional architecture of the Canary Islands. Walking through the streets of this old town in Jandia, Fuerteventura is a good way to discover the authentic fishing history of this part of the island.
3. Puertito de la Cruz, a town you must visit in Jandia, Fuerteventura
Something you should know about this village is that it doesn’t have a water supply due to its isolated location. The residents’ energy is sourced from a generator, so it’s quite an interesting place to visit.
To get to Puertito de la Cruz, start in Morro Jable and follow the dirt path for about an hour until you see the signs. While you’re here, check out one of the local Jandia restaurants for a typical Canarian meal of fish broth.
4. Visit the Punta de Jandía Lighthouse and viewpoint, a must-do in Jandia
Going to the Punta de Jandía Lighthouse is another interesting thing to do in Jandia. The lighthouse was built in 1864 to help guide ships heading toward the ports of Western Africa. Today, this famous lighthouse in Jandia, Fuerteventura, is a popular tourist spot thanks to its amazing panoramic views.
4. Visit the Punta de Jandía Lighthouse and viewpoint, a must-do in Jandia
You’ll find it at the southernmost tip of the island, and, as I said, you will need to drive along a dirt path for about 12.5 miles to get there. However, along the way, you’ll pass unique landscapes with steep cliffs and ravines on the eastern side. Taking this short trip is worth it, and you can combine it with your visit to Puertito de la Cruz.
Once you reach the area, you can check out the Jandía Natural Park Interpretation Center, which has interesting exhibits about the Fuerteventura coast, its seabed, and the cetaceans that inhabit the waters. That said, we love coming to this place because it has the ideal conditions for photographing the Milky Way. If you’re passionate about photography, I recommend visiting the lighthouse at night and shooting the dark Majorero skies.
5. Sotavento Beach, one of the best beaches in Jandia, Fuerteventura
Sotavento Beach is another stunning beach in Jandía that you should check out. It’s actually a series of several smaller beaches, each with its distinct charm. Before you go, be aware that there aren’t any services like cafes or restrooms here, so bring everything you’ll need.
Despite its simplicity, Sotavento Beach is a hotspot for watersports enthusiasts, so it’s not uncommon to see people enjoying the waves. Playa del Risco del Paso is the most popular spot for surfers since it’s a sheltered bay where some incredible waves break. On the other hand, Playa La Barca has stronger winds, so it’s a favorite among those who like to windsurf.
5. Sotavento Beach, one of the best beaches in Jandia, Fuerteventura
Even if watersports aren’t your thing, you’ll still appreciate this place’s natural beauty and quiet atmosphere. Playa La Barca is also a popular place for nudist sunbathing, and there are shallow lagoons in this area that are perfect for letting children splash around.
This is definitely one of the nicest beaches in Jandia, Fuerteventura, so you shouldn’t miss it. If you’re in the northern part of the island and don’t have a car, I suggest taking this day tour, which goes to Sotavento Beach and other attractions like Tindaya Mountain, one of the most impressive volcanoes on Fuerteventura.
6. Morro Jable and its beaches, some of the most famous places to visit in Jandia
While you’re in Jandia, I recommend visiting one of its most famous towns: Morro Jable. This place is a popular tourist hub on the peninsula since it’s the closest port on Fuerteventura’s southern coast.
Besides, there are many interesting places in Morro Jable, whether you want to shop, go partying, or take it easy and relax. My favorite part of Morro Jable is its traditional fishing village charm, as well as its main beach, Matorral Beach. This area is surrounded by a unique ecosystem, including the Saladar de Jandía, so it’s a great place to spend a day by the sea in a natural environment.
6. Morro Jable and its beaches, some of the most famous places to visit in Jandia
In addition to the Jandía beaches in Morro Jable, you can check out the hotels, restaurants, and shops in town. Morro Jable is also home to some of the top nightclubs in Fuerteventura, so it’s a good place to use as a base camp as you explore the southern part of the island.
If you visit in September, you can witness the “Night of the Volcanoes,” which takes place on the last Friday of the month. This event is celebrated in different parts of the world, and in Morro Jable, it involves celebrating scientific progress in regard to researching volcanoes. Along with debates and exhibits, the night includes activities, food, and more.
7. Dolphin and whale-watching, an incredible thing to do in Jandia, Fuerteventura
Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Jandia is to take a whale-watching tour. There are several amazing excursions to see whales and dolphins in Fuerteventura, and Morro Jable is one of the most popular departure points.
If you’re staying in Morro Jable, I highly recommend signing up for a tour. Even if you’re staying in another town, there are many tours that offer hotel pick-up and drop-off.
7. Dolphin and whale-watching, an incredible thing to do in Jandia, Fuerteventura
My favorite excursion is this boat cruise, which lasts 1.5 hours and is led by a professional guide who will take you to the areas with the highest chances of seeing cetaceans. It’s important to remember that these are wild animals living freely in the sea, and their movements aren’t 100% predictable. That said, these tour guides have been working for years, so they know where to go to increase the probability of spotting whales and dolphins.
The most common species in this area are bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales, but you may also see manta rays and all kinds of colorful tropical fish. Also, if you take the tour in June, you’ll have the best chances of seeing cetaceans.
While I absolutely loved the excursion we took and would do it again in a heartbeat, there are other cool tours in the area. This sailing tour includes lunch and snorkeling, and this glass-bottomed boat cruise is especially entertaining for children.
8. Pico de la Zarza, one of the best hikes in Jandía. Fuerteventura
For something to do in Jandía besides going to the beach, I suggest taking a hike up the Pico de la Zarza. This is one of the best hikes in Fuerteventura since it reaches the highest point on the island, at about 6,810 feet.
8. Pico de la Zarza, one of the best hikes in Jandía. Fuerteventura
The 4.3-mile route is relatively easy and takes about three hours to complete. There are plenty of signposts, so start from the trailhead at the Pico de la Zarza parking lot and follow the trail markers. The trailhead is right behind the Occidental Jandía Mar resort, one of the best hotels in Morro Jable, so if you want to do this hike, consider staying at this hotel in Jandia, Fuerteventura.
Along the route, you’ll hike past different types of vegetation and flora, as well as the rocky peaks of this majestic mountain. At the summit, the environment is humid and often shrouded in mist, which creates quite a magical sight. Of course, the panoramic views from the top are the real show and the perfect reward for completing this hiking excursion in Jandia.
9. Beaches of Costa Calma, one of the most relaxing places in Jandía
The beaches of Costa Calma are known for their fine white sand and crystalline waters, making them an amazing place to visit in Jandia. Along the 1.2 miles of coastline, you’ll find several top-rated Fuerteventura hotels, so keep them in mind if you want to stay in a hotel in Jandía.
There are several beautiful beaches in Costa Calma that you can explore, but if you like watersports, I suggest visiting Matas Blanca Beach, which is famous for hosting the windsurfing and kitesurfing world championships. For something quieter, check out the remote coves of Playa de Esmeralda Norte or Playa de La Jaqueta, one of the few places where you can camp in Fuerteventura.
9. Beaches of Costa Calma, one of the most relaxing places in Jandía
Another option, particularly if you’re short on time, is to take an excursion from Jandia, Fuerteventura to Costa Calma. For example, this quad and buggy tour is a fun and exciting way to see several beaches in just a few hours. Alternatively, I enjoyed this guided e-bike tour since it allowed me to spend more time at each beach while also getting some exercise.
While you’re in the area, it’s worth checking out the nearby Sicasumbre Astronomical Viewpoint. If you’ve been a Capture the Atlas reader for some time, you’ll know that we’re passionate about astrophotography, and we saw some of the best night skies here, so I can’t recommend it enough.
10. Los Canarios Viewpoint, a unique thing to see in Jandía, Fuerteventura
Finally, the Los Canarios Viewpoint is another excellent spot to visit during your holiday in Jandía, Fuerteventura. Here, you can fully appreciate the beauty of the peninsula, including its pristine natural landscape. The panoramic view is stunning, especially since you can see several popular attractions like Pico de la Zarza and Cofete Beach.
10. Los Canarios Viewpoint, a unique thing to see in Jandía, Fuerteventura
We visited the viewpoint at sunset, and it was the perfect ending to an intense day of exploring the island. I definitely recommend coming at this time, especially if you’re traveling with your partner.
To get here, start at Costa Calma and drive about six miles to the Barranco de los Canarios. The dirt road leading there is in poor condition, but it’s worth the effort. From there, you’ll find the trailhead next to the gas station. It’s about three miles to the top and takes about 1.5 hours, so plan accordingly if you want to catch the sunset.
Where to stay in Jandia
There is a wide selection of hotels in Jandía, Fuerteventura, so I don’t think you’ll have any problems finding a place to stay, no matter your budget. In fact, some of the best places to stay in Fuerteventura are in the town of Jandia, so check out my top recommendations below:
- Luxury: The Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace is a 5-star accommodation in Morro Jable. In addition to its modern rooms and suites, it’s one of Fuerteventura’s best all-inclusive hotels, so you can take advantage of its gourmet restaurants.
- Mid-price: Consider staying in one of the most recommend apartments in Fuerteventura, such as Bahía Calma Beach. It’s in Costa Calma, and we enjoyed the facilities and services here, which we thought were very good for the price.
- Budget: Some of the best cheap hotels in Fuerteventura are in Jandia, so you can enjoy your holiday without breaking the bank. One of the best resorts is the Occidental Jandía Playa in Morro Jable.
Where to eat in Jandía
One of my favorite parts of traveling is getting to try new foods, and some of the best restaurants in Fuerteventura are right here in Jandia.
First, the Restaurante Mirador de Sotavento is a delicious Mediterranean restaurant in Jandia, specifically in Costa Calma. It has a quiet and cozy atmosphere, and its outdoor terrace allows you to dine with a view.
Another restaurant I like is El Pellizco in the town of Morro Jable. It’s close to the port and Matorral Beach, so it’s the perfect place to go after exploring this area. I loved the octopus, although their entire menu of Mediterranean and Canarian dishes looked delicious.
Finally, La Bodega de Jandía in Morro Jable is one of my absolute favorites, but you must reserve a table in advance because it’s super popular. The owner is amazing and serves mouth-watering tapas that you can share with friends or family.
Map of Jandia, Fuerteventura
Now you have everything you need to plan your holiday to Jandía, Fuerteventura. To finish up, here is a downloadable map of Jandia, including the attractions, hotels, and restaurants I mentioned:
You can also check out our article with more tourist maps of Fuerteventura to help you prepare for your trip.
Also, if you have any questions or want to share your experience traveling to one of the best Canary Islands, feel free to leave me a comment below. I’d love to hear what you thought of Jandia, and I hope you have safe travels and a wonderful time!
