Sotavento Beach in Fuerteventura is a paradise for nature lovers, stretching more than six miles and housing one of the wildest environments on the island. So, if you’re interested in exploring one of the most pristine landscapes in Fuerteventura, this guide is perfect for you.
Besides being one of the most popular tourist attractions in Fuerteventura, Sotavento Beach offers several interesting corners to explore. Start with its panoramic viewpoints or visit the famous Sotavento Lagoon, considered one of the best attractions on the Jandía Peninsula. Known for having favorable conditions for water sports, this beach is also a hub for some of the most exciting excursions in Fuerteventura. Whether you prefer lounging on the sand to soak up the sun or staying active by trying some exhilarating activities, I highly recommend visiting Playa de Sotavento.
If you’re planning to explore Sotavento Beach but haven’t organized your trip yet, I’ll provide you with all the information you need to make the most of this experience.
Beaches of Playa Sotavento, Fuerteventura
Sotavento Beach in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, is essentially a collection of smaller beaches, each with its own distinct characteristics. Moving from north to south, you’ll come across Playa de la Barca, Risco del Paso Beach, Playa Mirador de Sotavento, Playa Los Canarios, and Playa del Mal Nombre.
Despite sharing turquoise waters and white sands, each of these natural wonders possesses a unique set of features as well. Here, I’ll provide you with relevant information to help you choose the perfect spot when exploring the beaches of Playa Sotavento in Fuerteventura.
Playa de la Barca, the famous Playa Sotavento Lagoon
Playa de la Barca, home to the renowned Sotavento Lagoon, is situated to the north of Sotavento Beach, near the charming town of Costa Calma. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best beaches in Fuerteventura, offering a serene and secluded ambiance that attracts many nudists.
What makes Playa de la Barca truly exceptional is the Playa Sotavento Lagoon, a natural, shallow lagoon that appears during low tide. This phenomenon occurs due to a sizable sandbank near the shoreline, effectively blocking the flow of water. Families, especially those with small children, find this location appealing as the lagoon’s depth remains under 16 inches, creating a safe environment to take a refreshing dip.
Playa de la Barca, the famous Playa Sotavento Lagoon
Keep in mind that the atmosphere undergoes a complete transformation during the Windsurfing & Kiteboarding World Cup. The beach hosts various water sports competitions, with the main event happening around a large pop-up tent. During the World Cup, there are all kinds of entertaining activities and nightly parties, so the beach can draw large crowds of tourists. If you prefer a tranquil setting, I recommend avoiding this time of year and exploring the other parts of Playa Sotavento in Fuerteventura.
Several access points along the FV-2 highway in Fuerteventura lead to Playa de la Barca. However, the best way to get here is by using the off-ramp near the Meliá Fuerteventura Hotel, located next to the parking lot.
Risco del Paso Beach, one of the best beaches for windsurfing and kitesurfing in Playa de Sotavento
Risco del Paso Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Jandía. Situated along the coast of Jandía, this beach has become a favored spot for water sports enthusiasts due to its constant winds. Moreover, Risco del Paso Beach has some of the most prestigious water sports and surf schools in the area. Whether you’re a beginner looking to dive into these sports or seeking to hone your skills, Risco del Paso Beach provides an ideal setting.
Risco del Paso Beach, one of the best beaches for windsurfing and kitesurfing in Playa de Sotavento
Despite its popularity among water sports enthusiasts, Risco del Paso Beach maintains a tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a peaceful day by the sea. If you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll along the coastline while admiring the scenery, this is the perfect destination for you. The beach spans approximately 1.2 miles, offering a serene environment where various bird species often linger.
Moreover, Risco del Paso Beach is well-suited for families with children, featuring amenities such as accessibility for disabled visitors, restrooms, parking, and lifeguards.
Playa Mirador de Sotavento, one of the best nudist beaches in Playa de Sotavento
Playa Mirador de Sotavento ranks among the most popular beaches in Sotavento, Fuerteventura. Positioned at the center of Sotavento Beach, this area offers a serene escape with no available services. Here, it’s just you, the white sand dunes, and the turquoise waters. However, keep in mind that it is the most challenging section to access.
Playa Mirador de Sotavento, one of the best nudist beaches in Playa de Sotavento
When planning a day at this beach, consider packing accordingly, as there are no beach bars or toilets in the vicinity. For those seeking the utmost privacy, Playa Mirador de Sotavento proves to be an ideal spot where you’ll encounter only a few others on its expansive surface of golden sand. While the occasional sunbather may catch your eye in the distance, the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.
Playa Los Canarios, one of the wildest beaches in Sotavento Beach
Playa Los Canarios is a small bay approximately 1,500 feet long situated between Playa de Sotavento and Playa de Mal Nombre, which I will introduce later. Despite experiencing some wind, the waters here are much calmer than in other areas of Sotavento Beach, thanks to the natural shelter provided by the nearby cliffs.
Playa Los Canarios, one of the wildest beaches in Sotavento Beach
The natural environment surrounding Playa Los Canarios remains nearly untouched, although access is a bit more challenging. To reach Playa Los Canarios, you must take the old road from Costa Calma to Morro Jable, heading to the Barranco de los Canarios gas station. About 1,500 feet from there, you’ll encounter a dirt road leading to the beach.
Remember to bring all necessary provisions for your beach visit, as there are no supermarkets, beach bars, or amenities in the vicinity. And more importantly, don’t forget your snorkel mask, as the seabed is full of treasures.
Playa del Mal Nombre, the only beach in Playa Sotavento with chair and umbrella rentals
Playa del Mal Nombre is the only beach in Sotavento, Fuerteventura, that provides all the comforts for a day out with friends or family. This half-mile-long beach boasts dark rock cliffs that not only add to its scenic beauty but also shield it from strong winds. The contrast between these cliffs and the turquoise waters creates a picturesque scene worthy of a postcard.
Playa del Mal Nombre, the only beach in Playa Sotavento with chair and umbrella rentals
While not entirely secluded, the beach does offer some services in the area, including restaurants and restrooms, which makes it a perfect choice for those who value comfort. Accessing this beach is extremely convenient, with parking available right next to it. Simply take the roundabout indicating “Tierra Dorada,” named after an abandoned hotel that you will easily spot just a few steps away.
Sotavento de Jandía Viewpoint
If you have a penchant for photography and wish to savor the beauty of Playa Sotavento in Fuerteventura, consider a visit to the Mirador de Sotavento de Jandía. Perched atop the cliffs of Risco del Paso Beach, this viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas of the Playa Sotavento Lagoon.
Sotavento de Jandía Viewpoint
Exploring this 360° viewpoint allows you to grasp the grandeur of the landscape and observe how the panorama evolves with the tides. I highly recommend taking a few moments to feel the sea breeze. In case the winds pick up, there’s a small cabin where you can take shelter.
Afterward, descend to the beach via the pathway connecting the viewpoint to Risco del Paso Beach, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
El Salmo Viewpoint
El Salmo Viewpoint, situated at the opposite end of Sotavento Beach, offers a phenomenal panoramic perspective. If you’ve been crafting your island itinerary, you’ve likely encountered images of a vibrant, multicolored wooden bench perched on the cliff’s edge, providing spectacular views of the coastline.
El Salmo Viewpoint
This viewpoint is an ideal spot to admire Playa de Sotavento de Jandía, Spain, and revel in the diverse color palette. You have a chance to witness the enchanting fusion of golden sands with turquoise waters and observe the visual effects created by the varying depths of the water.
Accessible from the main FV-2 highway, you can reach the viewpoint by taking the exit toward Mal Nombre. Then, you must follow the FV-602 road towards Playa de Salmo.
How to get to Sotavento Beach
If you’re not sure about how to reach Sotavento Beach, the following section provides all the details. Various options are available, and your choice will depend on the mode of transportation you select to navigate Fuerteventura. Here are your main options:
Getting to Sotavento Beach by car
Renting a car in Fuerteventura is the optimal choice for reaching Playa de Sotavento, offering the freedom to explore the island and its attractions at your own pace. The well-signposted routes make it easy to navigate and visit even the most remote corners of the island.
Getting to Sotavento Beach by car
We always use DiscoverCars to reserve the car in advance. This way, we only need to collect the keys as we arrive at our destination. In our experience, DiscoverCars consistently offers the best daily rates.
For those in the town of Costa Calma, Playa de la Barca is the closest beach in Sotavento. It’s approximately 10 miles away, with a convenient parking lot available.
If you find yourself in Morro Jable, Playa del Mal Nombre is just six miles away, also offering parking facilities and a nearby restaurant.
Playa del Risco de Paso, which also has a parking lot, is right next to Mirador de Sotavento. It’s an excellent choice if you prefer enjoying some views without descending to the beach.
Getting to Sotavento Beach by bus
If you want to travel cheaply, public transportation provides an economical means of reaching Sotavento Beach in Fuerteventura from various major tourist towns on the island. Local buses, known as “guaguas,” cover this route.
Bus Line 1 operates between Puerto del Rosario and Morro Jable, with stops including the access point near Meliá Fuerteventura Hotel and Barranco de los Canarios. It travels through Costa Calma, Tuineje, and Gran Tarajal.
If you find yourself in Ajuy, La Pared, or Pájara, Line 4 can take you to the same access point.
You can check the schedules on the Thiade website, the transport company overseeing this service. Payment for the ticket can be made directly to the bus driver, who will charge based on the distance traveled. If you plan to make multiple trips, consider purchasing the one-time local transport card for €5, which offers discounted fares for each journey.
Excursion to Sotavento Beach
If you have limited time, prefer not to drive, and want to avoid dealing with public transportation, I recommend joining an excursion to Sotavento Beach in Fuerteventura. This full-day tour, starting from the north of the island, allows you to explore the main attractions of Fuerteventura, including Playa de Sotavento, in a single day.
Excursion to Sotavento Beach
The excursion begins with a visit to the town of Corralejo, known for the impressive Corralejo Dunes, a vast desert landscape stretching to the ocean. Next, the tour takes you to the island’s capital, Puerto del Rosario, offering a glimpse into local Canarian life. While there are many things to do in Puerto del Rosario, I wholeheartedly recommend taking some time to explore its emblematic buildings and stroll through its charming streets.
Continuing along a picturesque route through charming towns and desert landscapes, you’ll reach Sotavento Beach, where you can admire its beauty and take a few photographs from its magnificent viewpoints.
Ajuy Caves, something you’ll see on the excursion to Sotavento Beach
After a busy itinerary, you’ll make a pit stop in the town of Ajuy to recharge your batteries. Ajuy, with its fishing atmosphere, has some of the best restaurants in Fuerteventura, many of which are famous for their fresh fish. Additionally, Ajuy is home to the captivating Ajuy Caves, a fascinating and less touristy site on the island.
Finally, the excursion concludes with the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views of Tindaya Mountain, one of the most interesting volcanoes in Fuerteventura. Referred to as the “Sacred Mountain,” it is believed to have been the center of religious rites for the aboriginal Majoreros and features around 300 rock engravings.
Best hotels near Sotavento Beach, Fuerteventura
The best option for visiting Playa de Sotavento is to stay in the town of Costa Calma, where you’ll find a diverse range of accommodation options in Fuerteventura to suit various budgets and preferences.
Here are my recommendations for the best hotels in Fuerteventura with strategic locations to enhance your experience:
- Luxury accommodation: H10 Playa Esmeralda, located in Costa Calma, stands out as one of the most popular all-inclusive hotels in Fuerteventura. This hotel features modern rooms with sea and garden views, each boasting a furnished balcony or terrace. The hotel offers amenities such as a swimming pool, jacuzzi, tennis court, and mini-golf.
- Mid-range option: Meliá Fuerteventura, situated right next to the off-ramp to the beach, provides a strategic base to explore the Playa Sotavento Lagoon. In addition, it is among the most recommended cheap hotels in Fuerteventura, ensuring a delightful vacation without breaking the bank. The complex includes four swimming pools, lush gardens, and entertainment options for children, including a kiddie pool with two slides, a playground, and a play area.
- Budget-friendly: For a budget-friendly option, consider staying in one of the best apartments in Jandía. My favorites are the Bahía Calma Beach apartments located in Costa Calma. These accommodations, with 1 or 2 rooms, feature equipped kitchens and living rooms. The complex offers both a heated pool and an outdoor pool, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip without venturing to the beach.
And that concludes our guide to Sotavento Beach in Fuerteventura. I hope this information has been helpful in planning your journey to Playa de Sotavento. If you have any questions or wish to share your experience exploring one of the best Canary Islands, feel free to leave your comments below. I look forward to hearing from you!
Enjoy Fuerteventura!
