If you’re looking for a secluded and breathtakingly beautiful beach of Fuerteventura (Canary Islands), Cofete Beach should be at the top of your list. Located on the southwestern coast of the island, in Jandia Natural Park, this beach is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique and peaceful experience. Cofete is known for its crystal-clear waters, golden sand, and stunning mountain backdrop.
However, getting to Playa de Cofete can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. You might wonder if it’s better to go there by bus or by own vehicle? Don’t worry. We’ll guide you through the best way to get to Playa de Cofete from Moro Jable.
If you stay in a different part of the island (for instance Corralejo), you can drive safely to the south of Fuerteventura as the roads are quite good. It’s also possible to take a bus there. Check the timetables here.
How to get to Cofete from Morro Jable (bus, hike, or car)?
1. By bus
Firstly, it’s worth noting that there is only one direct bus that goes to Playa de Cofete – line 111. Here you can check the actual schedule. When we’ve been there in January 2022, it was going there and back only twice a day and it cost 8,70 EUR for a non-resident of the canary islands (for residents the price was 2,60 EUR). The ride took around 30 minutes one way.
2. By foot
It is possible to hike there, but it is challenging and strenuous. So it is only recommended for experienced hikers. The hike takes approximately 4-5 hours and covers a distance of about 12 kilometers. It is important to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, as well as wear comfortable hiking shoes and appropriate clothing.
The climb starts in Morro Jable and follows the coastal trail towards the west. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, hikers will pass by several hidden wild beaches and coves, including Playa del Matorral and Playa de Mal Nombre.
After about 8 kilometers, hikers will reach the village of Cofete, which is located on a hill overlooking the beach. From there, the trail descends towards the beach, passing through a scenic valley and crossing a small river. The final descent to the beach is steep and you need to be careful, but the reward is a secluded and pristine beach that is well worth the effort.
It is important to note that the excursion to el Cofete is not suitable for everyone, and hikers should have a good level of fitness and mountain experience. The trail can be challenging and steep in some sections, and the weather can be hot and dry, so hikers should be prepared for the conditions. It is also recommended to bring a map or GPS device, as the trail can be difficult to navigate in some areas.
3. By car
However, your best bet is to rent a car. There are several car rental companies available on the island, including Hertz, Europcar, and Avis. You can also book a car online in advance, which can save you time and money.
Once you have your rental car, the journey to is an adventure in itself. The road to Cofete is unpaved and can be a bit bumpy, so it’s best to take a car with high clearance. We recommend renting a 4×4 or SUV, which can handle the rough terrain. It’s actually illegal to go there in a regular passenger car and you’re not covered by any insurance if you decide to do so. We’ve heard some stories in 2022, that car rental companies installed GPS transmitters to ensure that their customers did not violate this prohibition.
So it’s better not to take the risk.
To get to Playa de Cofete from Moro Jable, head southwest towards the town of Costa Calma. From there, follow the signs towards Pajara and continue on the FV-605 road until you reach the village of La Lajita. You will then turn onto the FV-605 road towards the west, and follow the signs towards Cofete. The road will take you through the mountains and offers breathtaking views of the beach and the surrounding landscape. You can also stop at the viewpoints, to enjoy the spectacular views.
After about 20 kilometers, you will reach a signpost for Playa de Cofete. Turn left and continue down the unpaved road until you reach the beach. The drive takes about an hour through a dirt road, but it’s well worth it for the incredible scenery along the way.
What to do on one of the best beaches of the Canary Islands?
Once you arrive, you’ll find a long stretch of golden sand and turquoise waters. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, relaxing, or simply walking (it’s 14 km long!). It’s certainly one of the most beautiful beaches of Fuerteventura (and most probably also of Spain).
Being there literally feels like paradise. However, swimming in the ocean, even if tempting, is not recommended. It’s usually windy, the currents are strong and the waves might be unpredictable.
You also need to know that there are no facilities or restaurants at Playa de Cofete, so be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and everything you need.
History of Cofete Beach in Fuerteventura
It is known for its intriguing history, which dates back to the early 1900s. According to local legend, the beach was once a popular spot for smugglers who would use the secluded bay to bring in contraband goods from Africa. It is said that these smugglers would often bury their treasures in the dunes surrounding the beach and that there are still hidden treasures waiting to be discovered to this day.
In addition to its reputation as a smugglers’ haven, this famous beach in Fuerteventura also has a darker past. During the Spanish Civil War, the beach was reportedly used as a secret Nazi hideout, and there are rumors that a number of high-ranking Nazi officials lived in the area, including Adolf Hitler himself.
Despite its controversial past, it has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, thanks in part to its incredible natural beauty and the peaceful atmosphere that it offers.
Villa Winter: a mysterious house
One of the most interesting things about Cofete Beach is the fact that it has been home to the German engineer Gustav Winter, who is said to have built a mysterious mansion on the beach in the 1930s. The mansion, which is known as Villa Winter, has become a popular tourist attraction in recent years, despite the fact that it is largely abandoned and in disrepair.
According to local legend, it was built as a secret Nazis hideout, and it is said that Hitler himself visited the mansion on at least one occasion.
During the 1940s, when World War II was raging, Villa Winter became the subject of rumors that Winter was using it as a base for espionage activities.
The rumors were fueled by a number of factors. Firstly, Winter was known to be sympathetic to the Nazi regime, and he had close ties to high-ranking German officials. Secondly, Villa Winter was located in a strategic location that overlooked the Atlantic, which made it ideal for observing military activities. Also, Winter with his family was living in Moro Jable and using his villa only from time to time. Apart from this, the house has a whole set of corridors in the basement and a tower that might have been used for military purposes. Finally, there were reports that German U-boats were docking in the nearby port of Puerto de la Cruz, which suggested that there was some kind of German activity in the area.
While there is no concrete evidence to support these claims, the rumors have only added to the allure of this enigmatic building.
Cemetery near Playa de Cofete
There is one more fascinating place you can find just before getting to the beach in Cofete. It’s the place known as the “Cemetery of the Unknown” or the “Mysterious Cemetery”.
Legend has it that the graveyard is the final resting place of a group of people who deceased under mysterious circumstances, possibly victims of a shipwreck or a political conflict during the Franco era. There are also rumors that the burial ground is related to a Nazi hideout or a secret military installation. However, there is no conclusive evidence to support any of these claims, and the true history of the cemetery remains a mystery.
Despite its mysterious past, it is now a popular tourist spot, and visitors come to pay their respects to the unknown souls who rest there. The graveyard is located in a beautiful and remote area, and visitors can enjoy amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean and the mountain range.
Legends of Cofete Beach
In addition to its intriguing history, it is also steeped in legends and folklore. One of the most popular legends is that of the Cofete Giant, a mythical creature that is said to inhabit the surrounding Jandia massif. According to local lore, the giant is a benevolent spirit that protects the beach and its visitors from harm.
Another popular legend is that of the buried treasure, which is said to be hidden somewhere in the dunes surrounding the beach. While there is no evidence to support the existence of this treasure, the legend has become a popular topic of conversation among visitors to the area.
Exploring the wild Jandía peninsula (south of Fuerteventura)
Despite its somewhat mysterious past, it’s one of the most amazing and peaceful destinations that are well worth a visit. Jandía natural park is much more than “just” el Cofete, so it’s totally worth staying at the tip of the island of Fuerteventura for at least a few days.
One of the best ways to explore the area is on foot, either by hiking along the beach itself or by trekking up to the heights for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. There are also a number of guided tours available that can take you to some of the area’s most popular attractions, including Villa Winter and the nearby Cofete village.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, you can also try your hand at surfing or windsurfing on the waves that break off the coast. The area is known for its excellent surf conditions, and there are a number of surf schools and rental shops in the nearby town of Morro Jable.
So… we need to admit that Cofete Beach is a fascinating and beautiful destination that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the island of Fuerteventura’s intriguing past. Whether you’re interested in exploring the beach’s history and legends or simply looking for a secluded spot to relax. And if you’re a nature lover, the nearby Jandia Natural Park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and admiring the local flora and fauna.
With its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and incredible natural beauty, they are a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Canaries. So if you’re planning a trip to Fuerteventura, be sure to include them in your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.