Cofete, the Wild Beach of the Jandía Natural Park

Cofete beach is the wildest and most spectacular in Fuerteventura. On the west coast of the Jandía peninsula, nearly 12 km of empty sand stretch out beneath the massif's steep ridges, with not a single building in sight bar a mysterious house on the hillside — a spot already covered on our pillar page, Fuerteventura beaches. Here's what to know before you go: heritage, safety, and ways to extend the trip.

In a nutshell

Nearly 12 km of wild beach, within the Jandía natural park.
Swimming not advised: the beach is unpatrolled, with strong currents.
Villa Winter, an enigmatic house built in the 1940s, overlooks the beach.
The Punta Jandía lighthouse extends the trip further south.

The wild beach of Cofete in Fuerteventura, backed by the Jandía massif — The wild beach of Cofete, at the foot of the Jandía massif

Aerial view of the wild Cofete coastline, Fuerteventura — Aerial view of the wild Cofete coastline

We made the trip to Cofete ourselves: the view from the road as it descends towards the beach, with the long ribbon of sand unfurling below the massif, remains one of the most striking sights of our entire trip to Fuerteventura.

Overlooking view of Cofete beach and the Jandía massif, Fuerteventura — Overlooking view of Cofete beach and the Jandía massif

The wild Cofete beach at sand level, Fuerteventura — The sand of Cofete's wild beach

The winding track down to the hamlet of Cofete, a candle cactus in the foreground — The track down to the hamlet of Cofete

A goat encountered on the access track to Cofete, Fuerteventura — A common encounter on the access track

Two black-and-white goats lying among the volcanic stones of Cofete — Two goats resting near the track

Traditional wheel well and trees in the hamlet of Cofete — The hamlet of Cofete, far from everything

Old wooden cart next to a well, in the hamlet of Cofete — Farming relics in the hamlet

Wooden post planted near the houses of the Cofete hamlet, by the sea — The small hamlet of Cofete, facing the ocean

The small stone chapel of Cofete's cemetery — Cofete's cemetery, isolated facing the Atlantic

The Jandía natural park: protected nature and trails

Cofete sits within a vast protected area: the Jandía natural park protects much of the coastline around Cofete beach and its trails, along with remarkable endemic flora, including Euphorbia handiensis, one of the island's natural treasures. Several trails and viewpoints, such as the Arco de Cofete, let you explore the massif on foot.

Cardón (Euphorbia canariensis), a protected endemic plant, on the Cofete coastline — The cardón, a protected plant of the Jandía natural park

An arch made of whale bones marking a trail near Cofete — An unusual arch along the way to Cofete

Villa Winter: Cofete's mysterious house

On the hillside above the beach stands Villa Winter, an enigmatic house built in the 1940s by German engineer Gustav Winter. Several never-confirmed legends suggest it may have served as a logistics base for German submarines during the Second World War.

The building, visible from the road down to the village of Cofete, adds a good dose of mystery to the visit, even though the interior isn't always open to visitors.

Villa Winter seen from outside, with a carved stone reading "Casa Winter, historia viva", Cofete — Villa Winter, in Cofete

The isolated Villa Winter at the foot of the Jandía massif, seen from the track — Villa Winter, visible from the track

Punta Jandía lighthouse: extending the trip

For those wanting to go further, a track extends the road beyond the village of Cofete to the Punta Jandía lighthouse, at the island's southern tip, now home to the Jandía Natural Park interpretation centre. The site offers a panoramic ocean view, in a setting every bit as remote as Cofete itself.

The Punta Jandía area has kept its small fishing-village feel, with wooden huts draped in nets, buoys and pots — an authentic scene that contrasts with the resort towns further along the south coast.

Note: the interpretation centre is temporarily closed for renovation works (as of 18 August 2026) — the lighthouse and viewpoint remain accessible from outside.

A fisherman's hut with nets and buoys near Punta Jandía, Fuerteventura — A fisherman's hut near Punta Jandía

Benches at a viewpoint on the Cofete track, with the ocean below — A stop along the road to Cofete

Can you swim at Cofete?

It's the question we get asked most, and the answer is clear: swimming is generally not advised here, due to strong currents and the lack of any patrol. The beach mostly draws walkers, photographers and a few experienced surfers, rather than swimmers.

Access is via a long, isolated, unsealed track, already covered in our car hire guide: a 4x4 is strongly recommended.

One more thing to plan for: the Fuerteventura Cabildo is preparing an access fee for Cofete from summer 2026, as part of a management plan being drawn up for the protected Jandía natural area. The exact amount and start date hadn't been set as of mid-August 2026 — we'll update this page as soon as they're officially published.

Bathers in the waves at Cofete, at the foot of the Jandía massif — Swimming remains risky facing the open ocean

A lifebuoy on Cofete beach, facing the ocean — A reminder of the beach's danger

To plan the rest of your trip, head to our Canary Islands guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim at Cofete?

It isn't recommended: the beach is unpatrolled and the currents are known to be strong. It's mostly valued for its scenery and by experienced surfers.

How do you get to Cofete beach?

Via a long, isolated unsealed track from Morro Jable. A 4x4 is strongly recommended (details in our car hire guide).

What is Villa Winter?

A house built in the 1940s by German engineer Gustav Winter, surrounded by unconfirmed legends about a possible military use during the Second World War.

Is Cofete part of a natural park?

Yes, it lies within the Jandía natural park, a protected area home to endemic flora and several hiking trails.

What else is there to see around Cofete?

The Punta Jandía lighthouse, reached via a track beyond the village, offers a panoramic ocean view at the island's southern tip.

Do you need a 4x4 to get to Cofete?

Strongly recommended: the access track is long, unsealed and sometimes uneven, as detailed in our car hire guide.

Do you have to pay to access Cofete beach?

Not yet, as of now: the Fuerteventura Cabildo is planning an access fee from summer 2026, but the price and exact date hadn't been set as of mid-August 2026. We'll update this answer once the official amount is published.