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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.