With its white sand and turquoise waters, Playa Sotavento de Jandia is a picture-postcard beach. Preserved and windy, it offers spectacular volcanic landscapes. Very large, it’s one of the most famous on Fuerteventura. In this article, we’ll concentrate on the most easily accessible parts, namely the viewpoint from the Mirador de Sotavento and the beach section at Risco El Paso.
Here’s our pictorial guide to help you plan your visit: map, access, sand, conditions…
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
Why visit Playa Sotavento de Jandia?
Is it worth it?
Yes, and it’s a must! In fact, we listed it in our article on activities in Fuerteventura. This beach is large and has managed to retain its wild aspect, despite its notoriety. We were won over by the lagoons that form at low tide. It’s the ideal place to take to the water calmly, in a sea that’s a little rough with strong winds. You’ll find plenty of windsurfers, kitesurfers and other board sports enthusiasts. Last but not least, it’s worth a visit for its dunes and magnificent volcanic landscapes. Go to the Mirador de Sotavento for the best view!
Why choose this beach?
Playa Sotavento de Jandia is an ideal destination for an enjoyable experience with family and friends. In fact, we’ve listed it among Fuerteventura’s most beautiful beaches. Here are the 3 main reasons why we think you should consider a visit:
- Its size: the beach stretches for several kilometers between the municipalities of Morro Jable and Costa Calma. At low tide, it’s gigantic and you won’t be short of space!
- Superb scenery: surrounded by sand dunes and mountains, this unique environment is almost like being on another planet!
- Water sports: if you’re a water sports enthusiast, this windy beach offers perfect conditions for board sports. There’s even a windsurfing school on the beach!
Access and map – Playa Sotavento de Jandia (Fuerteventura)
Where is it?
Playa Sotavento de Jandia lies on the southeast coast of the Canary island of Fuerteventura. It has several entrances. The easiest address is (35626) Jandia, Fuerteventura, Las Palmas, Spain.
- Driving time from Corralejo: 1h30.
- Driving time from El Cotillo: 1h30.
- Driving time from Puerto del Rosario: 1h10.
- Driving time from Morro Jable: 30min.
- Driving time from Costa Calma: 15min.
Here is a map to help you find your way:
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Fuerteventura
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
How to get there – access road
To reach Playa Sotavento de Jandia by car, we recommend the easiest access point: Risco El Paso. It is well signposted from Fuerteventura’s main road, called FV-2. From the town of Costa Calma, follow the signs for Morro Jable, then Puerto del Rosario. The road is paved all the way to the parking lot and easily passable. Take this route from the freeway, rather than Calle Los Verodes from the north.
This beach access is not served by public transport.
Parking at Playa Sotavento de Jandia
We’ve chosen to focus on the Risco El Paso access point, as it includes a large sandy parking lot.
Access to the beach from the parking lot
From the parking lot, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the beach. The route is not particularly difficult.
A LITTLE MORE patience
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On the sand and in the water…practical advice
Best time to visit
The best time of year to visit Playa Sotavento de Jandia depends on individual preferences. However, the peak tourist season on the Canary Islands is between December and April, but also during the 2 summer months, which means that the beach will be busier at these times. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting outside these months. To find out when to go to Fuerteventura, read our dedicated article!
As for the best time of day, it’s best to visit the beach early in the morning or late in the afternoon, to avoid the heat peak and enjoy more peace and quiet. This is Fuerteventura’s best-known beach! We recommend you visit at low tide to enjoy the full length of the beach. Facing south-east, it’s ideal for admiring the sunrise.
Beach type and size
The beach is mainly composed of fine white sand. There are areas of wet sand due to the many lagoons that form at low tide. It’s during these periods that you can enjoy the full length of this kilometer-long beach.
Conditions for swimming
Jandia’s Playa Sotavento is windy, so there are waves. The water is very Claire and becomes deep after a few meters. At low tide, it features shallow lagoons that are perfect if you don’t want to swim, but just want to cool off. As this beach is not supervised, it is very important to remain vigilant and respect the rules of safety at sea.
WHERE TO STAY IN Costa Calma
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
To the south, the beach is almost completely wild and very long. Hotel INNSide Fuerteventura – See prices, photos and availability
Close to Esmeralda beaches, all-inclusive hotel-resorts.
Hotel H10 Tindaya for families – See prices, photos and availability
In the center, around the long beach.
Hotel Cooee Taimar, if you prefer Boutique hotels – see prices, photos and availability
Facilities and activities
Monitoring
This beach is not supervised.
Showers, toilets, deckchairs…
Showers and toilets are located at the beach exit. However, there are no deckchairs.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Dolphin watching
- Boat to Lobos Island
- Buggy tour
- But also; surfing lessons, 4WD tour in Cofete, windsurfing, scuba diving…
Shadow
There are no shady areas on this beach. Don’t forget your parasol!
Nautical activities
A surf and windsurf school is located on the beach. Don’t hesitate to take a look, the conditions are ideal for these board sports!
Catering
There are no restaurants on the beach.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Costa Calma
Information for children, mobility, dogs, naturism…
Playa Sotavento in Jandia with children
This beach is child-friendly, as the water is shallow near the sand. If they want to enjoy the lagoons that form at low tide, check their depth before letting your children go in.
Playa Sotavento in Jandia with a dog
We didn’t notice any signs indicating that the beach is off-limits to dogs.
Disabled access
The beach has no disabled access.
Playa Sotavento in Jandia and naturism
A large section of the beach is reserved for naturists.
Other beautiful beaches nearby
Many other beaches in the vicinity of Playa de Sotavento de Jandia are well worth a visit.
First of all, you can discover the beaches close to Playa de Costa Calma, which you’ll find in our selection of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Calma:
- Esmeralda Norte beach,
- Esmeralda Beach,
- La Barca Beach,
- Playa de Costa Calma.
South of Costa Calma, you can explore the beaches towards the town of Morro Jable:
- Morro Jable beach,
- Matorral Beach,
- Piedras Queidas Beach,
- Bultihondo Beach,
- Esquinzo Beach.
To find out more, read our article on our favorite Morro Jable beaches.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Fuerteventura
- Best of
Most beautiful landscapes
Best things to do in Fuerteventura
Most beautiful beaches
Cities and villages
Natural pools
Boat tours
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Fuerteventura
How to get around
How to rent a car in Fuerteventura
Driving tips
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
