Most travelers in Fuerteventura stick close to their hotels and the well-trodden beaches nearby. But I stumbled onto something wild and unforgettable on the island’s southwestern edge. Cofete Beach runs for over 13 kilometers—just golden sand and volcanic mountains, with nothing to break the view but the wind and waves. Getting there isn’t exactly easy. I bounced along a rough dirt road for nearly an hour, but stepping onto that empty shore felt like finding a secret spot at the edge of Europe.
Driving through Jandía Natural Park pushed my rental car—and my nerves—to their limits. Cofete isn’t a beach for sunbeds and sangria. Instead, I found myself surrounded by the roar of Atlantic waves, endless dunes, and a vibe that whispered, “You’ve reached the end of the map.”
What sets Cofete apart isn’t just the scenery. The isolation hides stories—wartime legends about a lonely villa, and tales of movie shoots that drew filmmakers to this wild coast. My adventure here showed me why so many call it one of the Canary Islands’ most haunting, unforgettable corners.
The Allure of Cofete Beach
Cofete Beach’s magic comes from its pure isolation and untamed Atlantic coast. The landscape pulls in photographers and nature lovers, but the wild surf demands caution.
A Place of Solitude and Natural Power
I wandered alone along this 12-kilometer stretch of sand—no crowds, no developments. Cofete sits deep inside Jandía Natural Park.
The silence is almost overwhelming. Only the crash of waves and the wind stirring the dunes fill the air.
That isolation isn’t by accident. The rough, bumpy road keeps most people away. I barely saw three other souls during my visit.
The place feels ancient. Volcanic rocks jut out of the sand. The Jandía Mountains tower behind, like a wall of stone.
Nature lovers will spot an untouched ecosystem. I caught glimpses of native birds and found sea turtle nests tucked into the shore.
The remoteness preserves something rare these days. It’s a glimpse of what beaches looked like before hotels took over the coast.
Panoramic Vistas and Atmosphere
The first view of Playa de Cofete just stopped me in my tracks. Golden sand runs on and on, meeting turquoise Atlantic waves.
Behind me, the Jandía Mountains rise up, dark and volcanic. Their slopes look stark against the glowing sand.
Photographers will lose track of time here. The light shifts constantly, changing the mood by the hour. I watched clouds cast shadows over the dunes, painting the scene anew.
Standing there, I felt tiny. The scale is hard to grasp until you see it in person.
Villa Winter perches on a distant ridge, mysterious and out of place. It adds a strange twist to the wild scenery.
Sunsets are unreal. With no lights or buildings, the sky just explodes in color as the sun drops into the Atlantic.
Surf, Sand, and Safety Tips
The Atlantic here isn’t gentle. I watched giant waves slam the shore, relentless and loud.
Swimming conditions:
- Strong currents all year
- Powerful undertow
- No lifeguards
- Chilly water, even in summer
Walking and exploring is the way to go. The sand is firm enough for hiking, but I kept a safe distance from the surf.
The wind never lets up. I packed layers and didn’t regret it, even when the sun was out.
What to bring:
- Lots of water
- High-SPF sunscreen
- A windproof jacket
- Camera (and extra batteries)
By midday, the sand gets hot. I wore closed shoes for the trek back.
There’s nothing in the way of facilities. The nearest restaurant or restroom sits back in Morro Jable—about an hour’s drive.
Journey Through Jandía Peninsula: Getting to Cofete
Getting to Cofete means leaving Morro Jable and taking a single, unpaved mountain road for about 45 minutes to cover just 20 kilometers. You’ll want a 4×4 vehicle for the rough ride, or you can hop onto an organized safari tour that handles the tricky bits.
Driving From Morro Jable
I started out in Morro Jable, the last real town before the wilds begin. The road starts just outside town, where the pavement ends and adventure begins.
You follow signs toward the Jandía Peninsula. The first stretch feels normal, but soon enough you’re rattling along dirt and rocks.
Essential driving details:
- Distance: 20 kilometers from Morro Jable
- Time: at least 45 minutes
- Road: Unpaved, winding track
- Vehicle: 4×4 is best
There’s just one road in and out. I made sure to top up my gas tank—no services once you leave town.
The Bumpy 4×4 Adventure
The road to Cofete tests your driving skills and your car’s suspension. My 4×4 crawled over loose stones and up steep, twisting sections carved into the mountainside.
The track climbs high before dropping down toward the coast. I stopped at a few miradors to take in the views—totally worth it.
Road conditions I faced:
- Loose gravel and rocks
- Steep climbs
- Tight hairpin bends
- No guardrails, just open cliffs
Weather changes everything. Wind can make the high sections a little nerve-wracking. If it’s rained recently, you’ll find muddy patches that need some care.
But then, suddenly, Cofete Beach appears below—golden, endless, and wild. Every bump and jolt feels worth it.
Public Transport and Safari Tours
No regular buses reach Cofete. The road’s just too rough. I found that organized 4×4 safari tours are the best bet if you don’t want to drive yourself.
Tour options:
- Toyota Land Cruiser trips
- Full-day Jandía tours
- Hotel pickup included
- Guides who know the terrain
These tours usually stop at scenic overlooks and the lighthouse at Punta de Jandía. Some even include a coffee break in El Puertito village.
Safari tours cost more than driving yourself, but they take away the stress and risk of damaging your rental. Most run daily from the main resorts.
Cofete’s Wild Setting: Landscape and Natural Heritage
Cofete sits inside a protected zone where volcanic mountains crash into endless sand and wild Atlantic waves. This is Fuerteventura’s most dramatic landscape—its highest peak, raw beaches, and not a hotel in sight.
Jandía Natural Park and Biodiversity
Cofete belongs to Jandía Natural Park, which covers the whole southern tip of Fuerteventura. When I wandered through, I saw a land shaped by volcanoes and battered by wind.
The park protects rare plants that have adapted to dry, tough conditions. These survivors thrive in volcanic soil, even with barely any rain.
Jandía Natural Park highlights:
- Protected since 1987
- 14,500 hectares
- Rare Canarian plants
- Key habitat for migratory birds
Sometimes, sea turtles nest on these beaches. I learned that loggerhead turtles return here during nesting season, making the place important for more than just its looks.
The terrain is so rugged that little pockets of plants and animals pop up in sheltered spots. Rocky outcrops give refuge to species that can’t handle the open plains.
Pico de la Zarza: The Island’s Highest Peak
Pico de la Zarza looms over Cofete at 807 meters—Fuerteventura’s highest point. From the beach, the peak dominates the horizon.
The mountain forms a natural backdrop, making Cofete feel like a giant amphitheater. Clouds cling to its slopes, shifting the weather hour by hour.
You can hike to the summit for sweeping views of both coasts. The black volcanic rocks stand out against all that golden sand.
This mountain range blocks development and keeps Cofete cut off from the resorts on the other side of the island.
Unspoiled Beaches and Surroundings
Playa de Cofete runs for about 12 to 14 kilometers without a single hotel or bar. I didn’t see a single tourist facility along the whole stretch.
The beach faces the full force of the Atlantic. Waves crash hard, and the currents make swimming dangerous, but the spectacle is mesmerizing.
Behind the sand, dunes shift in the constant wind. Sparse plants dot the landscape, giving it a kind of desert vibe.
What makes Cofete special:
- No development, just nature
- Relentless Atlantic winds
- Moving sand dunes
- Wild, untouched energy
Most of the time, I walked for ages without seeing another person. The emptiness, with those mountains rising behind, makes you feel like you’ve reached the world’s edge.
Mystery and Legend: The Villa Winter Story
As I explored Cofete’s rugged coast, one building kept drawing my eye. Villa Winter, built by German engineer Gustav Winter in 1937, has inspired decades of rumors about Nazi connections and wartime secrets. The intrigue still pulls in curious travelers.
History of Villa Winter
Villa Winter’s story starts with Gustav Winter, born in Germany’s Black Forest in 1893. He built this stark white mansion in 1937, way out on Fuerteventura’s remote coast.
The location baffles most people. Winter picked a spot 20 kilometers from the nearest village, with no paved roads. Building anything out here took serious effort and resources.
Villa Winter details:
- Thick concrete walls
- A tower with sweeping ocean views
- Large basements with reinforced concrete
- Heavy metal doors
The building’s bright white walls stand out against the rough landscape. When I first saw it on the hillside, it looked almost unreal.
Gustav Winter and Conspiracy Theories
Digging into Gustav Winter’s background, I found a man wrapped in mystery. Before Cofete, he worked on projects in Gran Canaria, but why he moved here is anyone’s guess.
Rumors swirl about Nazi ties. Some say the villa hid high-ranking Nazis. Others claim it was a refueling stop for German U-boats.
Popular theories:
- Hidden submarine docks
- Secret tunnels to the sea
- An operating room for Nazi plastic surgery
- Espionage equipment
Inside, the house has odd features that keep the stories alive. There’s a huge fuse box, way more than a regular house needs. Some basement rooms stay locked, adding to the mystery.
Links to World War II
The timing—1930s, just before WWII—and Winter’s German roots keep the speculation going. Locals still tell stories about submarine parts washing up on the beach.
Spain was officially neutral during WWII, but Franco’s ties to Hitler make things murky. The Canary Islands had real strategic value in the Atlantic.
Alleged wartime activities:
- U-boat refueling
- Nazi escape planning
- Intelligence posts
- Hidden gold storage
No one’s proved any of it. The tower’s ocean views could work for surveillance, but that’s hardly proof.
Researchers keep poking around, using scanners and digging through old documents. So far, Villa Winter’s wartime secrets remain just that—secrets. It’s another layer of mystery that makes Cofete so compelling.
Activities and Experiences for Visitors
Cofete Beach draws in nature lovers and photographers with its wild, untamed beauty. You’ll find three main ways to explore: hiking the Jandía mountains, wandering the dramatic coastline, or just soaking up the views for that perfect photo or wildlife encounter.
Hiking and Scenic Trails
The trail up to Pico de la Zarza really stands out. It’s the highest peak on Fuerteventura at 807 meters, and honestly, the climb feels both tough and completely worth it.
That hike starts right by the beach parking lot and zigzags up through rocky ground. I remember my legs burning a little, but the views kept me going.
Key trail details:
- Distance: 6km round trip
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Best time: Early morning or late afternoon
If you’re not up for a steep climb, the 14-kilometer beach walk is much easier. Sometimes, you can wander for hours without running into another soul.
You don’t need special gear for walking the beach. The sand’s usually firm, so most people can handle it just fine.
But if you’re heading up into the mountains, trust me—good hiking boots and plenty of water are a must. The path gets rocky and steep fast once you leave the sand behind.
Photography Hotspots
There’s a viewpoint just above Cofete Beach that everyone seems to love. It’s where you get that sweeping shot of the entire coastline with the Jandía mountains looming behind.
Top photography locations:
- Main viewpoint near the parking area
- Villa Winter with mountain backdrop
- Beach sunset shots from the southern end
- Lighthouse at Punta de Jandía
I’ve found early mornings create a golden glow over the sand. Late afternoons? The shadows from the mountains add serious drama.
If you’re into photography, pack extra batteries. Out here, you won’t find anywhere to charge your gear.
The Villa Winter stands out as an eerie, almost ghostly subject. There’s something about its mysterious history that always adds a bit of intrigue to my shots.
Wide-angle lenses really shine here. The beach just goes on and on—sometimes it feels impossible to fit it all in one frame.
Local Wildlife Observation
Wild goats wander the mountains behind Cofete Beach. I spotted a few herds, especially close to the hiking trails.
These goats move easily over the rocks. They don’t seem bothered by people, but they still keep their distance.
Common wildlife sightings:
- Mountain goats (cabras)
- Seabirds along the coastline
- Lizards on rocky areas
- Occasional dolphins offshore
Bird watching works best early in the morning. Seabirds flock to the shoreline then, chasing fish in the surf.
Cofete’s isolation makes it a paradise for wildlife lovers. Animals act naturally here, without crowds scaring them off.
Binoculars help a lot for spotting animals far out. The open landscape means you can see for miles.
Sometimes, dolphins show up offshore. The best chance to spot them is from the higher points along the beach.
Cofete in Popular Culture and Travel Tips
Cofete’s raw, dramatic scenery has pulled in filmmakers and adventurers alike. Its remoteness means you need to plan ahead and treat the place with care—nature rules out here.
Film and TV Productions at Cofete
Hollywood couldn’t resist Cofete’s wild terrain. Ridley Scott picked it as a backdrop for Exodus: Gods and Kings in 2014.
The beach’s emptiness and those towering cliffs made it perfect for epic desert scenes. For a while, the usually quiet beach buzzed with film crews and heavy equipment, all transforming the landscape into something ancient.
Key filming features that attracted producers:
- Untouched golden sand stretching for miles
- Dramatic mountain backdrop
- Isolation from modern development
- Raw Atlantic coastline
The movie showed off Cofete’s natural amphitheater to viewers around the world. Most people probably had no idea they were looking at the Canary Islands, not the Middle East.
Essential Preparation and Safety Advice
Getting to Cofete isn’t a casual drive. The 20-kilometer dirt track can be rough, so you really need a solid vehicle and a good plan.
Vehicle requirements:
- 4WD or high-clearance vehicle recommended
- Full fuel tank (no services available)
- Spare tire and basic tools
- Extra water for radiator
I never head out here without packing extra supplies. There are no shops, restaurants, or even emergency help nearby.
Essential items to bring:
- Plenty of water and food
- Sun protection and hat
- First aid kit
- Charged mobile phone (though signal’s spotty)
The ocean looks inviting, but don’t trust it. Strong currents and big waves make swimming risky—unless it’s one of those rare, calm days, I just admire the surf from the sand.
Weather can flip fast along this exposed coastline. Wind gets wild, especially up at the viewpoint.
Respecting Nature and Local Regulations
Cofete sits deep inside Jandía Natural Park, so you’ll run into some pretty strict environmental rules here. I always try to stick to the park guidelines—after all, keeping this place wild feels important.
Protected area guidelines:
- Stick to the marked paths and roads.
- Don’t camp or park overnight.
- Take every bit of your trash with you.
- Leave the wildlife and plants alone.
You’ll spot the Cardón cacti scattered across the landscape, somehow surviving in these tough conditions. These spiky guys are part of the euphorbia family, and their sap is actually toxic. I don’t mess with them and honestly, I wouldn’t recommend touching them.
There’s a tiny old cemetery close to the beach, dating all the way back to the early 1800s. It’s a quiet spot, and I always try to walk through with a little extra respect. Those weathered graves hint at the stories of the handful of families who once called this wild coast home.
Every so often, a park ranger will swing by. They keep an eye on how people treat the land and check for any trouble. If you litter or drive where you’re not supposed to, you could end up with a fine—so it’s just not worth it.
