Sotavento beach is located on the Jandía Peninsula in southern Fuerteventura close to Pájara. It’s common knowledge that this island has been blessed with some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands archipelago so fans of the ocean, and unspoilt, white sand beaches, are in luck because Fuerteventura is a little slice of heaven. You won’t be disappointed!
Sotavento particularly stands out among Fuerteventura’s many wonderful beaches and deserves its high standing in Spain and around the world. Just take a look at some photographs and you’ll quickly realise that it needn’t be in the slightest bit jealous of anything the Caribbean has to offer. Sotavento is almost ten kilometres long with abundant fine, gold sand lapped by crystal-clear waters, while its enormous dunes look as though they’ve been brought over from the famous Sahara desert.
Sotavento in Fuerteventura, the surfing beach in Jandía
This beach is perfect for sunbathing and taking a stroll, but it also offers visitors the chance to do water sports such as surfing, or to learn snorkelling and scuba diving. People describe it as a “beach/lake” because a small lagoon is created between the shore and a sand bank making it safer for doing certain water sports. In fact, Sotavento beach has been the location of several important surfing championships because it has the perfect conditions in terms of wind and waves.
If we’re going to be precise, Sotavento isn’t just one beach, it can be divided into five sections: La Barca, Risco del Paso, Mirador, Malnombre and Los Canarios. Each and every one is sure to delight whether you’re travelling alone, with family or friends. And if you’re holidaying with children, they’ll absolutely love the huge dunes and the lagoons that are formed here too.
Naturism is permitted in some areas so if you’re looking for closer contact with nature you can happily go ahead.
Sotavento viewpoint
To take in the whole scene at once, we recommend heading to Sotavento viewpoint where you’ll get an idea of the vastness and grandeur of the landscape and the beauty of this beach in Fuerteventura. Spend a few minutes breathing in the fresh ocean air and gazing out at every aspect of this incredible, unspoilt beach.
These days it can be hard to find beaches without buildings nearby, which is why the simple, pristine beauty of Sotavento is so very much appreciated. Perhaps that’s why we can confidently say it’s one of the best beaches in Spain.
Where to eat at Sotavento beach
When you set off for a day at the beach you have two options: have a picnic on the sand so you don’t have to leave your spectacular surroundings, or take a break and head to a restaurant for a fantastic meal. The choice is yours! If you choose the first option, make sure you buy some typical delicatessen products from the local markets first (cheese, for example). And if you decide to eat in a restaurant, below are the best recommendations for you to enjoy.
- Restaurante Mirador de Sotavento in Costa Calma
Mirador de Sotavento is in Costa Calma in Pájara, a town close to Sotavento beach. The restaurant has a big menu with traditional Mediterranean and Canary Islands dishes and a good wine list. They also have vegan and vegetarian options and dishes that are suitable for people with allergies. The restaurant boasts stunning views and if you visit later in the day, make sure you don’t miss the sunset.
- El bar de Marko y Mónica
If you’d prefer to eat something fast and have tapas with some excellent wine, look no further than El Bar de Marko y Mónica. This restaurant serves home-made dishes and local produce, and is a far cry from other tourist restaurants. The owners have decided to offer Spanish food with an Asturian twist that breaks away from dishes typically found on the island. Come here if you’re looking for high quality food and great professionalism at very reasonable prices.
- Restaurante Terraza del Gato
The Terraza del Gato restaurant is just a few kilometres away from Sotavento beach. Its menu is based on typical Canary Island food and highlights include fresh grilled fish and barbecued meats. Lovers of fine wines will also be happy with the restaurant’s wide selection of local wines.
Discover Pájara municipality
As we mentioned above, Sotavento beach belongs to Pájara, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Fuerteventura thanks to its stunning surrounding landscapes of gorges, sand dunes, salt flats and river beds. In recognition of the fact that its landscapes are its strong point, over 60% of Pájara has been protected. If you were to observe Pájara from the air, you would realise that the municipality is actually a small peninsula that is separated from the mainland by the La Pared isthmus.
Areas in Pájara that have been developed for tourism include famous tourism hubs such as Costa Calma, El Matorral and Esquinzo-Butihondo, which also has transparent waters and fine, golden sand. Important fishing villages such as Ajuy, to the north, and Morro Jable municipality, make great excursions to the surrounding area.
Fuerteventura is bursting with impressive beaches and towns that offer peace and tranquillity. If you love water sports and enjoying hours and hours of unspoilt, kilometre-long beaches, make sure to visit this small peninsula in the Canary Islands. We recommend wandering among the sand dunes, enjoying unforgettable sunsets, strolling along the shore and feeling the salty Atlantic breeze on your cheeks.
Sotavento beach in Fuerteventura is the perfect place to explore Canary Island culture and discover its people and delicious food.
