Sotavento Beach in Jandía is one of those rare corners of Fuerteventura where scenery, nature and serenity come together. One glance at the endless sweep of sand and the turquoise shimmer of the sea is enough to know this place is special.
Here’s how a perfect day at Sotavento might unfold: unhurried strolls along the shoreline, lazy dips in calm lagoons, time to savour local flavours and, to finish, a sunset that washes the sky in impossible colours.
A slow start to the morning
You wake without rushing, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the kitchen. A hearty breakfast sets the tone for the day ahead: easy chat about plans, a few laughs and the first bits of prep.
The beach bag fills piece by piece – sun-cream-scented towels, flip-flops still sandy from yesterday, sunglasses, the ever-reliable pack of cards, sandwiches, fresh fruit and cold water. Someone adds a spare T-shirt, just in case. Sun cream? Packed. Small bag for rubbish? Packed. Who’s got the charger? Did anyone remember the frisbee? Better ring the restaurant and book a table!
Arriving at Sotavento Beach
Once the last bits are sorted and you’ve parked near La Barca, it’s time to step onto the sand. Early light glints off the water – a lovely moment to begin the day and soak up the atmosphere while the beach slowly wakes.
Some of you wander one of the long strands at La Barca, where the sea is nestled between the shore and low dunes. Others head for Risco del Paso, a broad, peaceful stretch where you can lose yourself for a while.
Mid-morning
As the morning wears on, the urge to move arrives. The plan is to get active: a few of you try kitesurfing, others opt for windsurfing –classic Sotavento pursuits. La Barca has several centres that hire kit, including for beginners.
Others take it slower and slip into the shallow lagoons revealed by low tide. The water is warm and almost wave-free, perfect for floating and switching off. Afterwards comes a wander across the rippled patterns sculpted by the tide – just the thing for a few striking photos.Luck is on your side. A handful of seabirds drift into view, a fleeting nod from nature that makes the morning feel even more memorable.
Time for lunch
Deciding where – and what – to eat always sparks debate. Some want something quick: a patch of shade on the sand and the sandwiches made this morning. Others fancy a proper table with sea views and fish fresh off the grill. Thankfully that booking earns its keep, and the group splits without fuss.
One crowd heads to the beach bar (chiringuito), relishing its simple menu and the sea breeze as they tuck into grilled vieja (parrotfish) with papas arrugadas and mojo. The rest stay on the beach with nuts, the odd bag of crisps and, of course, their prized sandwiches – tuna with peppers, ham with tomato. Everyone sticks to their own: no swaps allowed!
The breeze, the sunshine, the laughter. Each at their own pace, all with the same feeling: it’s good to be here.
An afternoon to unwind
Lunch has gone down a treat. Some head back to the water for a quick dip before stretching out on their towels. A gentle breeze, softer sun and the steady hush of the waves soon invite forty winks, a book open or eyes half-closed.
Others still have energy to spare. Conditions are ideal for a bit of paddleboarding, or another go at windsurfing if the morning left you wanting more. This beach makes room for everything.
Either way, calm and ease rule the afternoon in Sotavento. The light breeze and the sound of the sea create the perfect backdrop to switch off, and the hours drift by without hurry.
Sotavento viewpoint at sunset
As the day draws in, you decide to walk up to the Sotavento viewpoint, just a stone’s throw from the beach. The path is gentle and gives you a chance to stretch your legs before you reach a spot that opens up the whole panorama.
You arrive as the light shifts and the beach takes on a different look. From above, the view runs clear along the shore, a sweep of changing tones. The mood is unhurried, ideal for sitting a while and letting the day fade at its own pace. Without even meaning to, you gather a handful of photographs to take home – postcards of paradise.
Before heading back
All too soon, it’s time to go. The day has flown. Being responsible visitors, you tidy up and leave no trace, so Sotavento looks as pristine as when you arrived.
Towels, sun cream, parasol, books and sunglasses go back in the bags, along with phones now brimming with memories you won’t forget.
And you know this won’t be your last time here. Plans for the next visit are already forming, and you’ve had a quick browse of places to stay in Jandía. The hotels of Lopesan Hotel Group stand out for good reason – a safe bet when all you want is to unwind after a day like this. Generous spaces, thoughtful details, the comfort of the rooms and an easy, exclusive ambience make the choice simple. After a day steeped in sun and sea, it feels only right to carry on in a place that offers rest, great service and every comfort.
So ends a day at Sotavento – with the lingering touch of breeze, light and stillness you only find here. We’ve painted the picture; now it’s your turn to live it. See you at Lopesan!
