Don’t expect to discover everything on your first day – Jandía reveals itself gradually. Some things are obvious the moment you arrive – the light, the breeze, the open horizon. Others take a little longer: an unplanned stroll, a half-empty beach, a path that doesn’t appear on any map.
There’s no need for elaborate plans. Sometimes it’s enough simply to know what’s nearby. In this guide we’ve gathered ideas for what to do in Jandía: beaches, trails, places to eat well and experiences you won’t always find in the brochures. Time to start taking notes.
Beaches for every taste
In Jandía the coastline runs on for kilometres, with beaches that each have their own character. The most emblematic is Playa de Sotavento beach, a sweeping nine-kilometre stretch divided into areas such as La Barca, Risco del Paso and Mal Nombre. At low tide a natural lagoon forms, perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and the clear water and golden sand make it a paradise for nature lovers. Each summer it also hosts the Fuerteventura World Cup, a stage of the windsurfing and kitesurfing world championships that draws top international athletes.
Further south, beside Morro Jable, lies Playa del Matorral beach, which runs for about 4.3 kilometres. This semi-urban beach has fine white sand and calm, clean waters, ideal for swimming and watersports. It is accessible and well equipped, with sunlounger and parasol hire plus showers. It is also home to the Saladar de Jandía, a protected salt marsh of great ecological value.
To the north of Morro Jable, Esquinzo-Butihondo beach has a quieter feel. Almost three kilometres long, this semi-urban sweep of golden sand and turquoise water is perfect for unwinding away from busier spots. You’ll find sunlounger and parasol hire, showers and beach bars, and it’s easy to reach by car or public transport.
Nature and the great outdoors
Jandía isn’t only about the beach. Look inland and you’ll see a chain of dry, almost lunar mountains. Here you’ll find Pico de la Zarza, the highest point on Fuerteventura. The hike isn’t technically difficult, but it is long, so set off early and bring plenty of water. The reward is spectacular: sea on one side, cliffs on the other and, on a clear day, other islands on the horizon.
For gentler plans there are coastal walks, dirt tracks and impromptu viewpoints where you can pause to soak up the atmosphere. If you’d rather stay on the water, catamaran trips depart from Morro Jable, often with snorkelling, paddleboarding or kayaking included. Some include lunch on board, others focus on spotting dolphins. Whatever you choose, the scenery won’t let you down.
Local food
Eating well in Jandía is easy, especially if you’re fond of fresh fish. You’ll see it on almost every menu – grilled, in a light broth or served with papas arrugadas (Canarian wrinkled potatoes) and mojo. If you spot vieja, cherne or cabrilla, order with confidence.
Morro Jable offers plenty of choice, from beach bars (chiringuitos) to more polished spots with sea views. Places along the promenade usually serve good produce at fair prices, particularly if you avoid peak times. You’ll also find international options, tapas bars and the odd pizzeria that fits in nicely.
The best approach is not to obsess over “the best” restaurant. Here, eating well is the norm – unfussy, relaxed and with the ocean never far away
Shopping and strolling in Morro Jable
If you fancy a wander, Morro Jable is the place. It isn’t large, but there’s enough to keep you busy: a long seafront promenade, shops, a small market, ice-cream parlours, cafés and plenty of life towards evening, once the beach empties and the sun dips.
The old town has more of a local feel (straightforward bars, fishmongers, bakeries) while the lower part, by the sea, is perfect for ambling without a plan. You can follow the promenade almost to the lighthouse, skirting the Saladar de Jandía, a protected area that separates town from beach. On breezy days the walk is especially refreshing.
It isn’t the place for major shopping sprees, but it’s ideal for a browse, a terrace table and an unhurried afternoon.
Excursion ideas nearby
If you hire a car, there are several places near Jandía well worth the trip. The best known is Cofete, a wild beach on the far side of the mountains. The track is rough and winding (properly off the beaten track) but the landscape more than compensates: an endless, untouched beach with an almost surreal atmosphere.
Another highlight is the Punta Pesebre viewpoint at the southern tip of the peninsula. It’s little known, yet from here you can see the Atlantic meeting one of the island’s most exposed stretches of coast. If you like feeling a long way from it all, this spot delivers.
If you’d rather stay closer, explore a corner of Jandía Natural Park, which covers much of the area. Even a short stroll is enough to understand why this landscape gets under your skin.
Relax and recharge with Lopesan Hotel Group
After a day on the beach, a mountain hike or a drive across the peninsula, slowing down becomes part of the journey. That’s why our hotels in Jandía are designed for true relaxation: generous pools, landscaped gardens, soothing spas, open terraces and rooms created for complete switching-off.
At Lopesan Hotel Group we offer several places to stay in this part of the island, including IFA Altamarena by Lopesan Hotels and IFA Villas Altamarena. Each space is designed so every guest can find their own rhythm – sea-view moments, a sunlounger in the warmth or a massage to round off the day.
Here, relaxation isn’t an add-on – it’s at the heart of the experience.
