8 Best Chiang Mai Night Markets: 2026 Local Shopping Guide
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Culture
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Your list of places to visit in Fuerteventura must include the Playa de Sotavento, an endless stretch of golden sand surrounded by stunning turquoise waters and a huge natural lagoon in the south of the island.
There are beautiful beaches, and then there is the Playa de Sotavento, one of those places that is hard to describe in words. You only need to see it once to understand why it always appears among the best beaches in Europe.
It is located in the south of the island and is also known as the Playa de Sotavento de Jandía, as it forms the natural entrance to the beautiful Jandía peninsula. In reality, it is a collection of interconnected beaches that stretch for more than 10 kilometres, all sharing a practically untouched natural environment.
The Playa de Sotavento in Fuerteventura is also known for its constant wind. That is why international windsurfing and kitesurfing championships are held there every year, with athletes participating from all over the world.
For me, the Playa de Sotavento is a must-stop on your route through Fuerteventura. Just walking along the shore, watching the lagoon at high tide, or sitting in front of the ocean makes the trip worthwhile.
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All-terrain writer specialising in tourism, fashion and trends. A curious soul, traveller, reader and sports enthusiast, keen to discover every corner of the world.
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Culture
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Beyond its size, what really sets the Playa de Sotavento apart is the landscape created by the movement of the sea. When the tide comes in, a huge shallow lagoon appears, separated from the ocean by a strip of sand. For a few hours, this creates the impression that there are two completely different beaches.
That lagoon becomes the perfect setting for windsurfing and kitesurfing, as the water is barely deep and the wind blows quite strongly; two ideal conditions for these sports.
Another of its great attractions is the sense of freedom it offers, as the beach is several kilometres long and never feels crowded. There is always space to walk, lay out your towel, or simply enjoy the scenery without large crowds.
And when people ask me what to see at the Playa de Sotavento, I always say that you shouldn't just look towards the sea, because behind the beach there are small volcanic mountains and huge plains that form one of the most spectacular landscapes in all of Fuerteventura.
It is important to be clear about where Sotavento Beach is and to know how to get there so you can better organise your plans. And I can tell you that, although when looking for it you might get the feeling that it is quite isolated, it is easy to reach by road.
Sotavento Beach stretches along the eastern coastline of the municipality of Pájara, in the Jandía Natural Park, between the towns of Costa Calma and Morro Jable.
Playa de Sotavento, 35627 Pájara, Las Palmas, Fuerteventura.
Anyone you ask about how to get to Sotavento Beach will tell you that the car is the best option, as the journey by road is very comfortable from any point in the south or centre of the island.
If you set off from Costa Calma, it will take you barely ten minutes, while from Morro Jable the journey will take about twenty minutes via the FV-2 road.
Another option is to go by 'guagua', which is what the public bus is known as. Lines 1, 5 and 25 connect Costa Calma and Morro Jable, stopping on the main road, from which you will have to walk about 10 or 15 minutes to reach the sand.
There is usually no problem with parking at Sotavento Beach, as there are various areas set aside for leaving your car near the beach free of charge. One of the first to fill up is the one next to the Sotavento Viewpoint due to its proximity to the beach. If you cannot find a space, there is also the Risco del Paso car park.
Although there are plenty of spaces available, I recommend arriving as early as possible, especially during the summer months or on days of major sporting events, so you can park as close to the sand as possible.
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If you take a look at the reviews for Sotavento Beach, you will see that most describe it as one of the most spectacular and impressive landscapes in the whole of the Canary Islands, with something different from any other. The sense of freedom it offers is also often highlighted.
As a point to keep in mind or a less favourable aspect, some reviews warn that the wind can be quite strong at certain times of the year, so it is advisable to check the weather forecast if you are planning to spend the day there.
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Now that you know what to see and do at Sotavento Beach, here are some tips that will help you make the most of it, the landscape, and enjoy the day as you deserve:
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Thanks to its privileged location in the south of Fuerteventura, just a few minutes by car you will find different destinations that are some of the main attractions of the island, and which, for me, are very much worth visiting. Here are my favourites:
A few kilometres north of Sotavento is Costa Calma, one of the most touristy destinations on the island, famous for its avenues full of palm trees, its small coves, and, above all, for having one of the largest selections of restaurants,
Risco del Paso is part of the large Playa de Sotavento complex and is one of the favourite places for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. When the tide creates the lagoon, it becomes a true spectacle.
About twenty minutes away is Morro Jable, one of the most beautiful villages in the south of Fuerteventura. Its promenade, fishing port, and beaches make it a 100% recommended visit to complete your day.
If you have plenty of time, one of the best excursions you can take is to go to the Playa de Cofete. Its natural landscape, the huge mountains that reach the sea, and the feeling of isolation make it one of the most impressive beaches in the Canary Islands.
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If you are looking for a paradisiacal corner that looks like it's straight off a postcard, the Playa de Sotavento is a must-stop in Fuerteventura. Walking on its kilometres of white sand, bathing in its shallow crystal-clear lagoons, and watching how the landscape changes with the tides is a unique experience that shows the wildest and most unique side of the south of the island.
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