Playa del Matorral: a golden sandy beach next to the most famous lighthouse in the south of Fuerteventura

One of the first questions you will ask yourself is how long is Playa del Matorral. Well, it is more than 4 kilometres long, making it one of the most extensive and comfortable beaches in the south of Fuerteventura. That is why the first impression is usually one of spaciousness.

The beach seems to never end and allows you to enjoy it without the feeling of being overwhelmed as in others, even in the high season months. Its sand is fine and the entrance to the water is made progressively through raised wooden walkways, which makes it very comfortable.

But what I like most about Matorral is how nature coexists in harmony with the best services. On one side you have a beach that lacks nothing, and on the other, a protected natural space that continues to conserve enormous environmental value.

Furthermore, presiding over everything from the centre of the beach stands the Morro Jable Lighthouse with its more than sixty metres in height. It serves as a visual reference point and a natural divider between the purely family area and those more oriented towards naturism or nudism.

Another of its strong points is the tranquillity of the sea. Unlike other areas of the island where the wind is usually the protagonist, here it is much milder for most of the year.

And as for what to do on Playa del Matorral apart from swimming, you can rent a sunbed and a parasol to rest all day, try your luck with paddle surf or windsurf lessons, take endless walks while feeling the breeze or sit down for a drink at one of the beach bars.

 

 

 

Don't worry if you don't know how to get to Playa del Matorral because it couldn't be simpler and you can't miss it, as it is perfectly signposted and is part of the same tourist centre of Morro Jable.

 

Address:

If you are looking for the location of Playa del Matorral, it will take you directly to the municipality of Pájara, at the southern end of Fuerteventura, next to the Morro Jable Lighthouse and very close to the port.

Avenida del Saladar, s/n, 35625 Morro Jable, Pájara, Las Palmas, Fuerteventura.

 

How to get to Playa del Matorral:

The most common way is usually to go to Playa del Matorral by car, directly along the FV-2, the main road that runs from the north to the south of the island. Upon reaching the end of the motorway you will enter directly into the urban area of Morro Jable, where you will see the access roads to the coast on your left.

If you prefer, you can also go by public transport. Bus lines 1, 4 and 10 connect directly with Puerto del Rosario, the airport and Costa Calma, with several stops spread throughout the Avenida del Saladar.

 

Where to park at Playa del Matorral?

Parking at Playa del Matorral is usually not complicated, with several areas to leave the car quite close to the sand:

• Avenida del Saladar: Along the main street there are quite a few free spaces a step away from the walkways.
• Lighthouse car park: Near the central area of the lighthouse there are two paved public open spaces where it is usually easy to find a spot in the morning.
• Port area car park: If you prefer the part closest to the traditional town, at the west end you have the marina and commercial port car park.

 

Map of Playa del Matorral:

Google Maps route.

Reviews of Playa del Matorral highlight, above all, the comfort it offers for spending a full day by the sea. Travellers particularly value the spaciousness of the beach, the cleanliness of the sand, the tranquillity of its waters and the wide range of restaurants, terraces and services available in the surrounding area.

As an aspect to take into account, in the central area near the lighthouse, the wind can be noticeable at some times of the day. Even so, it usually blows with less intensity than on other beaches in the north of Fuerteventura, so it does not usually prevent you from enjoying the day.

It is worth knowing that at the southern end of Playa del Matorral, in the direction of Jandía, there is an area where nudism is common. Even so, most of the sandy area maintains a family atmosphere and is frequented by all types of visitors.

Although you don't need to plan too much to enjoy this beach, I leave you these tips that will help you make the most of it:

• Use the wooden walkways: To reach the seashore you have to cross the protected area of the salt marsh. It is essential to use the paths and wooden walkways to look after the vegetation and the birds that live there.
• Choose the area that best suits you: If you are going as a family with small children, I recommend the end closest to the old town, where the water is even calmer. If you are looking for tranquillity or want to go nudist, the stretch between the lighthouse and the area of the large hotels is for you.
• Take advantage of the avenue to eat: You don't need to carry a cool box if you don't want to. On the other side of the street you have all kinds of restaurants, cafes and supermarkets to buy what you need or sit down to eat quietly in the shade.
• Enjoy the sunset next to the Lighthouse: At dusk, the light reflected by the lighthouse on the sand is a real wonder. It is the perfect time to go for a walk before going to dinner.

 

One of the great advantages of Playa del Matorral is that practically everything is close by, and in just a few minutes you can go from a protected natural space to a fishing port, walk along one of the most pleasant promenades in Fuerteventura or visit some of the best-known beaches in the south of the island.

These are some of the destinations to see near Playa del Matorral depending on the time you have available:

 

Morro Jable Lighthouse

The Morro Jable Lighthouse has been watching over this part of the coast for decades and has become one of the tourist icons of the municipality. Walking to it will only take you a few minutes and will allow you to enjoy incredible views of the coastline.

 

Morro Jable old town

Right next to the beach on the west side, the Morro Jable old town preserves the maritime atmosphere that gave rise to the town. Its streets invite you to walk without haste, to discover small shops, sit on a terrace or try some of the restaurants specialising in fresh fish.

 

Playa del Matorral Natural Reserve

Behind the beach is the Playa del Matorral Natural Reserve, a protected space made up of dunes and wetlands where you can observe birds and discover a less well-known part of the Fuerteventura coastline. An essential visit for nature lovers.

 

Morro Jable Port

A few minutes' walk away you reach the Morro Jable Port, which is one of the busiest in the municipality. From here, ferries depart for Gran Canaria and also various excursions to see cetaceans or tour the coast by boat.

 

Sotavento Beach

If you feel like continuing to enjoy the coast, the spectacular Sotavento Beach is worth it. Its enormous natural lagoon, the kilometres of sand and the conditions for windsurfing make it one of the most famous beaches in the Canary Islands.

 

 

 

Playa del Matorral brings together everything necessary to enjoy a day at the beach in Fuerteventura: a large sandy area, generally calm waters, a pleasant promenade, a natural environment of great value and a varied range of services at your disposal. A perfect place to relax and discover one of the most complete beaches on the island.

 

• Corralejo Dunes.
• Sotavento Beach.
• Cofete Beach.
• Ajuy Caves.