This Atlantic beach stretches 8 miles of golden sand where December warmth meets volcanic mountains rising 2,600 feet from azure water. Cofete Beach sits at Fuerteventura’s wild edge, reached only by a rough dirt road that keeps crowds away. The journey itself filters visitors. Those who make the 45-minute drive discover Europe’s last untamed coastline.
December mornings here start with 68°F temperatures and empty horizons. While London shivers at 46°F, Cofete basks in subtropical warmth. The sea holds steady at 68°F, comfortable for swimming without wetsuits.
The journey to emptiness
The paved road ends 12 miles from Morro Jable. What follows tests commitment. Gravel gives way to rutted dirt carved by Atlantic storms. Four-wheel drive vehicles crawl at 15 mph, navigating rocks that could puncture standard tires.
This difficulty preserves authenticity. While Corralejo beaches receive 5,000 daily visitors, Cofete sees fewer than 100 on December weekdays. The rough access acts as natural crowd control.
Rental companies explicitly prohibit standard vehicles on unpaved roads. Smart travelers book 4×4 tours from Morro Jable for $75 per person. Local operators like Desert Adventures run daily trips departing at 8:30 AM.
Where desert meets Atlantic
The Mirador de Cofete viewpoint reveals the spectacle below. Honey-colored sand curves in an unbroken arc between volcanic headlands. The Jandía Mountains form a rust-red wall behind the beach, their peaks catching morning light.
The golden expanse
Cofete’s 8-mile beach contains no buildings, no umbrellas, no vendors. Fine sand stretches uninterrupted from Roque del Moro’s black rocks to distant Isla de las Siete Viudas. Wind patterns create natural ripples across the surface, changing hourly with Atlantic breezes.
December brings perfect walking conditions. Summer’s fierce winds calm to gentle breezes. The beach width doubles at low tide, revealing 300 feet of firm sand ideal for long walks.
Volcanic theater
Pico de la Zarza dominates the skyline at 2,600 feet elevation. This volcanic peak anchors the Jandía range, formed 20 million years ago by submarine eruptions. Rust-red basalt contrasts sharply with navy-blue Atlantic waters.
The mountains create dramatic light shows throughout December days. Sunrise paints eastern faces gold while western slopes remain purple shadows. Sunset reverses the effect, setting volcanic rocks ablaze.
Walking the wild edge
Most visitors cluster near the parking area known as “Cemetery Beach.” Walking 1 mile in either direction guarantees solitude. Footprints disappear as Atlantic waves erase evidence of human presence.
December solitude
Morning walks reveal the beach’s true character. Seabirds outnumber humans 100 to 1. Berthelot’s pipits dart between driftwood while Barbary falcons patrol from mountain thermals. The only sounds are wave crashes and wind whistling through volcanic gaps.
Low tide exposes tide pools filled with crabs and sea anemones. High tide brings powerful waves that crash against black rocks, sending spray 30 feet skyward.
Swimming wild water
The 68°F December water temperature invites swimming, but currents demand respect. Strong rip tides run parallel to shore, particularly near rocky sections. Experienced swimmers stay close to beach centers where waves break cleanly.
No lifeguards patrol this remote coast. The nearest medical facility sits 28 miles away in Morro Jable. Cell coverage disappears completely along most beach sections, making self-sufficiency essential.
The feeling of finding it
Sunset from Cofete Beach creates profound emotions. The sky transforms from blue to gold to deep purple while Roque del Moro’s silhouette frames the scene. Mountains behind glow like embers against darkening sky.
This wildness feels increasingly rare in modern Europe. No hotels interrupt sightlines. No restaurants pipe music across sand. Just endless ocean meeting ancient volcanic land exactly as nature intended.
The rough road that deters casual visitors becomes part of Cofete’s appeal. Earning access through effort makes the destination more meaningful. Remote Atlantic beaches like this demand commitment that modern tourism rarely requires.
Your questions about Cofete Beach answered
Can I drive there in a regular rental car?
Rental companies prohibit standard vehicles on the unpaved 12-mile access road. While some compact cars with high clearance might survive in dry conditions, the risk of tire damage or undercarriage scraping makes 4×4 vehicles strongly recommended. Daily 4×4 tours cost $75 and eliminate driving stress.
Is December swimming safe at Cofete?
Water temperature stays comfortable at 68°F, but strong currents require caution. No lifeguards patrol the beach and cell coverage is spotty. Strong swimmers should stay near beach centers where waves break predictably. Always inform someone of your plans before visiting this remote location.
How does Cofete compare to other Fuerteventura beaches?
Cofete receives fewer than 100 daily visitors compared to Corralejo’s 5,000. The beach offers complete wildness with zero facilities, opposite of developed resort areas. Reaching Cofete requires 45 minutes of rough driving, while northern beaches connect via highway. Choose Cofete for solitude, others for convenience.
December twilight settles over empty sand as Atlantic waves erase the day’s few footprints. Tomorrow will bring fresh perfection to this wild edge where volcanic mountains meet endless ocean.