7 Best Sights in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

This famous stretch of pure white sand rivals Corralejo for the title of best Fuerteventura beach. It extends for 6½ glorious km (4 miles)—at low tide you can walk over to neighboring beaches for 9 km (5½ miles). A sandbank that runs parallel to the beach creates a shallow lagoon perfect for swimming and getting down the basics of windsurfing. Nude sunning is favored here, except directly in front of hotels—these areas are also the only place where amenities are available. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: nudists; solitude; sunrise; windsurfing.

Playa Costa Calma is actually made up of three gorgeous white-sand beaches, a large one flanked by two smaller ones. You can walk along all three at low tide, but don't be caught by the rising tide: the rocky outcrops between the beaches will prevent your return. Lounge chair and umbrella rental is available near the hotels. Windy conditions draw windsurfers. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunrise; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

Barlovento, situated within Jandía Natural Park, is spectacularly unspoiled. The fact that it can be reached only by 4x4s or other heavy-duty vehicles means it receives few visitors; in low season you might well have this 6-km (4-mile) stretch practically to yourself. Take plenty of drinking water, and watch out for strong currents, especially when the wind is strong. Amenities: none. Best for: nudists; solitude; sunset; windsurfing.

Along with Barlovento next door, Playa de Cofete is one of Spain's most pristine beaches. The 14-km (9-mile) strip of golden sand faces north, making it perfect for sunbathing, walking, and getting away from it all. Currents are strong, particularly when it's gusty, so inexperienced swimmers should skip this one. Take plenty of drinking water. Amenities: none. Best for: nudists; solitude; sunset; walking; windsurfing.

Also known as Grandes Playas, Playa de Corralejo runs about 3½ km (2 miles) south from the Tres Islas hotel to the Playa de la Barreta. Its white sands are fringed by high sand dunes on one side and the ocean and Isla de Lobos on the other, so views are magnificent. Like many Fuerteventura beaches, it's windy, so waves can be rough. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available on some parts of the beach, and nude sunbathing is common at the more remote spots. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: nudists; sunrise; walking; windsurfing.

The long stretch of powdery white sand and safe swimming conditions make Morro Jable's beach one of the island's most emblematic. It gets busy on weekends and during the summer, and finding a space for your towel can be difficult unless you're prepared to walk a ways. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are both available, and the beach is backed by a promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and cafés. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

On the northwest side of the island, this beach has a castle that once repelled pirates. The small stretch of white sand is rather isolated and is popular with locals. The beach is backed by dramatic ocher cliffs, and the sea tends to be rough. Amenities: none. Best for: nudists; solitude; sunset; windsurfing.