Cofete is the wild side of Fuerteventura. On the far south-west of the Jandía peninsula, inside the Jandía Natural Park, an enormous beach of fine sand runs for about 13.7 kilometres, backed by steep mountains and almost no development. It is quiet, windswept and dramatic, and the sea is strong, so people come to look and walk rather than swim. On the plain behind the beach stands Villa Winter, a large stone house begun in 1946 under the German engineer Gustav Winter, surrounded by legends. The road to Cofete is rough and unpaved for much of the way, and many drivers prefer to leave it to a guide. The tour linked here is a Cofete Beach and Villa Winter trip with a very high review score, which takes you across the peninsula in a 4x4 with commentary and time to explore at the end.
The story of the house
Gustav Winter supervised construction from October 1946, and there is no clear record that it was ever fully completed. The stated reason was a summer home, but the family never really lived there, and the choice of such a remote site has fed decades of speculation. Whatever the truth, the house is an unusual sight, with its tower, courtyard and carved details, set between the mountains and the beach. A good guide separates the documented history from the legends, which is a main reason to take a tour.
Why a tour
The track across the Jandía mountains is steep and rough, still hard to travel in places, and road conditions after rain can be poor, so a driver who knows the route is a real help, and hire-car insurance often excludes unpaved roads. A 4x4 tour also lets you look at the view rather than the road, and the guide can explain the natural park. Check the booking details for the pickup point, the stops and how long you spend at the beach and the house.
Making the most of it
Bring a jacket, sunscreen, water and a camera, since the wind is strong and there is almost no shade. Do not swim at Cofete, because the waves and currents are strong, and the beach has no services. Sea turtles are released on this beach, so keep a respectful distance from any marked areas. A clear day gives the best views, and November weather is usually good, though cloud can gather on the mountains. The journey takes most of a morning or an afternoon.
What to expect
The experience
A guided 4x4 trip across the Jandía mountains to Cofete beach and Villa Winter, with commentary and time to explore.
Best time
Choose a clear day, as the mountains can be cloudy, and take the morning departure for the best light.
How long
Allow a half day, including the drive across the peninsula and your time at the beach and the house.
Tips
Bring a jacket, water and sun protection, do not swim at Cofete, and check the booking details for pickup and stops.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adventure lovers who want the island’s wildest beach and its most mysterious building in one trip.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the 4x4 and the story of the house, but the track is rough and the beach has no services.
- Couples
- A dramatic, quiet beach and a story to share, followed by a sunset at Morro Jable.
- Pair with
- A beach afternoon at Jandía and Morro Jable after the tour.
- Time needed
- A half day, including the drive each way.
Good questions
Can I drive to Cofete in a hire car?+
The road is unpaved and rough for much of the way, and hire-car insurance often excludes unpaved roads. A guided 4x4 trip avoids the problem and gives you commentary.
Is it safe to swim at Cofete?+
No, the waves and currents are strong and there are no services, so people come to walk and look rather than swim. Stay out of the water.
What is Villa Winter?+
It is a large stone house on the plain behind the beach, begun in 1946 under the German engineer Gustav Winter and surrounded by legends. It was never clearly completed.
How long is Cofete beach?+
It runs for about 13.7 kilometres and is backed by mountains inside the Jandía Natural Park. Development around it is almost non-existent.
What should I bring?+
Bring a jacket, sunscreen, water and a camera, because the wind is strong and shade is scarce. Wear sturdy shoes for walking on the sand and the plain.
