This extensive beach in the south of Fuerteventura is located on the windward stretch of the on the eastern side of the Jandía peninsula. Forming part of the highest point of the mountainous expanse of Jandía, it is difficult to reach as it is separated from the Morro Jable area by a complex mountain range. There are no surfaced roads to Cofete nor are there parking spaces, hamburger stands or restaurants. Nothing of the sort. This part of Fuerteventura lies next to the leeward side of the southern tip of the island. Here, beneath the loftiest mountains, (the highest peak of Fuerteventura is Zarza which is 807 metres above sea level), stretches a solitary and unspoiled beach where the only thing that breaks the view are a few buildings in the small village of Cofete.  

The rest is simply sand, sun and wind in abundance. This fine sandy beach is exposed to the wind throughout much of the year. All the same, this is a small price to pay for a practically private swim in the sea and is a perfect spot for those who prefer to sunbathe in the nude as this is permitted on most of the 13-kilometre expanse of beach that graces this natural hideaway. 

However, a little effort must be made if you want to reach paradise. Cofete beach is accessible via an unsurfaced trail that leads from Morro Jable. This track passes through the Jandía National Park, which can be visited along the way, as well as the Jandía point which is on the far south of this elongated island that some call 'Rosa de los Vientos' (Rose of the Winds).

A mysterious place

As we hinted at earlier, a visit to Cofete also brings you into contact with one of the great mysteries of recent Spanish history. Cofete is home to Villa Winter, built by the German industrialist Gustav Winter. Although nothing has ever been proven, British Secret Service reports created during the Second World War reveal that Cofete was used as a supply base and refuge for the submarines of the Third Reich. The locals, who were evacuated from Jandía (it was converted into an enclosed military area), believe that there were tunnels connecting Villa Winter to underwater caves where the vessels were stored. Nowadays, the Villa is still standing, but guards its secrets closely. The Spanish Government of that time always denied that one of their islands was used as a logistical base for Adolf Hitler's submarines. A tourism group from Gran Canaria has since bought the building and has converted it into a small hotel.