With 10 kilometres of white sand and turquoise waters, Sotavento beach, in the municipality of Pájara, has earned the nickname 'the Canary Maldives' among travellers.
The beach of Sotavento, on the southeast coast of Fuerteventura, has become a benchmark destination for those seeking a tropical paradise without leaving the Archipelago. With its 10 kilometres of white sand and crystal-clear waters, this beach is described by travel portals as a "true treasure" and "the Maldives, but without leaving the Canaries".
A coastline of five beaches connected by the tide
What many call Sotavento beach is actually a set of five coves that merge at low tide: La Barca, Risco del Paso, Mirador, Malnombre, and Los Canarios. This geographical peculiarity creates a natural lagoon of up to three kilometres long, separated from the open sea by a sand barrier that emerges between 100 and 300 metres from the shore.
According to local tourist sources, that lagoon is the main attraction for water sports enthusiasts. "It is the ideal place to start windsurfing or kitesurfing", say representatives from the Pájara tourist office. The combination of constant wind and calm waters makes Sotavento a world reference for these disciplines.
The Windsurf Grand Slam, a must-attend event
Every year, the municipality of Pájara hosts the Windsurf Grand Slam, a competition that brings together the best windsurfers from around the globe for ten days. The wind, which blows strongly in the area, is the main ally of the athletes. "Without wind, there is no competition, and here we have it guaranteed," jokes an event organiser.
For the locals of Fuerteventura, Sotavento is not just a tourist attraction. It is a space for everyday leisure where families and local athletes share the sand with visitors from all over the world. The beach offers services such as equipment rental and surf schools, making it accessible for both experts and beginners.
Beyond sports, the beach offers spots of absolute tranquility. However, those looking for the typical beach bar with music and sun loungers may be surprised: Sotavento maintains a semi-virgin profile, with only a couple of food and drink establishments. "That’s its charm", points out a resident of Pájara. "There are no buildings or mega-hotels. Just nature."
For those who prefer to explore, the municipality of Pájara offers other attractions such as the historic centre with its Canary-style church or the Jandía Natural Park. But undoubtedly, the crown jewel remains this stretch of sand that many compare to the Indian Ocean. And the best part: it’s just a two-hour flight from the Peninsula.
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