Road trip to the southern part of Fuerteventura
Salt museum, goat cheese manufacture, aloe vera plantation, Playe de Cofete
As I wrote in the overview article of this vacation, I arrived there quite sick, so we tried to plan our trips accordingly. We wanted to make sure that we visit all the places we prioritized and we also had some time to rest and recharge. Now I'm writing about the southern part of the island, I'm dedicating a separate article to the northern area.
When I was doing my usual research on what to see in Fuerteventura, I found countless suggestions, that didn't make it easy to decide and prioritize the things we really wanted to visit. To streamline our choices, I turned to Google Maps and I added all the places that seemed to be interesting. I like this way of visualization, because it not only helps to choose from the possibilities but also to start planning day trips easily and logically.
Our base was in the town of Caleta del Fuste, strategically positioned on the eastern coast. From here, we could seamlessly explore both the northern and southern areas without any long driving distances.
We started at the salt museum that was literally 10 minutes from our hotel by car. We left in time to get there by the time they opened (open to visitors every day from 10am till 6pm, website). My curiosity drove us here, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was really interesting to learn more about the history of salt making on the island and the hard work that this required. Fun fact: there are 2 whale skeletons displayed in Fuerteventura, one of them was installed here (the other one was in Morro Jable). As we explored the area, friendly squirrels kept us company. When they were expecting some treats, they approached us even closer.
As a next stop, we visited a goat cheese manufacture (La casa del Queso). Another fun fact about the island: you can find goats everywhere, even in the most remote, barren and rocky areas. We like all kinds of cheese, so we couldn't resist visiting this place. It was possible to walk through the different stages of cheese making, and at the end you could also taste and buy some. A tip for fellow travellers: carry a freezer bag to preserve your purchases during a day trip. If you forget to pack cooler blocks in your checked-in luggage (like I do occasionally), you can freeze a bottle of water that can keep everything cool during the day. You shouldn't miss out on visiting a cheese manufature while you are here, and you should also give a shot to the special local liqueur made of goat milk (Licor de Leche de cabra).
Our path led to an aloe vera plantation (Canary Aloe Vera Finca). It was possible to visit the fields and to buy beauty products made from aloe vera at the shop. We use aloe vera for sunburn and other injuries, nothing can beat it! It was a nice place, but you shouldn't have high expectations, if you come here. For me it was something interesting that was worth to stop and see. You can make your trip more colourful by visiting the botanical garden or the wildlife park along the way.
Our rental car carried us along an adventurous road—one that seemed to lead to the middle of nowhere. After an hour’s drive, we arrived at a viewpoint (Mirador de Cofete), and there it was: the breathtaking panorama of the infinite Cofete Beach. I still cannot put into words what I was feeling. Stretching 12 kilometers, this secluded paradise lay nestled among the mountains of Jandía National Park. I felt as if I was standing at the world's edge. This became my absolute favourite spot on the island (what a surprise).
Next, we planned a stop at Restaurante Cofete. Discovered through a travel video, it stood in a tiny village, seemingly isolated. Half-naked roosters and chickens roamed nearby, adding to the rustic charm. The waitresses’ limited English and our lack of internet connectivity made choosing our meal quite challenging. Yet, we didn’t regret it—the decent lunch, reasonable prices, and unique atmosphere left an impression. There were a lot of fellow travellers and hikers there, stopping for a cool drink or a few bites. If you are looking for an authentic experience, don't miss out on this place.
After our lunch we continued our journey to Cofete Beach. We enjoyed playing with the huge waves. It was a nice way to cool down after our long day. It is worth mentioning that shade was scarce—unless you brought your own beach umbrella. Arriving in the morning or late afternoon can spare you the searing sun.
We got back to our accomodation in the late afternoon tired but filled with good vibes. When I was scrolling thorugh the photos taken during our trip, I still couldn't believe that such an island could really exist - a place where nature’s harshness coexisted with beauty.
For more details and trip preparation, explore the linked articles. If you enjoyed my post, don’t forget to like and share!
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