Playa de Ajuy
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Located on the rugged and less developed west coast of Fuerteventura, Playa de Ajuy (Ajuy Beach) stands out with its obsidian sand and dark blue water. It’s flanked by dramatic volcanic landscapes and backed by the charming fishing village of Ajuy, famous for its seafood and the ancient caves nearby.
The basics
Playa de Ajuy is a staple of Fuerteventura sightseeing tours focusing on the west coast. These hassle-free excursions typically combine the beach with Barranco de Las Penitas (Las Penitas Canyon), where arid, terracotta-tinged landscapes are punctuated with greenery, and the Cuevas de Ajuy, a rock network estimated to date back more than 100 million years. Some tours also stop at Playa de Sotavento de Jandia, a sprawling stretch of sand renowned for its windsurfing opportunities.
Things to know before you go
- The tide can be strong here, so be careful when swimming amidst the often crashing waves. There are no lifeguards here.
- There are public restrooms at this beach.
- A few bars and restaurants sit above the sand, but it’s to bring your own towels, snacks, and drinks, as there’s nowhere to rent these on the beach.
- The beach is accessible to people using wheelchairs.
How to get there
Playa de Ajuy is reachable from the tourist hot spot of Morro Jable by public transport; you can take the ALSA L4 bus destined for Pájara and disembark at Ajuy. From the international airport, it’s a 50-minute drive via the FV-413 road.
When to get there
Fuerteventura enjoys warm weather year-round due to its location off the coast of North Africa. Even in the winter months of January and February, you can expect temperatures above 68°F (20°F), so there’s never really a bad time to visit Ajuy. Expect more crowds during the European school holidays in July and August.
What to eat in Ajuy
The fishing village of Ajuy that backs the black-sand beach is famous for its seafood, so make sure you stop at one of the restaurants above the beach for lunch. Must-try Canarian dishes include papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), served with sizzling prawns in garlic and chili or grilled white fish.
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