Silhouettes and the abyssal depths of the enigmatic Cofete

Cofete and Cofete beach are part of the southern region of Fuerteventura, nestled within the natural park of Jandia. The park consists of a 14 km-long mountain range of volcanic origin. Linked by several scenic hiking trails, these locations connect to Moro Jable and other nearby beaches. Immersed in the natural park, the area remains largely untouched by human intervention. The expansive sandy coastline is flanked by ominous, shadowy mountains, creating an illusion of proximity that is, in reality, elusive.

Playa de Cofete – how to get there

The easiest way is to rent a car and drive to Cofete. It is about 20 km and 1 hour ride from Moro Jable. The only disadvantage could be not being allowed to drive with rented cars on dirt roads like the one that starts when you enter the western side of the island.

For the second option (my case), take bus number 111 from Moro Jable. The bus runs to Cofete twice daily at 10 am and 2 pm, returning from Cofete Beach at approximately 12:45 pm and 4:45 pm. Foreign tourist tickets cost 8.70 EUR. The bus was punctual and not crowded during my journey. The driver even paused briefly for passengers to capture photos from behind the glass. Note that tickets cannot be purchased in advance, so be cautious about potential availability issues.

Hiking trails

The third option is to take a hike from Morro Jable. The trail starts at the Gran Valle stop. It will take you about 3 to 4 hours. The route is moderate and up to 282 meters above sea level.

When you enter Cofete village you have the option to go north or south. When heading north you can visit the Villa Winter. The nearest point is the El Islote de Las Siete Viudas. 2.5 km away and 1 hour of walking. According to legend, it is an Islet of the Seven Women. They used to take shellfish but one day when their husbands came back from work, they discovered that the women had disappeared.

On the other side in the south, you can take a walk down to the monolithic rock Roque del Moro. It is approximately 6 km away and it will take you probably 2 hours to get there. If you are coming by car you can stop at the Mirador de Cofete and walk down to the beach, or continue with a 4×4 car.

Cofete Village, beach, and Villa Winter

Cofete Village is the first stop and the only place where you can buy a snack. There is one small restaurant. Cofete is a small village that consists of only a couple of houses made in the traditional Canarian style. There isn’t any electricity, only solar-powered resources. The locals who live there do not speak English but might be interested in talking to you, especially if you will spend most of the time going around their houses taking as many pictures as I did.

The notorious Villa Winter is a half-hour stroll down the road. Designed by German engineer Gustav Winter, the building’s enigma is intertwined with Hitler and the Nazis. Some sources suggest that the villa’s tower served as a makeshift lighthouse, signaling German U-boats. A UK television documentary unveiled hidden tunnels and rooms in the basement. As you gaze from the villa onto the Atlantic waters, you can contemplate another mysterious event that occurred nearby—an unsettling vision of the lifeless body of triple superspy Robert Maxwell floating in the sea.

Playa de Cofete offers a tranquil retreat, complete with a parking lot and a sand-covered cemetery dating back to the 19th century, constructed by the locals. Adjacent to the serene beach, there stands a massive wall adorned with the names of all those laid to rest in the cemetery, adding a poignant touch to the historical ambiance. 

Shooting location

Cofete has served as a captivating backdrop for various cinematic productions. Ridley Scott’s “Exodus: Gods and Kings” filmed numerous scenes in Spain, including the picturesque Cofete beach.

In “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” the young Han Solo finds himself on his home planet, Corellia, alongside his loyal companion Chewbacca, with scenes showcasing the unique beauty of Cofete.

The iconic moment in the internet meme, inspired by the movie “Planet of the Apes,” where Charlton Heston kneels before the half-buried Statue of Liberty, was shot on the sands of Cofete, adding a touch of surrealism to the location’s filmography.

The enchanting landscapes of Cofete also found their way into “Wonder Woman 1984,” where Gal Gadot’s character discovers her superpowers, featuring scenes that showcase the allure of Cofete’s natural beauty.