Matorral Beach
Golden sands, loggerhead turtles, and a lighthouse view
About
Playa del Matorral stretches for 3 km of golden sand along the southern tip of Fuerteventura, just a short walk from Morro Jable town. The turquoise water is calm and safe for swimming, and the beach carries a relaxed vibe that sets it apart from the busier resort beach nearby. Wooden fence markers trace the shoreline where loggerhead turtles come ashore to nest — a reminder that this is a protected zone, not just a postcard. At the eastern end, the Morro Jable lighthouse stands watch over the Jandía peninsula, giving the beach a quietly dramatic anchor. It's less visited than the main town beach, which means more space on the golden sand even in high season.
How to get there
Playa del Matorral is an easy 5-minute walk or drive from Morro Jable town, making it one of the most accessible stretches on the Jandía peninsula. There is no entry fee. Ample free and paid parking is available along Avenida del Saladar behind the beach, so arriving by car is straightforward. Fuerteventura Airport (FUE) is 64.7 km away — most visitors hire a car at the airport for the drive south.
Who it's for
For couples
The long, unhurried stretch of golden sand and the lighthouse at the far end give couples a natural evening walk with a destination — stroll the 3 km at dusk, reach the Faro de Morro Jable, and watch the light come on over the Jandía peninsula.
For families
Safe swimming, easy access from Morro Jable town in under 5 minutes, and the gentle slope of the beach make it a low-stress day out for families with young children — just note that dogs are not allowed and you must keep kids behind the turtle fence markers after dusk.
Our take
Be aware before you go: sneaker waves and currents can occur at Playa del Matorral, so watch the water carefully and never swim if conditions look unsettled. With that said, this is one of the more rewarding beaches on the Jandía peninsula — 3 km of golden sand, turquoise water, a working lighthouse, and active loggerhead turtle nesting all in one place. The relaxed atmosphere is genuine, not manufactured, and it's noticeably less visited than the main Morro Jable resort beach 1.5 km away. July and August bring more visitors even here, so June or September are the smarter months to visit. The turtle nesting zone is the detail that makes this beach matter beyond its looks — respect the fence markers after dusk and you're part of the protection, not the problem. Skip it if you need beach bars and sunlounger service; come here if you want space, a long walk, and something real.
What to do
The Morro Jable Lighthouse (Faro de Morro Jable), just 0.1 km from the beach, is an active lighthouse at the eastern end of the shore with sweeping views over the Jandía peninsula — worth the short walk at any time of day. If you want to compare coastlines, Playa de Morro Jable, the main resort beach with its promenade and full services, is 1.5 km away. For something wilder, Playa de Cofete — a remote 12-km Atlantic beach on the west side of the peninsula — is 8.8 km away and a completely different experience. A short distance inland, the Esqueleto de Cachalote at 0.7 km and the Willy-Brandt-Statue at 0.8 km add a curious cultural detour to the day.
The Morro Jable lighthouse at the eastern end of the beach is the most photogenic anchor — shoot from the waterline with the turquoise water and golden sand leading the eye toward the tower.
The wooden turtle nesting fence markers stretching along the shoreline make a striking, story-rich foreground detail that sets this beach apart from any generic resort shot.
Where to eat
A cluster of restaurants sits within 0.5–0.6 km of the beach: Lo Nuestro serves regional Canarian cooking, while Parrilla offers barbecue and both Taberuga and La Sirena cover Italian. The 555 restaurant rounds out the options if you want something different after a long afternoon on the sand.
Where to stay
The R2 Buganvilla Hotel & Spa is the closest option at 0.6 km, followed by Villas Monte Solana at 0.7 km and Alameda de Jandia at 0.8 km — all within easy walking distance of the beach. For larger resort-style stays, Hotel Riu Palace Calypso at 1.5 km and Jandia Mar at 1.6 km are both a short drive or a comfortable walk away.
Photography
The Morro Jable lighthouse at the eastern tip of the beach is the standout shot — frame it at golden hour with the turquoise water in the foreground for the strongest image. Early morning is best for the full 3-km sweep of golden sand with no visitors in frame and soft, clear morning light.
Good to know
After dusk between May and October, you must stay behind the wooden turtle nesting fence markers — this is a protected loggerhead nesting zone and the rule is enforced. Dogs are prohibited on this beach at all times, so leave them at your accommodation. Be aware of sneaker waves and currents: conditions can change without warning, so keep a close eye on the water even when it looks calm, and never wade out if the sea is unsettled. Do not enter or disturb the Saladar de Jandía salt marsh behind the beach — it is a sensitive protected ecosystem.
Map
Nearby places
R2 Buganvilla Hotel & Spa
Villas Monte Solana
Alameda de Jandia
Hotel Riu Palace Calypso
Jandia Mar
Morro Jable Lighthouse (Faro de Morro Jable)
Playa de Morro Jable
Playa de Cofete
Things to see around Pájara
Morro Jable Lighthouse (Faro de Morro Jable)
Active lighthouse at the eastern end of the beach with views over the Jandía peninsula.
Playa de Morro Jable
Main resort beach with promenade, Blue Flag, and full services.
Playa de Cofete
Wild 12-km Atlantic beach on the west side of the Jandía peninsula.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — alastc · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 2 — Jack Scorner · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 3 — Jack Scorner · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 4 — Kurt-Georg · source · CC BY-ND 2.0
- Photo 5 — Kurt-Georg · source · CC BY-ND 2.0
- Photo 6 — rvr · source · CC BY-SA 2.0