Cofete: beautiful, wild, dangerous and unique

Cofete is perhaps one of the most exciting places I have set foot in Fuerteventura.
I have written a thousand articles about Cofete: the road to get there, the Christmas day I spent here, this one and I don’t know how many others I will write but, every time I return to Fuerteventura, I feel the need to come here to admire all its beauty.

How to go to Cofete

The Cofete area offers various means of transportation for visitors. You can reaching Cofete by car or by taking a small bus on departing from Morro Jable. This track not only leads to Cofete but also continues on to the Punta de Jandía, providing a scenic journey for travelers. An alternative way to explore this area is by embarking on the marked route from the Gran Valle, which takes you along the slopes of Sotavento. It’s important to note that the entirety of the Cofete area falls within the boundaries of the Natural Park of Jandía, emphasizing the significance of conservation and preservation in this remarkable setting.

The isolated and “dangerous” beach

The untamed sea at Cofete is a captivating spectacle of raw and unbridled beauty. Its wild and impetuous nature demands the utmost respect and caution from those who seek to admire it. The act of swimming from the beach of Cofete is a daring endeavor, for the strong undertow beneath the surface can be treacherous.
Only on rare calm days in autumn, when the trade winds have subdued their powerful dance, does the sea offer a semblance of serenity suitable for bathing. Despite this, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and stay close to the safety of the shore.

The formidable reputation and relative isolation of Cofete have served as a shield against excessive development, setting it apart from its counterpart on the opposite coast. The Jandía Natural Park embraces Cofete, securely protecting it and ensuring that future generations can also revel in and cherish its rugged, unspoiled beauty.

The uniqueness of native nature

The Canarian “Cardones”

The Canary Island Cactus-Spurge or Cardón, despite resembling a cactus, belongs to the euphorbia family and contains toxic latex. It is found on several islands, adding character to the landscape. While rare in Fuerteventura, it grows in specific areas like Cofete and other zone of Jandia Peninsula. The plants can reach over three meters in height and are home to various shrubs and plant species. Despite challenges such as herbivores and parasitization, the species remains stable, although recent studies aim to conserve it due to the unexplained loss of adult plants.

The cemetery

The Cofete Cemetery holds a profound sense of history and solitude, nestled on the sandy shores of the beach. Constructed in the early 19th century by the inhabitants of the area, it stands as a testament to the passage of time and the enduring presence of human life.
Enclosed by a modest perimeter wall, the cemetery is gradually embraced by the shifting sands of the sea, mirroring the simplistic graves that it cradles.

As visitors pass through the weathered wooden door secured by a time-worn bolt, they are met with a solemn scene. To the right, a solid block of obsidian stone bears the inscribed names of the departed, a poignant reminder of the community’s collective memory. Within these etchings, the recurrence of certain surnames serves as a silent testament to the extensive interconnections within the area, evoking reflection on the enduring bonds of family and heritage.

The final interment within these hallowed grounds dates back to 1956, marking the cessation of a long tradition of laying to rest the departed in this tranquil coastal sanctuary. Despite the passage of time, the Cofete Cemetery remains a poignant symbol of the enduring human spirit and the timeless embrace of the natural world.

The unique emotion of the wild place

At the start of the article, I already emphasized the breathtaking beauty of this place, but to truly grasp the essence of Cofete, one must experience it firsthand. The journey itself is nothing short of awe-inspiring: traversing the lengthy, seemingly endless road across the sandy terrain of the Jandia peninsula under the radiant sun
. Then, there’s the thrilling final 20 kilometers of unpaved road and the daunting cliffside overlooking the ocean, instilling a sense of trepidation with every passing vehicle. The exhilarating wind at the Mirador de Cofete and, of course, the expansive beach with its awe-inspiring, crashing waves that send sprays of water into the air with each break!

Cofete is an emotion that one simply cannot afford to miss! However, it’s crucial to always bear in mind that this is a truly unique place, so we must treat its pristine environment with the utmost respect. Furthermore, for those daring to venture into the water, it’s imperative to remain close to the shore as the currents in this area are exceptionally powerful. Perhaps it’s wiser to bask in the marvels of nature rather than challenge them, wouldn’t you agree?