Fuerteventura: Cofete Beach and “Villa Winter” Tour

Traveling to Fuerteventura offers a chance to explore wild coastlines, quiet villages, and mysterious ruins. This popular 4-hour guided tour takes you through the rugged terrain of the Jandia Peninsula, revealing some of the island’s most photogenic spots and intriguing stories. We’ve reviewed this experience carefully, and it’s clear why it earns such high praise — with nearly 1,000 reviews averaging a 4.9 out of 5 stars.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the stunning coastal vistas and the chance to relax on the unspoiled sands of Cofete Beach. Second, the mysterious remnants of Villa Winter, a site surrounded by stories of espionage and history. That said, a potential consideration is the dirt road leading to Cofete, which can be bumpy — so travelers with mobility issues should consider this. Overall, it’s best suited for those who love scenic drives, authentic local encounters, and a bit of history mixed with nature.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers, photography buffs, and history enthusiasts who want a small-group, in-depth experience of Fuerteventura’s less-touristy side. It’s perfect if you’re after a mix of exploring remote beaches, enjoying panoramic views, and hearing captivating stories from knowledgeable guides.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: Expect jaw-dropping coastal views and panoramic lookouts.
• Small group format: Limited to eight participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Authentic local visits: Walk through the simple village of Cofete and see the remains of Villa Winter.
• Educational and fun guides: Guides are knowledgeable, speaking multiple languages, and creating a lively, engaging atmosphere.
• Value for money: The tour includes transport, a guide, and several stops, making it a comprehensive and affordable way to see the highlights.
• Comfort considerations: The journey involves gravel roads; bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for some bumpy rides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Overview and What You Can Expect

This guided tour begins with hotel pickups from Esquinzo, Jandia, or Costa Calma. Once everyone is aboard, the adventure kicks off with a scenic drive through the Jandia Peninsula, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, sweeping horizons, and rugged terrain. The journey itself is part of the experience — expect a mix of exciting high-altitude drives and quiet, contemplative moments on lookout points.

The first major stop is a secret viewpoint, where your guide may share stories or local insights. It’s a brief but perfect moment to snap photos of the landscape, often with dramatic cloud cover or sun shining over the coast. From there, you’ll head to Mirador de Cofete, a classic spot for panoramic shots of the vast, empty beach below. Here, you get about 10 minutes to take in the view and get some memorable photos.

Visiting Villa Winter

The next stop is the Villa Winter ruins, a site shrouded in mystery and legends. Built in the 19th century by German engineer Gustav Winter, this building’s purpose remains partly speculative — some say it was a secret wartime base, others think it was just a grand estate. Your guide will explain the fascinating stories behind the structure during a 35-minute guided visit, offering insights you won’t find in tourist guides. The ruins are atmospheric and provide great photo opportunities, especially with the backdrop of the surrounding mountains.

Cofete Beach – The Jewel of the Tour

The highlight for many is the time spent on Cofete Beach, one of the most impressive beaches you’ll ever see. The beach’s vast stretch of golden sand, backed by rugged mountains, creates an almost surreal setting. You’ll have about 35 minutes here to relax, walk along the shore, enjoy the solitude, or just take some photos. Because of the strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions, most visitors dip their toes rather than take a swim — but the scenery alone makes it worth the visit.

Many reviews mention the breathtaking beauty of Cofete. One traveler remarked, “Cofete is just amazing and the tour was great,” and another called it “the most breathtaking beach I have ever seen.” The quiet, untouched feel of the beach makes it a real highlight, especially if you love natural landscapes away from crowded resorts.

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The Drive Over Peaks and Gravel Roads

From Cofete, the journey continues along a gravel road, which winds over the highest parts of the island. This part of the drive can be a bit adventurous, especially if the weather has been bad — sometimes, access might be restricted, so always check in advance. The views from the peaks make the bumpy ride worthwhile, offering sweeping vistas of the coast and mountains that are almost impossible to find elsewhere on the island.

Local Village and Authentic Encounters

The tour wraps up with a stroll through the tiny village of Cofete, where you get a glimpse of everyday life in a quiet, traditional setting. The relaxed pace and warm welcome of locals offer a contrast to the more touristy parts of Fuerteventura, giving travelers a taste of authentic island living.

Practicalities and Group Dynamics

The tour lasts about four hours, including pickup and drop-off, with a small group of no more than eight people. This limited size ensures everyone gets personal attention and can ask questions freely. The transportation is comfortable, and the guides are praised repeatedly for their knowledge, friendliness, and multilingual skills — often speaking both German and English.

Value and Cost

The price includes hotel pickup, return, transportation, and a guide, which makes it a good deal when you consider the amount of ground covered and sights seen. The Villa Winter entrance fee is just 1 euro per person, so it’s negligible compared to the overall value. Travelers have commented that the experience offers a mix of stunning scenery, cultural insight, and fun stories, often described as “great value for money.”

What to Bring

Since some parts involve walking on uneven surfaces, comfortable shoes are a must. Plus, bring water and sun protection — even on cloudy days, the sun can be strong. The tour operators advise bringing drinks, so you stay refreshed during the stops.

Authentic Experiences That Shine

Reviewers frequently mention the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge. Many describe guides like Christopher, Krzysztof, and Marcel as funny, engaging, and passionate about the island. One traveler shared, “Kritof was amazing and funny, he told us a lot of interesting information,” highlighting how these guides go beyond just pointing out sights—they tell stories that make the experience memorable.

Another reviewer praised the soundtrack curated for the tour, which added a fun and immersive dimension. This attention to detail enhances the overall impression, making each stop feel like part of a well-orchestrated journey.

Stories and Legends

The Villa Winter ruins are a particularly popular story thread. With stories of espionage, WWII, and secret military activity, the site adds a layer of intrigue to your trip. Many guests find it fascinating that such a mysterious building exists on a relatively quiet part of the island.

The Beach Experience

Time on Cofete Beach is often described as a highlight — the unspoiled sands, the vast horizon, and the sound of surf make it a perfect place for reflection or photos. Even if swimming isn’t advisable due to currents, just being there is enough to leave a lasting impression.

The Local Village

Walking through Cofete’s small village offers a glimpse into traditional life on Fuerteventura. It’s a chance to see modest houses, local farms, and the genuine friendliness of the residents, making the trip feel authentic rather than touristy.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour offers an excellent introduction to Fuerteventura’s less crowded, more natural side. It’s perfect for those who appreciate breathtaking landscapes, historical mysteries, and genuine local culture. Because of the small group size and personalized attention, it’s also ideal for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience.

If you’re after a relaxing yet educational half-day, with plenty of photo opportunities and stories that stick with you, this trip hits the mark. But be prepared for a bumpy ride on gravel roads, and consider your mobility before booking. The experience offers great value for its price, especially when you factor in the knowledgeable guides, scenic drives, and authentic stops.

For those who want a well-rounded, thoughtfully curated tour with a mix of nature, history, and local flavor, this Cofete Beach and Villa Winter excursion is a top choice.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Esquinzo, Jandia, and Costa Calma.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts about four hours, including transport, stops, and guided visits.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a small group of 8 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

Are there any additional costs?
The only extra fee is a 1 euro per person entrance fee for Villa Winter. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I do this tour if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves gravel roads and walking over uneven terrain, so it might not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak German, English, and Polish, and they aim to accommodate non-German speakers whenever possible.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, and sun protection are recommended to enjoy the trip fully.

This tour offers a captivating mix of scenic beauty, intriguing history, and authentic culture — a compelling way to explore the quieter, wild side of Fuerteventura. Perfect for curious travelers who want depth and character, it promises a memorable half-day journey through the island’s most captivating spots.

You can check availability for your dates here: