Popcorn Beach Fuerteventura – A very unique beach

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Popcorn Beach is located on the north shore of Fuerteventura between Majanicho and Corralejo. It’s actual name is Playa el Hierro or Playa del Bajo de la Burra.

Although most beaches in Fuerteventura are made up of beautiful light-colored sand, Popcorn Beach is different—well, actually unique. It is largely made up of pieces of white fossilised calcareous algae that build up around a tiny stone or grain of sand and are called rhodoliths. They look very much like popcorn—hence the name.

The beach is quite isolated, so you will need to drive to it if approaching from the east. I did meet a couple who walked to it from Corralejo, though, so that is possible for any of you fit and dedicated walkers out there.

Popcorn Beach Fuerteventura
This is why it is called Popcorn Beach

As Fuerteventura beaches go, Popcorn Beach is certainly not among the best, even if it is rather unusual. However, if you are driving along the north shore, it is worth stopping to look at it.

I drove from Majanicho along a very bumpy track first of all staying right by the sea shore. I was in my trusty old 4×4 so I was ok but you would struggle to take this track in a normal car. You certainly wouldn’t want to take your own car on it, although, as we all know, hire cars can go anywhere!

You can also take a much easier-maintained track, which is quite easy in a normal car.

There is a small cafe/bar at the beach, but it was closed when I visited. I don’t know when it will reopen.

popcorn beach fuerteventura
Popcorn Beach Fuerteventura looking west
Popcorn beach fuerteventura north coast
Popcorn Beach looking east towards Corralejo

PLEASE don’t take any of it away if you visit the beach!

It is starting to disappear because visitors are taking souvenirs home with them (which is also illegal)

Recent press coverage

Over the past few weeks, Popcorn Beach in Fuerteventura has been featured in both the UK and US press. I have no idea why it should suddenly feature as it has been here forever, but that’s the press for you.

The Daily Mail ran this article on Popcorn Beach Fuerteventura.

Popcorn beach fuerteventura

It was even featured on Fox News in America, which is odd. But perhaps that may at least have educated a few Americans about where the Canary Islands are (or even that they exist at all) since many tend to be rather geographically challenged. This is the article on Popcorn Beach.

It seems that it first popped up on someone’s Instagram feed, and that was where the press picked up on it. Many people believed it to be a hoax, with faked photo-shopped photos. But I can confirm that it does exist!

How to get to Popcorn Beach

From Lajares end

To get to Majanicho, first go to Lajares. At the roundabout by the football ground, turn along the side of the football ground—signposted Majanicho. Continue down there, past the entrance to the Origo Mare complex and then into the quaint, picturesque fishing hamlet of Majanicho.

Turn right to go to Popcorn Beach (or left to go to El Cotillosee video) but stop there for a little walk around as it is a lovely little place. See my video – Majanicho.

Popcorn Beach Fuerteventura Majanicho
Majanicho

Once out of the village, keep to the best track (right-hand) for about 10 minutes until you arrive at the little cafe. Turn off and park right by the beach.

From the Corralejo end

To drive from the Corralejo end, take the back road to the port. Look out for the two wind turbines by the desalination plant. Take the track that goes from the rear of the bus station and passes near the wind turbines, and just keep going until you come to the little cafe right on Popcorn Beach.

This is the video I made about Popcorn beach Fuerteventura.

Other articles you may find useful

Renting a car in Fuerteventura | Car hire advice from a local
Tips for driving in Fuerteventura

6 responses to “Popcorn Beach Fuerteventura – A very unique beach”

  1. Perth avatar
    Perth

    Hola.
    I was so curious, so I brought some “popocorn ” to analyze to the University of Rome (just because I had my studies there).

    It’s about CALCAREOUS SEAWEED!

    you will find the same framework on the beach of Punta Elena

    Perth2

    1. admin avatar
      admin

      Yes it is indeed. There has been quite a bit in the news in Fuerteventura recently complaining that many people are taking some with them when they visit the beach so it is disappearing.

  2. Chloe avatar
    Chloe

    Hi,

    Do you know if this is a walkable route from staying in El Cotillo? Or do you need to drive?

    Can hire cars go on this route as I heard there are restrictions on the roads you can use.

    1. JP in Fuerteventura avatar
      JP in Fuerteventura

      Hi Chloe, I would say it is rather a long walk from El Cotillo (roughly 18km). It is much closer to Corralejo than El Cotillo so a shorter route would be to get the no 8 bus to Corralejo (getting off at the end opposite the wind turbines) and walk from that end (about 4km). It would still be a reasonably long walk though. All the car hire companies say that you are not allowed to take a car off of tarmacked roads but everyone does.

  3. Jon avatar
    Jon

    No need to go to a remote location to see the popcorn, just got back from holiday staying in correlejo and the beaches there have it.

    1. JP in Fuerteventura avatar
      JP in Fuerteventura

      Yes, that’s true

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