Gran Valle Cofete Trail
Hike to the remote and stunning Cofete beach via the Gran Valle, offering breathtaking views and a wild, untamed landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday sun
Gran Valle Cofete Trail
Best Time
Avoid midday sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to the remote and stunning Cofete beach via the Gran Valle, offering breathtaking views and a wild, untamed landscape.
"The most impressive is Cofete beach. The most beautiful views on Fuerteventura!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trail running or hiking boots recommended for the rougher, steeper sections. Normal sneakers might suffice for some.
🚗 Hitchhiking Back
Many visitors hitchhike back from Cofete beach; cars are plentiful, especially rentals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cofete Beach Views
Mountain Pass
Breathtaking panoramic views of the vast, wild Cofete beach and the Jandia peninsula.
The Wild Beauty of Cofete
Cofete Beach
Experience one of Fuerteventura's most stunning, empty, and untamed beaches.
Encounter Local Wildlife
Trail
Spot curious goats and squirrels along the scenic route.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hike or Hitchhike to Cofete
Best Footwear and Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trail running or hiking boots recommended for the rougher, steeper sections. Normal sneakers might suffice for some.
🚗 Hitchhiking Back
Many visitors hitchhike back from Cofete beach; cars are plentiful, especially rentals.
🚌 Bus Option
Bus #111 runs from Morro Jable to Cofete beach, but seats are limited.
⏱️ Time Your Hike
Allow about 2 hours to reach the beach, plus time for breaks and the return journey.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trail running or hiking boots recommended for the rougher, steeper sections. Normal sneakers might suffice for some.
🚗 Hitchhiking Back
Many visitors hitchhike back from Cofete beach; cars are plentiful, especially rentals.
🚌 Bus Option
Bus #111 runs from Morro Jable to Cofete beach, but seats are limited.
⏱️ Time Your Hike
Allow about 2 hours to reach the beach, plus time for breaks and the return journey.
🐐 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for goats and squirrels along the trail!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Gran Valle Cofete Trail is highly praised as a fantastic alternative to driving to Cofete beach, offering stunning views and a rewarding hike. While the trail can be challenging in parts, the breathtaking scenery at the mountain pass and the wild beauty of Cofete beach make it a worthwhile adventure. Many appreciate the option to hitchhike or take the bus back.
"Quite a nice hike—it's a good option if you don't want to risk driving to Cofete with a rental car. It took us about two hours to reach the beach, but we went slowly since it was very windy at the time. On the way back, we hitchhiked—the first car picked us up right away, as there were plenty of people with rental cars anyway. The route is well-made, so normal sneakers will work."
Adam Škrobánek
"Fairly easy hike (around 350 height meters) through the Gran Valle up to the mountain pass over to Cofete. At the pass you have a beautiful view of Cofete and the other side of the Jandia peninsula. The path starts off very easy as a broad and flat trail and gets more rough and steep towards the end. You should wear some sturdy shoes, best are trailrunning or hiking boots. We are experienced hikers and needed about 50mins from the parking to the top. If you continue down to Cofete beach the other side, it takes you about another hour (we walked past the Casa Winter, if you walk through Cofete it will be around 10-15 mins shorter). At the beach you can either take the bus back (seats are limited) or hike back. Hiking to Cofete beach and back took us a total of 3:40h of hiking (4:20 with a long break at the beach)."
Stephanie K
"Not trivial to cycle up from any side as it can get quite steep but totally worth it! There's a good amount of large stones from the southern side that you'll have to carry your bike over. The northern side is a single track path that is wide enough for experienced cyclists. It can be windy"
Matko Bošnjak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can start the trail from Morro Jable or park your car at the designated parking area. Bus #111 from Morro Jable's harbor also goes towards Cofete beach, offering a one-way option.
Cycling is possible but challenging due to steep sections and large stones on the southern side. The northern side is a single track suitable for experienced cyclists.
Many hikers opt to hitchhike back, as rental cars are common in the area. Alternatively, the limited-seat Bus #111 is available.
Driving to Cofete beach is not recommended with a standard rental car due to the rough road. The Gran Valle Cofete Trail is a safer alternative.
The trail can be accessed from a parking area in Gran Valle, making it a convenient starting point for the hike to Cofete.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Gran Valle Cofete Trail is a public hiking path and does not require any tickets or entry fees.
The trail is accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor natural path. However, hiking during daylight hours is strongly advised for safety.
Cofete beach itself does not have an entrance fee. Access is free, whether you hike, hitchhike, or take the bus.
While not explicitly mentioned, guided tours might be available from local operators in Morro Jable or Costa Calma. It's worth checking with local tourist information.
Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon can help you avoid the peak crowds, especially during the summer months.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is considered fairly easy to moderate. It starts as a broad, flat trail but becomes rougher and steeper towards the mountain pass. Experienced hikers can reach the top in about 50 minutes.
Hiking to Cofete beach and back typically takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes of pure hiking time, plus breaks. Some visitors report around 2 hours to reach the beach.
Sturdy shoes are recommended. Trail running shoes or hiking boots are best due to the varied and sometimes rough terrain.
There are no facilities directly on the trail or at the mountain pass. Basic amenities might be found in Cofete village, but it's best to come prepared with water and snacks.
The most impressive sights include the beautiful views from the mountain pass overlooking Cofete beach and the wild, empty expanse of the beach itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The mountain pass offers spectacular panoramic views of Cofete beach, making it a prime photography location. The beach itself, with its vastness and wild nature, is also incredibly photogenic.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer, more dramatic lighting for landscape photography. The golden hour can create stunning shots of the beach and surrounding landscape.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive landscapes. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures on the beach.
The chance to photograph local wildlife like goats and squirrels adds a unique element to your shots. The rugged terrain and dramatic coastline offer endless photographic possibilities.
Including a person or a recognizable object in your shot can help convey the immense scale of Cofete beach. Experiment with different perspectives to emphasize its vastness.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key considerations for families:
* Footwear: Ensure everyone wears comfortable, sturdy shoes.
* Snacks & Water: Pack plenty of provisions, as there are no facilities along the trail.
* Return Trip: Consider the bus option (#111) for a more predictable return, or be prepared for potential wait times if hitchhiking.
* Wildlife: Kids will likely enjoy spotting goats and squirrels along the way.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers
Tips for solo hikers:
* Connectivity: Mobile signal can be intermittent, so download offline maps.
* Timing: Starting early can ensure you have ample daylight and potentially catch the bus or find a hitchhike back before it gets too late.
* Preparedness: Carry sufficient water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit.
🚴 Cyclists
Cycling considerations:
* Bike Type: A mountain bike or robust gravel bike is recommended.
* Fitness: Requires good physical condition and bike handling skills.
* Route: Be prepared for sections where you'll need to dismount and carry your bike.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Cofete Beach
Reaching the mountain pass is a significant milestone, offering a breathtaking reward: a panoramic vista of Cofete beach stretching out below, with the dramatic backdrop of the Jandia peninsula. This viewpoint is a photographer's dream and a perfect spot to rest and soak in the scenery. From here, the descent to the beach takes approximately another hour. Visitors often combine the hike with a bus ride or hitchhiking back, making it a flexible day trip.
Key Takeaways:
* Accessibility: A safer alternative to driving to Cofete.
* Terrain: Starts easy, becomes steeper and rougher.
* Views: Spectacular panoramas from the mountain pass.
* Return: Hitchhiking or bus are popular options.
Navigating the Trail and Return Options
Upon reaching Cofete beach, hikers have a few options for their return. The most common and often successful method is hitchhiking. Many visitors with rental cars make the journey to Cofete, and are often willing to give hikers a lift back. Alternatively, Bus #111 operates from the harbor to Cofete beach, but it's advisable to check schedules and be aware that seats are limited. For those who enjoy a longer excursion, hiking back the way you came is also an option, though many prefer to utilize the return transport methods.
Practical Tips:
* Footwear: Prioritize trail running or hiking boots.
* Hitchhiking: A common and effective way to return.
* Bus: Bus #111 is an option, but seats are limited.
* Time: Budget around 3.5-4 hours for a round trip with breaks.
Social
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