Popcorn Beach Playa del Bajo de la Burra
Discover Fuerteventura's 'Popcorn Beach' (Playa del Bajo de la Burra), a unique shoreline covered in rhodoliths resembling popcorn.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light is magical.
Popcorn Beach Playa del Bajo de la Burra
Best Time
Golden hour light is magical.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Fuerteventura's 'Popcorn Beach' (Playa del Bajo de la Burra), a unique shoreline covered in rhodoliths resembling popcorn.
"A fascinating natural wonder where the sand looks like popcorn!"
🚗 Off-road driving needed
The last few kilometers are bumpy and rocky. A 4x4 is recommended, or be prepared for a walk.
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The terrain is uneven with loose stones. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Popcorn' Shoreline
Playa del Bajo de la Burra
Walk among millions of white, rounded rhodoliths that strikingly resemble popcorn. A truly unique natural wonder!
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Volcanic Rock Formations
Along the coastline
Contrast the white 'popcorn' with dramatic black volcanic rocks, creating a visually stunning and photogenic landscape.

Coastal Exploration
The entire beach area
Explore the rugged coastline, discover hidden coves, and enjoy the raw, natural beauty of this remote Fuerteventura spot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Popcorn Beach
Respecting the Unique Landscape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Off-road driving needed
The last few kilometers are bumpy and rocky. A 4x4 is recommended, or be prepared for a walk.
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The terrain is uneven with loose stones. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring.
💧 Bring plenty of water
There are no facilities. Stay hydrated, especially if walking or visiting during warmer months.
🚫 Don't take the 'popcorn'
These are protected rhodoliths. Admire them, but leave them on the beach for everyone to enjoy.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Off-road driving needed
The last few kilometers are bumpy and rocky. A 4x4 is recommended, or be prepared for a walk.
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The terrain is uneven with loose stones. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring.
💧 Bring plenty of water
There are no facilities. Stay hydrated, especially if walking or visiting during warmer months.
🚫 Don't take the 'popcorn'
These are protected rhodoliths. Admire them, but leave them on the beach for everyone to enjoy.
🌬️ Wind protection
It can get quite windy. Pack an extra layer of clothing for comfort.
📸 Photogenic spot
The unique 'popcorn' sand and volcanic rocks make for stunning photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Popcorn Beach is a unique natural wonder, praised for its fascinating 'popcorn'-like rhodoliths and dramatic volcanic rock formations. Visitors appreciate its photogenic qualities and the adventurous journey to reach it. However, the unpaved access roads and lack of facilities require careful preparation.
"Remote and rugged beach with unique white coral-like fragments and black volcanic rock formations. The last few kilometers require off-road driving, and parking is limited. Not ideal for swimming, but a fascinating and photogenic place to explore for nature lovers, especially those into geology or unique coastal landscapes."
Dima Baranetskyi
"Well worth the visit but be mindful that 2/3 miles leading to the beach, the road is bumpy with lose rocks/stones"
P C
"The “Popcorn Beach” 🏖️
About 15min drive from Corralejo and you will be pleased to see that beautiful view. Great tourist attraction. Yes the “sand” really looks like little popcorns and makes you smile when you see it. The beach is not too big but the view is very nice. Half an hour will be enough time to see and enjoy if you are just passing by as a tourist.
Noticed on the way there that some people were walking towards it. It is possible to reach it by walking but prepare yourself with water and suitable shoes. It is quite windy so have in mind some extra top clothes.
I am really happy that I had the chance to visit this place 🤩"
Maya Koleva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Popcorn Beach, also known as Playa del Bajo de la Burra or Playa del Mejillón, is located on the north coast of Fuerteventura, near Corralejo. The final stretch to the beach involves driving on unpaved, rocky, and sandy roads, which can be challenging for standard vehicles. Some visitors recommend a 4x4, while others suggest parking and walking the last 2-3 miles.
Yes, it's possible to reach Popcorn Beach by walking, especially if you park your car further away. Be sure to bring plenty of water and wear suitable footwear, as the walk can be long and the terrain uneven.
The road leading to Popcorn Beach is largely unpaved and can be quite bumpy with loose rocks and stones. It's advisable to drive slowly and carefully, or consider walking if your vehicle is not suited for off-road conditions.
Yes, Popcorn Beach is situated on the northern side of Fuerteventura, a relatively short drive from the popular tourist town of Corralejo.
No, Popcorn Beach is a remote natural site with no facilities. Visitors should come prepared with their own food, water, and any other necessities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Popcorn Beach is a natural attraction and does not require an entrance fee or ticket. It's free to visit and explore.
As a natural beach, Popcorn Beach is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the unique landscape.
There are no official limits on visitor numbers, but due to its remote location and limited parking, it can feel less crowded than more accessible beaches.
While specific regulations can vary, generally dogs are allowed on Fuerteventura's beaches, but it's always best to check local signage or guidelines. Ensure your dog is on a leash if required and cleans up after them.
Due to the unpaved roads and uneven terrain, Popcorn Beach may be challenging for individuals with significant mobility issues. Careful planning and assistance might be necessary.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the golden hours – early morning and late afternoon. The soft light beautifully highlights the texture of the rhodoliths and the contrast with the volcanic rocks.
The beach's unique 'popcorn' like rhodoliths, combined with the stark black volcanic rocks and the vast ocean backdrop, create a visually striking and unusual landscape that photographers love.
Drone regulations can change and vary by location. It's essential to check the latest drone laws for Fuerteventura and Spain before flying. Always fly responsibly and respect privacy.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of the intricate rhodoliths. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance colors and reduce glare.
The entire beach offers unique photographic opportunities. Look for areas where the white rhodoliths contrast sharply with the dark volcanic rocks, or capture the waves interacting with the unusual 'sand'.
🎫 🌿 Nature & Environment
The 'popcorn' pieces are actually rhodoliths, which are rounded, fossilized algae. They are a unique geological formation that gives the beach its distinctive appearance.
Rhodoliths are a protected natural element. Removing them damages the delicate ecosystem and diminishes the unique beauty of the beach for future visitors. It's crucial to leave them in place.
Popcorn Beach is not ideal for swimming due to its rocky terrain and the presence of sharp rhodoliths. It's more of a place for exploration and appreciating the unique natural formations.
While the main attraction is the geological formations, you might spot seabirds along the coast. The surrounding marine environment is rich, but direct wildlife sightings on the beach itself are less common.
Popcorn Beach is formed by the accumulation of rhodoliths, which are calcified algae that have been rounded by ocean currents over time. These are then washed ashore, creating the 'popcorn' effect.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Nature Enthusiasts
🚗 Adventurous Road Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the 'Popcorn'
These formations are a testament to the unique marine environment of Fuerteventura. The process of their formation and accumulation on the beach is a slow, natural phenomenon. Many visitors are fascinated by this geological quirk, with some TikTok videos even humorously questioning if they can be eaten. However, it's crucial to remember their ecological significance. As one Reddit user pointed out, these are natural wonders that should be preserved.
Preservation is key when visiting Popcorn Beach. The natural beauty of this place is fragile. Taking even a small handful of rhodoliths contributes to the erosion of this unique landscape. Social media content strongly emphasizes the importance of leaving these natural treasures undisturbed for future generations to marvel at.
Navigating to and Experiencing Popcorn Beach
Once you arrive, the experience is one of raw, natural beauty. The beach itself is characterized by its unique 'popcorn' shore and contrasting black volcanic rocks. It's not an ideal spot for swimming due to the rough terrain and the presence of the rhodoliths. Instead, it's a place for exploration and photography. Visitors often spend time walking along the shore, admiring the unusual landscape, and capturing its unique visual appeal.
Practical advice from travelers highlights the need for preparation. Bringing plenty of water is essential, as there are no facilities nearby. Wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes is also highly recommended due to the uneven ground. Some visitors also note that the area can be quite windy, so packing an extra layer of clothing is a good idea.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit