The Popcorn Beach in Fuerteventura

Popcorn Beach is a famous beach on the island of Fuerteventura. This magnificent natural site is visited by many curious travelers and it is one of the most exciting “secrets” of the Canary Islands. Read this article to find out how to get to the beach, what to expect and what these small “rocks” taste like!

A handful of popcorn-like algae found in Fuerteventura’s Playa de las Palomitas

What is Popcorn Beach?

Popcorn Beach, or Playa del Bajo de la Burra as it is originally called, is one of the most interesting beaches in Fuerteventura. It is not your typical beach, as instead of rocks, pebbles, or sand, this beach is actually covered in popcorn. Well, not really, but the small white algae fossils that cover much of the coast look exactly like puffy popcorn! 

These marine algae are called rhodoliths and although initially red in color, they turn white over time. The waves push them ashore, also giving them their unique shape. This natural phenomenon can be observed in other beaches too, but Popcorn Beach in Fuerteventura is one of the most impressive!

How do I get to Popcorn Beach?

Popcorn Beach is located on the northern coast of Fuerteventura, close to the town of Corralejo in the municipality of La Oliva. You can get to the beach on foot from Corralejo, taking a 1-hour hiking trail. Alternatively, you can drive to Popcorn Beach, following Majanicho Street, east of the coastal village of Majanicho.

The distance from the port of Morro Jable to Popcorn Beach is approximately 120 km, while from Puerto del Rosario, located 41 km from the beach, it is a 40-minute drive.

Tip: there’s a small cafe on the beach, perfect for snacks and some much-needed water.

The small town of Corralejo in Fuerteventura, located 5 km on foot from Popcorn Beach

Is Popcorn Beach worth visiting?

Popcorn Beach is definitely worth a visit! The impressive landscape, clear waters and peaceful environment of the beach are perfect to relax and take hundreds of photos! These days it is not as secluded as it used to be, since it has become viral on social media, but its essence is still intact!

Local environmental organizations continue to spearhead a preservation and awareness campaign aimed at protecting the beach. You can still safely visit, walk on the “popcorn”, enjoy the sea, and post as many photos as you wish, but, please, refrain from taking algae from the beach. The algae fossils are an integral part of the natural habitat and should not be removed. 

There’s an ongoing web campaign under the hashtag #pasasinhuellaporlaoliva, which translates as “Visit La Oliva without leaving a trace” to inform travelers about the importance of ecological preservation in the area.

Does it taste like popcorn?

No.

The wild beauty of the untouched Popcorn Beach in Fuerteventura

Ferries to Fuerteventura

You can travel by ferry from the ports of Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife to Fuerteventura. Normally, there are regular ferry routes to the 3 ports of the island all year round.

Here are more details about crossings to Fuerteventura:

• Ferry from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura: getting from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura by ferry is possible daily with more than 20 crossings. The itinerary is operated by Fred. Olsen Express, Naviera Armas and Líneas Marítimas Romero, and the journey duration is 30 minutes on average.
• Ferry from Gran Canaria to Fuerteventura: there are usually up to 8 daily ferry crossings from Gran Canaria to Fuerteventura. The itinerary is serviced by Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas, and the trip duration ranges from 2 to 6 hours.
• Ferry from Tenerife to Fuerteventura: the Tenerife - Fuerteventura ferry route is indirect and includes a stopover in Las Palmas (Gran Canaria). It’s serviced by Naviera Armas, Fred. Olsen Express and Trasmediterránea and ferries take at least 4.5 hours to reach the island.

Good to know: here are all ferry schedules for Spain for 2024 to help you plan your upcoming trip!

The bustling port town of Playa Blanca in Lanzarote at night

Where to find more information about Fuerteventura?

On Ferryhopper, you can find all the info you need about the island of Fuerteventura. Search for ferry routes on Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries, compare ferry companies and schedules, and easily plan your trip to the Canary island. Popcorn Beach is waiting for you!

Book ferry tickets to Fuerteventura