Tarajalejo is a small coastal village in south-east Fuerteventura, in the municipality of Tuineje: a dark-sand beach, a palm-lined seafront promenade and a relaxed atmosphere, halfway between the north and the south of the island.
In this guide we tell you what Tarajalejo beach is like, the best things to do in Tarajalejo and the surrounding area, where to shop and eat, how to get here, and who this corner of the island is (and isn't) for. We have several houses here, so we know it first-hand.
Tarajalejo at a glance
- Where it is: on the east coast, south of Gran Tarajal and north of Costa Calma, right by the FV-2 road.
- The beach: about 1.4 km of dark sand, gravel and some pebbles, in a fairly sheltered bay.
- The atmosphere: a small, quiet village with local life; this is not a party area or a place of big resorts.
- The location: very central for exploring the island by car: Costa Calma is about 15 minutes away and Corralejo a little over an hour.
- Ideal for: couples, families, people travelling by car and anyone looking for a rest and more reasonable prices than in the most touristy areas.
Tarajalejo beach
Tarajalejo beach is a semi-urban beach of dark sand of volcanic origin, mixed with gravel and pebbles. It is around 1.4 km long and runs alongside a flat, palm-lined promenade that is very pleasant for a sunset stroll, a run or a walk with a pushchair.
It sits inside a bay that partly shelters it from the wind, so the water is usually calmer than on the more exposed beaches of the island. That doesn't mean the wind never blows: Fuerteventura is a windy island, but here you notice it less than in other areas.
One important detail so there are no surprises: it is not a white-sand beach like those at Sotavento or Corralejo. If that's what you're after, you'll find them a few minutes away by car (more on that below).
Things to do in Tarajalejo and nearby
- Stroll along the promenade and watch the sunset over the bay, with the mountains in the background.
- Swim and try gentle water sports: kayaking, paddle surfing or snorkelling on calm-sea days.
- Oasis Park Fuerteventura, in La Lajita, about 5 km away: a zoo, a cactus botanical garden and animal shows. A safe bet if you're travelling with children.
- The Sotavento and Costa Calma beaches, about 15-20 minutes away: kilometres of white sand and turquoise water, with a lagoon that forms at low tide.
- Gran Tarajal and Las Playitas, about 20 minutes away: Gran Tarajal is the biggest town in the area, with more services and another dark-sand beach; Las Playitas is a very photogenic fishing village.
- Faro de la Entallada lighthouse, about 40 minutes away: one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the east coast.
- Giniginámar, a small neighbouring fishing village. Every 16 July it celebrates the fiestas of the Virgen del Carmen with a procession by sea.
- Day trips: Morro Jable (about 35 minutes), the Ajuy caves and Pájara (about 30 minutes), Betancuria (about 40 minutes) or the wild beach of Cofete (a little over an hour, with a stretch of dirt track).
Driving distances from Tarajalejo
| Destination | Approx. distance | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| La Lajita (Oasis Park) | 5 km | 7 min |
| Costa Calma | 16 km | 15 min |
| Sotavento beaches | 17 km | 20 min |
| Gran Tarajal | 17 km | 20 min |
| Pájara | 29 km | 25 min |
| Morro Jable | 36 km | 35 min |
| Betancuria | 42 km | 40 min |
| Fuerteventura Airport | 45-50 km | 45 min |
| Puerto del Rosario | 52 km | 50 min |
| Cofete | 55 km | 1 h 15 min |
| Corralejo | 82 km | 1 h 15 min |
Times are approximate and depend on traffic and any stops you make along the way.
Where to shop and eat
In Tarajalejo there are grocery shops for everyday needs, plus bars and restaurants near the promenade where you can try fresh fish and Canarian cooking (don't leave without trying the papas arrugadas with mojo and the majorero cheese). For a big shop, the best-stocked supermarkets are in Gran Tarajal or Costa Calma, about 15-20 minutes away.
If you're staying in an apartment with a kitchen, the most practical approach is to do a big shop on the first day and then top up in the village.
Getting here and getting around
From Fuerteventura Airport it takes about 45 minutes via the dual carriageway and the FV-2 road. The most convenient option is to hire a car at the airport itself: Tarajalejo is quiet precisely because it isn't on the big-resort circuit, and with a car you'll have the whole island within reach.
There are also bus (locally called guagua) services run by Tiadhe along the FV-2 between Puerto del Rosario and Morro Jable, but timetables are limited. If you want to use public transport, check the latest timetables at tiadhe.com first.
Who is Tarajalejo for?
You'll love it if you want peace and quiet, a village with local life, a beach a few minutes' walk away and a central base for discovering the whole island by car.
It may not be for you if you want nightlife, everything within reach without a car, or a white-sand beach on your doorstep. In that case, have a look at our guide where to stay in Fuerteventura, where we compare all the areas.
Where to stay in Tarajalejo
In Tarajalejo we have four holiday houses, all with 2 bedrooms, space for 4 people, a fully equipped kitchen, wifi and free private parking, about 12-13 minutes' walk from the beach:
- Casa Erika Tarajalejo, with a garden.
- Casa Erika Tarajalejo C, on the ground floor, with a terrace and mountain views.
- Casa Yamile, with free bicycles.
- Casa Rubén, with a patio and garden views.
When you book directly with us you speak to the owners, and we'll help with whatever you need. You can see all the houses at our apartments or message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions about Tarajalejo
What is Tarajalejo beach like?
It is a semi-urban beach of about 1.4 km, with dark sand mixed with gravel and pebbles, in a bay that is fairly sheltered from the wind. It has a flat, palm-lined promenade and the water is usually calm for swimming.
Is it very windy in Tarajalejo?
Fuerteventura is a windy island, but Tarajalejo beach lies in a bay that partly shelters it, so you normally notice less wind than on the more exposed beaches. Even so, there are windy days, especially in summer.
How far is Tarajalejo from the airport?
About 45-50 km by road, around 45 minutes by car along the FV-2.
Do you need a car to stay in Tarajalejo?
It is highly recommended. There are buses along the FV-2, but with limited timetables; with a car you can visit the whole island from here, because Tarajalejo is in a very central position.
Are there supermarkets and restaurants in Tarajalejo?
Yes: there are grocery shops for everyday needs and bars and restaurants near the promenade. For a big shop, the best-stocked supermarkets are in Gran Tarajal or Costa Calma, about 15-20 minutes away.
Is Tarajalejo a good place to go with children?
Yes. It's quiet, the promenade is flat and safe, the water in the bay is usually calm and Oasis Park is about 5 km away.
Cover photo: Playa de Tarajalejo, by Frank Vincentz, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (resized).
