Wait what?? A beach where the sand really looks like popcorn?!? Fuerteventura Island is full of wild and unique things but for us, this one was certainly the most surprising. Here’s everything you need to know about getting to Popcorn Beach on Fuerteventura, what to expect at Playa del Bajo de la Burra, and where you can find more popcorn-like sand in Corralejo!
Spain Travel Inspiration
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- Aguas Verdes Natural Pools: Fun on the Wild West Coast of Fuerteventura
6 Tips For Visiting Popcorn Beach Fuerteventura
1. It Really Does Look like Popcorn!
So let’s get right down to it. Does it really look like popcorn? We were certainly skeptical before we saw it for ourselves. Like there’s no way it actually resembles everyone’s favorite movie snack, right?
While walking on them they may seem like any other pebbly beach. However, if you pick it up in your hand and look closely they do have a popcorn appearance!
It may resemble coral at first, but know that the peculiar rocks actually come from a plant. Red coralline algae turns white when it dies and then molds to this shape after being pushed against the coastline.
2. Getting to Popcorn Beach in Fuerteventura
Although you can find it in different places around this area of Fuerteventura, there is an unofficial Popcorn Beach to visit in Corralejo. Just outside of the main part of Corralejo town is a small road that will take you to Playa del Bajo de la Burra.
You might have some confusion finding it because when you search google for “Popcorn Beach” it doesn’t take you to this exact spot. On search engines, it is marked under the name Playa del Bajo de la Burra.
Another thing to know is when you put the directions in it actually makes you drive all the way around to the far entrance. Try to put in the walking route first to see if you can drive down that road for the most direct access.
3. Popcorn Beach is Not Great for Swimming
There are plenty of beautiful beaches on Fuerteventura for swimming, yet this is not one of them! The coastline in this part of Corralejo is very rocky and the waves are rough. For this reason, it’s best to save swimming for the stunning Corralejo dunes or other sandy beaches on the island.
→ 12 Best Beaches on Fuerteventura: Corralejo Dunes to Morro Jable
4. Wear Shoes at Popcorn Beach Corralejo
While real popcorn may be soft and delicious, the strangely shaped rocks at Popcorn Beach Fuerteventura are not enjoyable to walk on. Not only that, but without a car it’s kind of a hike here from town!
You can get by with flip-flops but you’ll find that shoes are way more comfortable at Popcorn Beach in Corralejo. This honestly might be one of the few times on the island you’ll need your shoes!
5. Leave Every Last Popcorn Beach Kernel
An important thing about Popcorn Beach is that there is a fine for removing the rocks. We’ve heard plenty of stories from locals and travelers alike that this special place in nature is slowly disappearing. Have a look and take photos, but don’t pack up any rocks with you to take home!
When we visited Popcorn Beach in Corralejo we saw a woman open a large ziplock bag and proceed to pile handfuls of the precious popcorn rocks into it. Luckily, she was quickly yelled at by another beachgoer and good samaritan to stop.
6. Find More Popcorn all Over Corralejo
After you visit the unofficial Popcorn Beach (Playa del Bajo de la Burra), know that you can find more around Corralejo! All along the rugged coast from Playa del Bajo de la Burra to El Hierro, there are small patches of the popular popcorn-shaped rocks! Even at Popcorn Beach in Fuerteventura this entire coast is not very crowded and is a beautiful place to walk in general.
Have any questions about visiting Popcorn Beach Fuerteventura or getting to Playa del Bajo de la Burra? How about some of your own tips for what to do on the island? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Where To Stay In Fuerteventura
Ultra Luxury (High End) – Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahía Real G.L – Upscale family-friendly hotel set on the beach with two pools, spas, and six restaurants. While everything you need is onsite, the location also makes a great choice for exploring the north of the island.
Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – AVANTI Lifestyle Hotel – Upscale adults-only hotel overlooking the ocean. Mediterranean style decor with ocean view rooms, rooftop pool, and stylish restaurant. Steps from seaside cafes and bars as well as the Carralejo town beach.
Hostel Life (Budget) – La Fresa Hostel – Basic hostel in the center of Corralejo with dorms and private rooms. Large common areas, small outdoor pool, and shared kitchen.
For more places to stay in Fuerteventura you can explore the latest prices here!
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Explore Spain
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Granada: Best Tapas – 15 Fun Things to Do – Alhambra de Granada
Nerja: 15 Things to do – Best Tapas – 7 Beautiful Beaches – Playa Burriana – Nerja Caves
Small Towns & Villages: Mijas – Frigiliana – Rupit – Cadiz – Ronda
Gran Canaria: 13 Food & Drinks – Agaete Natural Pools – Route of the Tapas – Volcano Hike
Tenerife: 7 Best Beaches – Playa Amarilla – Mount Teide Volcano Drive – Boat Tour
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Spain Travel Planning
Flights: We always find the best flights using Skyscanner. Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly between cities in Spain than driving or taking the train!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to explore when traveling. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic Spain road trip!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities around Spain. You can book a tour of the Madrid Royal Palace, skip the line and explore the Alhambra de Granada, or even jump on a Tenerife Dolphin cruise!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
