Contents:
- A Visit to Morro Jable
- Sun, Sea, and Serenity
- A Beacon of Light
- Turtle-y Awesome
- Natural Beauty
- Have a Whale of a Time
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
On the south coast of Fuerteventura, the second largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is the town of Morro Jable. Located in the Jandía Peninsula, this former fishing village is renowned for its windswept beaches, bustling promenade, and iconic lighthouse. Many traces of Morro Jable’s past can be found in its harbour (which contains almost 300 berths), from where ferries frequently depart, connecting Fuerteventura with the neighbouring island of Gran Canaria.
A Visit to Morro Jable
The name Morro Jable originates from the Franco-Norman conquerors who arrived in Fuerteventura in the fifteenth century. The term “morro” refers to a rocky headland and “jable” emerged from the word “sable”, which means “sand” in French. In the early twentieth century, the main activity in Morro Jable included fishing, livestock farming, and the extraction and burning of lime and salt. However, by the 1970s, the rise in tourism in Fuerteventura transformed Morro Jable into the holidaymaker’s haven we know today.
If you’re heading to the Canary Islands for a break, here are my top picks to discover the magic of Morro Jable.
Sun, Sea, and Serenity
Despite Fuerteventura’s name alluding to its strong winds, and the island being in the path of northeastern trade winds, the beaches in Morro Jable are relatively protected and the waters calm.
Playa del Matorral is a case in point. This beach, a four-kilometre stretch of golden sand lapped by the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the most popular spots in Morro Jable. Extending along the length of the town, Playa del Matorral is a mecca for water sports including surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Boat trips from the harbour, as well as dolphin and whale watching tours, are a firm favourite among tourists. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented from huts on the beach, and water sports equipment such as canoes, catamarans, and paddle boards are available to hire.
Be aware that some tourists practice nudism in the northern region of Playa del Matorral, so if you’d rather not see any bare derrières, stick to the southern part of the beach.
Playa del Matorral is made up of three parts, separated by the Morro Jable Lighthouse. North of the lighthouse is the site of the Jandía salt marsh, a wetland that withstands periodic flooding during high tide, creating ideal conditions for birds to stop and nest. Bird enthusiasts should look out for the Canarian houbara bustard, a rare bird endemic to the eastern Canary archipelago and the symbol of Fuerteventura.
South of the lighthouse is close to the town centre and is popular among families with young children, while close to the lighthouse itself is the famous surf spot where surfers can ride the highly sought-after Cruza Roja (“red cross”) wave.
Due to its clean waters and quality of facilities, Playa del Matorral has been awarded Blue Flag status multiple times. Spread along the length of the beach, you’ll find several food and drink kiosks, and there are multiple bars and restaurants within the immediate vicinity if you become peckish after a swim.
A Beacon of Light
Built in 1991, the Morro Jable Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the Canaries at almost 60m, exceeding the height of Maspalomas Lighthouse on Gran Canaria, which is 56m, and Punta Pechiguera on Lanzarote, which is 50m. The lighthouse helps guide fishing and commercial vessels, with its beacon able to be observed from 17 nautical miles away, as it emits two flashes of white light every 10 seconds.
Between the Morro Jable Lighthouse and the built-up area of the town is the Jandía Salt Steppe Nature Reserve, the largest salt pan in the Canary Islands. The area is flooded by the tides, creating ponds in which sea salt remains due to evaporation. If you follow the wooden boardwalk en route to the lighthouse, you might spot a bright green monk parakeet, an iridescent glossy ibis, or hear the tuneful song of the spectacled warbler.
Morro Jable Lighthouse is especially scenic at sunrise and sunset, so it’s a lovely idea to head there before breakfast or after dinner.
Turtle-y Awesome
Morro Jable is home to a small sanctuary dedicated to the recovery, rehabilitation, and conservation of sick and injured sea turtles, which are nursed to health before being released back into the wild. The population of loggerhead and leatherback turtles have been listed as endangered for several decades, and the sanctuary is part of a collaborative project between the governments of the Canary Islands and Cape Verde to reintroduce endangered species to Fuerteventura for incubation and protection.
Turtle eggs are collected from the Cape Verde island of Boa Vista and brought to Fuerteventura. Once the turtles turn a year old, they’re released on nearby Cofete Beach. After around 15 years, the turtles are expected to return to the same area where they were released to lay their own eggs, a process known as natal homing.
The sanctuary is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm, so it’s worth getting there bright and early before it starts to get busy.
Natural Beauty
An hour’s drive away from Morro Jable, in the municipality of Pájara, you’ll find Jandía Natural Park, a nature reserve which was officially declared a protected area in 1987. Although on the surface Jandía Natural Park is a semi-deserted, seemingly barren landscape with minimal human settlements, the park is famed for its varied terrain made up of salt flats, mountains, sand dunes, and lagoons.
A variety of animals call the park home, including hedgehogs, donkeys, and wild goats. There is also a range of birds such as common kestrels, Canarian Egyptian vultures, and Barbary falcons, which can be found in ravines and gullies.
If you enjoy staying active, consider trekking to Pico de la Zarza, the park’s crown jewel and highest peak at 807m above sea level. The hike should take you three to four hours round trip, so a moderate level of fitness is required, but the panoramic views of the unspoiled Playa de Cofete and the rugged western coastline make it well worth the effort.
Due to the trade winds and humid conditions, clouds often form around the summit of Pico de la Zarza, creating a magical “sea of clouds” effect. If hiking isn’t your scene, however, a guided group tour might suit you, where you can tour Jandía Natural Park on a quad bike or in a Jeep. Reminiscent of a safari adventure, this is a thrilling way to explore the unique topography of the park.
It’s fair to say that Jandía Natural Park is a place of contrasts. In the north, there are arid plains and sandy areas, such as those near the dry ravine Barranco de Pecenescal, whereas in the south there are rugged volcanic mountains, such as the towering Pico de la Zarza. The golden sands of the beaches and plains also contrast sharply with the dark volcanic rocks of the mountains.
Although at first glance it appears that the lower elevations of Jandía Natural Park have sparse vegetation typical of Fuerteventura, nature lovers will be delighted to discover that the humid highlands shelter more than a dozen endemic plant species.
Jandía Natural Park is full of surprises!
Have a Whale of a Time
If you head to a souvenir shop in Morro Jable, you’ll likely find postcards with a peculiar image on them: the skeleton of a sperm whale. This skeleton, which is a whopping 14.5m long, belongs to a male sperm whale that was stranded in El Granillo in Costa Calma in 2004. It’s believed that the animal would have originally weighed a mighty 16,500 kg!
The skeleton is located close to Morro Jable Lighthouse, so it’s worth visiting them both on the same day. This open-air display is part of a larger project organised by La Senda de los Cetáceos, or The Cetaceans’ Pathway, a scientific, artistic, and social initiative which displays the skeletons of marine animals in public areas to raise awareness of threats to ocean life.
The sperm whale skeleton is one of six on display along the coast. This includes, among others, the skeleton of a 19.5m-long female fin whale, which was found stranded along the coast of Majanicho in La Oliva.
Hopefully by now it’s clear that Morro Jable is a destination with a difference, perfect for the kind of traveller who enjoys venturing off the beaten path and who appreciates a holiday beyond the run-of-the-mill “sun, sea, and sand” routine.
Now that you’ve pinned down what sights you’re going to see, it’s time to give some thought to where you’re going to stay.
Where to Stay
Chada Morro Jable: Less than 100m away from the beach and 1 km away from the city centre, this apartment is set in a prime location. Each unit is well-appointed and comes with air conditioning, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and a fully equipped kitchen. At Chada Morro Jable, it’s the simple pleasures that matter. The apartment comes with feather down pillows guaranteeing a good night’s sleep, and coffee and tea making facilities so you can start your morning the right way.
Casa Ari: This bright and airy apartment is a home away from home equipped with modern furnishings made of gorgeous natural wood. Wake up to spectacular sea views and tuck into a hearty breakfast on the terrace. There are several highly rated restaurants with impeccable service only 200 yards away from the property. Head to La Alacena34 for a contemporary take on traditional tapas, and try out Asador la Parrilla for exquisite dishes with a Mediterranean flair.
Blue Ocean Morro Jable: This stylish beachfront apartment offers stunning sea views from a top-notch location right across from Morro Jable Lighthouse and 20 minutes’ walk from the city centre. The property is also only 500m from the sperm whale skeleton and a 10-minute drive from the turtle nursery. A minimarket is available on site that stocks all the essentials for your convenience. For authentic Spanish fare, check out Restaurante Lo Nuestro 200 yards away and Tortuga Fuerteventura for drinks 20 yards away.
How to Get There
Getting to Morro Jable is relatively straightforward. Simply fly from the UK to Fuerteventura Airport (FUE), a journey which takes 4 hours and 20 minutes, then pre-book a Shuttle Direct transfer to Morro Jable. Various airlines offer direct flights to Fuerteventura Airport, including British Airways, easyJet, Iberia, Jet2.com, Ryanair, and TUI. There are on average 36 flights per week and the cheapest month to fly is in January.
After you’ve landed, the most hassle-free and convenient way of getting from the airport to your accommodation is to transfer with Shuttle Direct. We offer both shared and private transfers, and a friendly, local driver will meet you punctually at the airport and get you the 90 km from Fuerteventura Airport to Morro Jable in about an hour and a half. Easy as pie!
Overview
UK to FUE flight time: 4 hours 20 minutes
FUE to Morro Jable distance: 90 km
Shuttle Direct transfer time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Types of Transfer
At Shuttle Direct, we understand that no two travellers are the same, which is why we offer onward ground travel options that will tick all your boxes, whoever you are and whatever you need. Choose from the following types of value for money transfers:
Taxi: The last thing you want to do after a long flight is to wait in a queue for a taxi to your accommodation. By pre-booking an airport taxi, Fuerteventura to Morro Jable is as easy as it gets. Not only do you skip the queues, but you’ll also be charged at a fixed price with no hidden fees, so you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay before you travel. A professional driver will simply meet you at the airport and you’ll be on your way without delay.
Shuttle bus: If getting value for money is your priority, then booking a cost-effective shuttle bus is your best course of action. Transfer from Fuerteventura Airport to Morro Jable by shuttle bus and you’ll pay much less than a private transfer. Our shuttle buses are modern and well-maintained, ensuring you have a smooth and comfortable ride. You’ll meet at a predetermined point at the airport then be driven to a central drop-off location close to your accommodation.
Private transfer: With a private transfer, Fuerteventura Airport to Morro Jable is a doddle. If you’re looking for top-tier service with door-to-door convenience and a high-spec vehicle, one of our private transfers is for you. Your driver will meet you in the terminal and escort you to your vehicle, then you’ll set off on your journey to the door of your accommodation. In no time at all you’ll be at your apartment settling in and ready to start your holiday.
Minibus transfer: The logistics of travelling with a large group of family or friends can be overwhelming, but at Shuttle Direct, we’ve got you covered. When you transfer from Fuerteventura Airport to Morro Jable by minibus, the cost savings are considerable because of the larger capacity vehicle. This means instead of booking multiple taxis, everyone and their associated luggage can travel together in the same vehicle, saving you time and stress.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Selecting the right airport transfer is a personal decision that comes down to cost and convenience, and which one ranks higher on your list of priorities.
Cost: If you’re counting your pennies and keeping to a tight budget, our shared shuttle bus service is your best bet. Because the cost is shared between multiple passengers, the rate per person is lower than if you were to choose one of our private transfers. But even though the service is cheaper, it doesn’t mean you’re settling for less when it comes to your comfort or safety.
Convenience: If, however, your top priority is to have your own space and travel on your own terms, then a private transfer or a pre-booked taxi are the solutions for you. Although these options are slightly more expensive than travelling by shuttle bus, you’ll enjoy the convenience of being delivered right to the doorstep of your accommodation.
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct, we’re immensely proud of our reputation for being industry leaders, providing airport transfer services to and from destinations all over the world. Our experienced, friendly drivers will get you to where you need to go on time and at a very competitive rate. Book with us today and leave the details to us—our professional, value for money service means all you need to do is relax and let us take care of the journey!
