The world is full of stunning places but arguably very few are prettier than the Maldives.
However, with beauty comes a hefty price tag and many are not able to afford a trip to the stunning islands.
In good news, there is a place much closer to home for any Europeans that’s been branded the “Maldives of Europe”.
That place would be Sotavento Beach, which is located on the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.
It has been nicknamed the “Maldives of Spain” and described as “heaven on Earth” because of its unspoiled beauty and resemblance to tropical destinations.
The beach stretches nearly seven miles along the Jandia Peninsula and remains largely untouched by development.
Unlike many other tourist hotspots, there are no high-rise hotels or busy promenades.
The only regular visitors, aside from tourists, are windsurfers and kitesurfers, taking advantage of the strong winds that sweep across the area.
Sotavento’s clear, shallow waters and golden sandbanks create a beautiful natural landscape. At certain times, even a small lagoon forms.
Visitors have been left in awe, with one TripAdvisor reviewer calling it “a true paradise” and another saying it was “the best beach in the whole of Fuerteventura”.
Another wrote: “Very clean, long white sand beach, against sand hills, turquoise waters, hardly any buildings around, easy to get to and a pleasure to discover through long walks.”
Despite its beauty, one downside for some is the strong winds, which make it less suitable for sunbathing but perfect for watersports.
One visitor said: “Fantastic beach, miles of golden sand with no ugly buildings around. Very windy, which is great for the wind and kite surfers.”
The beach is divided into five sections: Risco del Paso, Mirador, Malnombre, Los Canarios, and La Barca.
The latter is particularly famous for its shifting lagoon, which appears and disappears with the tides.
Sotavento also remains relatively quiet compared to Spain’s more commercialised beaches.
It is located away from urban areas, meaning visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of the sand and sea.
One visitor described the setting: “The views are stunning with a lagoon, streams, sandy mountains, and miles and miles of pure sand.
“Popular with watersports enthusiasts, there is plenty of room for everyone.”
However, the lack of nearby shops and restaurants means tourists are advised to bring their own food and drinks.
Sotavento enjoys warm weather all year round, with an average daily high of 28C and lows of 22C, according to TUI.
The best time to visit is between May and October, when the chance of rain is low, and sunshine is almost guaranteed.
The sea temperature remains warm at around 22C, making it ideal for swimming.
The beach is located between Jandía and Costa Calma on Fuerteventura’s southern coast. It can be reached by car via an unpaved road that leads to a parking area.
Visitors staying in nearby resorts can also walk to some sections of the beach.
For those traveling from outside the Canary Islands, flights to Fuerteventura Airport are available, with transport links to nearby coastal areas.
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