Morro Jable, located on the island of Fuerteventura, is an ideal tourist destination for those looking to enjoy spectacular beaches, a rich history and a wide range of activities. This former fishing village has become one of the most visited places in the Canary Islands, thanks to its combination of natural beauty and high quality tourist services. In this post we will explore everything you need to know to plan your visit to Morro Jable: from its location and main features, to the best activities and places to visit in the surrounding area.
Where is Morro Jable located? 📍
Morro Jable is located at the southern tip of Fuerteventura, in the municipality of Pájara. It is located approximately 90 kilometres from Fuerteventura airport, making it an accessible destination for tourists arriving on the island. The town stretches along a beautiful coastline bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, with stunning views of the sea and the surrounding mountains.
Main features of Morro del Jable ⛵
Morro Jable in Fuerteventura is known for its quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Although it has become a popular tourist destination, it still retains a certain essence of its humble origins as a fishing village, with a harbour where you can still see the local fishing boats. The town also offers a wide range of accommodation: from 5 star hotels in Morro Jable or luxury resorts, to cosy family accommodation for a more intimate experience.
Morro Jable’s promenade is one of its main attractions; it is ideal for a relaxing stroll while enjoying the sea views, taking the opportunity to visit some of the shops and boutiques located nearby. In addition, the village has an excellent tourist infrastructure, and a wide range of restaurants offering everything: from typical local Canarian cuisine, to more international dishes.
A bit of local history 📜
The origin of the name Morro Jable comes from the Norman conquerors who came to Fuerteventura in the 15th century, and is a combination of “morro” (a reference to the rocky promontory at the foot of which the fishing village was born) and “jable”, which actually is a deformation of the French word sable (“sand”).
But the history of Morro Jable did not really begin until the beginning of the 20th century, when the first settlers settled here; their main activity was fishing, livestock farming, and the extraction and burning of lime, later adding the extraction of salt, too. In the 1950s, the village’s first church was built, which also served as a school. Over time, the town grew and developed, especially from the 1970s onwards with the rise of tourism in Fuerteventura.
A key figure in the history and development of Morro del Jable is the German engineer Gustav Winter, who bought the property on the Jandía peninsula where the town is located and was the driving force behind the arrival of tourism in the region, opening the first hotel in Morro Jable in 1966. Since then, tourism has continued growing driving the growth of Morro Jable, to the point of completely absorbing the neighbouring village of Solana Matorral.
What can you see and do in Morro Jable? 🚤
In Morro Jable there are plenty of activities and places of interest to enjoy; not only can we enjoy all kinds of leisure options – shopping, eating in restaurants, enjoying music in a pub, spending a day at the beach… – but there are also several interesting places to visit in the town itself:
Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen
The Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen is one of the most outstanding buildings in Morro Jable, and offers the best views of the town. In the month of July there is an important festival in honour of the virgin, which includes a pilgrimage and great festivities.
Jandía Lighthouse
The Jandía lighthouse, built in the mid-20th century, guides sailors who venture to the south of the island. Located next to Playa del Matorral beach, this lighthouse is an emblematic monument that has become a symbol of Morro Jable.
Morro Jable harbour
The port of Morro Jable is one of the largest in Fuerteventura, with almost 300 berths available. From here, ferries depart with frequent departures connecting Fuerteventura with Gran Canaria, facilitating transport between the islands.
Saladar de Jandía
The Saladar de Jandía is a Site of Scientific Interest where the sea frequently floods the area. The vegetation here has developed a remarkable resistance to survive the excess of salt and water, adapting to the extreme conditions of its environment.
Morro Jable beaches 🏖️
The Morro Jable beaches are another of the great attractions of this tourist resort in the south of Fuerteventura. The aforementioned Playa del Matorral, with its fine white sand and crystal clear waters, runs the length of the town and is more than 4 km long, so it is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. For those looking for more adventure, water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are available. In addition, the Morro Jable harbour offers boat trips, including dolphin and whale watching tours.
What is the weather like in Morro Jable? 🌞
Morro Jable weather is one of its main attractions. With a subtropical desert climate, this town enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round. Summers are warm but not stifling thanks to the sea breeze, while winters are mild and sunny. Therefore, the weather in Morro Jable (and Fuerteventura) is perfect for those who want to escape from the cold winters in Europe.
How to get to Morro Jable in Fuerteventura 🚗✈️
Getting to Morro Jable is quite easy. If you are coming by plane, Fuerteventura airport is well connected to many European cities. From the airport, you can hire a car or take a bus directly to Morro Jable; the FV-2 is the main road connecting the north of the island with the south, making it easy to reach the town.
Another option is to take a ferry from other islands in the Canary archipelago. There is a ferry line that connects Las Palmas de Gran Canaria directly with Morro Jable.
Best Morro Jable hotels 🏨
Morro Jable hotels are among the best in Fuerteventura, and you will find a wide range of accommodation options. From luxury 4-star resorts such as the Hotel Faro Jandía & Spa, the Riu Palace Jandía, or the Hotel XQ El Palacete, to the Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace, a magnificent 5-star hotel offering breathtaking sea views and first-class services.
Many of these hotels offer all-inclusive vacation packages, which is perfect for families and couples looking for a carefree experience. Of course, there are also cheaper options such as holiday apartments and hostels, that offer comfort at more affordable prices.
Recommended restaurants in Morro Jable 🍽️
There are plenty of restaurants in Morro Jable, some of them of very high quality. If you’re looking for a taste of local Canarian cuisine, we recommend a visit to La Laja de Morrojable, a typical beachside restaurant known for its fresh fish and seafood dishes. For a more international experience, La Farola del Mar restaurant offers an excellent selection of meat and fish dishes, and beautiful views of the sea.
Another popular place is Restaurante Coronado, which combines Canarian cuisine with international influences: here you will enjoy gourmet and signature cuisine, and a unique and different gastronomic experience. Other recommended places are La Bodega de Jandía, which specialises in tapas made with fresh, seasonal ingredients; Lo Nuestro restaurant, which offers impressive paellas and a careful selection of creative cuisine; or DOCK Grill Rock, a place where meat and burgers are the stars.
What places of interest can be visited in the surrounding area? 📸
Apart from enjoying Morro Jable, the surrounding area offers many other interesting attractions. One of the main attractions is the Jandía Natural Park, a vast protected area offering spectacular landscapes and a great biodiversity, where you can find the Pico de la Zarza, the highest point of Fuerteventura with an altitude of 807 metres. Here, nature lovers can go on hiking routes.
The Punta de Jandia Lighthouse at the tip of the Jandia Peninsula is another popular landmark, with spectacular panoramic views. You can also visit the Oasis WildLife Park, a large zoological and botanical park that is perfect for a family day out.
Another place of interest nearby is the village of La Pared, famous for its impressive cliffs and its spectacular La Pared beach, a wild beach perfect for surfers.
In addition, the nearby Playa de Sotavento beach is known for its ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
We cannot forget Cofete Beach, of course; although the access road is complicated, it is well worth it for its size and breathtaking beauty. Its unspoiled landscapes, relaxing atmosphere, and its more than 14 kilometres in length, make it a dream place for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet.
In short, Morro Jable is a place that has all that you need: beautiful beaches, a rich history, all kinds of activities, and an excellent range of accommodation and restaurants. You’ll love Morro Jable, so don’t hesitate: plan your trip now, and discover all that this tourist destination in Fuerteventura has to offer. 😎
