- The “Popcorn Beach”, on Fuerteventura, is covered with white pebbles that look like popcorn instead of sand.
- Visitor prefer to take cool pictures and enjoy the quiet view than sunbathing or swimming.
- These formations are known as rhodoliths. Because they are part of an ecosystem that is fragile, taking them home can damage the beach.
You’ve heard of white-sand beaches, black-sand beaches, and even beaches covered in pebbles or rocks—but did you know there’s a beach in Spain covered in popcorn-like “sand”? Playa del Bajo de la Burra on the north coast of Fuerteventura is the second-largest beach in the Canary Islands. Canary IslandsYou’ll be able to see this phenomenon for yourself. Other nearby beaches, such as Playa del Hierro have similar “popcorn-like” features.
Playa del Bajo de la Burra is often referred to by its nickname “Popcorn Beach” for the photogenic sand that, at first sight, looks like the classic movie theater snack. However, there’s no butter. The edible version is not to be consumed. As tempting as it may be to take a little home as a souvenir it is best to leave it exactly where you found it.
Popcorn Beach’s Famous Sand
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Playa del Bajo de la Burra’s popcorn sand isn’t your typical sand. According to Canary Islands TourismIt is made up of “calcareous sand and white algae over at least 50-year period.” These formations also go by the name rhodoliths. They are porous, and are relatively hard, due to weathering. Site also states that underwater, rhodoliths can grow at a rate as low as one millimeter every year. Some are older than 4,000.
A scientific study from 2022 that appeared in Frontiers in Marine Science Rhodoliths can be seen in large numbers on the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Archipelago. Lithothamnion corallioides The most dominant species. The debris of the rhodoliths that wash up on shore contributes to modern beaches. The authors noted that “the growth and geographic distribution of rhodoliths depend on several factors including light, sedimentation and hydrodynamic regime. Existence of marine barriers and abundance of corals also play a vital role.”
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There’s an important reason to not remove any sand. “Rhodoliths contribute to ecosystem functions and are essential for biodiversity,” states the study. The authors call for “a diligent effort in the preservation and protection of these valuable resources.” The study also mentions the “substantial” amount of rhodoliths “removed” from beaches, causing “a threat to these ecosystems,” as the debris that forms the modern beaches is largely composed of dead rhodoliths.
Take as many pictures as you want, but don’t take any of the rhodoliths.
Popcorn Beach – A Visit
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Playa del Bajo de la Burra doesn’t have a beach for sunbathing and swimming. There are no umbrellas or sun loungers and the water quality is not great. past travelers Share that the waves are rough. “too dangerous” For swimming. You’re restricted to scenic picnics and walks. And, of course, taking photos. Once you’ve checked seeing the popcorn sand off your list, spend your time exploring the rest of Fuerteventura—or retreat to the tiny adults-only Casa Montelongo The northern coast is a 30-minute drive.
Although there is no “wrong” time to visit Playa del Bajo de la Burra in terms of weather, it’s best to get to the beach as early as possible to avoid crowds. It’s also best to visit the area between April and June and from September to November.
Popcorn Beach – How to Get There
Corralejo in La Oliva is the closest city to Popcorn Beach. The journey to the beach will take at least one hour, and possibly more. Popcorn Beach is also accessible by car, but many travelers say that the drive was “intense”.just a dirt road, so [it] might be a little bumpy ride until you reach the beach“, and “access is tedious.”
