Popcorn Beach in the North of Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura has lots of different types of beaches, be it the white dune beach in the north, the black beach in the south or the many rocky bays on the east coast. But one of the special beaches is the "Popcorn Beach" near Corralejo.

Popcorn Beach is located at "Playa del Bajo de la Burra", about 10 minutes by car from Corralejo, always along the coast towards Majanicho.

Here is a small glimpse of the beach Playa del Bajo de la Burra with the setting sun :)

Behind the “popcorn” are white corals, which are formed by the mixture and erosion of calcareous algae with the white sand. The beach became known mainly through the hashtag #popcornbeach. The resemblance to popcorn is enormous, but rest assured, it is not popcorn to be eaten ;)

Why is it forbidden to take away the "popcorn"?

With the prohibition to taking them home, the Spanish government wants to preserve the ecological value of these corals, because as long as they are under water, they absorb carbon dioxide in the sea and various marine animals lay their eggs in their cavities (hollow spaces). (This was explained by biologist Francisco Otero in the newspaper "El Pais". https://elpais.com/sociedad/2019/03/31/actualidad/1554054889_121769.html.) Despite the official ban to taking the corals, up to ten kilos are still being plundered every month, according to official figures.

As soon as the corals are driven to the shore, they erode and fossilise and become "popcorn".

Before they wash up on the beach, they grow one millimetre per year underwater. This means, for example, that if they can reach a size of 25 centimetres, they are 250 years old, so it took centuries for such a beach to look the way it does today.

We hope you enjoy a visit to this special beach in Fuerteventura and when you hold the "popcorn" in your hand, remember the long lasting and special creation ;) #respectnature