Playa Risco del Paso, Golden sand beach in Pájara, Spain.
Playa Risco del Paso is a beach on the southern coast of Fuerteventura with a wide expanse of light sand backed by a dark rocky ridge. The shallow water has a blue-green tint, while dunes and rocky coves border the shoreline on either side.
The beach formed millions of years ago during the creation of the Canary Islands and still bears geological traces of that ancient time in its rock formations. Human use of the coast spans hundreds of years, with fishing and maritime trade shaping the area's economic past.
The name comes from a distinctive rocky ridge that rises above the shoreline and has served as a local landmark for generations. The water and coast have always been central to life here, with fishing remaining a daily practice along this stretch of the island.
This beach is most easily reached by car or local transport, with a road leading to a parking area near the southern end. The best time to visit is at low tide, when receding water reveals more sand and easier access along the shore.
After rainfall, temporary lagoons form in the shallow water offshore, attracting various bird species and offering a rare sight for those watching wildlife. These short-lived salt pools owe their existence to the area's distinctive coastal platform.
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