9 Incredible Things to do in Fuerteventura, The Oldest of the Canary Islands

Fuerteventura, one of the lesser-known and quieter Canary Islands, is a joy to explore.

The second-largest of the Canary Islands, located just 100 km off the West Coast of Africa, is impressive and diverse enough to offer adventurous voyagers a multitude of experiences.

Imagine a volcanic island surrounded by warm, turquoise waters, where ribbon-like roads stretch from one white sand beach to the other, and where goats roam the sun-baked landscape.

Here you can find varied volcanic landscapes, some of the best beaches, a fabulous foodie scene and quiet, laid-back villages.

It is also a place with perfect year-round weather and shifting sand dunes.

Taking in stunning views of Fuerteventura’s interior

Even though Fuerteventura is well known as a beach holiday destination, we learned that the island’s allure isn’t just about the surrounding water.

Further inland, patiently waiting to be uncovered, were howling mountain passes, sheltered coves, and savage cliffs, all waiting to be explored.

The island itself is a Biosphere Reserve due to its volcanic landscapes, and because the skies are free from pollution, you can enjoy starry nights.

You’ll also have a chance to sample tasty cheeses, wrinkly potatoes and loads of fresh fish.

So let me shine a light on a few fantastic places you can visit on Fuerteventura Island.

#1. Walk Around Corralejo Town

The harbour town of Corralejo is one of the main resorts on the island.

It is situated in the north of the island and is often described as the surfing capital of Fuerteventura. It has plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes.

One of the best things to do in the town is to go for a stroll around the harbour area and then along the waterfront promenade, where you can enjoy stunning views across the water.

If you wish to embark on a day trip to nearby Lanzarote, where you can visit Timanfaya National Park, you can do so by catching the ferry from Corralejo’s port to Playa Blanca.

The crossing typically takes around 30 minutes and costs starting from 20 euros.

The Corralejo promenade offers scenic walks and stunning views

#2. Stop by the Mountaintop Village of Betancuria

Positioned in a lush green valley and surrounded by swaying palm trees, Betancuria projected a stark contrast compared to the rest of Fuerteventura’s sun-scorched terrain.

Betancurias’ main attraction is the fully restored Iglesia de Santa María church. For a small fee, you can enter the church to admire its Baroque altarpiece.

The little town has plenty of restaurants offering Canarian dishes, a glimpse into traditional Canarian architecture and little gift shops selling local pottery and crafts.

During the third week of September, Fuerteventura celebrates one of its most important traditions, the Pilgrimage of Peña.

People gather together from all over the island to travel to Vega de Rio Palmas, situated in the Betancuria region, to pay tributes to Fuerteventura’s patron saint, the Virgen de la Peña. Markets, live music, and traditional foods are all part of the annual celebration.

*Fun Fact – Betancuria was the island’s first capital

#3. Visit Ajuy Fishing Village

Ajuy, one of the smallest fishing villages on the West Coast, is only a short drive away from Betancuria.

Pitch-black sand covers the town’s main beach, and the local restaurant beside it serves fresh fish. A pathway over the cliffs offers a beautiful walk to see the fire pits and impressive caves.

Ajuy is a great place to experience local Canarian cuisine, particularly fresh seafood, and explore the unique Ajuy Caves.

The large caves are formed by volcanic activity and are well worth a visit. Keep in mind that the slopes and steps leading to the caves are steep, and you need sensible footwear to access them.

Getting there: take the FV-621 road, and in about six miles from the town of Pájara, you’ll find yourself in Ajuy.

Admission: Entry to the Ajuy Caves is free

#4. Explore Fuerteventura Beaches

Fuerteventura is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful stretches of sand.

With soft sands and waters a stunning shade of teal, a day on the beach is no doubt the best thing to do on the island.

Pick any beach on the island, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the soft white sand and the fresh scent of the ocean. Don’t hold back if it’s windy; many beaches now have man-made wind shelters, making them even more enjoyable.

Scuba diving is a favourite activity due to the thousands of species living in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.

The coast of Fuerteventura stretches on for more than 300 kilometres, and underwater, you can explore submarine lava rivers and see amazing sea creatures like angelfish, turtles, corals, and whales.

Here are some of the best beaches on the island:

Playa el Castillo – with its sheltered feel and calm waters is perfect for families

Playa de Cofete: A remote and wild beach with untouched beauty.

Corralejo – with its shapeshifting sand dunes and views of Isla de Lobos, the beach stretches on for 11km and is always peaceful and clean.

Morro Jable – a wonderful beach with white sand and clear waters

Ajuy Beach (Playa de Ajuy) on the west coast of Fuerteventura

#5. Take in the Views from Morro Velosa Viewpoint

Situated at the top of Montana Tegu, at an altitude of 669m, the Morro Velosa viewpoint is one of the island’s most popular viewpoints as it offers a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the island’s natural beauty.

The viewpoint was designed by the renowned Lanzarote-born artist César Manrique, and on a clear day, you can see a large part of the north of the island, the dunes of Corralejo and even Lanzarote.

In addition to stunning views, you will also find a well-kept garden, an excellent cafeteria and a museum, with photos and informative displays about the geology of Fuerteventura.

Address: Lugar Morro Velosa, s/n, Betancuria 35637

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00. Closed Sunday and Monday

*Top tip– it can be very windy at the top of the mountain, so make sure you bring a jacket

An amazing landscape that evokes serenity and spaciousness.

#6. Visit Corralejo Dunes Natural Park

Consisting of miles of unspoiled sandy terrain leading to a beach with glistening ocean water, Corralejo Dunes National Park is a must-see place on the island.

The park was established in 1994, and it stretches for 11 kilometres down the eastern coastline of Fuerteventura, offering a wonderful place where you can capture photos of pristine white sand dunes with a backdrop of mountains on one side and a stunning beach on the other.

It’s a good idea to stop at various places in the park to see the difference in the forever-shifting landscape.

Make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the afternoon sun, and don’t drive on the sand because you can get stuck.

Getting there: The FV 1 road runs right through the park, and you’ll find plenty of parking spaces along the way.

#7. Drive to El Tostón Lighthouse

The Tostón Lighthouse is situated near El Cotillo village on the northwestern coast of the island and takes about half an hour to reach by car from Corralejo.

The beautiful lighthouse tower, striped in white and red, was initially opened in 1897 and consists of three towers.

Its light, shining bright in the dark, can be seen for 14 nautical miles, and the lighthouse keeper’s house is now converted into a traditional Fishing Museum and cafe.

By visiting the museum, you can learn about the importance that fishing has had as an essential activity for the island’s inhabitants.

In addition to the lighthouse, you can also enjoy spectacular sunsets and beautiful water lagoons that are perfect for swimming.

The lagoons are sheltered from the wind and are a great spot to unwind, especially from a busy travel schedule around Fuerteventura.

#8. Take the ferry to Isla de Lobos

Located between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, Lobos Island is a small protected island with a plethora of plants and stunning landscapes to explore.

The island of barely 4.5 square kilometres is surrounded by crystal clear water and dominated by a huge volcanic cone, reaching 127 meters.

As the island is protected, access to the island is limited to 400 visitors per day. If you are visiting during the peak season, it is a good idea to book your ticket a few days in advance.

Once you arrive, you can relax on the beaches, gazing back at Fuerteventura or explore its rugged coast.

Some of the best things to check out on the island:

The beach Playa de la Concha de Lobos

The lagoon at Puertito Isla de Lobos

The volcano crater, Montaña de la Caldera

The lighthouse Faro de Punta Martiño

How much does it cost: The price for the ferry seems to be around €13 to €15 per adult, depending on the company you choose

#9. Stop by Aloe Vera Plantation

One of the more unique things to do in Fuerteventura would be a visit to Finca Canarias, where you can learn about the amazing health benefits and effects of the aloe vera plant.

The plantation at Gran Tarajal is home to over 4000 Aloe plants, various olive trees and hundreds of cacti.

A guided tour will display the farming methods used to grow the plants as well as the factory processes to make them into wellness products and skincare.

The gift shop offers a huge array of skin care products, all organically and naturally produced.

Opening times: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 6pm

How to get to and around Fuerteventura

The main airport serving the island is Fuerteventura Airport, located 5km from the capital, Puerto del Rosario.

Plenty of budget and charter airlines are offering flights to Fuerteventura, including Ryanair and EasyJet.

By boat – You can also arrive at Fuerteventura by boat from other Canary Islands. The fares are reasonable, the services are frequent, and you might even be able to catch a sight of dolphins.

By car – One of the best ways to see the scenic spots, do some proper exploring and wander away from the tourist crowds is to rent a car.

We found driving around the island very easy as there was very little traffic. Take extra care wBy car – when driving on mountain roads, always wear a seatbelt and use common sense.

By Schooter – You could also consider renting a small scooter, as long as you feel confident driving it. If you only intend to do one or two day trips, you could simply rent the moped for a few hours each day, and still see lots of the island’s more remote shores and villages.

Where To Stay On Fuertaventura Island

Across the island, you can find a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, resorts, apartments, and villas.

Where you choose to stay then depends on what you’re looking for. Many of the best budget accommodation options can be found in the island’s largest resorts, Corralejo, JandiaFor a more authentic experience, and Caleta de Fuste.

Coarrelo is one of the best places to stay due to the town’s vibrant atmosphere, stunning beaches and its proximity to the Corralejo Natural Park.

The most popular resort in Fuerteventura is the Oasis Papagayo Sports & Resort in Corralejo, known for its extensive facilities and range of activities.

It offers multiple swimming pools, comfortable accommodations, and easy access to nearby beaches.

For a more authentic experience, it’s best to stay in smaller towns or rural areas.

The area around El Cotillo, with its relaxed vibe and serene lagoons, is ideal if you prefer a more tranquil setting.

Practical Information About the Island

Where is Fuerteventura?

Fuerteventura is an Atlantic island located 100km off the west coast of Africa.

Why visit Fuerteventura?

With year-round sunshine guaranteed and truly stunning beaches, Fuerteventura is a perfect destination for an effortless and relaxing beach holiday. It offers some superb hotels in which to relax and a wide range of things to do for those who like to be more active.

How long should I stay in Fuerteventura?

A stay of about 5 to 7 days in Fuerteventura is ideal for fully enjoying the island’s beautiful beaches, exploring its natural parks, and engaging in various activities like water sports and hiking.

Best time to visit Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura enjoys a year-round climate much like the other Canary Islands, so it is great to visit at any time. The winds tend to be milder from October to December, and the hottest months to visit are July and August.

Sun protection is a must

Make sure you pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun can be strong.

10 Interesting Facts About Fuerteventura

Ancient Origins: Fuerteventura is the oldest of the Canary Islands, with its formation dating back around 20 million years.

Mysterious Inhabitants: The island was originally inhabited by a people known as the Majos, believed to have arrived around 1000 BCE from North Africa.

Name Origins: The name Fuerteventura is a combination of two Spanish words: “fuerte” (strong) and “ventura” (fortune). However, some believe it might also translate to “Strong Wind” due to the island’s windy conditions.

A Biosphere Reserve: In 2009, UNESCO declared the whole island of Fuerteventura a Biosphere Reserve, owing to its unique flora and fauna.

Land of Beaches: Fuerteventura is home to over 150 beaches, some of which are considered the most beautiful in the Canary Islands.

Wind Sports Paradise: Thanks to its wind conditions, Fuerteventura is a favourite destination for wind sports such as windsurfing and kiteboarding. It hosts the Windsurfing and Kiteboarding World Cup annually.

Impressive Dunes: The Corralejo Natural Park in the north of the island hosts a large expanse of sand dunes, reminiscent of a miniature desert.

Goat Population: Fuerteventura has more goats than people! The island is known for its delicious goat cheese, called Majorero cheese.

Star-gazing Spot: With its clear skies and low light pollution, Fuerteventura is a fantastic place for stargazing.

Island of Squirrels: Fuerteventura is home to a large population of Barbary Ground Squirrels, which were introduced to the island in the 1960s and have since thrived.

Goat statues on top of the Astronomical viewpoint Sicasumbre

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to Fuerteventura Island? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are planning a visit to Fuerteventura and have travel-related questions!

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9 Incredible Things to do in Fuerteventura, The Oldest of the Canary Islands – OUR CROSSINGS