Fuerteventura is the oldest of canary Island. It’s a stunning island with not only over 150 km of white sand beaches but also beautiful natural landscapes and volcanic peaks. The climate remains pleasantly mild throughout the whole year, making Fuertaventura a great winter holiday destination. The island is quite windy, as the name states itself – Fuerteventura means ‘STRONG WIND’. Here is an island flash on top places not to be missed alongwith best things to do in Fuerteventura.
If I was to recommend where to stay – on the top of the list would be Corralejo (located north side of the island)! South of the island is more touristic, overloaded in high season with dense hotel infrastructure. Best way to explore the island is by renting a car, although local transport is quite well developed, with high standard buses running between major cities. The island is famous for aloe plantations and aloe vera natural cosmetics which you can buy in local shops.
The Canary islands.
The Canary Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago (first erruptions occured 70 millions years ago!). The islands are dominated by lava soil and volcano craters landscape. I am absolutely fascinated by volcanoes, so this was a magnificent destination for volcano hiking, although Lanzarote offered much more lava ashes and hiking trails and Tenerife has the highest peak of Spain – Pico del Teide. There are few volcano hikes in Fuerteventura, which are a great idea for a day-tour without a guide.
Cheap or free outdoor things to do in Fuerteventura:
- Walk the sand dunes in Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo – or join a spectacular annual International Kite Festival in November for unforgettable adventure!
- Firstly go for a volcano hike in Fuerteventura – there is a great trail from Corralejo to Lajares or hike the highest peak of the island – Pico de la Zarza.
- Spend a day on a nudist beach – there’s plenty of them around the island/especially on the south.
- Go snorkeling in Fuerteventura.
- Try kitesurfing or surfing.
- Have coffee in one of the local surfing bars.
Check What’s ON in Fuerteventura this week? – with great events callendar WHAT TO DO IN.
Getting around Fuerteventura.
CAR RENTAL: Renting a car is the most convenient way of traveling and discovering best corners of the island. You can be on a flexible itinerary with a rented car.
I would highly advise checking DISCOVER CARS – an award winning car rental with great deals and service standard. I tried them few times while traveling across Canary Islands and every time it was a hassle free experience. Roads on Fuerteventura are high standard.
LOCAL BUSES: Fuerteventura has really good bus network, which makes it very easy to travel between major cities. All bus routes are available on the official transportation website tiadhe.com. Timetables are available on most bus tops. Buses are really high standard, which makes traveling very easy and enjoyable.
You can buy a transport card or pay in the bus – but have change if possible. Ticket prices: Gran Tarajal – Morro Jable €5.45 – 45 min drive/40km distance.
Where to stay in Fuerteventura?
I’ve been to Fuerteventura couple times and trust me there are two places to stay – Morro Jable and Corralejo. Corralejo town – in my opinion best place to stay in Fuerteventura if you prefer more quiet space. Located at the very north end of the island, surrounded by breathtaking white sand dunes. The main street is pretty busy with shops, local markets and restaurants, but the town in general is not overcrowded comparing to a touristic south side of the island. Corralejo is a great gateaway for two main attractions: Sand Dunes National park and paradise Lobos Island. 5 minute drive from the city centre near Calle el Hierro and a small round about, there’s an local street craft market with really nice handmade souvenirs, natural cosmetics and delicious traditional cuisine – cheese, vegetables, amazing fruits! Main accommodation in Corralejo are private apartments with a swimming area.
South side of the island is very touristic, Costa Calma is a bit more quiet but it’s very German. However it’s an amazing seaside resort which should please water sport lovers.
Corralejo National Park - sand dunes.
Dunas de Corralejo – discover amazing sand dunes in Fuerteventura.
Parque Natural de Corralejo is a protected area with gorgeous small-scale desert 🙂 These are the largest sand dunes of the Canary Islands and it’s definitely one of the best spots to visit in Fuerteventura. The breathtaking sand dunes are located on the north – east part of the island, spreading near Corralejo. You’ll have a great chance to try rolling down the dunes! There are number of stunning beaches along the park, some of them are fantastic for kitesurfing.
Discover Corralejo Sand Dunes with on a great safari adventure!
Volcanoes hiking – one of the best things to do in Fuerteventura.
Calderon Hondo Volcano – it’s been 135 000 since the fire went out but the colour still remains lively. Calderon Hondo is an amazing volcano hike! Take a route from Corralejo to Lajares, which leads through number of calderas. I took a bus from Corralejo to Lajares and trekked back along all the calderas.
In Lajares there’s a lovely surfing bar at the start of the trail, no better idea than to begin your day with a great coffee.
The whole route is about 12 km and if you are not feeling fit enough to climb each volcano, you can skip the hills and take routes around the volcanoes.
Hike Pico de la Zarza - the highest peak of Fuerteventura.
Hiking Pico de la Zarza is one of the best things to do in Fuerteventura for an active outdoor adventure. Pico de la Zarza is at the elevation of 807 metres above the sea level and it is the highest point of Fuerteventura Island. Views from the top are breathtaking, spreading across Cofete coastline with dramatic mountain range facing the ocean. Read full descritpion of the hike and how to prepare yourself for this hike.
Adventurous hiking Pico de la Zarza – the highest peak of Fuerteventura.
Hiking Pico de la Zarza is extremely beautiful volcano adventure with breathtaking views from the top of the south
Day trip to Lobos Island, located short distance from Corralejo.
Best things to do in Lobos Island in Canary – how to get there and what to explore.
Isla de Lobos – small magnificent desert island located only 2 kilometres north from the main island of Fuerteventura and
One of the best things to do in Fuerteventura is taking a day-trip to Lobos Island. Ferry tickets to Lobos Island are available online or from ticket offices at the harbour. If you are traveling to the island you need to obtain FREE LOBOS PASS (online application). Lobos island is a Natural Reserve and daily number of visitors is limited to 400.
There are many seaview restaurants in Corralejo harbour. Ask in the restaurant for the catch of the day or menu del dia – short menu, very popular across Spain. Try tapas, small portions of the main courses, which is a great way to taste few local dishes instead of one main course.
Diving and watersports in Fuerteventura.
Try diving and watersports. Water sports are extremely popular in windy shores of Fuertaventura. Kitesurfing becomes more and more popular but traditional surfing still rules. My favourite surfer bars offer Surf maps, also available in tourist offices and some restaurants (www.Surfermap.com).
If you prefer more static water activity immerse yourself in the depth – turquoise water makes snorkeling and diving very popular across Fuertaventura and there are plenty of diving centres on the island. I chose Deep Blue Diving Centre near Puerto del Rosario. Wonderful experience – nice people, professional instructor, great dive, I can highly recommend this centre.
Discover local festivals in Fuerteventura.
Kite Festival (November), Half marathon in Dunas de Corralejo (Novemeber), International Blues Festival (October), Surf Festival (Septemeber), Pedal at FuerteBike (September), Fiesta de Corralejo (July), Fuerteventura en Musica (July), San Juan bonfires (June), Corralejo Carnival (March).
Montana de Tindaya.
Montana de Tindaya – the holy mountain of Fuertaventura. You need to check with two goverment offices (Corralejo and Puerto del Rosario) if it’s possible to hike the mountain. Unfortunately, in December 2019 it wasn’t. There are rectrictions to hike this area, as the owner does not give a permission to enter his territory.
Also take a drive along the cost from Corralejo to El Cotillo which leads through an amazing scenery. El Cotillo is a nice fisherman and craftsmen village with amazing wild beaches. El Cotillo is a small town with a scenic ocean view and el Toston lighthouse located 2 km north the town. If you planning to visit the beach for catching some tan – remember, most of the beaches in Fuerte are nudist 🙂
Visit La Oliva – previous capital of Fuerteventura.
Even if you don’t fancy museums, there is still one worth seeing – Centro de Arte – Casa Mané. It is much more than an art centre, because it’s a great piece of cultural art, located in a historic place, with a pleasant relaxing atmosphere among palms and cactuses. It’s a perfect place for a coffee break and discovering a magnificent sculptural work. Entrance fee is 5 Euro with opening times are Mon-Friday 10.00am – 5.00 pm. Sat 10.00am – 2.00pm.
Visiting La Oliva town is among top best things to do in Fuerteventura! La Oliva – used to be a capital of the island before Puerto del Rosario. It’s a quiet town that lives on agriculture, it’s famous cheese and also olive trees. There’s one of the most famous traditional market – Mercado de las Tradiciones’ – with local products and handicraft. It’s opened from 10am to 2pm and only one or two days a week (so better check before you go there!).
Betancuria – is a must destination to visit in Fuerteventura. It’s a small town with a gothic style Cathedral Santa Maria de Betancuria. Betancuria is a lovely town with amazing restaurants and atmosphere, so you should check it out when traveling in the region. Also remember to take a long walk through the tiny streets of the upper part of the town.
Check more adventures across Canary Islands and Mallorca.
Southern part of Fuerteventura.
South tale of Fuertaventura is pure wilderness. Peninsula de Jandia – located on the south of the island, with its highest peak Pico de la Zarza (807m). This is a place where you can also plan some additional hiking adventures, find lots of nudist beaches or just enjoy the turquise ocean waters.
Sotanvento lagoon beach on the photo below offers unique swimming experience and almost no tourists.
Top rated tours on the south of Fuerteventura island.
Cofete beach guided tour.
El Cofete – one place you cannot miss in Fuerteventura! Situated in the most isolated south part of the island, El Cofete offers virgin landscapes of endless beaches and dramatic mountain range. I took a day tour to explore this unreal landscape. There’s plenty of tour options – safari, off-road, sunset & wine tasting. It turned out the place hides extremely interesting sights and a bunch of history behind Villa Winter or mystery beach cementary.
