Fuerteventura
The island of the longest beaches and golden sand: the desert Dunas de Corralejo on the sea, the shallow Sotavento lagoons, the wild Playa de Cofete, the boat trip to Lobos Island, and Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura. The closest of the islands to Morocco and the most like our desert.
- When to go
- All year round
- How long you need
- 5–7 days
- For whom
- Families and lovers of beach relaxation and water sports
Chapter One
The story of Fuerteventura
The second-largest of the Canary Islands by area and the closest to the African coast, it was conquered by the Normans in the name of Castile in 1404 CE, and “Betancuria” was its first capital. Its sand dunes and beaches are a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Figures of Fuerteventura
- Around 1362–1425
Jean de Béthencourt
He conquered the island in 1404 CE and founded “Betancuria”, which bears his name.
- 1340–1415
Gadifer de La Salle
Béthencourt’s partner in the conquest of the Canaries.
- 1864–1936
Miguel de Unamuno
He was exiled to Fuerteventura in 1924. His residence in Puerto del Rosario is a museum, and he has a statue on Montaña Quemada.
Chapter Two
Places in Fuerteventura
11 places I chose, arranged in chapters. A gold star marks one of my favourite picks.
Dunas de Corralejo
· Corralejo
A protected reserve of golden sand dunes that look like a desert, ending at a turquoise sea facing Lobos Island, a scene that reminds the Arab visitor of the nafud on the shore of the ocean.
My tip
The FV-1 road cuts through the dunes, and the beaches are free. The wind is often strong, so avoid swimming where signs forbid it.
Playa de Cofete
· Morro Jable
A wild beach stretching for kilometres beneath the towering Jandía mountains, with no settlement and no services; one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the Canary Islands.
- Hard going · needs a car
- From Morro Jable, about 20 km of rough mountain dirt road (an hour). A 4×4 car or the four-wheel-drive 111 bus is advised. No services, no water, no shade, and phone coverage is almost nonexistent. Swimming is very dangerous (currents). Bring water and food.
My tip
The road is dirt from Morro Jable (about an hour). Strong currents, so don’t swim; bring water and food.
Playa de Sotavento de Jandía
· Costa Calma
A vast sandy beach where a shallow lagoon forms with the tides. Its calm waters suit families, and it is the capital of windsurfing.
- Easy to reach · needs a car
- Parking near the Meliá hotel and Risco del Paso, with a short sandy descent or steps. The shallow lagoon forms at low tide—check the tide table. Strong wind most of the year and little shade; restaurants in Costa Calma and at Risco del Paso. Buses are rare.
My tip
Watch the tide before crossing the lagoon; the best view is from the upper road at the Meliá hotel.
Lobos Island
· Corralejo
A small protected volcanic island a quarter of an hour by boat from Corralejo, with the clear lagoon of La Concha for swimming and diving, and a trail to the crater of La Caldera.
My tip
A free online permit is required to enter in season; bring water, food and a hat, as there is no shade.
Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura
· La Lajita
A large zoo and botanical garden with giraffes and elephants, bird and seal shows, and camel rides, with one of Europe’s largest cactus gardens; a complete family day.
My tip
Come at opening time, before the heat; there is bus transport from the hotels.
Corralejo Surf School RIP CURL
· Corralejo
Northern Fuerteventura is one of Europe’s best surfing destinations in winter and summer, thanks to the steady Atlantic winds and warm water; the school takes you to the right beach each day, depending on the state of the waves.
My tip
Winter is the season for the strongest waves and summer for beginners; wear a strong sunscreen, as the sun is harsh all year round.
Diving Center Punta Amanay
· Corralejo
Diving between Corralejo and the protected Lobos Island off Fuerteventura, where rays, angel sharks and ocean fish live in clear Atlantic waters, with shallow sites suitable for beginners.
My tip
Combine the diving with a land visit to Lobos Island (a free permit is required in advance).
Betancuria
· Betancuria
The first capital of the Canary Islands, founded by the Norman Jean de Béthencourt in 1404 CE in a mountain valley sheltered from pirates, and one of “the most beautiful villages in Spain”. Its white houses and volcanic stone are centred on the Church of Santa María.
What to see
Church of Santa María · the white lanes · the Archaeological Museum · ruins of the San Buenaventura monastery · the Morro Velosa viewpoint
- Easy to reach · needs a car
- A small, almost flat village; the road to it is mountainous and winding.
My tip
Stop at the Morro Velosa viewpoint and the statues of the two native kings on the road; try Majorero cheese. 40 minutes from Puerto del Rosario.
Cuevas de Ajuy
· Ajuy (Pájara)
Sea caves in cliffs that hold the oldest rocks of the Canary Islands (ocean-floor sediments from about 100 million years ago), a protected natural landmark. A black sand beach in a small fishing village.
- Moderate effort · needs a car
- A passage and steps along the cliff, then slippery rocks inside the cave; hard for older people.
My tip
A marked walkway from the village; bring a torch and good shoes. Swimming is forbidden because of the currents.
La Puntilla Casa Menso
- One of the highest-rated restaurants in Fuerteventura, with tables on the beach and fresh local fish; a perfect spot for a family lunch by the sea.
El Roque de los Pescadores
- El Cotillo, with its turquoise beaches and calm lagoons, is one of the island’s loveliest corners, and this restaurant on its small port has a sunset view.
Chapter Three
When to go to Fuerteventura
My view in brief: All year round. Pick a month to see its weather and events.
Among my best months An event or holiday
January
No events listed in January. A quiet month, and prices are often lower.
Chapter Four
What to bring home
What deserves to come home with you from Fuerteventura: the genuine article, and what carries a protected origin.
- DOP
Majorero cheese
Queso Majorero DOP“Majorera” goat’s cheese, its rind rubbed with paprika, gofio or oil, creamy and slightly sour; the first Spanish goat’s cheese to earn the protected designation.
Fuerteventura aloe
Aloe vera de FuerteventuraAloe farms on the island produce well-known cosmetic and medicinal products.
- IGP
Canarian gofio
Gofio Canario IGPToasted grain flour; the island also has historic windmills.
Salinas del Carmen salt
Sal de las Salinas del CarmenTraditional salt from historic salt pans that have become a museum.
Chapter Five
Getting around Fuerteventura
Apps that work here
Uber
Last reviewed1 October 2026