The 7 things to do in Fuerteventura

Visit Fuerteventura: what are the best things to do and see in this island of the Canary Islands?

Located in the Atlantic Ocean and off Morocco, Fuerteventura is the most eastern island of the Canary Islands, and therefore belongs to the Spain . The second largest island in the Canarian archipelago by its size, it houses a population of more than 122,500 (2019) on 1,660 km2. Peated from the 1st millennium BC by the Guanches – the aborigines of the Canary Islands – the island attracts a youth tourism to the spotlight of the best seaside resorts where to celebrate.

With the red color of its land, its beaches lost sight, its blue and green waters, its indomitable waves and its arid landscape, Fuerteventura is nicknamed "African". Its pleasant climate attracts many travelers every year. Are you part of it? Here is our list of essential things to see or do during your stay.

1. Discover the capital, Puerto del Rosario

The capital of Fuerteventura, Puerto del Rosario is one of the gateways to the island because the town is located a few steps north of the airport. It is a small town of 28,844 inhabitants, wet by the turquoise and crystalline waters of the Atlantic Ocean and built with many white houses that make its picturesque charm. The city also includes many hotels where to stay and large shopping centers: a comfortable anchor point to start your vacation and visit Fuerteventura.

2. Boat trip to Lobos Island

Your plane ticket in your pocket, you are sure to ask that you do in Fuerteventura. And don’t hesitate and opt for a boat ride! Indeed, renting a boat in Fuerteventura , you offer the opportunity to discover real wonders.

Among them, you must go to the island of Lobos, north of Corralejo. You will find a true little paradise on earth: heavenly beaches, a charming volcanic landscape and crystal clear waters. To access it, you can also offer the services of a skipper, which will allow you to relax throughout the journey. Enjoy it to enhance your !

3. Preach on the beaches of El Cotillo

We continue on the north of the island, passing on the west coast: we can’t visit Fuerteventura without passing through the old fishing village El Cotillo . This village is bordered by one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, with golden sand where you can swim peacefully in crystal clear waters.

There is often a lot of wind but the current is weak. In the surrounding area, numerous swimming pools and natural lagoons sprinkle the coast, as often in the Canary Islands. North of the village, Playa Marfolín takes tropical beach areas of Southeast Asia: an ideal “spot” where sunbath in the middle of November!

To the south, Playa del Castillo – the name of the castle del Tostón which once protected the island from corsary attacks – is a den for surfers who come to enjoy the waves of the ocean. The old port and the many restaurants in the village will come to seduce you.

4. Walking in the small village of La Oliva

Take the road to the center of the island, stop at La Oliva by the park Malpaís de la arena , a natural monument formed by the volcano and its lava, containing a breathtaking wildlife paradise. The Oliva is a small peaceful village in the middle of the desert where you should not miss visiting la casa de los coroneles The colonel's house.

As long as you are there, enjoy it to visit the cultural centres and museums of the village – Cultural Raíz del Pueblo, Centro de Arte « Casa Mane » or Museo del grano « La Cilla » .

5. Visit Corralejo and its nature park

Dominated by the Bayuyo ventilated volcano with an altitude of 271 metres, Corralejo is the second city of the island and is originally a small fishing port. Today, it is a high tourist resort of Fuerteventura, where on its side is the famous dunes of the Natural Park of Corralejo – El parque natural de Corralejo – as well as the island of Los Lobos .

This site offers a heavenly arid landscape, consisting of the erosion of shells of molluscs and other marine organisms: a small Sahara where there are large spaces and tranquility. The dunes are lined with sublime beaches of fine and white sand, a predilection for windsurfers, surfing, kitesurfing and nudists. Walking along the ten kilometers of beaches and dune is one of the unmissable to visit Fuerteventura.

6. Explore Betancuria and its eponymous park

Located on the west coast of the island, the city of Betancuria and the Rural eponymous are immanquable for anyone who wonders what to do in Fuerteventura. The church of Betancuria – the iglesia Santa Maria de Betancuria , by the name of Jean de Béthencourt, a Norman who colonized the island in 1404 -, the archaeological museum and casa Museo de Betancuria are among the heritage monuments to visit in this village. Here again, you will cross in your palm walks, barbarian figs, mountains and desert landscapes.

7. Jandía and its natural park

Going to Fuerteventura in its southern part, you will find the nature park of Jandía, a peninsula surrounded by numerous white sandy beaches in filade. But before, do not miss to pass to Pájara, a small colorful village, rich in flowers – hibiscus, bougainvilliers and lauriers-roses – where architecture takes airs of Aztec art. Further south, take advantage of it to keep you on the Playa Barca , a paradise beach where water, transparent, recalls the blue-green lagoons of Thailand. In this area, admire the rugged landscape of the island of The Pared to Cofete , dedicate half a day for the Oasis Park Fuerteventura, then finish your visit by the village Morro Jable as well as the southern tip and the lighthouse, el faro de punta Jandía : we will feel almost alone in the world!

How to get to Fuerteventura?

Fuerteventura Airport is 5 km from Puerto del Rosario. The flights from Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice and Toulouse are mainly operated by Iberia, Air Europa, easyJet and Vueling with a stopover in Madrid, Barcelona or Las Palmas or Tenerife. Count about 3h30 for direct flights and 6 hours of flight with a stopover. To find cheap flights to Fuerteventura, you can search our partner's website Ulysses .

If you are planning to visit several islands, internal flights are mainly provided by Binter Canarias. You can also sail from island to island by boat. There are three ports in Fuerteventura for the ferry: Morro Jable to the south, Corralejo to the north and Puerto del Rosario to the east.

Where to stay in Fuerteventura?

To visit Fuerteventura Island, the ideal is to find a drop point from which to radiate on the island. Puerto del Rosario is a good option because located in the middle of the island, on the coast. Tuineje, Antigua and Betancuria are also a good solution. To enlighten you on this subject, don’t hesitate to take a look at our article “ In which city house in Fuerteventura? » before you go to this Compare hotels who will offer you the best offers to find the ground foot that matches you.