What to Do in Fuerteventura?

Your vacation in Fuerteventura is approaching, and you are still looking for activities to do? Great news, this handy guide is here to help you discover the must-see locations on the island. Explore the most beautiful places to visit and the essential activities of the second largest Canary Island, located in the Atlantic Ocean, just a few hours' flight from mainland Europe. Travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and discovery will be delighted, as this Spanish island is renowned for its golden sandy beaches, year-round sunny climate, and natural beauty ☀️

The island's coast stretches for miles, featuring a variety of beaches, the most famous of which include Playa de Sotavento, Playa de Cofete, and Playa de Corralejo. The island is full of hiking trails to explore its volcanic lands, mountains, and canyons. The Corralejo Natural Park is one of the must-see natural sites, along with the opportunity to visit villages and engage in surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing!

The beaches of El Cotillo are famous for their crystal-clear waters and pristine landscapes. Among the most popular are Playa Grande, ideal for swimming and water sports, and La Concha beach, known for its natural pools protected by rock formations ⛱️ If you prefer tranquility, more remote beaches such as Playa de Esquinzo and Playa de la Escalera offer a peaceful atmosphere to relax and recharge.

At El Cotillo's beaches, expect swimming and sunbathing with family, snorkeling in the shallow crystal-clear waters, and even a cultural visit to the Tostón Lighthouse, which houses a museum about local marine life and fishing.

The Corralejo Natural Park is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the north of Fuerteventura! With its spectacular landscape of golden sand dunes stretching over 2,600 hectares behind the beaches, it attracts numerous tourists for various activities.

You can walk, bike, or quad bike through the dunes, then swim in the ocean or engage in your favorite activity: kitesurfing! All kinds of water activities are possible, such as surfing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and more.

The park is also home to rich flora and fauna, protected since 1982 under the title of a natural park. To top it off, the desert-like Corralejo Natural Park offers breathtaking views of another Canary Island: Lanzarote. It is an ideal spot to admire the sunset and stargaze once night falls *️

Betancuria is a small town surrounded by mountains and arid landscapes, offering a lovely moment in an authentic setting. Founded in 1404 by Jean de Bethencourt, Betancuria was the first capital of the Canary Islands, so it is a place rich in history and charming whitewashed houses

Among the places of interest in Betancuria, you can visit the Santa María Church, which houses a rich collection of religious art, and the archaeological and ethnographic museum to learn more about the island's history and culture. Don't miss the Casa Santa María and the Casa de los Coroneles.

Surrounding the town, the eponymous natural park extends over more than 16,500 hectares, providing a true playground for hikers. Take the trail leading to the Morro Velosa viewpoint for a panoramic view of the entire valley, with Betancuria in the distance

If you don't have a vehicle on-site, you can join this one-day excursion in Fuerteventura, which includes a visit to Casa Santa María, as well as other traditional villages like La Oliva and Pájara!

The Jandía Natural Park spans the entire Jandía Peninsula in southern Fuerteventura, from golden sandy beaches to mountains! It's an ideal place for hiking, especially to the island's highest point, Pico de la Zarza (807 m), admiring native flora and fauna, and relaxing on secluded beaches like Playa de Cofete, which stretches for no less than 12 km, and Playa de Sotavento ️

Nearby, the picturesque village of Pájara attracts visitors with its traditional charm, a must-stop! The heart of the village is the Nuestra Señora de Regla Church, a 17th-century religious structure adorned with colorful ceramic tiles. Pájara is also famous for its whitewashed houses and narrow picturesque streets, immersing you in a typically Canarian atmosphere.

If you spend a day in this natural park, you can also take an unusual visit to Villa Winter, a large abandoned house in the mountains designed by a German engineer in the 19th century.

All these places are part of the Jandía excursion from Cofete Beach to Villa Winter. Priced at €50 per person, it's perfect if you don't have your own car on site

From the Corralejo Natural Park, you can reach Lobos Island in several ways by sea. Once there, you'll enjoy a volcanic landscape with dreamlike beaches and complete tranquility. Now completely uninhabited, remnants of a Roman construction and traces of a colony of sea lions can be found here. The latter inspired the island's name, as > means sea lion in Spanish.

Protected since 1982, Lobos is classified as a marine reserve and is home to a great variety of endemic underwater flora and fauna waiting to be discovered by snorkeling
The other main activity is visiting the caldera, a spectacular volcanic crater located in the center of the island, which can be reached via a well-marked trail.

All that's left to do is board a ferry or a speedboat to visit Lobos Island at your own pace or to entrust your day to a provider offering an excursion to Lobos Island for a complete lounging day including lunch, snorkeling, etc.

Next to the small fishing village of Ajuy are caves dating back over 70 million years, part of the oldest volcanic rocks in Fuerteventura, the famous Ajuy caves, bordered by a black sand beach accessible via a marked path taking about 15 minutes.

Throughout the walk, you will enjoy the volcanic landscapes, and once in front of the cave, prepare your flashlights to seek out the treasure hidden by pirates. In end, this is only a local legend, but it adds an element of mystery Wait for sunset to enjoy a moment suspended in time before returning to the village and tasting the local catch of the day at one of the most typical restaurants!

Puerto del Rosario, the capital of Fuerteventura since 1860, is nestled on the east coast of the island and provides easy access to several beautiful beaches. Among the trendiest beaches are Playa Chica, a small cove ideal for swimming and snorkeling, as well as Playa Blanca, renowned for its fine sandy expanse.

But it is also worth exploring the city, which is rich in artistic heritage! In fact, over 150 sculptures are hidden throughout the city One not to miss is located along the seafront promenade. There are also museums that remind you that Puerto del Rosario is a real artistic hub, especially the Juan Ismael Art Center dedicated to contemporary art and the Miguel de Unamuno Casa Museo dedicated to the famous writer ✍️

For a more authentic experience, take a stroll through the historic district of Puerto del Rosario, discovering traditional Canarian architecture or tasting local specialties at the many typical restaurants or the municipal market You can try Vieja, a fish served on all plates in the city, along with many other delights.

You can also discover all of Fuerteventura's traditional dishes during a guided tapas tour! You will taste goat cheese, olive oil, prickly pears, and much more

La Oliva, like Betancuria, is an ancient capital of the island of Fuerteventura with well-preserved colonial and traditional Canarian architecture, featuring whitewashed houses and terracotta roofs. The heart of the village is its historic center, where you can stroll through narrow streets, discover quaint squares, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere!

Take advantage of your visit to explore the charming village of La Oliva and its historical buildings, such as the Church of Our Lady of Candelaria, dating back to the 18th century, which is one of the most emblematic buildings in the village. Also visit the Casa de los Coroneles, two sites I mentioned earlier in this post.

In the surrounding areas of La Oliva, you will find several restored old windmills that were once used to grind grain. These windmills are emblematic of the Fuerteventura landscape. Besides, the surroundings offer many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

If Fuerteventura is volcanic, it is largely due to the presence of dormant volcanoes for several millennia. You already know one is located on Lobos Island, but there is also one very close to the Corralejo Natural Park: the Calderón Hondo caldera

During a moderately difficult hike, you will ascend this crater through fields of solidified lava and breathtaking landscapes. Once at the top, the reward is even more beautiful: a panoramic view of the entire island, as well as the surrounding islands and volcanoes like Lobos and even Lanzarote

By the way, if you are afraid of getting lost or do not have a vehicle to reach this part of the island's north, choose the guided tour of Calderón Hondo volcano priced at €45 per person!

The natural pools of Los Lagos are a natural treasure that attracts visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty. These crystal-clear seawater pools are located in El Cotillo, which we already mentioned, on the northwestern coast of Fuerteventura.

Surrounded by volcanic rock formations, they provide a picturesque setting for swimming and relaxing. They are also protected from the waves of the Atlantic, making them ideal for family vacations with children.

If you are looking primarily for relaxation, the Canaries and Fuerteventura in particular will fill you with happiness, especially in this heavenly corner of the island

If you particularly enjoy the underwater world, one activity that could leave you with memorable experiences is the dolphin and whale watching off the coast of Fuerteventura by zodiac This activity is ideal if you are traveling during the summer, specifically from April to October, when you have almost a 100% chance of spotting them, which isn't guaranteed the rest of the year. Plan for approximately 2 hours in the ocean at a price of €52 per person!

Attention foodies, a tasting of majorero cheeses is a must during your vacation in Fuerteventura. Majorero cheeses are made from the milk of majorero goats, an endemic breed of the island, and are famous for their unique taste and creamy texture.

You can sample these local delights at many cheese shops and restaurants on the island. But I have an even better suggestion for you How about making your own majorero cheese at a local farm in Fuerteventura? From milking to packaging and labeling your cheese, you'll be involved the entire time. You can even help with the endemic goat species for an exceptional experience costing €69 per person. At the end of the activity, you'll even be able to take home your one-kilogram cheese .

Isn't that unusual? Are you intrigued?

Now that you know the must-sees of Fuerteventura, you also need to choose where to stay in Fuerteventura Here are my recommendations:

Casa Uma in Corralejo is ideal for budget travelers. You will sleep in a modern, equipped, and comfortable studio starting at €79 per night. There is even a balcony, and the sea is just a few meters away.

Barceló Corralejo Sands is a premium hotel also located in Corralejo. It has two huge pools, a restaurant, a bar, a gym, and you only have to step out of the garden to reach the golden sandy beaches with the dunes in the background. The rooms are also very comfortable and equipped, starting at €147 per night, including breakfast.

Barceló Fuerteventura Mar is situated next to one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire archipelago, Cala de Fuste. It is also a stunning premium hotel with pools, bars, restaurants, a gym, a spa, and wellness center, etc. The rooms are also magnificent and available starting from €158 per night, including breakfast.

Fuerteventura is one of the most accessible destinations from many major U.S. airports ✈️ The island is served by all the most famous low-cost airlines, so you will find direct flights at quite reasonable prices using a platform like Ulysse.

From Fuerteventura, you can also easily reach other Canary Islands such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, or Lanzarote via internal flights or by ferry. For ferry tickets, I recommend using a platform like Direct Ferries to find the best prices However, all these islands are really interesting, so if you have less than two weeks, I recommend focusing on just one island!

Once on site, I highly recommend renting a vehicle from the Fuerteventura airport to explore the island at your own pace. Even if it's just for a day or two, as you may plan to relax on the island's beaches afterward, you'll always find very good prices through DiscoverCars

That wraps up this article about Fuerteventura, the second largest island in the Canary archipelago! If you have any other ideas to share, feel free to let us know in the comments And if you plan to visit other islands in the archipelago, be sure to check out my articles on what to do in Tenerife, what to do in Lanzarote, or what to do in Gran Canaria.