A Short Guide To The Best Things To See And Do In Beautiful Fuerteventura

Spain, , 50 Comments

I have long yearned to come to Fuerteventura, one of the lesser-known and quieter Canary Islands. Imagine a volcanic island surrounded by warm, turquoise waters, where empty ribbons of road stretch from one white sand beach to the other one, and where free-running goats roam the sun-baked landscape.

The second largest of the Canary Islands (beaten to first place by Tenerife), located just 100 km off the West Coast of Africa, is impressive and diverse enough to bless venturous voyagers with many experiences.

Our main reason for visiting  Fuerteventura island was to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Living in a country where the weather is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, making it very wet and unpredictable, is why we are always on the lookout for sunny escapes.

Ericeira curled up and peacefully fell asleep in my arms shortly after takeoff, putting our minds at ease about a four-and-a-half-hour flight to the island. After we landed at Fuerteventura airport, located a few miles south of the capital Puerto Del Rosario, we grabbed a pre-ordered hire car and drove to meet our Airbnb host, Maria.

We were surprised to find the little holiday house nicely tucked away in a quiet residential area, sitting on a slope of the rolling hill overlooking Costa Caleta and providing an uninterrupted view of the East Coast region.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands.

A Quick Guide to the best things to do in beautiful Fuerteventura

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

Further inland, patiently waiting to be uncovered,  were howling mountain passes, shielded coves and savaged cliffs, shaped by untamed ocean waters.

And, there’s even more! The island itself is a Biosphere Reserve due to its volcanic landscapes, and because the skies are free from pollution, you can enjoy starry moments at night. You’ll also have a chance to sample tasty cheeses, wrinkly potatoes and loads of fresh fish.

Let me shine a light on a few fantastic and energetic places we had a chance to visit while driving around the northern part of Fuerteventura island.

#1. Walk around Corralejo Town

Don’t let the large numbers of tourists and holidaymakers scare you away, by all means; this isn’t your typical holiday resort town. Situated in the North, Corralejo, with its historic centre and the attractive harbour is very lovable.

Sure, it makes a big difference visiting Fuerteventura off-season as we did. Crowds were gone, restaurants were unfilled and the little town, surrounded by tons of sandy beaches to the left and right, was very appealing.

Day trips to nearby Lanzarote where you can visit Timanfaya National Park and to uninhabited Lobos islands where you can climb a volcano are popular with tourists.

The residents of Fuerteventura are known as “majoreros”.

#2. Visit Ajuy fishing village

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

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

The large caves are well worth a visit, but keep in mind that the slopes and steps are steep and you need sensible footwear to access them.

Fuerteventura is the oldest island of all the Canary Islands.

#3. Roam around Betancuria town

Islands’ former capital (until 1834) was a pleasant surprise. Positioned in a lush green valley and surrounded by palm trees, Betancuria projected such a stark contrast, if compared to the rest of Fuerteventura’s sun-scorched terrain.

Betancurias’ main attraction is the beautiful and fully restored Iglesia de Santa María church, open to visitors for a small fee, and the little town itself is protected as an area of ethnographic significance.

There are plenty of restaurants offering Canarian dishes and little gift shops selling local pottery and crafts.

During the third week of September, Fuerteventura celebrates one of the 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.

Betancuria town, situated in a beautiful valley, was founded during the Castilian invasion.

#4. Take in the views from Morro Velosa

The winding road to Betancuria village can undoubtedly test your driving abilities. If you look it up on Google Maps, you can see VF-30  literary zigzag through the barren landscape.

On our way to Betancuria, we noticed a signpost for a Morro Velosa viewpoint located on top of the Tegú Mountain (669 meters).

What we found was a beautifully designed building with a wooden porch delivering tremendous views to the left and right. Looking over rounded hills, I was feeling grateful for this journey; it made me realise that even the smallest things can take your breath away.

Did you know that Fuerteventura and Lanzarote were once connected by land?

#5. Watch a sunrise at Corralejo Dunes Natural Park

Don’t you think that sand dunes are a very interesting place to explore? To see how they change in a matter of a day, how light reflects the tiny sand particles?

I have to say that visiting Dunes Natural Park was the highlight of our stay! There was so much scenic goodness in this place,  twinkling white sand, beautifully coloured sunrises, unique plants and fresh air in our lungs.

The FV 1 road runs right through the park with plenty of parking spaces. To the north of the park is the Atlantic ocean with fabulous beaches and on the other side is a more rugged and volcanic landscape(ideal for landscape photographers).

Fuerteventura lies at the same latitude as Florida and Mexico.

#6. Explore Fuerteventura Beaches

November sun was hot enough to make my shoulders bronzed within days as we galloped around the island from dusk till dawn, discovering undeniably appealing and unspoiled beaches.

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, use the little circular windbreak shelters build from stones by locals.

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, corrals, and whales.

A very beautiful view of the Isla de Lobos.

#7. Drive to El Tostón Lighthouse

What made this place stand out were natural lagoons and beaches, separated by black volcanic rocks, and we felt like we are on another planet entirely.

The Tostón Lighthouse or Ell Cotillo lighthouse is situated near El Cotillo village on the north-western coast of the island. By car, it took us about half an hour to reach Corralejo. The beautiful tower, striped in white and red,  was initially opened in 1897.

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

How to get to and around Fuerteventura

The main airport serving the island is Fuerteventura Airport, located 5km from the capital Puerto del Rosario. Loads of budget and charter airlines are offering flights to Fuerteventura, including Ryanair and EasyJet.

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 see dolphins.

The only way to see the scenic spots 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 when driving on mountain roads, always wear a seatbelt and use common sense.

Just one of many roads connecting Fuerteventura villages.

…    …    …    …    …    …    …    …     …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …

Now, over to you!

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

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

Posted by

Our Crossings follows the daily adventures of Latvian expats living in Sligo as they surf and explore the world

50 thoughts on “A Short Guide To The Best Things To See And Do In Beautiful Fuerteventura”

    1. Thanks so much, Francisco. With sunny beaches all year round, this Spanish island offers the perfect mixture of adventure and relaxation, and out of all the Canary Islands, it remains my favourite. Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day. I hope all is well with you and your family 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  2. We’ve only seen Fuerteventura on a day trip from Lanzarote, and actually based ourselves at Playa Blanca to make this easy. I would need to go back to do it justice, Aiva, and that’s not too likely at the moment so I was happy to see it through your eyes.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hi, Jo, how are things? 🙂

      I’ve been to a good few Canary Islands and was pleased to find a distinctly Canarian character and culture quite different from mainland Spain. There are still a couple of islands left on my travel wish list. As travelling to one of them isn’t too likely for me either, I was happy to flip through the photos from our time in Fuertaventura and take a trip down the memory line. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. La Gomera was a fun trip from Lanzarote but I always wanted to do La Palma too. Flights were never easy there from the north east and these days I have different priorities, but life is fine, thanks.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

    1. Thank you kindly 🙂 The Canaries have long been popular with British and northern European sunseekers, so you’ll find English spoken in most restaurants, hotels, and shops. You’ll also find a surprising variety of things to do on these seven islands, from water sports and hiking trails to modern art and sightseeing in charming colonial towns. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  4. Your first sentence with the words “warm, turquoise waters” is probably the best intro to Fuerteventura! You have explored so many beautiful places here – from inland to the beaches. And a visit to a lighthouse is always a bonus! Thank you Aiva for your lovely photos (and for transporting me to a gorgeous island)!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hi Corna, how are you doing? Miles of beaches on the island of Fuerteventura are almost empty, and even most of those with well-developed tourist infrastructures are uncrowded. The northeastern beaches are often quite windy, and the surf on its northern beaches is quite heavy – to the delight of surfers, who find some of Europe’s finest waves here. Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I am glad to hear that, Maggie 🙂 Despite what you may have heard, the Canary Islands make for an incredible destination, boasting cultural activities, stunning landscapes and delectable gastronomy and wine scene. That’s before even mentioning the year-round sunshine and pleasant temperatures. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. Such a wonderful post! I have never considered going there but I’m really curious to check it out now, it seems like a beautiful and peaceful island – though maybe that’s because you went off-season! Thanks for sharing your amazing tips!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Juliette! Whether or not you’ve made it to the popular Spanish destination of the Canary Islands, you might not be aware of some of the biggest common misconceptions around the place. This archipelago extends beyond just Tenerife, its most well-known hub, and, as you can see from my post, there’s more to the Canaries than tacky nightclubs and package holiday offerings. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Thank you kindly. There are seven main islands and the allure goes well beyond the largest, most famous island of Tenerife. Just like any destination, there may be parts of the Canary Islands that are, indeed, tacky. Certain resort towns on various islands are strewn with high-rise, cookie-cutter resorts, budget party hostels and all-inclusive resorts that attract foreign visitors who only want to party day in and day out.

      However, those are just a few specific areas. If you do your research, you can easily visit more authentic parts of each island. There are also luxury resorts that don’t have a cheesy feel. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama on Tenerife is a good example. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much 🙂 One of the biggest calls of the Canary Islands is the weather. You can expect year-round sunshine and warm temperatures. There are a few places in Europe you can suntan on the beach in January, which is part of the Canary Islands intrigue. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. It really is , Marie 🙂 Yes, parts of the Canaries can seem tacky and touristy and home to black-sand beaches and volcanoes. However, the islands can also be incredibly charming, enticing travellers with white-sand beaches, lush forests, jagged mountains, unique local customs, celebrations and cuisine. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  10. I want to go to there (Seinfeld reference). Looks like a beautiful place for a relaxing holiday Aiva. We have never been there, but you have made it look so desirable. Thanks for sharing. Allan

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Allan. Being one of the larger of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is a pretty varied and special island to explore. It’s one of those islands that has a little bit of everything and such a diverse landscape that’s amazing for a holiday trip. While I very much prefer the uncrowded and often rainy/foggy Irish beaches, once in a while we whisk off to somewhere warmer to soak up some vitamin D. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much, it really was a great place for a family holiday with lots of outdoor activities mixed into it. The Canary Islands are well known for tacky tourist resorts and swanky nightclubs that offer an opportunity to stay out until the sun comes up. But once you keep away from these touristy hot spots, there’s a whole new world of hiking, surfing, and stargazing at your disposal. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  12. I’ve never been to the Canary Islands during my time in Europe, but I’ve heard good things about it! Those beaches are so white and pristine that they look like stock photos, haha! Looks like it’s the ultimate paradise destination to beach lounge or otherwise explore the natural beauty of it all!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Rebecca. Fuerteventura (like the other Canary Islands) is mostly known for its resorts but there’s so much more to the island than all-you-can-eat-buffets and swimming pools. Besides the beaches, there are many natural sights to see inland and by the coasts, like volcanoes, caves, natural pools, sand dunes, mountains and hiking trails for all levels. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Fuerteventura has a temperate sub-tropical climate is subtropical boasting thousands of sunshine hours a year. As it’s something we are lacking in Ireland, once in a while, we try to escape to the Canary Islands. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Linda. I’m not much of a beach bum who can spend a whole week sunbathing and that’s why, before we left for the Canary Islands, I made a very long list of outdoor adventures and unique places worth visiting that are off the main tourist trail. The ​​Dunes Natural Park was my favourite place – one of the best ways to explore it is with a buggy tour, but as Ericeira was only 8 months old at the time, we had to go for something more family-friendly. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  15. The scenery is fantastic Aiva! From those rolling hills to the coastline, it looks like a little paradise. It seems you had an amazing time there, and I believe it’s a great destination all-year round.
    Have a beautiful day! xx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Christie, it’s so nice to hear from you. Since it’s the flattest, oldest, and driest one, many would say that it isn’t the most beautiful Canary Island. But you only need to see its golden dunes at sunset, its more than 93 miles of virgin beaches, or its turquoise waters to understand why Fuerteventura is special. Thanks for stopping and have a lovely day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Hi Leighton. While most people go to the Canary Islands to lounge by the pool, our main reason was to explore its volcanic landscape which was so different from what we have here in Ireland. The red colour from its soil, its beaches as far as the eye can see, its blue and green waters, fantastic waves and its arid landscape make it actually look more African than any other of the Canary Islands. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much. I was drawn in by the diversity of its flora, fauna, natural landscapes, and sandy dunes. Not to mention the fact, that the entire island has been declared a biosphere reserve. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Marion 🙂 Fuerteventura is part of the sun-kissed Canary Island chain and only second in size to its famous neighbour Tenerife. It is now one of the top holiday destinations in Europe due to its sheer rugged beauty, exceptional beaches, beautiful coastlines, and laid-back nightlife. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. I know what you mean Brian. Due to the factor, that we haven’t found a bargain destination where it’s still cheap to eat out and the cost-of-living crisis has yet to bite, we have not been abroad much. Of course, lengthy delays in passport turnaround don’t help either, they say that one million Irish passports are expected to be issued this year for the first time. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. One million passports? A French journalist wrote a piece about “the old times” when you got a passport appointment in 5 minutes, not 3 weeks. The appointment. Then get the passport. A few months?
        Crazy world…
        Be safe.
        💕

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

    1. There are plenty of golden beaches, of course, but Fuerteventura’s real cool factor comes from its unique black sand. I was in awe of it, just imagine jet-black sand and technicolour blue sea paired up with the swirling greys and mustards of ancient sedimentary rocks. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  25. It was lovely to see the non touristy side of the Canary Islands. I have never been but it looks beautiful from your photographs, Aiva. I think a distant ancestor came from Tenerife to the New World – will have to check it out.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.