Literally translating to “Strong Wind”, Fuerteventura has been hailed for its high number of peaks of interest. Just off the African coast, its year-round combination of windswept coasts, volcanic history, and soft sunshine are what make it the ideal climate for natural phenomena.
You will fall in love with this island from another planet. Explore its one-of-a-kind traits; majestic waves, prehistoric caves, and the Canarian way of life.
Here is a mountain of reasons why you should visit the Fortunate Isle…
Corralejo
If you are visiting the island, chances are you’re already staying in Corralejo or one of the northern tourist-friendly towns.
In addition to Corralejo’s coastal restaurants with deliciously less-than-delicate whiffs of seafood, dirt-cheap bars, and parasol-lined beaches, the hotspot is also home to a number of activities to pass time somewhere close to the base.
Aqua Park is the only amusement park in Fuerteventura and the best place to catch some rays while keeping entertained. Take the little ones to meet the local fish sculptures at the port and check out the wacky architecture at Church de Nuestra Señora del Carmen.
You can also catch boats from the harbor for a day trip to neighboring Los Lobos, although since it’s uninhabited, it is best to arrive early, as there is no option to a sleepover.
Quad Bike and Buggy Tours
The most exhilarating way to get the action out of your adventure is with a buggy or quad bike tour. Permitting exclusive access to off-road areas, no badland is off-limits.
Soar over volcanoes, whiz past the sand dunes, plough down beaches, and race by impressive sculptures.
There are buggy companies starting journeys from the north and the south, depending on which end of the island you want to conquer.
Pick up from certain hotels is offered and protective goggles are supplied; though, you should bring your own bandana and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty!
Corralejo Parque Natural
Drive-up north for a mind-blowing day out at Corralejo’s Parque Natural. Completely immerse yourself in the vast white sand beaches and volcanic terrain that gives Fuerteventura its likeness to Mars.
Take advantage of the ever-changing heaps of photo opportunities amongst the dunes. Try to make out sites that were featured in major Hollywood movies, like Marvel ‘Eternals’ (2021), ‘The Dictator’, and Brad Pitt’s ‘Allied’.
It is a popular spot with windsurfers as it catches the breeze superbly. From here you get a spectacular view of Lanzarote and Islande Los Lobos. Buggies can be hired in the town for the ultimate off-road experience.
Stargazing
To understand the extent of how impeccable this island is for stargazing, you have to first know there are three UNESCO starlight reserves in the Canaries. Fuerteventura, as an entire island, is one of them!
It is a rare comparison to places such as the Grand Canyon, as a result of its characterizing unoccupied planes.
The Milky Way is best admired from January to March. Top viewpoints include Sicasumbre in the south and Mirador de Morro Velosa, which is close to Corralejo.
For less experienced stargazers, Stars by Night offer guided sessions that can be attended or hired privately. Starlight photo shoots are also an option, creating heartfelt memories that last.
Puerto del Rosario
While in Fuerteventura you pay a visit to its capital city, Puerto del Rosario.
The town is a fantastic place to see art, with its streets adorned with over 500 outdoor sculptures and recently added wall murals. Grab your camera and see how many of these fantastic exhibits you can find!
Since it is the main port on the island, many take pleasure in watching the large boats come and go from the harbor. Rosario is home to a few great beaches, so you should pack a towel and some snorkeling gear!
If you’re hoping to get some shopping done, Las Rotondas is the best option on the island. They have buffets upstairs and a Hyperdino supermarket, so hungry bellies won’t be a worry.
It is pretty close to Corralejo, with the number 6 bus running hourly and taking only 40 minutes. With so much to do and see, exploring on foot is your best option.
Calderón Hondo
You simply cannot leave this volcanic island without first conquering one of its greatest assets. Calderón Hondo is the 50,000-year-old answer to your sightseeing needs! Whether you are in the mood for hiking, or just in search of a notable view, Hondo hosts a tremendous range of options to get you up to its 278-meter peak.
Try not to sweat as you peer into its 70-meter-deep crater, which will be overrun by huge hordes of adorable squirrels and athletic goats. From the top, you can gaze over the whole of northern Fuerteventura, as well as its neighboring islands, Los Lobos and Lanzarote.
It is an experience with maximum satisfaction and minimum effort — offering something everyone will enjoy.
Bodega Conatvs
After your volcano hike, you should top off the day with a glass of vino from the Canary Islands’ first-ever winery. Stemming back to 1412, Contavs is a treat for your tastebuds and a feast for your eyes! Bodega Conatvs’ wine takes the throne with their D.O. Canary Islands title.
Take a tour of the volcanic vineyard and see the grapes growing in their astonishing habitat. Private and group tours are both available, with booking pre-arranged online.
At the end of your visit, you will be allowed to try each of their accomplished wines alongside a selection of local cheeses, bread, and oils. ¡Salud!
Purchase a bottle, or three, of their Jable and Volcano wines to bring the flavor with you. A perfect call-in on the way to a volcanic picnic!
Salinas del Carmen
True relaxation is found in the small eastern hamlet, Salinas del Carmen. With only a few dozen traditional whitewashed villas, all that can be heard for miles and miles is the therapeutic crashing of waves.
Its most distinguishable feature is the saltworks that have been its heart since the very beginning. This is the island’s only active salt plantation which is why you must see it.
Do a tour of the fascinating museum on-site and take home a bag or two of Salinas salt for yourself and your friends. Guided tours are available daily where you can watch the dedicated salt farmers working.
It’s a breathtaking visit that will be forever remembered when reaching for the world’s most favored condiment.
Drop by anytime between 10 am and 6 pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
Betancuria
Take the winding roads up through the mountains to Betancuria, the island’s first capital. For those wanting to investigate the history that is still found so much in rural culture today, this peaceful old town is the best place to do so.
Like Teguise in Lanzarote, it still pays tribute to much of its past and is one of the most historical towns in the Canary Islands. Wander through the tranquil streets and admire the 15th-century buildings, fully embodying the mañana way of life.
While a guitarist gently strums in the streets, you should chew over the elegance of the roofless San Buenaventura monastery ruins.
Nearby you can pay a visit to the statues of the 2 indigenous Kings from the time before. From here you can easily locate Mirador Corrales de Guize, another exceptional viewpoint.
Mirador Morro Velosa
For the best views in Fuerteventura, with a host of extra amenities, you must pay a visit to Mirador Morro Velosa. It is by far the ultimate place to soak in the dusty curves of the landscape and understand how it is possible for there to be more goats than people inhabiting the island!
You will feel on top of the world as you look out from the balcony designed by the person responsible for the Canary Islands’ architectural character.
Stop for a refresher and enjoy the 645-meter view from the stylish house. Don’t forget to look at the geographical sculpture in the museum. It’s a wonderful spot to call in on the way to Betancuria.
Museo del Queso Majorero
Calling all cheese-lovers! Meet the native goats responsible for the 2018 World’s Best Cheese! See them in their Pasteur to understand how the Majorero cheese gets its distinctive aromatic flavor and creamy texture.
Museo del Queso Majorero (Majorero Cheese Museum) is a one-of-a-kind site that will teach you all about this major portion of Fuerteventura’s history.
There are live tutorials, cheese tastings, oodles of information on the history of Majorero as well as an active windmill. To see the Antigua Windmill in action you should check the website for the set dates. You can also find indigenous cacti in the cactus garden that can only be found in Fuerteventura.
Visit between Tuesday and Saturday to see the exclusive collection.
El Cotillo
For a slice of Canarian history, a visit to El Cotillo should be high on your list. On the northwestern coast of La Oliva, you can visit the small tourist village that has managed to maintain its original charm.
Fishing was the main industry in Fuerteventura until the flurry of tourists hit. El Cotillo always was, and still is to this day, a small fishing port, making it the optimal place to sample some Fuerteventura catches.
Said to be the best place to watch the sunset, El Cotillo is praised for its glorious untouched beaches like La Concha; as well as sheltered Las Lagos coves that are wonderfully safe for swimming.
It is a highly recommended treat for a laidback evening.
Puertito de Los Molinos
On the wild west coast lies a hidden gem that is a treasure for anyone who takes the effort to visit. Puertito de Los Molinos is a tiny rural village with only a handful of residents and typically very few tourists.
Puertito’s highlights are its fascinating Cuevas (caves) and natural pools. Be sure to only visit during low tides as this is the one time these unique attributes are visible. This rule is incredibly important as, due to strong currents, it is only safe to enter the water when up to your knee.
You have a choice of two restaurants in the area. One is a fairly priced, standard Spanish eatery. The other is Las Bohemias del Amor, run by one man alone. Serving up just a few choices on the beachfront; his personal touch will be the icing on top of your solitary beach day.
Ajuy
Ajuy offers a magical taste of the natural beauty of this volcanic island. It is home to one of the world’s top 150 most interesting places, formed from the characterizing wind and ferocious waves. The coastal town is crowned with volcanic sand and breathtaking viewpoints.
You must visit the world-famous Cuevas de Ajuy (Ajuy Caves). Formed before Africa and America split, the 100 million-year-old rocks are the oldest by far in the Canaries and are an unmissable stop. You will spot fossils, volcanic sediments of stunning colors, and solidified sand.
While you’re there, check out the lime kilns that were used to make the surrounding houses. Bring a camera, because there is a LOT you’ll want to photograph!
The caves themselves It is a remarkable spot to take in the landscape.
Windsports
As you would expect, surfers, windsurfers, and kiters alike flock to the shores of Fuerteventura to enjoy its blessed, year-round weather conditions. Topped off with soothing sun, long days, and serene views, this island is one of the best in the world for wind sports.
You may already be aware that the Windsurfing and Kiteboarding World Cup is held in Jandía, on Sotavento Beach. This is another fantastic spot to practice like the pros.
In addition to Corralejo Natural Park, you also have El Cotillo; Flag Beach near Corralejo is fantastic for those wanting to learn; Punta Elena has waves for every level, including left and right-hand breaks; and to challenge the longest wave in the Canaries, you must make the effort to catch a boat to Los Lobos for the day.
If you’re just starting out, there are plenty of good companies like Hi Surf and Homegrown Surfschool in the north. There are, of course, a number of surf shops to rent boards and equipment from also, with one on Flag Beach.
Playa de Cofete
If paradise had volcanic rocks it would be called Playa de Cofete! Never-ending stretches of unspoiled sands as far as the eye can see; gigantic mountains bordering the coast and glistening jade oceans lapping at the shore.
Convinced yet?
How about a walk in the barren hills and being literally swept up by the clouds as you reach the top? Mile after mile of nothing but you and spectacular Canarian nature.
Yes, please!
Cofete is by far the best beach in Fuerteventura, and arguably in Spain! It would be offensive not to admire its gorgeous sands!
Barranco de los Enamorados
If you follow the road where major towns meet, you will find yet another unparalleled treasure!
Barranco de Los Enamorados (The Lovers’ Ravine) is every explorer’s dream. Walk down an alleyway of natural solidified sand sculptures that will twist your brain. Don’t be alarmed by the smooth sandstone faces that seem to be watching you as you go by.
Due to millions of years of the island’s distinctive weather conditions, the sand dunes have condensed into stacks that resemble giant human, and non-human faces. ¡increíble!
The track, which was once a river, leads on for 3km; so bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. You’ll have to squeeze past their pointy noses at times, but that only makes the adventure all the more exciting!
