Looking for something a little different to do in Fuerteventura?
Below, globetrotter Gillian Thornton shares seven fantastic reasons for heading to the second largest of the Canary Islands.
- Take to the sea
- Embrace the beach
- Love the landscape
- Hire a car
- Discover another culture
- Shop for authentic crafts
- Discover marine and island life
1. Take to the sea
The name Fuerteventura means ‘windy island’ and warm breezes give ideal conditions for windsurfing and other water sports, especially off the Jandia peninsula in the south of the island.
If you’re not into surfing, there are plenty of other exciting water activities to choose from. There’s kayaking, paddleboarding, and even guided jet ski tours. They’re all great ways to explore the beautiful waters and make unforgettable memories.
Water sports a bit too energetic? Then just watch from the shore over a glass of something cold, but do remember to pack a jumper and your sunscreen – the breeze can be deceptive!
2. Embrace the beach
Fuerteventura’s low mountains can’t hold the moisture-laden clouds, so rain is scarce and the climate is dry and sunny most of the year. The island’s unique geology has also blessed Fuerteventura with the biggest and best beaches in the Canaries along its 210-mile coastline.
Most have beautiful white sand, but you’ll also find black volcanic sand, which is more commonly found in Tenerife. Most holidaymakers head for the modern, whitewashed resorts on the east coast, sheltered from the strong winds and tides. The coastal shelf here makes for shallow, clear waters of stunning turquoise, more reminiscent of the Caribbean than the Canaries.
North of the island
In the north of the island, the historic fishing port of Corralejo is now a popular holiday centre, strategically sited on the edge of the Corralejo National Park, a 9 km stretch of big beaches, small coves, and tall, endless sand dunes. It’s known for some impressive trekking routes, and you can climb 300 metres up the Montaña Roja (Red Mountain) volcano to take incredible snaps of Lanzarote and La Graciosa across the water – just make sure to bring your walking shoes!
South of the island
Heading south down the east coast, the popular resort of Caleta de Fuste is conveniently situated just a few miles from the airport at Puerto del Rosario. Further down the coast are the incredible beaches of Costa Calma and Morro Jable, nestled on the sandy shore of the Jandia peninsula.
3. Love the landscape
Volcanic in origin, Fuerteventura measures 110 km from north to south and just 30 km across at its widest point. After thousands of years of erosion, the island is flatter than its younger, loftier neighbours. The whole island was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2009 for its unspoilt western coastline and rich fossil record.
First-time visitors are often surprised at the huge variety of scenery from vast ‘desert-like’ plains to low mountains, rolling sand dunes to some of the longest, sandiest beaches in the Canaries.
The landscape of the interior is a mix of gentle mountains and flat plains.The earthy shades range from warm terracotta to vibrant orange, muted brown to near black. The colours change with the time of day and the pattern of passing clouds – a kaleidoscope of shapes and shades that rarely looks the same twice.
4. Hire a car and head west
Hire a car for the freedom of the island. Roads are well surfaced; just be careful about pulling off to admire the view as the camber can fall away steeply. Best to stick to designated stopping places. Then just wander at will!
I’ll never forget a simple meal of freshly caught fish at a restaurant table overlooking the rocky cove at Los Molinos, a charming fishing village. Nor the power of Atlantic surf pounding the shoreline at El Cotillo, described by many as the jewel of Fuerteventura.
If you like your beaches undeveloped and are up for an adventure, head to the remote beach of Cofete. It gets pretty windy here so I wouldn’t advise swimming, but the constant waves are impressive and beautiful. The road to get to Cofete starts at Morro Jable and is around 20 km long. Most of it is dirt road but all types of cars can make the journey.
5. Discover another culture
The main road running north to south of the island passes through ancient villages that hint at a more traditional way of life. Small towns rise up out of the flat landscape with identical flat-roofed houses in whitewashed concrete.
Look out for the Casa de los Coroneles – House of the Colonels, in La Oliva. It was once the residence of the governor of the island, but has since been restored as a cultural centre and exhibition space. Entry is free and it’s open from Tuesday – Sunday between 10am-2pm and 4:30-7pm..
Founded by the Normans in 1404, Betancuria in the centre of the island was once its capital, safe from coastal marauders and easy to defend. Today the narrow streets of the old town are lined with picturesque houses. Don’t miss the archaeological museum here to find out how islanders lived in the centuries past, nor the panoramic view from the Morro Velosa viewpoint.
6. Shop for authentic crafts
If you’re after holiday souvenirs, head to the handicraft centre at Antigua Mill, a short drive from Betancuria. Here you can find authentic island crafts and relax in beautiful gardens filled with native cacti and palm trees.
An exhibition here gives a fascinating insight into traditional cheese making too!
7. Discover marine and island life
Hop on a discovery boat from Morro Jable and sail to the Jandia Natural Park, just to the south of the island. Here, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to spot vibrant fish, turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and majestic pilot whales! It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
At the opposite end of the island, boats leave from Corralejo for the tiny uninhabited island of Lobos. Here you can relax on the golden sands of La Concha beach, completely sheltered from the waves. Then eat at the island’s only restaurant over beside the small natural harbour of El Puertito de Lobos.
If this gives you a taste for visiting two islands in one day, take the 35 minute ferry trip from Corralejo to Playa Blanca on Lanzarote. From there take your pick of a bunch of excursions, one of the best being Timanfaya National Park.
Before you go…
- Check the Foreign Office (FCDO) website for their latest travel advice and entry requirements
- Check you have a valid GHIC to access free or reduced-cost healthcare while abroad
- Check your passport has more than 6 months left for entry
- Check you have valid travel insurance for your trip and activities
