Best places to visit in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

Discover the best things to do and see in Fuerteventura, the oldest island in the Canary Islands. White sands, pristine turquoise waters of wonderful beaches in Fuerteventura, and pleasant weather all year round attract a diverse crowd – surfers, digital nomads, and pensioners alike. It’s not only one of the best beaches in Europe In this blog post, we explore the various aspects of Fuerteventura that make it such an attractive destination.

Best Places to visit in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is home to a plethora of attractions catering to various interests, including natural wonders, charming towns, and thrilling activities. Some best places to visit in Fuerteventura are:

Cofete Beach: Tucked away on the south of Fuerteventura, on the Jandía peninsula, Cofete Beach offers a secluded haven with its wild beauty and dramatic landscape. The 12-kilometer-long stretch of sand, framed by towering mountains, is the perfect spot for a tranquil escape.
Dunas de Corralejo: Located in the Corralejo Natural Park, these impressive sand dunes span over 10 kilometers along the coast of Fuerteventura. They form a unique landscape reminiscent of the Sahara Desert and offer stunning views of the surrounding turquoise waters.
Volcanoes: Fuerteventura’s volcanic landscape is a must-see, with over 100 volcanic cones dotting the island. Visitors can explore the rugged terrain through various hiking trails, including those around the Calderon Hondo, Bayuyo, and Tindaya.
Charming Towns: Each town on Fuerteventura boasts its unique charm, from the bustling resort town of Corralejo to the tranquil fishing village of El Cotillo. Other noteworthy towns include Puerto del Rosario, Betancuria, Costa Calma, Morro Jable, Caleta de Fuste and Lajares.
Historical sites like the Casa de los Coroneles in La Oliva, Unamuno House Museum in Puerto del Rosario, the Betancuria Archaeological Museum, and the Salt Museum in Las Salinas del Carmen to delve into the island’s rich past.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing – Season and Beaches in Fuerteventura

The entire island of Fuerteventura is a renowned surfing destination, with consistent waves and trade winds creating perfect conditions. The surfing season runs from October to April, with the best swells found between November and February. Find more information on Fuerteventura’s weather in this post.

Some popular surfing spots include:

El Cotillo: Known for its powerful waves, El Cotillo is a favorite among experienced surfers. The coastline offers both left and right-hand breaks, with picturesque views of the cliffs and lighthouse.
Playa de la Pared: Situated on the west coast, this beach is famous for its strong waves and beautiful sunsets. It’s ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Playa de Sotavento de Jandía: This expansive beach on the southeast part of Fuerteventura is a popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The consistent winds and flat water make it suitable for beginners and experienced water sports enthusiasts alike.
Playa de Esquinzo: Located near Morro Jable, Esquinzo offers a mix of beach and reef breaks suitable for surfers of all levels. The beach is also perfect for sunbathing on the sandy beach and swimming in crystal clear waters of Atlantic Ocean.

Attending local festivals and events

One of the best things to do while visiting the island is to join the inhabitants of Fuerteventura during several festivals and events throughout the year. You may find different events around the island, celebrating its rich culture, traditions, and history. Some of the most important and popular events include:

Carnival of Fuerteventura: Held in February or March (depending on the Christian calendar), the Carnival of Fuerteventura is a vibrant and colorful celebration that takes place across the island. Each town or village has its own unique theme and festivities, which typically include parades, live music, dancing, and costume contests. The largest and most popular carnivals are held in Puerto del Rosario, Corralejo, and Morro Jable.
Semana Santa (Holy Week): Celebrated in the week leading up to Easter, Semana Santa is an important religious event in Fuerteventura, as it is throughout Spain. The week is marked by solemn processions, traditional masses, and live reenactments of the Passion of Christ. The most significant processions usually take place in Betancuria, La Oliva, and Puerto del Rosario.
Día de Canarias (Canary Islands Day): Held annually on May 30th, Día de Canarias commemorates the anniversary of the first session of the Canary Islands’ Parliament in 1983. This regional public holiday is celebrated with various cultural events, traditional music and dance performances, and local food markets throughout Fuerteventura.
Fiestas de Nuestra Señora de la Peña (Our Lady of the Rock Festival): This religious festival takes place in September in the village of Vega de Rio Palmas, near Betancuria. The event is held in honor of the island’s patron saint, the Virgin of La Peña. The festivities include a traditional procession, where the statue of the Virgin is carried through the village, as well as live music, dancing, and other cultural events.
Fuerteventura Kite Festival: Held in November, the Fuerteventura Kite Festival is a popular event that attracts professional kite flyers and enthusiasts from around the world. The festival takes place on the beautiful beaches of Corralejo, where participants showcase their skills and creativity with colorful and elaborate kites. The event also features workshops, live music, and other family-friendly activities.
Fuerteventura International Film Festival: Usually held in May, the Fuerteventura International Film Festival showcases independent films from around the world, with a special focus on Spanish and Latin American cinema. The event offers film screenings, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for filmmakers and film enthusiasts.

These festivals and events highlight the diverse culture and traditions of Fuerteventura, offering residents and visitors alike the opportunity to experience and celebrate the unique heritage of the island.

Other Things to Do in Fuerteventura

There is a wide range of things to do in Fuerteventura beyond surfing to suit every taste:

Yoga: The island’s serene atmosphere provides the perfect setting for rejuvenating yoga sessions. Several retreats and studios across the island offer classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
Hiking: Fuerteventura’s diverse landscape offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from leisurely coastal walks to challenging volcanic treks. Popular trails include the Barranco de los Encantados, Pico de la Zarza, and the Malpais de la Arena.
Sunbathing: With over 150 white sand beaches, Fuerteventura is a sunbather’s paradise. Top beaches for sunbathing include Grandes Playas, Costa Calma, Playa de Jandia, and Playa de Matorral.
Scuba diving and snorkeling: The crystal clear waters and diverse marine life make Fuerteventura an ideal destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Popular dive sites include the Cueva del Lobo, La Catedral, and the wreck of the American Star.
Golfing: Fuerteventura has several world-class golf courses, including the Fuerteventura Golf Club and the Jandia Golf Club.
Shopping: The island has several markets and shopping centers where you can find traditional products, as well as international brands. Visit the Centro Comercial Las Rotondas or the Mercado de la Biosfera.
Discovering Fuerteventura’s food and drinks: From traditional Spanish tapas and Majorero cheese to unique coffee creations like café bon-bon and barraquito, there are plenty of delicious dishes and beverages to explore during your visit. Find more information here.

Excursions to Lanzarote, Isla de Lobos, and Other Canary Islands

Fuerteventura’s strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring the nearby Canary Islands. Excursions to Lanzarote and Lobos Island, as well as ferry connections to other islands, offer visitors the opportunity to experience the diverse beauty of this archipelago.

Lanzarote: Just 11 kilometers (7 miles) northeast of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and charming villages. Day trips to Lanzarote are easily accessible via a short ferry ride from Corralejo or Playa Blanca. Popular attractions on Lanzarote include Timanfaya National Park, Jameos del Agua, and the César Manrique Foundation.
Isla de Lobos: Located just 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) north of Fuerteventura, Isla de Lobos is a small, uninhabited island and nature reserve. Boasting crystal-clear waters, diverse wildlife, and unspoiled beaches, it’s a perfect destination for a day trip. Regular ferries operate between Corralejo and Isla de Lobos, and visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, birdwatching, and hiking.

In addition to these nearby islands, Fuerteventura offers convenient connections to other Canary Islands:

Gran Canaria: The largest island in the archipelago, Gran Canaria is known for its dramatic landscapes, bustling cities, and beautiful beaches. Ferry services operate between Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with a travel time of approximately 2 to 4 hours.
Tenerife: The most populous of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is famous for its black-sand beaches, lush forests, and striking volcanic peaks, including Mount Teide. Ferries to Tenerife depart from Morro Jable, with a travel time of about 5 to 6 hours.
La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro: Although less frequented by tourists, these western Canary Islands offer unspoiled natural beauty and unique experiences. Connections to these islands are available from Tenerife or Gran Canaria, which can be easily reached from Fuerteventura.

The ferry we took to Gran Canaria

You can also visit other islands of the archipelago by plane. Fuerteventura airport is conveniently located and well-communicated with other places in Fuerteventura.

Practical Information:

Currency: Fuerteventura uses the Euro (€) as its official currency.
Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Time Zone: Fuerteventura follows Western European Time (WET), which is GMT+0 during Standard Time and GMT+1 during Daylight Saving Time
Electricity: The island uses the standard European voltage of 220-240V and the Type F (Schuko) plug.

Fuerteventura is a diverse paradise that caters to a wide range of interests and lifestyles. From world-class surfing conditions to peaceful retreats, this Canary Island has something for everyone. Its favorable weather, fascinating history, and stunning natural beauty make it a sought-after destination for both adventurous souls and those, who just seek a relax on impressive sand beaches. Whatever your favorite way of spending holidays is, we can bet that Fuerteventura will undoubtedly exceed your expectations.