18 Best Places to Visit in Fuerteventura (for First-Timers!)

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Are you looking for the best places to visit in Fuerteventura for an upcoming trip to the Canary Islands? If so, keep reading!

Are you planning your trip to Fuerteventura last minute?

If youʻre booking your trip to Fuerteventura last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!

🌊 Top Activities Tours in Fuerteventura:

  1. Fuerteventura: Panoramic Highlights Tour (my TOP pick – loved it!)
  2. Corralejo: Round-Trip Ferry to Isla de Lobos (popular half-day trip!)
  3. Fuerteventura 3-Hour Dune Buggy Tour
  4. 4-Hour Catamaran Trip with Lunch to Lobos Island

🛌  Top Hotels in Fuerteventura:

  1. Hotel Vacanzy Urban Boutique (adults-only in Corralejo- my top pick!)
  2. La Buena Vida by Comfortable Luxury (Corralejo)
  3. Hotel el Mirador de Fuerteventura (Luxury in Puerto del Rosario)

🚗  Looking for the best way to get around Fuerteventura? Click here to check rental car rates for Fuerteventura!

Fuerteventura is honestly one of the most underrated places in Europe. The island sits off the coast of Africa a bit and is known for its dry, rugged landscapes and beautiful (yet wild!) beaches.

It is renowned for windsurfing and there is truly something magical about this place. So magical that I eventually want to buy a place there!

Best places to visit in Fuerteventura
Best places to visit in Fuerteventura

While we left out most of the cities from this guide and covered parks, beaches, islands, and more… we did include a few throughout.

But, we skipped my favorite, Corralejo, in favor of some of the smaller towns on the island. To be fair, we do mention Corralejo National Park…

Did we miss any amazing destinations in Fuerteventura? Let us know in the comments! Thanks!

Best Places to Visit in Fuerteventura

1. Sotavento Beach

Located in the southern part of Fuerteventura, Sotavento is blessed with some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands archipelago.

It is divided into five sections- La Barca, Mirador, Risco del Paso, Malnombre, and Los Canarios.

The coastline stretches for kilometers, and the beaches are never crowded. The only drawback to the beach is that it is shallow, and you have to walk deeper into the water. 

Every year from April to September, hundreds of surfers visit Sotavento for surfing, and in July, Playa Barca hosts the World Kitesurfing Championship.

Sotavento
Sotavento

Steady winds off the beach attract both professional and amateur surfers, but you can always stay on the beach to watch the show. 

If you are planning to spend a day on the beach, make sure to bring everything you will need because you won’t find bars or rental services on the beach.

The only place to find food and drinks is the town of Costa Calma.

Don’t forget to visit the African market in Costa Calma on the weekend to buy souvenirs.

2. El Barranco de los Enamorados

El Barranco de Los Enamorados (Ravine of the Enchanted) is truly a unique place in Fuerteventura with lots of hidden gems to explore and get the most stunning photoshoots ever.

You can reach the dunes of the Encantados from the south and north, but the north direction is more exciting with dramatic sand scenes.

Hiking to the Barranco Encantado, the flat trail will take about 2.5 hours to complete, but the scenery won’t make you get bored.

Barranco
Barranco

Still, navigation instructions and road markings will be limited, so look around to find secret canyons hidden from sight. 

Keep in mind that you can reach the dunes only in an off-road car. Don’t climb on any sites and leave nothing after yourself but your footprints. 

3. Piscinas Naturales Aguas Verdes

There is nothing more relaxing than sitting around and watching the waves at Piscinas Naturales Aguas Verdes, an unspoiled place in the Canary Islands.

The six kilometers of waterline will take you away from the crowds to the natural pools. At high tide, the pools, flooded with pure water, get warm in the sun, making them a superb place for relaxation.

It may be very dangerous to swim in the pools as the tides change very quickly, and the waters on the coast are often strong.

Piscinas
Piscinas

Wear shoes while hiking and climbing to the pools because rocks are very sharp and slippery.

Also, keep in mind that there are no amenities or services close to the area, so make sure to bring all the necessary things with you. 

Tired and happy, you can stop by one of the restaurants on your way back to Fuerteventura: Los Podomorfos de Tindaya to taste goat meat burgers, El Restaurante Don Antonio with local food, and La Jaula de Oro with the best-fried fish served on the oceanfront. 

4. Betancuria

Betancuria is one of the most charming and oldest historic towns in the Canary Islands. The former capital of Fuerteventura is far from the coast, but it still has its unique flair.

Start exploring Betancuria with the Mirador Corrales de Guize, a viewpoint with huge ancient statues of kings.

Another hidden gem just a few kilometers from Betancuria is Arco de las Peñitas, a natural stone archway and the most popular spot for photoshoots. 

Betancuria
Betancuria

To explore the nature of Betancuria, head to Parque Rural Betancuria, which occupies 90% of Betancuria municipality. Hike in the special protection area with wild birds in ravines and hills.

The park is home to a Nicotiana glauca-protected plant that is often mixed with tobacco for cigars and cigarettes. 

Betancuria will welcome you with beautiful landscapes and amazing restaurants to try local food.

For an excellent gastronomic experience, visit La Sombra in the heart of Betancuria, with its original interior and the best tapas on the island. 

5. Parque Natural de Corralejo

The dunes of Corralejo are known under different names: Corralejo Natural Park, Parque Natural de Corralejo, the Corralejo Dunes, and Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo, but they all refer to one of the most amazing places in Fuerteventura. 

To get lost in the small desert with white sand beaches and experience its wonders, drive on the FV-1 road. On the right, you will see dunes, and on the left, the endless blue waters.

All these blend on the high-speed highway. You can stop anywhere and head to the beach.

Parque Natural de Corralejo
Parque Natural de Corralejo

For surfing, the best spots are El Medano and Flag Beach, with moderate waves for water sports. 

Traveling to Parque Natural de las Dunas won’t cost a thing because the dunes and the beaches are open for everyone 24/7. 

If you have time, take a ferry to the uninhabited Isla de Lobos to snorkel in the turquoise waters. It’s one of the best tours from Corralejo!

6. Playa de Cofete

Playa de Cofete, the top-rated beach in Europe according to TripAdvisor, is the jewel of Fuerteventura. With constant waves and winds, it is also one of the most dangerous beaches for swimming.

The wild beaches are crowned with an 800-meter-high mountain range in the Jandia Natural Park, often covered with cloud formation.

Getting to Cofete is no less adventurous. You can rent a car, take a bus, or go on a tour.

For car rental, choose an off-road vehicle. Plus, keep in mind that it is forbidden to drift in the sand- the rental company may impose penalties.

Cofete
Cofete

If you want to drive on the sands, you can take a jeep safari tour to Cofete Beach and the Jandia peninsula. 

Finally, when visiting Cofete, be respectful to nature: take only photos and leave only footprints.

P.S. Cofete is a popular place for sunbathing in the nude. 

7. Calderón Hondo Volcano

Hiking enthusiasts will love the idea of hiking the Calderón Hondo Volcano in the northern part of Fuerteventura.

This 50.000-year-old volcano is 278 meters high with a 70-meter-deep crater and sulfur deposits. Hiking to Calderón is truly an unforgettable experience.

There are different trails taking you to the volcano, but you can start hiking from Lajares. It is a 4.7-km (moderate) loop trail that will take you about half an hour to complete.

Calderón Hondo
Calderón Hondo

Once you reach the crater, you will embrace the row of volcanoes to the north, forming the Isla de Lobos. Hike around the crater and stay to view the colors of the sunset.

It can be a little windy at the top, so make sure to have a jacket in your bag. 

On your way to the top of the volcano, you will see cute chipmunks, but don’t be excited to feed them because it is not healthy for animals to eat human food.

Of course, you are allowed to take photos of those funny squirrels.

8. Isla de Lobos

Isla de Lobos (Lobos Island) is an uninhabited island of serenity with nothing but land and a pristine habitat with 130 species of flora and marine life.

The only human traces on the island are an abandoned lighthouse, several fishermen’s shacks, and an old road. 

For €15 per person, you can take a ferry from Corralejo to the island and book a round trip to several attractions, including Isla de Lobos. 

Isla de Lobos
Isla de Lobos

Start hiking on the island from the southern part to the lighthouse, visiting the La Caldera volcano. You can also climb the mountain and view the crater with the nearby San Dunes of Corralejo. 

The only allowed beach to swim at is El Puertito, a natural pool protected from waves. The water is transparent and ideal for snorkeling. 

Once done with snorkeling and hiking, you can climb the neoclassical Punta Martiño Lighthouse, located 5 km from El Puertito. You will see the island from above and the colors of the water changing from light to dark. 

9. Morro Jable

Once a fishing village, Morro Jable is today the largest town in Fuerteventura. From hiking to boating and water sports, there will be plenty of fun things to do. 

The main beach of Morro Jable is Playa del Matorral, stretching for several kilometers with all the contemporary amenities: sunbeds, umbrellas, and a beach bar. 

Another lovely beach to consider is Butihondo, one of the prettiest coves on the island. One tiny detail to keep in mind: the beach is a favorite spot for nude sunbathers.

Morro Jable
Morro Jable

From things to do in Morro Jable, you can visit the Turtle Nursery, where the activists try to repopulate the waters with turtles. The entrance is free, but you can donate to show your support. 

Food is a big part of Fuerteventura and the whole Spanish culture, and your visit to Morro Jable should definitely be spiced up with local tastes in the beachfront Restaurante Saavedra Clavijo, with a great variety of fish and steaks.

10. Mirador Morro Velosa

Mirador Morro Velosa is the most beautiful viewpoint in Fuerteventura, located between Antigua and Betancuria.

From the viewpoint, you can admire the Corralejo dunes, all the way to El Cotillo, Montana de Tindaya (if it’s not cloudy), and Lanzarote. 

The viewpoint is located on the top of Montaña Tegú (669m). There used to be a visitor center, but it is permanently closed now. But you can still enjoy the amazing views from the lookout point!

Morro velosa
Morro velosa

Here, the weather is mostly windy, and sometimes the wind can be strong, so put on a jacket.

11. El Cotillo

El Cotillo was a small fishing village that is now a picturesque touristic center with stunning La Concha beach, named one of Europe’s best beaches.

The lagoon beach is an amazing place for snorkeling in the calm waters of the natural pool with plenty of sea creatures in the reefs.

The village has two harbors, and the old one is worth your attention. It is used once a year during Fiestas del Cotillo in honor of Our Lady of Good Voyage.

El cotillo
El cotillo

The festival takes place in the second half of August and lasts for ten days, transforming this quiet village into a noisy and busy tourist center. 

One thing not to miss in El Cotillo is the Historic-Artistic Monument of Cultural Interest, El Tostón Tower, which used to spot pirates in the waters.

Today you can enjoy the magnificent views of the beaches and visit temporary exhibitions. 

12. Parque Natural Jandia

Parque Natural Jandia is the southwest territory of Fuerteventura with a semi-deserted, mountainous landscape of volcanic origin.

The Martian or lunar terrain is interrupted by Cofete, Barovento, Playa de Sotavento de Jandía, and other beaches.

You can also take one of the hiking trails to see several attractions in one go. You can take a 13-km out-and-back trail from Pico de la Zarza to the Jandía peninsula. It is a bit challenging, but the views are worth it.

Jandia
Parque Natural Jandia

For a shorter hike, try the 5.3-km loop trail from Esquinzo to the Jandía Natural Park. 

13. Tindaya Mountain

Tindaya is the sacred mountain of Fuerteventura, known for its magical properties.

According to the ancient peoples, the mountain was a place of spirits and mysticism. True or not, you’d better check it out yourself. 

The 400-meter mountain is part of the Dunas de Corralejo Natural Park with numerous cave art examples, religious inscriptions, and burial constructions.

You can start hiking to Tindaya from different parts of the island.

Tindaya mountain
Tindaya Mountain

Regardless of your starting point, you will pass through the municipality of La Olivia. To access Montaña Tindaya, you need to visit Corralejo to acquire a permit from the Fuerteventura Cabildo’s Department of the Environment.

Your next destination is the village of Tindaya, where you can stock up on water and snacks and follow the path for two hours. Watch out for rock engravings on your way.

Those who have experienced mystics say that when around the mountain, the sick get well, the lost find their way, the sinners get a deserved rebuke, and so on. 

14. Faro de la Entallada

Faro de la Entallada is one of the most magical places in Fuerteventura, with the flair of Spain and the vibes of Africa. It is the closest point to Africa, only 100km from Cape Juby in Morocco. 

The complex has three enormous towers; the tallest, a 200-meter-high tower, is used as a lighthouse.

To get there, you need to visit the village of Las Playitas first, with its white-washed tiny houses and blue-striped promenade.

Faro de la Entallada
Faro de la Entallada

Before heading to Faro de la Entallada, dine in one of its cute restaurants and then take an exciting climb to the lighthouse.

The 5.9km trail is of moderate difficulty, with a picturesque panorama all the way to the top.

After enjoying the magnificent views and the lighthouse, you can visit Gran Tarajal city on your way back and taste the local cuisine.

15. El Matorral Beach

Playa del Matorral is the far south beach in Fuerteventura, close to Morro Jable, with turquoise waters and calm waves.

In fact, there are several beaches within El Matorral Beach, and knowing where to go will save you time.

The northern part is more popular among sunbathers, while the southern part is a semi-urban beach with all the amenities like public restrooms and water sports rentals. 

Playa del Matorral
Playa del Matorral

Most of the year, the waters are calm, but there is an occasional wind that turns the beach into quite an attractive place for surfing and windsurfing.

You can also find shops and schools where you can take classes or rent equipment. For extreme surfing, head to the Matorral Lighthouse, the place where the Red Cross wave is formed. 

Continue exploring the beach, now its underwater area, diving in El Veril Grande, the coastal part close to the lighthouse. Only 200 meters away, there is another great spot, Veril Chico, for diving. 

16. Ajuy Caves

Fuerteventura is truly a wonderful destination in the Canary Islands with its pure beaches, dunes, and hidden gems.

One such treasure not to miss in Fuerteventura is the Ajuy Caves, a geological monument and a significant part of the island’s volcanic history.

The Ajuy Caves and the surrounding area are part of the Natural Monument, occupying 31.8 hectares. 

Your tour of Ajuy Caves starts in the seaside village of Ajuy. A short 500-meter trail, crossing fossil dunes, takes you to the cave’s entrance.

Ajuy Caves
Ajuy Caves

From the observation deck, you will see the cliffs and caves. You can enter one of them, but make sure to wear comfortable shoes and a warm jacket. 

The beach has black volcanic sand, and the waters are dangerous for swimming, but there is a 270-meter-long cove with calm waters. It is also nudist-friendly. 

Take advantage of the opportunity to sample majorera cuisine in one of the Ajuy village restaurants after exploring the caves and the beach. 

17. Puerto del Rosario

Once a small fishing village, Puerto del Rosario is now the capital of Fuerteventura and the starting point of a trip from the airport or the port.

It is a wonderful day trip destination in case the weather is cloudy or if you are tired of beaches (if it is ever possible). 

Start exploring Puerto del Rosario from Calle Primero de Mayo, the main street with shops and restaurants. Look around to spot street art here and there, breaking the whiteness of the buildings.

There are now about 400 artworks around the city, and they are even marked on the map. 

In front of street art in Puerto del Rosario
In front of street art in Puerto del Rosario

Along with the open-air art gallery of Puerto del Rosario, you will find 150 statues by local and international artists. 

Before you head to the next destination, stop at Arepas Llaneras Venezolanas, a hidden restaurant to taste arepas and nachos.

Finally, take a coastal path to the Playa Blanca, a wild beach perfect for surfing and kitesurfing.

18. Sicasumbre Astronomical Observation Point 

Sicasumbre is an astronomical observation point in Pájara where visitors come to watch the constellations.

With scarce light pollution and the location of Sicasumbre, it attracts astronomers and enthusiasts to gaze at the stars and enjoy the landscapes.

The location has a vertical clock, a sundial, and signs to locate the constellations.

Before it is completely dark and stars are seen in the air, you can admire the volcanic landscape, copper-colored hills, and ravines. 

Sicasumbre
Sicasumbre Astronomical Observation Point

In early spring, you can see the stars of the Virgo, Bootes, and Corvus constellations. If you’re lucky, the sky will be clear, and you’ll be able to see incredible scenery.

Don’t forget to take a warm jacket or other warm clothing because it is pretty windy at night.

Did we miss any of the best places to visit on Fuerteventura?

Let us know your favorite Fuerteventura destinations in the comments. Thanks!

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Are you looking for the best places to visit in Fuerteventura? This guide contains an array of diverse Fuerteventura destinations - from sand dunes to cities! | Things to do in Fuerteventura | Fuerteventura cities | Fuerteventura places to visit | Sightseeing Fuerteventura | Fuerteventura destinations | What to do in Fuerteventura | Fuerteventura itinerary | Small towns in Fuerteventura

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