Things to Do in Fuerteventura: Our Top 17 Highlights

Our 17 Fuerteventura Highlights on a Map

To help you get your bearings right away, we’ve put together a map with all 17 of our top picks on Fuerteventura.

The Most Beautiful Highlights in Fuerteventura's North

Personally, the north of Fuerteventura is our favorite part of the island. Here you’ll find some of the most spectacular attractions on the island. We also recommend basing yourself here on Fuerteventura.

Dunes of Corralejo

What do you need to know? The Parque Natural de Corralejo stretches across eleven kilometers of stunning sand dunes. It’s a great spot for swimming and playing around in the sand. The dunes also look especially impressive from the air — if you grab a seat on the left side of the plane on your return flight, you’ll almost certainly be able to spot them.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The dunes of Corralejo are among the most beautiful things to see on Fuerteventura. You can also take some of the best vacation photos here. Since the town in the north of the island has even more to offer, be sure to check out our tips for Corralejo.

Our tip: If you’re in the mood for something more action-packed, you can also take a buggy tour through the nature park. We thought it was seriously cool and can wholeheartedly recommend it — you’ll not only discover the dunes but get to tear through the desert off-road too.

Guided buggy tour on Fuerteventura

Beachfront Promenade in Corralejo

What do you need to know? Corralejo is our favorite town on Fuerteventura. We especially can’t get enough of the beachfront promenade. It’s lined with lovely little urban beaches that are also great for families with kids. You also get a fantastic view of the ocean, the island of Lobos, and on a clear day even Lanzarote.

Is it worth it? Yes! The promenade is perfect for walks, jogging, or simply relaxing on one of the many blue benches. Or grab a seat at one of the restaurants or cafés and watch the colorful hustle and bustle from there.

Our restaurant tip: Restaurante La Factoría (open in Google Maps) is right on the promenade. Not only do they serve delicious pizza, but also fresh-caught fish with potatoes and Spanish mojo sauce — highly recommended!

Our tip: Some of the best hotels in Corralejo are also located along the promenade. Our top pick is the Avanti Lifestyle. The La Marquesina is also popular. Both are among our 11 most beautiful adults-only hotels on Fuerteventura.

Calderón Hondo Volcano

What do you need to know? Calderón Hondo is an impressive, extinct volcano in the north of Fuerteventura. It’s located near the village of Lajares, also one of the most beautiful spots on the island. At 278 meters tall with a crater 70 meters deep, it’s considered one of the best-preserved volcanoes on the island.

Is it worth it? Yes — you can hike up the volcano fairly easily. At the top there’s a viewing platform where you get the perfect look down into the crater. But the panorama from the volcano itself out over the surrounding landscape is also breathtakingly beautiful.

Our tip: One of our favorite under-the-radar experiences on Fuerteventura is hiking up to Calderón Hondo before sunrise. Sitting on top of the volcano and watching the sun rise over the ocean is simply magical.

How to get there: Your best bet is to park at the parking lot by the volcano (open in Google Maps). A short hiking trail starts from there — just follow the signs. Before sunrise, we recommend using your phone’s flashlight.

Windmills of Villaverde

What do you need to know? The windmills of Villaverde are a great example of the traditional architecture and agriculture of Fuerteventura. The historic windmills were built in the 19th century and were used by the local population to grind grain — an indispensable part of the island’s agricultural life.

Is it worth it? If you’re in the area, a quick stop is definitely worthwhile. Windmills aren’t just a cool photo spot in the Netherlands — they’re a real highlight on Fuerteventura too. We share our best advice for capturing windmill architecture at its finest in our architectural photography tips article.

Our tip: Interested in the traditional farming and culture of the Canary Islands? Then visit the mill museum (Centro de Interpretación Los Molinos — open in Google Maps) — you’ll also see many historic windmills there.

The ticket combines the three best museums on Fuerteventura — ideal for a rainy day.

Combo ticket for the salt, cheese, and windmill museum

Cliffs at El Cotillo

What do you need to know? The cliffs at El Cotillo are one of the most impressive natural sights on Fuerteventura. They stretch along the coastline and offer breathtaking views of the deep-blue Atlantic — the landscape is truly one of a kind. The beaches here are also super popular for surfing on Fuerteventura.

Is it worth it? Definitely! There are some lovely walking trails along the coast that are perfect for a stroll. A popular route takes you from El Cotillo to Playa de Esquinzo. You’ll also pass by the beach La Escalera, which for us is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The route is about 10 kilometers long.

Our tip: The combination of rugged rocks, turquoise water, and the wide horizon makes the cliffs one of the best spots for a photo shoot on Fuerteventura.

Lobos Island

What do you need to know? Los Lobos is a beautiful, uninhabited island located north of Corralejo — just 20 minutes by ferry. The highlights on Lobos include an extinct volcano, a lighthouse in the north, and idyllic beaches. On a day trip to Lobos, the best plan is to do a short hike and then relax on the beach.

Is it worth it? Lobos is one of the most beautiful things to do in Fuerteventura, full stop. Don’t miss it. Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed on the island per day, you’ll also enjoy a lot of peace and quiet here.

Our tip: You can visit Lobos on your own or book a boat tour. Our personal favorite is the catamaran tour with snorkeling. Find more info for your trip in our separate article on Lobos.

Must-Sees in Fuerteventura's Center

The center of Fuerteventura is seriously underrated. And yet you’ll find some of the top attractions on the island right here.

We wouldn’t necessarily recommend staying in the center, but you absolutely shouldn’t skip it when sightseeing on Fuerteventura.

Natural Pool near Caleta de Fuste

What do you need to know? Near Caleta de Fuste you’ll find a naturally formed rock pool. The pool is surrounded by volcanic rocks and filled with seawater at low tide — when that happens, the water is calm, clear, and turquoise, perfect for a relaxing swim. At high tide, the pool disappears or connects strongly with the open sea, making it unusable.

Is it worth it? The natural pool used to be a real local favorite, but by now it’s become a very popular highlight on Fuerteventura. No wonder — it’s a cool natural experience and offers a swim that’s just a little different from the beach.

Our tip: The contrast between the dark volcanic rock, the clear water, and the turquoise tones of the basin makes for some great photo opportunities — especially in good light at low tide.

Pirate Caves in Ajuy

What do you need to know? Ajuy is a small fishing village with a genuine must-see: the pirate caves. Via a small path and a set of stairs, you can reach a huge cave in about 15 minutes — carved out by the sea over centuries. Pirates used to hide here, planning their raids across the island.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The caves are really cool and also a great activity if you’re traveling to Fuerteventura with kids. Ajuy also has one of the few lava beaches with pitch-black sand. Be careful when swimming, as the surf can be quite strong at times.

Our tip: You can also get some really great fish in Ajuy. There are several excellent restaurants — just trust the Google reviews.

Betancuria

What do you need to know? Betancuria is considered by many to be the most beautiful town on all of Fuerteventura. Here you’ll find traditional Canarian architecture with whitewashed facades and rustic charm. Highlights include the Iglesia de Santa María church, the Casa Santa Maria with its museum, and the old Franciscan monastery Convento de San Buenaventura.

Is it worth it? Betancuria is an absolute must-see on Fuerteventura. Despite its popularity, you won’t find mass tourism here, and you can stroll leisurely through the narrow alleyways. The surrounding landscape is also stunning: mountains, valleys, and crisp air. You’ll get great vistas from the town itself.

Our tip: Make sure to allow plenty of time for the drive. The FV-30 road — which takes you to Betancuria from both the south (from Pájara) and the north (roughly from Valle de Santa Inés) — is for us the most beautiful scenic road on Fuerteventura. Along the way you’ll have breathtaking views. More on that in tip no. 10.

The 3 Most Beautiful Viewpoints on Fuerteventura

What do you need to know? On the way to Betancuria you’ll pass three worthwhile viewpoints: Mirador de las Peñitas, Mirador Guise y Ayose, and Risco de las Peñas. From here you have breathtaking views of Fuerteventura’s beautiful landscape: the mountains, the rugged volcanic terrain, and wide valleys.

Is it worth it? If you have enough time, a stop at each viewpoint is really worth your while. For us, the FV-30 road and its vantage points are genuinely some of the coolest attractions on Fuerteventura. There are also a few signs on the platforms with interesting information.

Our tip: Make sure to bring a layer to throw on over your clothes. Even if it’s warm on the coast, it can get chilly quickly up at the viewpoints with the sometimes strong wind.

Sunset at La Pared

What do you need to know? Sunsets on Fuerteventura are absolutely not to be missed! You’ll catch an especially beautiful one at La Pared. It’s a small town on the west coast with spectacular cliffs and one of our 10 most beautiful beaches on Fuerteventura. You can watch the sun go down either from the cliffs above or from the beach below.

Is it worth it? Yes — we’ve rarely seen such a beautiful sunset. Since people are spread out nicely here, you can enjoy the evening in a really relaxed atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot a few surfers in the water to watch.

Our tip: La Pared is one of the best spots on Fuerteventura for sunset photography. Thanks to its location, the light in the evening falls especially soft and golden on the sea and rocks — perfect for photos with warm, natural colors.

Pozo Negro

What do you need to know? Around 10,000 to 15,000 years ago, a lava flow ran through the valley of Pozo Negro all the way to the sea. As the glowing lava cooled, it created the dark, rugged landscape you see there today. The black beach and the rocks are a reminder of Fuerteventura’s volcanic past — pretty fascinating when you think about just how old all of it is!

Is it worth it? Very few tourists wander into this sleepy little town — and that’s precisely what makes Pozo Negro one of our favorite spots on Fuerteventura. The contrast between the dark lava rock, the turquoise-blue sea, and the barren landscape is truly unique.

Our tip: If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see the lava field from the air during your approach to Fuerteventura. A seat on the left side of the plane gives you the best view.

Faro de la Entallada

What do you need to know? About 30 minutes by car from Pozo Negro, you’ll find the Faro de la Entallada lighthouse — situated around 196 meters above sea level. A relatively narrow, winding road leads up to the lighthouse. Once you get to the top, you’re rewarded with a fantastic view across the island. With binoculars, you can even see all the way to Africa from here.

Is it worth it? The view from up here is pretty stunning, and the lighthouse itself makes for a really great photo subject. Other than that, there isn’t much to see — there’s no restaurant or café at the lighthouse.

Our tip: We especially love it up here at sunset!

Top Sights in Fuerteventura's South

The south of Fuerteventura is known for its long, wide beaches, but also for its large hotel complexes with the typical all-inclusive offerings.

That said, there are some seriously cool things to do in Fuerteventura’s south too — so it’s definitely worth making the trip down here.

Sotavento

What do you need to know? Sotavento is split into two beaches, Risco del Paso and Playa del Barco. There’s almost always a lot going on here, as the beaches make up one of the most popular spots for kite- and windsurfers. The long dunes are also great for beach walks or swimming. The lagoon in front of the sea is super shallow and especially well-suited if you’re traveling with young children.

Is it worth it? Yes, especially if you feel like watching the surfers and want to get active yourself. You’ll find a watersports center at each beach where you can rent equipment or book courses.

Our tip: There’s almost always pretty strong wind at Sotavento. Your best bet is to sit between the sand dunes, where you’ll be a bit more sheltered.

Oasis Wildlife

What do you need to know? The Oasis Park is an adventure zoo with a botanical garden and lots of animals, including giraffes, elephants, and hippos. The park is mainly interesting for those traveling to Fuerteventura with children.

Is it worth it? As you may know, we’re not big fans of zoos ourselves. However, the Oasis Park is considered one of the top points of interest on Fuerteventura, so we didn’t want to leave it off this list.

Our tip: You can buy tickets online in advance. Every Sunday there’s also a market in front of the park where you can pick up arts and crafts and local products.

Buy tickets for the Oasis Park

Mirador de Morro Jable

What do you need to know? Right at the end of the beach in Morro Jable, a small staircase leads up to the Mirador de Morro Jable. From here you have a beautiful view over the small town, the stunning beach, and the sea.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! If you’re in Morro Jable anyway, you should definitely head up to the viewpoint and soak in the view.

Our tip: Morro Jable is our top pick for a place to stay in the south. Right next to the viewpoint is the Apartamentos Atalaya, which is one of our 11 best beachfront hotels on Fuerteventura. Book a room with an ocean view and you’ll have this panorama around the clock!

Parque Natural de Jandía

What do you need to know? Just past the harbor of Morro Jable, the Jandía Nature Park begins. From here on, there are basically only unpaved gravel roads — but in return, it’s nothing but pure nature as far as the eye can see, with incredible views and almost never another soul around. It’s without a doubt the most unspoiled part of Fuerteventura.

Is it worth it? The Jandía Nature Park is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Fuerteventura. The absolute standouts are the miles-long sandy beach of Cofete, the Villa Winter (built by German engineer Gustav Winter), and the Faro de Punta Jandía lighthouse. On a clear day you can even see Gran Canaria.

Our tip: Your rental car is not insured on the unpaved roads. As an alternative, you can rent a jeep or join a guided jeep tour — that’s definitely the safer option.

More tips on Fuerteventura’s south

Book a jeep tour through the Jandía Nature Park

Our Best Hotel Tips for Fuerteventura

Before you book your accommodation on Fuerteventura, you should think about whether you’d rather stay in the north or the south.

Our personal recommendation is a hotel in Corralejo in the north. Here you’ll find a good mix of tourism and authentic island life.

The south is more touristy, but it also has somewhat nicer beaches. You’ll find many large hotel complexes with classic all-inclusive packages there.

Our 3 Hotel Tips for Corralejo

Hélène Holidays: one of our 8 most beautiful boutique hotels on Fuerteventura, designed in a stylish boho-minimal style, right on the beach.

Buendía Corralejo Nohotel: family-friendly apartments near the harbor, ideal for independent travelers — with or without kids.

Barceló Corralejo Sands: a modern family hotel on Fuerteventura with a great entertainment program and a tasty all-inclusive option.

Our 3 Hotel Tips for the South

INNSiDE by Meliá: our favorite hotel in the south, with a mix of beautiful boho and beach vibes and a direct location on Sotavento beach.

Occidental Jandía Mar: a great family hotel with a cool splash park with water slides, two separate bedrooms, and all-inclusive.

Royal Palm Resort & Spa: a spacious, modern resort with direct access to a beautiful sandy beach and a large spa area.

Practical Tips for Your Vacation on Fuerteventura

Before you start exploring the best things to do in Fuerteventura or continue planning your vacation on Fuerteventura, here are three practical pointers to take with you.

How Much Time Should You Plan for Fuerteventura?

How long you stay on Fuerteventura depends entirely on what you have in mind.

If you want to explore the island and see many of the attractions on Fuerteventura, two weeks are perfect. That gives you plenty of time and lets you fit in some cool activities on Fuerteventura as well.

If you’d rather soak up the sun, beach, and sea, five to seven full days are more than enough. You’ll still have plenty of time for the occasional day trip.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Fuerteventura?

Fuerteventura is a fantastic destination year-round — sun, beach, and sea are always waiting for you here.

We especially love the island as a destination in March, April, and May. The weather is pleasantly warm but not too hot yet. And it’s a bit quieter than in the summer months.

Fuerteventura is also perfect in October or as a destination in November — especially if you’re tied to school vacation dates and still want to soak up some sun while temperatures are dropping back home.

Depending on what you have planned — whether it’s surfing, hiking, sightseeing, or simply relaxing on the beach — the best time to visit can look quite different for you.

Read all the detailed info on the best time to visit Fuerteventura here

Getting Around Fuerteventura: How Do You Get from A to B?

We always recommend renting a car. That way you’re flexible and can explore the island’s most beautiful beaches and highlights at your own pace.

You can get a car for as little as around 20 euros per day — depending on the season and rental duration. During vacation periods it’s usually a bit more expensive.

Compare rental car deals on Discovercars

When booking, make sure you get good insurance coverage. Ideally, choose a rate with no deductible and premium protection.

More advice in our Fuerteventura travel tips article