Fuerteventura is known as one of the most fascinating places to visit in the Canary Islands, famous for its enchanting beaches and cultural attractions. Born about 20 million years ago following a volcanic eruption, Fuerteventura is the oldest island in the archipelago. This guide will show you the 20 best things to do in Fuerteventura.
- 1. Sunbathe at Playa de Cofete
- 2. Admire panoramic views from Pico de la Zarza
- 3. Visit the dunes of Corralejo Natural Park by buggy
- 4. Take a boat trip to Lobos Island
- 5. Swim at Laguna de Sotavento
- 6. Visit the ancient capital of Betancuria
- 7. Visit the animals and botanical gardens of Oasis Park
- 8. Walk to the Cuevas de Ajuy
- 9. Discover salt production at Las Salinas del Carmen
- 10. Spend a day at Las Playitas and visit the Faro de la Entallada
- 11. Take a dip at Aguas Verdes
- 12. Explore the Barranco de los Encantados or Enamorados
- 13. Walk along the rim of the Calderon Hondo crater
- 14. Explore the town and surrounding nature at Puertito de los Molinos
- 15. Visit the Museo del Queso Majorero
- 16. Walk the Ruta de los Molinos
- 17. Stargaze at the Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre
- 18. Take a step back in time at the Ecomuseo La Alcogida
- 19. Enjoy a day at the beach
- 20. Take a day trip to Lanzarote
1. Sunbathe at Playa de Cofete
Fuerteventura is famous worldwide for its incredible beaches. Why not spend a day at one of the island’s best beaches? Playa de Cofete is a secluded beach located in the Parque Natural Jandia, in the southwest of the island, about two hours by car from the capital, Puerto del Rosario. The route is not the easiest, as once you enter the Parque Natural Jandia, the road becomes a narrow dirt track, difficult to travel unless you have a 4×4 vehicle.
The Playa de Cofete boasts over 12 kilometers of pristine sand, with majestic mountain ranges in the distance. This is truly one of the best beaches where you can find solitude and plan a relaxing day in the sun away from the crowds.
Playa de Cofete boasts over 12 kilometers of untouched sand, along with majestic mountain ranges in the distance. This is truly one of the best beaches to find solitude and prepare for a relaxing day in the sun, away from the crowd.
If you have time before or after visiting the beach, we recommend visiting the mysterious Villa Winter. This two-story mansion was built in 1946 (although locals claim it was 1937) by the German engineer Gustav Winter. Many conspiracy theories surround the house and its possible connection to the Nazi party. It’s worth visiting if you are in the area.
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2. Admire panoramic views from Pico de la Zarza
If you’re wondering what to do in Fuerteventura, why not climb the highest peak on the island? Believe us when we say the view is worth it. The Pico de la Zarza, also known as Donkey’s Ear, offers breathtaking views of the ocean, beaches, and surrounding landscapes. The trail to the summit of Pico de la Zarza is an approximately 13-kilometer round trip and takes just under five hours to complete.
If you are a beginner hiker or simply don’t want to worry about navigation, you can book this guided hike to Pico de la Zarza, which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from selected locations. In any case, the rewarding panoramic views are worth the trip!
3. Visit the dunes of Corralejo Natural Park by buggy
One of the most fascinating things about the Canary Islands are the natural parks with vast dunes that make you feel as if you were in the middle of a desert.
The Corralejo Natural Park is the best area on the island to see these unique dunes and the best way to experience them is with this 2.5-hour guided buggy tour. A driving license is required to drive the two-person buggy and passengers must be at least 3 years old. You will start your tour with a cruise among the dunes, where you can stop to admire the landscape views and take some photos.
After a short break, you will continue along the dirt trails of Villaverde, through the volcanic area, until you reach Parque Holandes. Here, you will take another short break before returning through the volcanic area. Pickup and return to hotel are available in the northern part of the island.
4. Take a boat trip to Lobos Island
Since you are surrounded by the sea, it’s no surprise that one of the best activities in Fuerteventura is taking a boat trip!
The Isla de Lobos is a beautiful area to visit just off the coast of Fuerteventura. It boasts crystal clear waters and numerous hiking trails that cross volcanic mounds and salt flats. The island is largely a nature reserve, so birdwatching is also very popular here.
There are two ways to reach the island. If you want to explore the island at your own pace, you can take a 20-minute ferry to Lobos Island from Corralejo. Once you land on the island, consider taking a swim at Playa de la Concha, hike to the 19th-century Punta Martiño Lighthouse or hike to the island’s highest peak, La Caldera.
Another great option is to book this four-hour sailing boat cruise around Lobos Island, which includes fun activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, fish feeding, and stand up paddleboarding. While on board the catamaran, you’ll have access to snacks, water, free soft drinks, and most importantly, unlimited beer!
5. Swim at Laguna de Sotavento
If you’re looking for free things to do in Fuerteventura, you can’t go wrong with a day at the beach – especially at Laguna de Sotavento!
Laguna de Sotavento is a tidal lagoon located in the southern part of the island, near the resort town of Costa Calma. This gorgeous beach is the perfect place to sunbathe on pristine white sands or swim in the turquoise, crystal-clear waters. After spending some time in the sun, you can head to the beach bar to grab a bite or take a walk along the coast.
6. Visit the ancient capital of Betancuria
Before Puerto del Rosario became the capital of Fuerteventura in 1860, Betancuria was the lively historic capital of the island. Today, Betancuria is worth a visit to learn more about the island’s history.
Once you arrive in town, take some time to stroll through the beautiful old streets and admire the architecture. Head towards the Church of Santa Maria de Betancuria, the most iconic building of the town, which is both a church and a museum of religious artifacts. If you are interested in learning more about the island and its culture, go to the Archaeological Museum of Fuerteventura.
After strolling through the town and visiting the museums, you’ll probably be a bit hungry. If so, take a look at La Casa Del Queso, famous for its tapas.
On your way in or out of town, you can stop at some incredible viewpoints. We recommend a stop at the Mirador de Morro Velosa for a nice panorama and at the Statues of Morro Velosa to see something unique.
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7. Visit the animals and botanical gardens of Oasis Park
If you are looking for a family-friendly trip on the island, why not visit the animals and lush gardens of the Oasis Park?
The park offers the chance to get close to a variety of animals – such as monkeys, hippos, and cheetahs – along with special animal experiences. These experiences allow the little ones (or the young at heart) to spend time with a zookeeper and learn more about animals like elephants, lemurs, and giraffes, and you can even feed some of them! You can also take a camel ride or attend one of the live shows featuring sea lions or birds.
A ticket for Oasis Park also includes access to the botanical garden, Jardin Botanico Fuerteventura. This is a lovely place to end the day with a relaxing walk.
8. Walk to the Cuevas de Ajuy
Another beautiful place to visit in Fuerteventura is the Cuevas de Ajuy. These incredible caves are a popular attraction, as you can go down directly into two of the caves.
The caves are located on the west side of the island, about a 50-minute drive from Puerto del Rosario. When you arrive at the parking lot, you have to take about a 20-minute walk down stone stairs to reach the caves.
The Cuevas de Ajuy are one of the oldest sites on the island and one of the oldest formations in the Canary Islands. The site is a protected natural monument and among the most important geological sites in the world.
9. Discover salt production at Las Salinas del Carmen
One of the most unique tourist attractions of Fuerteventura is the Salt Museum at Las Salinas del Carmen. These incredible salt pans – the only operational salt pans on the island – show how sea salt is harvested and the history of its cultivation. You can visit the museum, learn about salt extraction, and even have a day as a salt worker. After the visit, go to the restaurant Los Caracolitos for a glass of wine and a good meal.
10. Spend a day at Las Playitas and visit the Faro de la Entallada
Las Playitas is a beautiful coastal town that gives you the chance to explore a small fishing village in its authentic charm.
Head towards the volcanic sands of Playa de los Pobres, where surfboards and windsurfing boards are available for rent. You can also walk along the coast to Vista Socorrida for a lovely view of the town and the sea.
After some swimming and sunbathing, get in the car and head to the Faro de la Entallada. This Moorish-style lighthouse was built in 1955 on top of a cliff and offers incredible views.
11. Take a dip at Aguas Verdes
If you’re looking to cool off on a hot day, head to the beautiful pools of Aguas Verdes. Nestled on the rocky west coast near Playa del Valle, here you’ll find a hidden treasure of pristine natural pools. There are several pools to take a dip in and many salty stretches to explore. If you’re looking to get away from the crowd, this is a great spot to spend a few hours!
12. Explore the Barranco de los Encantados or Enamorados
There are many “barrancos” (gorges) in the Canary Islands, mostly dry and ready to be explored!
The Barranco de los Encantados or Enamorados has been formed over the years by water and wind and is a spectacular sight. You can take incredible photos or discover fossils embedded in the rock walls.
You can find the pin on Google Maps by searching for “Barranco Encantado.” However, Google Maps will not give you a direct route to get there. Find the dirt path off the road that passes through Esquinzo. The satellite mode on Maps shows a better understanding of the route to get there.
If you’re looking for hidden gems, this gorge is a must-see in Fuerteventura.
13. Walk along the rim of the Calderon Hondo crater
Have you ever wanted to hike along the rim of a volcano? Well, here is your chance. Ok, don’t be too scared – Calderon Hondo is an extinct volcano dating back over 50,000 years.
The hike to the top of this volcano is quite easy; you don’t have to be an expert hiker to reach it. The loop trail is about 4.7 kilometers long and will take you all around the rim of the volcano. It takes about an hour and a half, so bring water, sunscreen, and good hiking shoes. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view!
If you and your group prefer not to venture alone towards the volcano, consider booking this guided tour to Calderon Hondo. The tour includes hotel pickup and return, as well as drinks.
14. Explore the town and surrounding nature at Puertito de los Molinos
Puertito de los Molinos, located on the northwest side of the island, is a great place to explore if you want to experience a more remote area of Fuerteventura.
The village has a total of 20 permanent residents. If that’s more than you had in mind, don’t be discouraged: there are many hidden gems waiting to be discovered here.
Playa Puertito de Los Molinos boasts beautiful golden sands, and it is usually not crowded due to its remote location. You can get something to eat at the beach restaurant, take a swim, or explore. There is a natural pool hidden on the right side of the beach, and you can check out some caves (the Cuevas de los Molinos) on the left side. The best (and safest) time to access these hidden attractions is during low tide, so plan accordingly.
After a swim, consider hiking to the secluded Playa de Jarubio. This is the most remote beach on the island and receives fewer visitors, so it’s a great place to sit and watch the sunset. To get there, you can take the dirt road out of Puertito de los Molinos, then descend to the beach, or walk there from town, which takes about an hour.
15. Visit the Museo del Queso Majorero
Is there anything better than cheese? Sorry, lactose intolerant folks, but no, there isn’t! Fortunately, Fuerteventura has a museum where you can taste your cheese.
At the Museo del Queso Majorero you can taste the delicious Majorero cheese of the island. You will also learn about Fuerteventura’s volcanic past and meet the goats that help produce the island’s famous cheese.
The museum features local arts and crafts for purchase and an on-site restaurant. After grabbing a bite, you can burn off all that cheese with a walk beyond the water mill to the cactus garden.
16. Walk the Ruta de los Molinos
The Ruta de los Molinos, or “via dei mulini,” is a great route for a day trip for anyone wishing to visit the city of Fuerteventura.
Start the day at Centro de Interpretación de los Molinos, located in Tiscamanita. Here you will learn all about the history of the windmills and other mills on the island that helped produce cereals and toasted corn flour. Historically, cereals have been an important part of the culture and economy of Fuerteventura and here you will learn all about how they are produced.
After learning about the island’s windmills, you can drive north to visit the Windmill at the Museo del Queso Majorero, then head north again to see the famous Tefía Windmill. Of course, there are many other windmills in Fuerteventura but these two are the most popular.
17. Stargaze at the Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre
This Fuerteventura attraction is great even during the day, but the real surprise comes when the sun sets. At this astronomical observation point, you can enjoy an incredibly clear sky for stargazing. There is also a sundial, a vertical clock, and signs that help identify constellations.
If you plan to stargaze, remember to bring warm clothes. Otherwise, there are still incredible views from the platform during the day, so it’s worth stopping by anyway!
18. Take a step back in time at the Ecomuseo La Alcogida
Discover what life was like for islanders in the last century at the Ecomuseo La Alcogida. This is a fun thing to do in Fuerteventura for families or anyone interested in the island’s history. The museum shows what the last century was like for rural inhabitants of Fuerteventura at all economic levels, with rooms recreated using traditional majorero architecture. You can explore workshops for crafts such as pottery, palm weaving, and embroidery, along with traditional houses. This unique attraction is worth a visit!
19. Enjoy a day at the beach
Since Fuerteventura boasts some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands, you’d better include a few beach days in your itinerary!
We’ve told you about some of the island’s most famous beaches, but there are still others to consider. Playa de Garcey, an incredible beach with pristine sand, is known for the wreck of the American Star. The wreckage is no longer there, which might be disappointing to some, but this is still a fantastic remote beach for a day trip. There is also a nearby cave to explore. However, the area is particularly windy, so it’s better for surfing than swimming.
Other great beaches include Playa Esmeralda, an extensive soft sandy beach known for allowing nudity; Playa del Matorral, a semi-nude beach with sun loungers for rent, showers, and a lighthouse; and Playa del Castillo, an urban beach in the Caleta de Fuste resort town.
20. Take a day trip to Lanzarote
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not take a trip to the nearby island of Lanzarote?
This full-day Lanzarote boat tour will take you to some of the island’s main attractions. You’ll start the tour by boarding from Corralejo for an hour-long boat ride to Playa Blanca. Then you’ll board an air-conditioned coach that will take you to the Timanfaya National Park, famous for its volcanoes.
Next, you’ll head to the vineyards of La Geria for a wine tasting, then visit the Museo de Aloe de Lanzarote to learn about the agricultural and health properties of aloe vera. The entire trip is guided and lasts about seven hours.
There you have it: the best things to do in Fuerteventura! From secluded beaches to cheese museums, this island has it all. All you have to do now is figure out how many of these fantastic attractions you can pack into your itinerary. Good luck!
