Fuerteventura in 7 Days – Our Highlights & Tips

The Canary Island of Fuerteventura lies about 120 kilometers west of Morocco, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
This Spanish volcanic island attracts numerous sun worshippers, cyclists, divers, surfers, kite surfers, and sailors every year.
With its endless sandy beaches and year-round reliable trade winds, it offers perfect conditions for a varied beach and active holiday.

The island’s landscape impresses with breathtaking cliffs, vast plains, extinct volcanoes, hidden villages, and white and black beaches.
Spanish tapas and a refreshing glass of sangria make the stay in Fuerteventura even more unforgettable.

In this post, we’re sharing our personal highlights and tips from our 7-day stay on the island.

Before we dive into all the highlights that Fuerteventura has to offer, we want to share a practical tip for route and sightseeing planning.
We organized our itinerary by cardinal directions, which turned out to be very effective.
This way, we were able to comfortably explore various attractions since they’re nicely grouped according to directions.

We allocated at least one full day to each direction. A rental car is essential to explore the island flexibly and independently.
We booked our affordable rental car through rentalcars.com, which turned out to be very convenient.

Our apartment in Corralejo was the starting point for all our excursions during the trip.

1. THE NORTH OF FUERTEVENTURA

CORRALEJO – THE TOURIST HOTSPOT

Corralejo is the tourist hotspot and the surf spot in the north of Fuerteventura. For us, it’s one of the coolest places on the island.
That’s why we spent all seven days in our lovely accommodation, the Endless Summer Apartment, right in Corralejo.

Despite the influx of tourists, the former fishing village has retained its charm, especially around the harbor area.
Small bars, cafes, traditional tapas restaurants, and shops, as well as a long beach promenade, exude typical Spanish flair.
The harbor is also where you’ll find the ferry terminal for trips to Lanzarote. If you have enough time, we recommend a trip to the neighboring island.
We conveniently booked our ferry tickets online through Direct Ferries.

In other parts of the town, you’ll find everything you could wish for – from fast-food restaurants to souvenir shops to countless travel providers.
If you need something, you’re likely to find it here. Night owls will also enjoy Corralejo, as there are numerous bars and discos.

THE PARQUE NACIONAL DE CORRALEJO

Suddenly, it feels as though you’re standing in the middle of a desert. The towering dunes of fine white sand, right on the outskirts of Corralejo, are arguably the most famous attraction in the area – the Parque Nacional de Corralejo. These breathtaking sand dunes stretch for kilometers along the coast and extend deep inland.

The wandering dune area El Jable – Las Dunas de Corralejo is constantly shifting due to wind and weather.
The entire impressive dune landscape within the national park is protected to preserve its natural beauty.

For us, a visit to the national park is a must in Fuerteventura and one of the highlights that every traveler should see.

To explore the dunes, you can take the only road that runs through the Parque Nacional de Corralejo with your rental car and simply park along the roadside.
There are parking spots nearly everywhere along the road. From there, you can hike across the dunes, either towards the water or in the opposite direction to experience the vastness of the desert.

Our tip: Both sunrise and sunset are simply spectacular in the dunes – don’t miss out on this experience!
Fortunately, our accommodation was just a stone’s throw from the dunes, so we didn’t miss a single sunrise or sunset.

THE BEACHES AROUND CORRALEJO

Around Corralejo, you’ll also find countless long beaches with fine, white or golden-yellow sand. The water is mostly turquoise-blue and crystal clear.
Waikiki Beach, which is right on Corralejo’s beach promenade, can get quite crowded in the summer months.
If you drive towards the dunes, you’ll discover more often deserted beaches like Grandes Playas, Playa El Viejo, and Playa del Pozo.

The further you get from Corralejo, the quieter and more secluded the beaches become. However, they all share one thing in common: the wind is often strong.
Since many of these beaches are natural, there are no umbrellas to provide shade.

An overview of our personal favorite beaches on the island can be found further down in the post.‍

Our tip: Bring a beach tent! For us, it’s an absolute must-have for every Fuerteventura trip.
The lightweight beach tent not only provides shade from the sun but also protects from the sometimes cool wind.
Additionally, beach umbrellas and sunbeds are scarce on Fuerteventura’s beaches. You can find our beach tent here.

EL COTILLO – THE PICTURESQUE TOWN BY THE SEA

El Cotillo is a small, picturesque surfer town right by the sea, closely tied to the ocean.
The untouched, kilometer-long beach is perfect for a relaxed day at the beach or ideal for beginner surfers.

In the town center, you’ll find a few charming houses connected by small, winding alleys – perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Our shopping recommendation includes the locally-run shops LAPA STUDIO – Tienda and Sicre Store, which sell cool, laid-back surfer-style clothing, all locally made in Fuerteventura.

Among the many shops, bars, and restaurants, you’ll often find beautiful murals with various motifs that give the place a creative atmosphere.
El Cotillo is also becoming popular with van travelers, so you’ll see a few campers here.

Our tip: As lovely as El Cotillo is during the day, the true highlight comes in the evening when the sun slowly sets behind the sea.
These magical sunsets are simply unforgettable and are a must-see!

LAJARES – THE POPULAR SURFER TOWN

As you get closer to the small inland town of Lajares, with its 1,300 residents, you’ll notice the two well-preserved windmills, Molino and Molina. Lajares is particularly popular with surfers. The town offers a variety of surf shops, surf schools, cozy bars, cafes, and restaurants – along with Corralejo, it’s one of our favorite places on the island.

Why is this inland town so popular with surfers? Our surf instructor Fede had a clear answer: due to its central location and proximity to the main road, surfers can quickly reach all the main surf spots in the north of the island from Lajares, including the North Shore, El Cotillo, and Corralejo.
If the weather or waves aren’t ideal at one spot, they just head to the next. This flexibility makes Lajares the perfect base for any surfer.

BARRANCO DE LOS ENCANTADOS

Only about a 13-minute drive from Lajares lies a natural gem: the gorges of the dried riverbed Barranco de los Encantados.
This fascinating landscape, with its yellow-orange sandstone formations carved by the former river, is definitely worth a visit.
While it might not rival the scale of the Grand Canyon, it offers a unique and picturesque setting that is a highlight of Fuerteventura.

Admittedly, getting to the "Gorge of the Enchanted", as locals call Barranco de los Encantados, isn’t exactly convenient. If you’re coming from Lajares, follow the FV-10 to a roundabout, take the exit towards El Cotillo, and after about 850 meters, turn left onto a small dirt road marked by a large sign with information about the nature park.

Here begins the real adventure: drive straight on the dirt track, which halfway turns into a sandy path. After about 2 kilometers, you’ll reach a fork with three paths.
If your car can handle it, take the right fork to drive the short distance to the gorge. If not, park where you can’t go further and walk the rest of the way.

Remember to bring enough water, as it can get very hot in this dry area.
Also, some of the impressive rock formations are made of loose sand and may collapse if touched or stepped on – be careful to help preserve this unique landscape!

VOLCÁN CALDERON HONDO

Fuerteventura’s volcanic origins become clear upon arrival. Why not take the opportunity to climb a volcano?
The extinct volcano Calderón Hondo, located between Corralejo and Lajares, is perfect for exploration.

You can reach the volcano from both places with a light or extended hike, or do as we did and drive to the small parking lot directly in front of the volcano.
From the parking lot, a roughly 2-kilometer rocky path leads up to the crater.
At the 278-meter-high volcano’s peak, you’ll find an impressive view of the 60-meter-deep crater and the rocky volcanic landscape around it.

A special highlight: If you like, bring some sunflower seeds to feed the Barbary squirrels that gather at the crater rim of Calderón Hondo.

The early morning or late afternoon is particularly worthwhile, as the volcano is bathed in beautiful colors in the light of the low sun.

LA OLIVA – THE TOWN OF OLIVE TREES

After our visit to Calderón Hondo, we made a quick detour to the charming inland village of La Oliva, about a 25-minute drive away.
The town is named after the many olive trees that grow around La Oliva.

La Oliva is a typical Canarian village with a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to several restaurants and cafes, there’s also a colorful, regional market held twice a week.
Here you can stroll leisurely through the stalls and find one or two souvenirs for loved ones back home.

MONTAÑA DE TINDAYA

The Montaña de Tindaya, or sacred mountain, is located in northwestern Fuerteventura, near La Oliva.
With a height of 400 meters, it’s not exactly Mount Everest, but its flat, barren, and dry surroundings make it a unique sight.
Over the years, wind and weather have given the mountain a distinctive shape.

On the southwestern ridge of Tindaya, you’ll find a hiking trail that takes you to the top.
Important: You may only take this hike if you have a permit from the island’s government, as it’s forbidden without authorization.
Along the way, you’ll see some rock carvings left by Fuerteventura’s indigenous people. At the summit, you’re rewarded with a stunning view of the scenic landscape.
At the foot of the mountain, to the south, is a small village with shops and restaurants, perfect for a break in this special setting.

Plan about three and a half hours for the hike up and down, depending on your fitness level.

Our photo tip: Montaña de Tindaya is a perfect subject at sunset.
Drive your rental car behind the mountain and watch as the sun sets in deep orange hues behind the mountain – an unforgettable sight and a fantastic photo opportunity!

2. THE WEST OF FUERTEVENTURA

BETANCURIA – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE IN THE INTERIOR OF FUERTEVENTURA

On the second day, we took a trip to the west of Fuerteventura. From our accommodation in Corralejo, it only takes about 50 minutes by rental car to reach the picturesque town of Betancuria. However, the last stretch of the route led us over a stunning mountain pass where we had to stop repeatedly to enjoy the grand view and take some photos.

Due to these stops, the drive ultimately took us a little over an hour, but the impressive panoramas along the pass were absolutely worth it!

Betancuria, situated in a valley and surrounded by majestic mountains, looks like an oasis with its many palm trees scattered between the houses – have your camera ready!

Once we arrived in what’s said to be the most beautiful town in Fuerteventura’s interior, we were immediately charmed by its quaint town center.
The white houses, charming narrow streets, and abundant greenery give Betancuria a unique allure.

This tiny village, with just under 700 inhabitants, has a church, a museum, and a few delightful tapas restaurants.
There are only a few accommodations, which further enhances the town’s authentic, tranquil charm.

OUR RESTAURANT TIP

Looking to dine in a truly green oasis? Be sure to stop by LaSombra right in the town center!
In addition to its famous burgers, the menu features plenty of other delicious dishes – a real treat!

After our relaxing stay in Betancuria, we continued on the beautiful mountain pass of the FV-30 for about 40 minutes to the fishing village of Ajuy.

AJUY – THE VILLAGE WITH THE BLACK SAND BEACH

The somewhat sleepy fishing village of Ajuy is located right on the west coast of Fuerteventura. In the past, this quiet village was home to one of the island’s most important ports.
Today, Ajuy is popular with tourists primarily for its black volcanic sand beach. The contrast between the white foamy waves and the deep black sand is simply breathtaking!

Because the Atlantic Ocean along Fuerteventura’s west coast is particularly wild, strong waves often form here.
Nonetheless, it’s possible to swim at this impressive beach – which many locals demonstrate on weekends when they enjoy their leisure time here with family.

Our tip: Bring a beach tent! For us, it’s an absolute must-have for every trip to Fuerteventura. You can find our beach tent here.

Another sight in Ajuy awaits if you follow the path to the right of the beach up onto the cliffs. There, you’ll reach the famous caves of Ajuy, also known as Cuevas de Ajuy.
The view from the caves out over the open sea is simply fantastic, especially on clear days. Don’t forget your camera – you won’t want to miss capturing this spectacular view!

After exploring the Cuevas de Ajuy and taking another look at the black beach, we were convinced: Ajuy is the perfect destination to experience the romantic and wild atmosphere of the island up close.

Back at our rental car, we continued north. On the way, we made a quick stop at a goat cheese farm right along the road and enjoyed a delicious sandwich with goat cheese and jam.

Tip: In Fuerteventura, you’ll see countless cacti whose fruits are turned into delicious cactus jam by locals.
If you’re looking for an original souvenir, this unique jam might be the perfect choice!

With our provisions in tow, we continued driving through Antigua, one of the oldest settlements in Fuerteventura.
This small town exudes typical Canarian flair with its traditional windmill, the Molino de Antigua, the church Nuestra Señora de la Antigua, and a few charming houses.

If you’re in the area, a quick stop is worthwhile to experience this authentic village and its history.

3. THE SOUTH OF FUERTEVENTURA

When people talk about the south of Fuerteventura, they’re usually referring to the Jandía Peninsula.
It’s a popular holiday destination, especially because of its stunning, fine, kilometer-long sandy beaches, unspoiled nature, and numerous resorts that are popular with tourists.

However, we were particularly enchanted by the beautiful Jandía Natural Park, where we discovered impressive volcanic landscapes, unique natural scenery, and much more.

The drive from Corralejo in the north of the island to the south takes about an hour and a half by rental car.
Here’s what we experienced and saw in the southern part of the Jandía Peninsula in detail.

LA PARED – THE IDYLLIC HOLIDAY SPOT

At the narrowest point that connects the Jandía Peninsula with the rest of Fuerteventura lies the idyllic town of La Pared. Here you can vacation far from the large tourist crowds.
Originally, the town was planned to be developed into a major holiday destination, but thankfully, that never happened.
Today, La Pared has only a few holiday homes, private bungalows, a few restaurants, a cheese factory, and some surf schools – all of which give the town its quiet and cozy charm.

When you enter the town, you might be surprised, as the first 200 meters of the road aren’t paved.
Some small side streets in the town are also unpaved, but with minimal traffic, it’s no problem.

The main attraction of La Pared, however, isn’t the town itself, but its namesake beach. The surf beach La Pared is considered one of the most wave-safe beaches in Fuerteventura. Depending on the weather and time of day, you’ll see numerous experienced surfers mastering the waves.
You’ll rarely find swimmers here, as the strong surf and dangerous undertows make swimming at this beach very risky.

Our tip: If you plan a stop in La Pared and have the time, be sure to stay until sunset. The natural spectacle is simply unique and unforgettable.

You have several options for enjoying the sunset: directly on the beach, where the colors are particularly vibrant; above the beach, where many people park their cars and watch the show comfortably from their vehicles; or at the nearby seafood restaurant Bahia La Pared, where you can admire the setting sun while enjoying a delicious meal.
Whichever option you choose, the atmosphere will captivate you!

COSTA CALMA – A PURE HOLIDAY DESTINATION

Costa Calma is the second-largest holiday resort in the south of Fuerteventura and was specifically developed for tourism in the 1970s.
It doesn’t have a historic town center and feels less like an actual town, as there’s little beyond numerous hotels.
It’s especially popular with German tourists, so you’ll often hear more German than Spanish here.

A real highlight, however, is the beautiful sandy beach that gave the town its name – Costa Calma (Spanish for "calm coast").
There’s hardly any wind, the water is calm, and the beach gently slopes into the sea, making it ideal for families with children to swim.

Driving into the town, we were impressed by the many palms and pines that look like a green oasis – plants that you rarely see on the island outside the well-maintained and irrigated hotel areas.

However, if you don’t have time to visit Costa Calma during your stay, in our opinion, you won’t be missing much.
Aside from the beach, the town doesn’t offer much that would make it an essential destination.

RISCO DEL PASO

A stop at the Risco del Paso lagoon, just a 15-minute drive from Costa Calma, is something you shouldn’t miss on your tour of the Jandía Peninsula.
If you’re in the mood for a swim, it’s worth spending some time here.

The lagoon is a vast, wide beach with beautiful white sand, and during the day, many kite surfers gather here.
A special highlight appears at low tide: as the water recedes, an offshore sandbank is revealed, creating a view that almost looks like the Maldives.
This sight is truly fascinating and well worth seeing!

‍Our tip: Make sure to get a beach tent! You can find our beach tent here.

MORRO JABLE & JANDÍA – THE TOURIST HUB IN THE SOUTH

The towns of Morro Jable and Jandía on the southern tip of the peninsula are among the largest tourist centers in Fuerteventura.
Since Jandía seamlessly merges into Morro Jable, the two towns are often simply referred to as “Jandía”. Especially in Morro Jable, numerous hotel complexes are lined up side by side. Between the hotels, you’ll find a wide selection of cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, and even a shopping mall, providing enough variety to keep vacationers entertained beyond the beach.
In short: there’s everything you need here, and you’re unlikely to get bored.

Despite its touristy vibe, it’s worth taking a stroll through the narrow streets in the center of Morro Jable, where you can experience the town’s authentic and original side.

After exploring Morro Jable’s charming streets, head to the beach promenade. There, you’ll find more shops to browse, or you can settle down at one of the beautiful beach sections.
For a small fee, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Numerous bistros cater to your culinary needs, and there are also restroom facilities available.

The Playa de Matorral beach section, located near the island’s tallest lighthouse, the Faro Morro Jable, slopes gently into the sea and is therefore particularly popular with families with children. However, if you’re looking for peace and quiet, the kilometer-long beach offers enough space to find a secluded spot.

Another highlight nearby is the Turtle Nursery Morro Jable, a breeding station for turtles.
Here, young or sick turtles are cared for and rehabilitated to eventually release them back into the wild.
Admission is free, and it’s worth taking a quick look if you’re in the area and interested in turtle conservation.

PLAYA DE COFETE IN THE EL JANDÍA NATIONAL PARK

The Playa de Cofete in the El Jandía National Park is one of the most stunning beaches in Fuerteventura and should definitely be on your must-see list.
The seemingly endless beach is around 11 kilometers long and nestled in untouched nature, which gives it a special magic.

The journey is an adventure, however: to reach Playa de Cofete, you’ll need to travel about 19 kilometers on a gravel road full of potholes, stones, and dust.
It took us almost an hour, but there’s no other route. Nonetheless, we assure you, the effort is more than worth it!

Just before the beach, you’ll find a high observation platform with a breathtaking view of the long, light-colored sandy beach and the wild nature surrounding it.
Once down on the beach, the view is overwhelming: the huge, completely untouched beach lies majestically nestled between an impressive gray-brown mountain range.
A dream beach that has retained its wild beauty and solitude!

The best way to take in the impressive, natural scenery of Playa de Cofete is with a long beach walk. Even in the midday sun, it’s rarely unbearably hot thanks to the pleasant, constant breeze. However, due to the strong surf and dangerous undertows, the beach is unsuitable for swimming or other water activities – the currents can quickly become life-threatening.

Important: Since the beach is entirely natural, there are no food facilities on-site. Be sure to bring enough water! The pleasant wind can also easily make you forget that you’re in the sun all day. So, be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

Our tip: You might experience the most beautiful atmosphere at Playa de Cofete around sunset. The roar of the powerful waves combined with the setting sun creates an almost unmatched romantic mood. But keep in mind that you’ll need to drive the 19 kilometers of gravel road back in the dark – so plan enough time for the return journey!

4. THE EAST OF FUERTEVENTURA

PUERTO DEL ROSARIO – THE ISLAND'S CAPITAL

With its 40,000 residents, Puerto del Rosario is not only the capital of Fuerteventura but also the island’s most populated city.
Those arriving by plane will land at Aeropuerto de Fuerteventura, located just 5 km from the city center.
Besides the airport, the capital also boasts a large port, which serves as a dock for ferries, cruise ships, and container ships.

The city center primarily consists of restaurants, bars, and various shopping options.

On some walls and facades in the city, you’ll find cool street art worth admiring. Otherwise, we found that this mostly industrial city doesn’t have much to offer.
There aren’t many hotels here either.

What we really enjoyed, however, was a pillar in front of the city beach Playa Chia, where a roughly 10-meter-long Bryde’s whale skeleton is displayed.
The whale was discovered on the Canary Islands coast, and its skeleton was displayed here as a symbol of marine conservation.

5. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF FUERTEVENTURA

Fuerteventura offers not only a fascinating volcanic landscape and many goats but, above all, countless beautiful, diverse, and kilometer-long sandy beaches as well as romantic rocky coves along the coast.
To help you choose, we’ve put together a small overview of our personal favorite beaches – there’s bound to be the right beach for you here:

In the North/Northeast

• Playa Los Lagos – The white town beach of El Cotillo
• Playa del Muellito – The small black town beach of El Cotillo
• Playa Chica – A wide white sandy beach just outside El Cotillo
• Playa del Pozo – A vast, pristine white sandy beach near Corralejo
• Popcorn Beach (see the picture) – The beach in Corralejo gives you the feeling of swimming in popcorn
• Grandes Playas de Corralejo – A stunning golden beach in Corralejo’s natural park, surrounded by dunes and turquoise waters, perfect for relaxing or water sports

In the South

• Playa de Cofete – Fascinating scenery invites endless beach walks. Due to the strong currents, swimming here is not advised
• Playa del Matorral – A sprawling sandy beach with some rocks
• Risco del Paso – A wide natural dream beach that should definitely be on your must-see list
• Playa de la Pared – The ideal beach for water sports enthusiasts

In the West

• Playa de Ajuy – The black bay, a black sandy beach

In the East

• Caleta de Fuste – A rather small dark sandy beach in the town of Castillo Caleta de Fuste
• Sotavento – A wide, golden sandy beach, not crowded and ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts

Don’t forget: Since some of the natural beaches don’t offer food facilities, always take enough water with you.
Also, don’t forget to apply sunscreen! If possible, pack a handy sun umbrella or a beach tent to protect yourself from the sun.

6. ACTIVITIES IN FUERTEVENTURA

One thing is for sure: You definitely won’t be bored in Fuerteventura! The Canary Island offers a wide range of water, sports, and leisure activities.
So, Fuerteventura is the ideal mix of active and beach holiday.

Water sports such as diving, sailing, wind and kite surfing, and surfing are especially popular.
Thanks to the constant trade winds, the island offers perfect conditions for both beginner and advanced surfers all year round.
To learn how to surf, there are numerous surf schools on the island.
We had an amazing multi-day surf course at the Billabong Surfcamp & Surf School in Corralejo.

Of course, the island has a lot to offer on land as well. Beautiful hiking and biking trails ensure you’ll never get bored during your stay.
On komoot.com, you can find some great hiking routes for all fitness levels.

In our separate post Fuerteventura: 10 Tips for Your Trip to the Canary Island, we reveal not only sights but also all the important information you should know before and during your trip. From the best travel time to rental car tips to practical information on the weather and the island’s landscape – here you’ll find everything you need to be well-prepared for your vacation!

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Discover the best accommodations
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• The best Travel Guides for Fuerteventura
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Fuerteventura

‍

Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.