10 Best Things To Do in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

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Fuerteventura is a popular tourist destination, especially for Europeans looking for some much-needed winter sun. Boasting incredible other-worldly volcanic terrain, outstanding beaches and a plethora of watersports activities, you can easily create a holiday to suit your style and interests.

So, whether you’re after a beach break, an action-packed watersports holiday or fancy a bit of exploration and hiking, Fuerteventura has a range of activities to keep you busy for a week or more.

My sister lived in Fuerteventura for a year, and having visited twice myself, I have compiled a list of some of the best things to do on this popular island. I honestly didn’t expect to like Fuerteventura, but I was pleasantly surprised after my first visit.

Read on for my insider tips on the top places to visit in Fuerteventura, whether you’re visiting with friends, family, your other half or simply fancy a solo adventure.

1. Wander the Streets of El Cotillo

One of the first places I visited in Fuerteventura was the beautiful coastal town of El Cotillo, a pretty little fishing village with heaps of rustic charm. Although El Cotillo is becoming popular with tourists, it still has a quaint and authentic feel, with traditional whitewashed houses and blue shutters adorning most of the buildings.

Due to its lovely beaches and great surf, El Cotillo is especially popular amongst surfers and windsurfers, which adds to its laid-back vibe.

Spend a couple of hours wandering the streets, try your hand at surfing, or spend an afternoon eating tapas in a local restaurant.

While you’re in El Cotillo, don’t miss Azurro Chill Out beach bar – a super cool beach bar with views of the ocean and coast. Although I didn’t try the food when I visited, the chilled vibes and laid-back atmosphere were just what I was looking for. I enjoyed the sunset and the panoramic view of the rugged landscape while sipping cocktails and unwinding.

2. Chill Out in Corralejo

The busy resort of Corralejo is, in my opinion, very touristy. It was hard to find an authentic Spanish restaurant among the Mexican, Indian and English restaurants on offer.

However, having said that, the beaches in Corralejo are very beautiful, with lovely golden sand and crystal clear turquoise ocean. Parts of the old town have a rustic and quaint appeal, but this is largely a tourist resort. If nothing else, head to Corralejo to enjoy the coastline, soak up the sun and wander around the harbour.

If the beach isn’t your thing, there are plenty of shops and restaurants in Corralejo to keep you busy.

3. Enjoy Some Watersports

Fuerteventura is popular with surfers, windsurfers and other watersports enthusiasts throughout the year. Why not try your hand at windsurfing with a windsurfing taster session? Or learn to surf in the south of Fuerteventura when you book a surfing lesson and find some secret surf spots that are less crowded than those in the north.

If you don’t fancy working up a sweat on a surfboard, you can always enjoy a catamaran trip or try stand-up paddleboarding.

4. Visit the Sand Dunes in Parque Natural de Corralejo

Fuerteventura is famous for its dunes, and it’s easy to see why, with miles of golden sand rolling into the distance as far as the eye can see. Check out the beaches on the coast of the Parque too for beautiful, long stretches of sand and clear blue sea.

The Parque itself is situated in a coastal zone in the north-east of the island and presents beautiful white-sand beaches, so bring your hiking boots and a bathing suit for some dune walking, followed by a relaxing time on one of the stunning white sand beaches.

Or, if you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie, try your hand at a dune buggy safari tour in the Parque Natural de Corralejo, which is one of the best things to do in Fuerteventura for those who want a bit of fun!

5. Visit the Rustic Town of Betancuria

Betancuria was my favourite place on the island of Fuerteventura. The picturesque former capital lies in a lush green valley surrounded by hills, with its rustic charm drawing in tourists from around the world.

Enjoy tapas and a glass of sangria at one of its authentic restaurants or soak up the sun in the square while listening to classical Spanish guitar and taking in the traditional white-washed buildings and beautiful gardens.

6. Enjoy the views from Mirador Morro Velosa

Not far from Betancuria lies the viewpoint of Mirador Morro Velosa, a cafe which sits at the top of a mountain enjoying breath-taking 360-degree views over the island.

Sip a coffee while gazing at the stunning views and if you’re ready to brave the winds, venture up the mountainside to see more of the landscape. This is hands down one of the best things to do in Fuerteventura if you love beautiful landscapes!

7. Explore Lobos Island

The nearby Lobos island is a small, protected and unspoilt island just a few kilometres away from Fuerteventura. You can expect pure and wild nature, volcanic landscapes and an island rich in ecology.

Lobos Island has protected status as a Natural Park and as such, you’ll need to acquire a permit to travel there, which aims to limit the number of people visiting the island to ensure it is sustainable for nature. The permit is free, but you can only reserve it up to 5 days before you visit the island.

If you book a guided tour to Lobos, many tour companies will take care of the permit for you, but it’s always best to check their processes to ensure they will. Check out our recommended tours to Lobos Island below:

Guided hike and speedboat ride to Lobos Island from Corralejo – you can tailor this excursion to your own interests, choosing from a guided hike to a volcano, a visit to the only village on the island, El Puertito de Lobos, or relaxing on one of Lobos’ beaches.

Mini-Cruise and Snorkel to Lobos Island – whether you want to stay firmly on solid ground or explore the ocean with a bit of snorkelling, this mini-cruise will allow you to explore the waters around Lobos. With a transparent floor, you can enjoy the ocean beneath your feet while on the boat, or dive in to enjoy Lobos’ marine ecology with a snorkel.

Lobos Island catamaran tour with drinks and snorkel – leaving from Corralejo, this catamaran tour to Lobos Island includes drinks and snacks, and a range of activities including snorkeling and kayaking.

8. Visit the Sacred Mountain of Tindaya

Situated in the north-east of the island, Tindaya is thought to have magical properties, and as such, was held as a sacred site by early inhabitants of the island. There are various hiking trails in the area surrounding Tindaya, which allow you to get closer to the mountain itself.

You can hike these on a self-guided trip, or join a guided hike to learn more about the area and its history. While in the area, you can also visit the pretty village of the same name, Tindaya.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat and drink in the area, check out Restaurante Los Podomorfos.

9. Visit One of the Many Beaches

If you’re a beach person, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a beach to relax on. Whether you prefer wild and untouched or busy with plenty of amenities, there are so many beaches on Fuerteventura to meet every need.

If you prefer rugged and unspoilt, try the beaches in the south of the island, known for being some of the most beautiful. Try Cofete Beach for incredible mountainous landscapes, and Sotavento Beach for stunningly blue water.

If you prefer beaches closer to amenities and restaurants and with a bit more of a buzz, try beaches in Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste or El Matorral.

10. Book a Wellbeing Retreat

The wild and rugged landscapes of Fuerteventura create the ideal backdrop for wellbeing retreats and outdoor activities. From Tai Chi and yoga to windsurfing and outdoor fitness camps, a retreat in the sun could be just what you need. Here are a few recommended retreats:

8 Day Tai Chi, QiGong and Yin Yoga Retreat

8 Day Intermediate Windsurfing Camp

6 Day Outdoor Fitness Camp

Visiting Fuerteventura For the First Time?

I have to be honest, I’d never really fancied visiting the Canary Islands due to my prior misconceptions of the islands being overly touristy. However, I do believe beauty and culture can be found everywhere if you just look hard enough, and based on that belief, I think Fuerteventura is one of those places where you just have to search a little bit harder to find it.

I’m pleased to say that after my first trip to Fuerteventura, I’ve reconsidered my viewpoint and I now think that Fuerteventura is worth visiting.

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