Fuerteventura is windy, wavy, and dry. People often come with a clear idea about how to spend their holidays here; most come for its excellent watersports conditions or to relax on the beach. While both these activities are great, there’s much more to discover. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss!
1. Corralejo Sand Dunes
At the southern border of Corralejo city begins one of the most stunning natural habitats on Fuerteventura, the protected Natural Park of Corralejo Sand Dunes. It stretches along 8 kilometers of the coast and 3 km inland and is a definite must-see. Take a scenic coastal road from Corralejo, the direction of Puerto del Rosario, to get there. You’ll have the ocean and a long sandy beach, Grandes playas de Corralejo, on your left. There are three popular wind/kite/surfing spots along the way: Flag beach, Moro beach, and Burro beach (officially – Playa Alzada). On your right side, the dunes show their wild side, which is very worth exploring, too (as in the above photo).
2. Volcano Calderon Hondo
Fuerteventura is of volcanic origin, so seeing volcanoes around here is common. However, Calderon Hondo is one of the most famous ones due to its proximity to Lajares, Corralejo, and El Cotillo and its nice and easy circular trail. It’s also one of the few on Fuerteventura with a fully preserved crater.
More information about the Calderon Hondo hike
3. El Cotillo Beach
Another must-see in northern Fuerteventura is the famous El Cotillo beach (beaches, actually), stretching a couple of kilometers to the south. Great for romantic walks and a must for all sunset lovers!
4. Puertito and Barranco de Los Molinos
Puertito de Los Molinos (Los Molinos in short) on the western Fuerteventura’s coast is a small, laid-back village without too much going on there, but if you’re into “back to the roots” places, you’ll love it. Take a moment to roam around and explore the local life – it doesn’t get much more authentic than this. Also worth exploring is a canyon (barranco) stretching inland, with some unusual views of Fuerteventura water bodies, even of the small ponds with ducks and lots of green. Los Molinos is also famous for its caves, but they’re only accessible from the seaside and at very low tide.
More information about Los Molinos
5. Betancuria
Betancuria is a small picturesque town in central Fuerteventura and the original capital of the ‘Kingdom of the Canary Islands’, and later also the capital of Fuerteventura for five centuries. Betancuria has a very different look and vibe from the other island towns and is worth visiting. Take a walk through a small center, have a coffee or lunch, and soak in the rich history of this so-called “most beautiful town of the Canary Islands.”
6. Barranco and Arco de la Peñitas hike
Barranco de las Peñitas is one of the most popular hikes on Fuerteventura. It’s relatively easy, mainly on flat terrain, with a couple of stairs down to reach the small white Ermita de la Peña chapel. From there, you can explore the spectacular rocky area south of the chapel or hike a bit further up the mountain to reach the famous arc Arco de las Peñitas.
More information about Barranco de las Peñitas and Arco de las Peñitas hikes
7. Betancuria – La Pared scenic road
FV-30 from Betancuria to Pajara, and then FV-605 further south to La Pared, is one of the most amazing roads in Fuerteventura. The views left and right are stunning, and there are a couple of viewpoints along the road with parking to take photos safely.
In a photo: a view of Montaña Cardón from Mirador astronómico de Sicasumbre along the road.
8. Ajuy
Ajuy is a small fishing village on the western Fuerteventura coast, famous for its caves and a beautiful black sandy beach, in calm conditions also safe enough for swimming. The caves carry an extraordinary geological, paleontological and ethnographic value. Also attractive are the oldest fossil dunes on the island, up to 90% made of organic material; the marine fossils can be seen with the naked eye. Ajuy, with its rich history and natural and cultural value, is one of Fuerte’s musts.
9. La Pared
La Pared is another chilled, laid-back town with not much to do besides surfing and hiking. I recommend a quick stop even if you’re not into either or just passing by. Take a look at the beautiful sandy beach (to the south; it might offer good surfing conditions), or admire an impressive rock formation resembling a tongue reaching out to the sea (Punta Guadalupe), with a hole made by the waves and erosion. In calm conditions, it’s possible to take a walk there, too.
10. Sotavento beach and the lagoon
Sotavento beach stretches along Costa Calma’s coast and offers some great swimming-beaching opportunities, but it is maybe even more famous for its fantastic lagoon just south of Costa Calma city. Kite- and windsurf lovers will find René Egli wind-kitesurfing center there, and a bit further south in Risco del Paso, also the ION wind-kitesurfing center. When the tide is right, the lagoon fills with seawater and gets deep enough for wind- and kitesurfing. If you’re into watersports, check the lagoon status at René Egli’s website and plan a visit accordingly.
11. Cofete
On the wild west coast, all the way to the south, in Jandía Natural Park, there’s a small village Cofete, with its famous pristine, remote, no less than 12 km long beach that made it to the ‘Top 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe’ more than just once. It takes some time to get there because there’s only a dirt road available from Morro Jable, but the reward will be well worth it.
12. Jandía Natural Park
Jandía Natural Park is a protected area in the southern part of Fuerteventura. It covers almost all of the Jandía peninsula, except the cities of Costa Calma and Morro Jable, starting with the sand area south of La Pared. Cofete, for example, is within the Natural Park, as well as Fuerteventura’s highest peak, Pico de la Zarza. Driving all the way south, you’ll find the park ending with a small settlement Puertito de la Cruz, and the Jandía lighthouse. Jandía Natural Park is home to some endemic and even endangered plant and animal species.
13. Pico de la Zarza
Pico de la Zarza is the highest mountain in Fuerteventura and reaches 807 meters. If you’re into hiking, it’s one of Fuerteventura’s highlights. It takes around 4-5 hours up and back, so some essential fitness is required, but the hike is easy, and the views from the top are incredible.
More information about the Pico de la Zarza hike
14. Faro de la Entallada
Faro de la Entallada is my favorite lighthouse on the island, so I couldn’t resist putting it on the Top 15 list. You’ll find it close to Las Playitas (also worth a quick visit), overseeing the east coast. The road up there is short but narrow, so be careful. The views from the top are impressive, too.
15. Fuerteventura Windmills
Driving around Fuerteventura, it’s impossible to miss beautiful traditional windmills. Although they’re not in use anymore, more than 1,000 of them are still preserved on the island. One of my favorites is the one in a photo in Tefia, just after turning right towards Los Molinos. If you wish to learn more about the windmills, make sure to visit Centro de Interpretacion Los Molinos in Tiscamanita or/and Museo del queso Majorero in Antigua. In both, you’ll also be able to enter the old windmill and learn more about how it worked.
