The second largest of the Canaries, Fuerteventura is the ideal destination for beach buffs and nature fans. It boasts no fewer than 150km of sandy beaches, which includes everything from long sweeps of sand to tucked-away coves. Plus, the landscapes here are so diverse they could be used as the set of a sci-fi movie – expect sand dunes, palm-studded oases and 24 volcanoes. Elsewhere, there are lots of colonial villages dotted throughout the island that are ripe for exploring.
Top six things to do in Fuerteventura
1. Explore Jandía Natural Park and Corralejo Natural Park
Covering the island’s southernmost tip, Jandía Natural Park offers heaps of wave-washed beaches that are hemmed in by a dramatic ridgeline. It’s almost as if Mother Nature had 4x4 safaris in mind when she created it. The abandoned Villa Winter and the island’s highest point, Pico de la Zarza, are the ideal places to stop and take some photos of the postcard-ready scenery.
The dunes of the Corralejo Natural Park are the largest in the Canary archipelago and are home to endemic animal and plant species that you can't see anywhere else, including endangered birds and beetles that burrow under the sand. The park’s southern limit is marked by the Mars-like Roja volcano. Both natural parks are well worth a day trip.
2. Head to Lobos Island
Just minutes north of Fuerteventura, the uninhabited island of Lobos has all the essentials for a fun-filled day- trip. This little gem offers plenty of watersports opportunities. Put on your snorkel and swim alongside groupers, damselfish, lizard fish, parrot fish, and octopuses – plus much more. To visit Lobos Island, you’ll need to book an excursion at least five days in advance. It’s a very popular day-trip destination, so we recommend booking early to make sure you don’t miss out.
3. Try your hand at some watersports
With a mostly unspoilt coastline that’s surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, there’s an abundance of water activities to try out on Fuerteventura. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, a diving or snorkelling excursion is a must. Expert guides will take you underwater, where you can see fish, rays and even, with a little luck, seahorses. Catamaran trips and dolphin-watching outings are also on the cards.
4. Stroll around Salinas del Carmen
A popular attraction on Fuerteventura is the Salinas del Carmen, the only still- functioning saltworks on the island. It’s located on the east coast, near Antigua, and includes a warehouse, merchant’s house, the remains of the old quay and a museum. During a visit, you can find out how important the salt industry has been for Fuerteventura and if you feel like getting your hands dirty, you can even be a salt worker for a day.
5. Tuck in to traditional Canarian cuisine
Fuerteventura’s food scene is considered among the most authentic in the Canary Islands. Majorero cheese is particularly popular, and is made from the milk of majorero goats, which are native to the island. For traditional restaurants, you’ll want to head to historic Betancuria or the fishing village of Ajuy, where you can sample some of the freshest fish available.
6. Tick off Fuerteventura’s churches and windmills
Apart from the volcanoes, nothing better represents Fuerteventura than its picture-perfect collection of whitewashed churches and pockmarked windmills. The prettiest churches can be found in Antigua, Betancuria, La Oliva and Pajara, while the most photogenic windmills are in Puerto Lajas, Villaverde and Llanos de la Concepción. Built to mill the local gofio flour in the traditionally windy parts of Fuerteventura, many have been completely restored in recent years.
