Located off the west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, Fuerteventura is the second largest of Spain’s Canary Islands. The island has over 150 sandy beaches, all of which are popular exploring and relaxing upon. Yet, Fuerteventura is much more than beaches, and offers visitors a wide array of activities. 
Fuerteventura’s, sunny disposition sees the island being a top spot for those seeking outdoor activities on the beach. Locals refer to the island as the island of the eternal spring, due to its constant sunshine and warm temperatures. Fuerteventura specialises in outdoor fun and many of the must-see places are in the sun. The Parque Natural de Corralejo is a favourite spot for windsurfers, and park goers can find a perfect spot to lounge in the sun. 
Playa de Cofete is another beautiful beach enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Quiet, with large ocean surf, the Playa de Cofete is a beach for tourists hoping to leave the crowded sands of Fuerteventura behind. 
For those looking to leave the beach for a little while, the Mirador Morro Velosa is considered the most beautiful viewpoint on the island. At a height of 650 metres, the Mirador Morro Velosa offers views from the north side of Fuerteventura out over the blue waters of the Atlantic. 
For those looking for a little respite from the sun, there is also the Betancuria Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography. There, visitors can see crafts, fossils and other items from Fuerteventura’s heritage. 
The island is plentiful with its own fresh produce, and markets, restaurants and cafés are full of local delicacies. Majorero Cheese is a favourite amongst locals; this goat’s milk cheese is rubbed in olive oil, paprika and a corn flour mix known as gofio, which gives the cheese a lovely golden colour. Like the other islands of the Canaries, fish is the main catch on Fuerteventura, and the island’s restaurants specialise in various fish dishes. Many of the eateries will offer a catch of the day that was just hauled in by local fishermen. Fuerteventura is well known for its Vieja, or Parrot Fish, is a must eat fish when dining out.
The Corralejo area in the north of the island is Fuerteventura’s nightlife-central. The bars dot the harbour and offer cool drinks to hot tourists. The discos and bars stay open late on the island, and parties can last until the sun comes up. For those looking for a bit of home away from home, there are also a number of British and Irish pubs located in the Corralejo. 



The name Fuerteventura has been taken to mean several things, including but not limited to ‘strong fortune’, ‘strong winds’ and ‘great adventure’. It sums up this rugged and rocky outpost of the Canaries rather well. It is an island full of adventure, of good times and natural beauty. There is no other island in the archipelago with more sandy beaches (150) and it enjoys around 3000 hours of sunshine a year. A hugely popular watersports destination, every July thousands of surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers flock to the island for the World Windsurfing Speed and Slalom event in Sotavento. To witness the volcanic landscapes and formations famous with other Canary Islands, Lanzarote is a short ferry ride away and is easily accessible for a day trip. Being a predominately rural island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, fish and shellfish features heavily on any menu. Sample local delicacies such as pejines (small fish) cooked in alcohol, grilled crab or mussels and queso majorero, the local goat’s cheese that is sought after both on the island and outside of the Canaries.
For active types, there are several mountain bike hire companies that’ll hook you up with a sturdy machine for negotiating fun country trails and tracks, the ideal way to work off all the delicious food you’ll enjoy. Experience one of the Canary Islands’ lesser-known gems in Fuerteventura. 

Key facts

  • Currency: EurosLanguage: SpanishApproximate flight time from the UK: 4 hoursTime zone: GMT +1

Great for

Seafood: Like other Canary Islands, gastronomic delights offered up in Fuerteventura are simple, dictated by what can be grown and farmed from the rugged land and sea, however they are delicious and always fresh. Savour tiny fish dried in the sun then baked, grilled or cooked in alcohol, generally served as a tapas snack in bars to pick at while drinking a beer. Devour papas arrugadas (steamed potatoes served with hot ‘mojo’ sauce), octopus and the freshest Atlantic lobster.
Geology: Fuerteventura is the oldest island in the Canary Islands, dating back 20 million years to the volcanic eruption that subsequently led to its creation. It has since been shaped by the strong Atlantic winds and waves, making for an enthralling landscape. Take a ferry over to nearby Lobos Island from Corralejo to enjoy the 130 plant species on display and the array of seabirds nestling in the rock formations. Relax on volcanic black sandy beaches that are a feature of Fuerteventura, a picture postcard of cultural heritage, environment and sustainability. Sports: There is a vast array of sporting activities for everyone to be enjoyed on the island. From deep-sea fishing to golf and everything in between, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to getting active. There’s even horse riding and off road motorbiking to get stuck into. And for a more sedate activity why not hire a sailing boat for the day and experience the island’s beautiful coastline from the Atlantic Ocean? Carnival: Almost every town or village on the island hosts its own carnival between the months of January and April. Cultural, music and sporting events are the mainstays, with processions of colourful floats filling the streets. Most of the events culminate in huge open-air parties that go on until dawn. Usually a tranquil island, Fuerteventura truly comes to life during Carnival time.



Montana De Tindaya

The oldest volcano in the Canary Islands, Tindaya was once considered sacred. Evidence for this can be found in the intricate carvings of feet etched into the smooth rock, said to ward off bad spirits. On a clear day it’s possible to see Mount Teide in the distance, Tenerife’s slightly higher equivalent. 

Baku Park

A water park located in Corralejo that also includes a haunted house and mini golf course, Baku is serious fun for all the family. Sales reps at the airport often give out promotional offers to disembarking passengers, meaning you can save money on the entrance fee. Hire a rubber ring and throw yourself down the water slides all day long.
Address: 41, Avda. Nstra. Sra. del Carmen, Corralejo, 35660, La Oliva
Opening hours: March-November, 10.30am-5.30pm
Entry cost: 25 € (20 € after 3PM), 19 € for children
Website: ffuerteventura.com/baku-park

Parque Natural De Corralejo

An epic 11km-long stretch of white sand dunes, the Parque Natural is constantly changing shape and form as the Atlantic wind blows in from the West. Seek shelter at the natural windbreaks built out of large rocks by locals. A majestic, unspoilt part of the island that really allows you to get away from it all.
Address: La Oliva, Las Palmas, Spain
Opening hours: Open all day, every day

Puerto del Rosario Sculpture Park

The town of Puerto del Rosario itself is an open-air sculpture park with over 50 statues on display. Conceived of by a selection of local artists, entered as part of a yearly competition, the sculptures are a joy to behold. They can be found by the side of roads, under trees, at roundabouts or down by the waterfront. It adds an element of surprise to any stroll through the town.
Opening hours: Open all day, every day

