Fuerteventura is one of the Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean and is part of the North Africa region, politically part of Spain. At 1,659.74 square kilometres, it is the second largest of the Canary Islands, after Tenerife. As at the start of 2019, Fuerteventura had 116,886 inhabitants. It was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in May 2009. Its capital is Puerto del Rosario.
20 pictures of Fuerteventura from Christoffer Engström, Jill Heyer, Sonnie Hiles and other travelers
To get to Fuerteventura, you can fly into the island's only airport, Fuerteventura Airport (FUE), located near the capital, Puerto del Rosario. There are direct flights from many European cities, or you can take a connecting flight from mainland Spain. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the neighboring Canary Islands, such as Gran Canaria or Lanzarote.
It's a good idea to book your accommodation, car rental, and any popular attractions or tours in advance, especially during high season (June to September). Some popular activities that may require advance booking include boat trips, guided tours of the island's volcanic landscapes, and water sports lessons or equipment rentals.
The costs in Fuerteventura are generally affordable, with budget accommodations starting from €30 per night, and mid-range options averaging €50-€80 per night. Meals at local restaurants typically cost €10-€20 per person, while entrance fees for attractions and tours can range from €10 to €50.
Some of the best things to do in Fuerteventura include:
1. Relaxing on the stunning beaches, such as Corralejo, Costa Calma, and Cofete.
2. Exploring the unique landscapes of the Corralejo Natural Park and the Ajuy Caves.
3. Enjoying water sports like windsurfing, kiteboarding, and scuba diving.
4. Visiting the charming villages of Betancuria and El Cotillo.
5. Learning about the island's history at the Ecomuseum La Alcogida and the Salt Museum.
For delicious local cuisine, try Casa Santa Maria in Betancuria, which offers traditional Canarian dishes like "papas arrugadas" (wrinkled potatoes) and "almogrote" (cheese spread). In Puerto del Rosario, El Bounty del Muelle is known for its fresh seafood and ocean views. For a budget-friendly option, grab a tasty "bocadillo" (sandwich) at El Caprichito in Corralejo.
When it comes to accommodation, you can choose from a variety of options to suit your budget and preferences. For a luxury stay, consider the Barceló Castillo Beach Resort in Caleta de Fuste, which offers beachfront access and a range of amenities. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, the Surfing Colors Apartments in Corralejo are a great choice, with a convenient location near the beach and town center. For something unique, consider a stay at the tranquil Agroturismo La Gayria, an 18th-century farmhouse converted into a charming rural hotel.
Off the beaten path:
For a truly unique experience, head to the Lobos Island, a small, uninhabited island just a short boat trip from Corralejo. This protected nature reserve is home to diverse wildlife, including rare bird species and the endangered monk seal. You can hike to the island's lighthouse, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or relax on the secluded beaches. As there are no facilities on the island, be sure to pack your own food, water, and sun protection.
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Visit Lobos Island on a boat cruise from the picturesque Corralejo on Fuerteventura. Discover an island which is a protected natural park and walk along its wonderful beaches and paths, accessible for everybody.
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Costa Calma is a beach holiday resort town in the Canarian island of Fuerteventura, Spain. It is part of the municipality Pájara, and has 5,670 inhabitants.
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Discover the island of Fuerteventura together with our guides. Get to know its magnificent places and gastronomy together with your loved ones. Fuerteventura is a fantastic island to discover and visit. During this 6.5h - 7h excursion, you will learn...
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El Cotillo is a coastal town in the municipality of la Oliva, located in the northern part of the island of Fuerteventura in the Province of Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain. It has a population of 1.312 residents.
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Cofete is a small village in the western part of the Jandía peninsula in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands. It is part of the municipality Pájara. It is situated in a nature reserve. The Villa Winter is situated on a mountain slope near Cofete.
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Grab a board and hit the water with this fun beginner's surfing course in the gorgeous beaches of Caleta de Fuste. If you are looking to start a great adventure with surfing, this is the right activity for you. Amanay Surf School aims to share ...
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Jandía is a peninsula in the southwestern part of the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. The peninsula is entirely in the municipality of Pájara.
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The Morro Jable Lighthouse is an active lighthouse on the Canary island of Fuerteventura. The lighthouse is situated at the edge of the beach near the town and resort of Morro Jable.
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Enjoy the stunning volcanic landscapes of Caleta de Fuste in this 1h SUP rental. Sail in Lanzarote with your family and friends! The calm waters of Caleta de Fuste are perfect for a Stand up paddle excursion. One of the most astonishing parts of the ...
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Corralejo is a town and resort located on the northern tip of Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands, facing the smaller islet of Lobos. It is in the municipality of La Oliva.
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Enjoy a fantastic day on board of an exclusive catamaran. Depart from Caleta de Fuste, hoist the sails and set course in the tropical waters of Fuerteventura. Caleta de Fuste, located on the east coast of the incredible island of Fuerteventura, gives...
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Fuerteventura is one of the seven islands of the Spanish archipelago of the Canaries. on the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Morocco, it is the closest to Africa, at about 100 km. Characterized by a desert landscape marked by dunes, it has been recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. Fuerteventura is certainly not limited to its seaside resorts.
The desert landscapes of Fuerteventura are irresistibly reminiscent of the American West. Its mountains dotted with windmills hide picturesque villages with white houses such as the old capitals Antigua, Pajara, and Betancuria, which have not changed since its foundation in the early fifteenth century. In the extreme north of the island, Corralejo is a small fishing town ideally located near a large beach of dunes, classified as a natural park, and facing the volcanic island of Los Lobos. This Saharan landscape is a reminder that the African coast are really close
Fuerteventura is known as one of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing spots in the world, thanks to the trade winds that blow constantly between April and October. Kite flyers will also be delighted. The famous beach of Jandia, in the southeast of the island, hosts the world championships in July and August. It stretches for almost 25 km from Morro Jable to Costa Calma.
Even if this island sticks to the image of dream vacations with the sea in the sun, conveyed by the Canaries, it would be a shame to stay on the beach. In the north of the island, its capital Puerto del Rosario is a lively port with preserved architecture where you can see several churches or classified chapels. If the main activity of the island revolves around tourism and seaside resorts, fishing and agriculture still exist and contribute to the economy and... to the landscape. You should also see the salt mines of Carmen and the salt museum, the natural park of Corralejo and its dunes, and especially the peninsula of Jandia where the island culminates at the top of Pico de la Zarza (807m). You can easily climb this peak to enjoy a 360° view of the island. The peninsula is home to a natural park and an old lighthouse that has become an interpretation center of the site. Do not miss either the historical village of Betancuria or the viewpoint of Morro de Vellosa and its giant statues of the Guanche kings.
Only 100 km from the African coast, Fuerteventura is reminiscent of its neighbor Lanzarote, only more colorful. Its multiple touches of color resemble a mosaic of spices, such as saffron, chili, and coriander. Here, there is no trace of the pine trees shrouded in mist or the mountain microclimates of Gran Canaria. Swept by the winds and darted by the sun, the island offers a striking spectacle. The Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre offers a panoramic view of this Martian landscape, so keep your eyes open.
Most visitors come here to enjoy the wind and waves rather than to appreciate its ruggedly beautiful desert landscape. The second-largest island of the archipelago (after Tenerife), Fuerteventura enjoys almost permanent sunshine (3,000 hours per year) and has the largest and most beautiful beaches in the Canaries. The island received the status of biosphere reserve from UNESCO in 2009.
The high season is from December to February. During this period, the accommodations are fully booked well in advance. The weather is a little cooler and windy, but still very pleasant.
In late spring (April and May), the weather is ideal, although the beaches are sometimes crowded at Easter.
July and August see an influx of Spanish vacationers, as well as families traveling with children. The temperature often exceeds 30°C, however, it is rarely sweltering. The world windsurfing championship is held in July.
Autumn is a great time for parties and festivals, including the International Kite Festival in Corralejo and the Fiesta de la Virgen del Rosario in the capital. The average daytime temperature is around 20°C, while the nights become progressively cooler.
Fuerteventura is known for its sand dunes, its beautiful beaches but also its deserted landscapes. It is an ideal island for board sports: surfing, kitesurfing, water-skiing... Its maximum altitude is 807 m, not much higher than the other Canary Islands. For all these reasons, Fuerteventura is a destination for those who love the beach, relaxation, beautiful landscapes and sun.
Lanzarote, on the other hand, is home to numerous volcanoes and national parks. Indeed, almost a quarter of the island is covered by lava. Hikers will be delighted on this island. Its maximum altitude is 671 metres, but the views are still spectacular!
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