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FUERTEVENTURA TRAVEL INFO
LANGUAGES | SPANISH (English and German are also widely spoken)
CURRENCY | EURO
POPULATION | 123,000 thousand people
INTERESTING FACT | Fuerteventura is the oldest Canary Island and the closest to Africa.
Maybe we’ll be one of the first to admit that as Brits, we are a little bit embarrassed of the reputation that precedes us when visiting the Canary Islands. As a destination, we had preconceived ideas that islands were full of rowdy, sunburnt Brits spending most of the day lying on a beach, worshipping the sun and enjoying several alcoholic beverages from dawn till dusk.
The Canary Islands have been a firm favourite with Brits as early as the 1890s and a large increase of tourists came in the 1960s following the introduction of affordable sunseeker holiday packages. In recent years, this has resulted in a negative response from locals who do not condone behaviour from visitors who lack respect for nature and those living on the islands, which we completely understand.
Taking into consideration our apprehension of visiting the Canary Islands, the reason we decided to plan a trip was for the incredible landscapes and nature, in the hopes of discovering another side of these islands that would challenge our preconceived ideas. For those fellow Brits looking to visit the Canary Islands this winter, we would encourage you to be considerate travellers, responsible in your actions and have respect for the locals who call these islands home.
As the days grow shorter and winter creeps in, our hearts ache for a boost of vitamin D to get us through seasonal depression, which affects 1 in 3 people in the UK. There are ways to help avoid seasonal depression with regular exercise, light therapy, counselling and getting outside.
Many Brits migrate south for some winter sun and a favourite is Fuerteventura, which is one of the less visited Canary Islands when compared to its popular cousins Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.
There are still some hidden gems in the Canary Islands to escape the crowds and we often dream about the nearby island La Graciosa next to Lanzarote, an off-the-beaten-track paradise with golden sandy beaches and no high-rise hotels in sight!
Fuerteventura has a wild beauty, from fine sandy virgin beaches to volcanic landscapes and spectacular viewpoints, this island is a worthy contender for your winter sun fix. This ultimate guide will share with you places you must visit, the best activities in Fuerteventura, the best beaches and the best places to stay on the island.
Where is Fuerteventura?
Fuerteventura is located in the North Atlantic Ocean and is part of the group of Canary Islands, only 97 km from the northwest coast of Saharan Africa. Fuerteventura is nestled between Lanzarote and Gran Canaria and is the second-largest island of the Canary Islands.
The Canary Islands are geographically part of the African continent and identify as an autonomous region of Spain which means it is mostly self-governed and part of the European Union. Fuerteventura is located in the eastern Canary Islands and has over 150 beaches!
What is Fuerteventura known for?
The name Fuerteventura is assumed to be a reference to the strong winds, fortune and adventure that are associated with the island. The Spanish words ‘fuerte’ translates to strong, and ‘ventura’ translates to fortune. The island was the first of the Canary Islands to be created by a volcanic eruption over 23 million years ago, making it the oldest of the group of islands.
The island of Fuerteventura is known for its expansive golden sand beaches, impressive sand dunes, star gazing and vibrant volcanic landscapes and as a result of the windy climate, it’s a great place for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
How to get to Fuerteventura?
BY PLANE
El Mattoral Airport (FUE) is the main airport in Fuerteventura, located 5km southwest of the capital Puerto del Rosario. From the UK, most airlines provide routes to Fuerteventura directly including Ryanair, Jet2, easyJet, TUI, British Airways and Wizz. We flew from Gatwick Airport to El Mattoral Airport and found affordable flights to Fuerteventura which takes around 3 hours 40 minutes.
BY FERRY
Currently, there is a ferry route from Cadiz, Spain to Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura which operates weekly and takes a total journey time of 30 hours.
How to get around Fuerteventura?
BY CAR
One of the best ways to get around the island is by renting a car, this will give you the ultimate freedom to explore Fuerteventura and discover off-the-beaten-track and remote areas away from the typical tourist areas. We use rentalcars.com to look for the best deals on renting a car in Europe, the cost of car rental is relatively affordable from as little as £15/€17 per day.
BY BUS
Another way to get around Fuerteventura is by bus, there is a local network which covers most of the island with a regular service that runs from El Cotillo in the north to Morro Jable in the south. Getting around Fuerteventura by bus is an affordable way to get around the island with also infrequent services to other remote locations including Cofete and Ajuy.
When is the best time to visit Fuerteventura?
Fuerteventura is a destination that is worth visiting throughout the year. Thanks to its subtropical climate the weather is warm, with sunny spells from summer to winter and can vary from month to month. June and August are the driest months with the least amount of rain.
The summer months from June until September are warm, with the highest temperatures from a daily low of 22°C to a maximum of 31°C. Whereas, in winter months from November to February temperatures range from a daily minimum of 15°C to a maximum of 22°C.
As a result of the mild weather across the year, this means that there is no particular off-peak season. The quieter months are usually from May to October when most travellers from Northern Europe are exploring Western Europe and can provide a welcome escape from the summer heat in Western Europe.
The winter months are a popular time to visit, supplying sunshine for the entire year makes Fuerteventura a wonderful winter sun getaway. There are a total of 3,000 sunshine hours a year and the wettest months are December and January. The best chances for low rainfall and warmer temperatures are from February to November making the best time to visit in late spring or autumn.
An easy way to check the weather whilst you are on the island is online webcams on Fuerteventura to see which parts of the island have the best conditions including the best waves for surfing and windsurfing.
What to take with you when visiting Fuerteventura?
As a year-round destination, this can make packing relatively straightforward, but to help you decide what to bring we’ve put together some of the essentials not to forget on your trip to Fuerteventura.
Sun cream
Quick drying beach towel
Good quality UV protection sunglasses
Warm layers of clothes for windy weather
Hat
Re-usable water bottle
Swimwear
Trainers
Sandals
the Best Things to do in Fuerteventura
Playa de Cofete
One of the main reasons we chose Fuerteventura over other nearby Canary Islands was to see the wonderful beaches on the island and in particular, Playa de Cofete. We were determined to discover this remote, virgin beach for ourselves.
Playa de Cofete is located in the southern part of Fuerteventura and takes around 1 hour to drive from Morro Jable. We would not recommend driving along these roads at night, if you plan to visit at sunset you will need to consider whether you would want to take the risk of driving back in the dark.
The drive to Playa de Cofete is all part of the adventure, access is via a dirt and gravel track that takes you up into the Jandía mountains and it is possible to get there in a small car with decent ground clearance, an SUV is not necessary. Make sure to stop at the magnificent viewpoint of Mirador de Cofete for your first glimpse of Cofete.
The road can feel quite exposed in places, with steep drops to one side, which makes it preferable to have experience driving along mountain roads or just make sure to drive slowly anticipating traffic that could be coming from the opposite direction and potential potholes.
Before you reach the beach there is a track to the right which takes you to Villa Winter, but you’ll want to continue left towards Cofete Beach. Villa Winter has an intriguing past which you can visit in return for a small tip where you can explore the inside of the mansion and use your imagination to determine the use of this mysterious villa, many speculate it was used as a secret hideout for Nazi leaders in WWII.
There is parking opposite the cemetery which gives direct access to the Cofete beach. The beautiful golden sandy beach is set against a wall of mountains in Jandía Natural Park. Sit on the beach and watch the rolling waves crash against the shore. There are strong currents which makes it not suitable for swimming, but perfect for sunbathing and going for a dip.
Jandía Natural Park
The Natural Park of Jandía is the largest protected area on Fuerteventura, with sand dunes, mountains, and beautiful beaches including Cofete. The volcanic landscape and scrubland provide the perfect habitat for plants and animals to thrive, including endemic species such as a Chalcides lizard only found on Fuerteventura.
The Nature Park is abundant in wildlife such as birds and even turtles nest on the beach and can sometimes be found on the beach. In Morro Jable, there is the Morro Jable Sea Turtle Recovery and Conservation Center where turtles are cared for and are on occasion released on Cofete Beach.
Climb the tallest mountain of Pico de la Zarza at over 800 metres tall and is the highest point on the island of Fuerteventura. Reach the summit of Pico de la Zarza for spectacular views across the Jandía Peninsula, you’ll be standing ontop of the volcano which created Fuerteventura over 20 million years ago.
Morro Jable
A town on the south coast of Fuerteventura, Morro Jable is known for its beautiful beaches, walkways, lighthouse and charming streets in the old town centre. Walk along the seafront promenade past shops and restaurants to explore this quaint island town.
There is a wooden walkway to Morro Jable lighthouse, which was built in 1991 and stands at 59 metres. Playa del Matorral is a wonderful beach that is located opposite the town and offers plenty of golden sand crystal crystal-clear blue water. You’ll come across Barbary ground squirrels across the island which are very cute but make sure to not feed them!
Corralejo Natural Park
The Corralejo Sand Dunes are located in the northeast of the island, covering a large area next to the coastline and are well worth a visit. Designated as a protected natural park in 1994, the Corralejo Sand Dunes are the largest area of sand dunes in the Canary Islands.
Explore and marvel at this unique and epic landscape which makes you feel as though you’ve landed on a deserted island in the middle of nowhere. There are many ways to explore the dunes, either on foot, by bike or on an adrenaline-filled buggy tour.
Make sure to stop by Villaverde which is only a short 10-minute drive from Corralejo Sand Dunes, where you will discover a beautiful traditional windmill known as ‘Molinos de Villaverde’. This small town is a relaxing spot for lunch or dinner and a great place to base yourself on Fuerteventura.
Lobos Island Natural Park
A great day trip from Fuerteventura is Lobos Island, found on the north coast of the island and only accessible by boat. There are regular ferries which run from Corralejo and the journey takes around 15 minutes to reach the island. There is also the option to hire a private boat tour for the day to go at your own pace and can arrange your permits.
Access to the island is limited to 400 people per day and you will need to request a free permit up to five days before visiting Lobos Island which can be obtained on the official website and allows you to visit for a total of four hours, either 10am to 2pm and 2pm to 6pm.
Lobos Island Natural Park is a Biosphere Reserve and is rich in biodiversity and is surrounded by an underwater nature reserve. The island is uninhabited with beautiful, unspoilt beaches, coves, a volcano caldera, a lighthouse and a Roman settlement.
Whilst exploring Lobos, you must follow the trails around the island and not enter restricted sections which are clearly marked.
Playa de Sotavento
Sotavento Beach is an astonishing 5km long stretch of golden sand that runs along the southwest coast of Fuerteventura. It is a fantastic location for windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing with strong consistent winds.
When we visited there were small patches of grass that provided a nice shelter from these winds to sunbathe and escape the relentless winds. The beach is a well-known spot for nudists and the beach is suitable for a swim to cool down from the heat.
Aguas Verdes rock pools
The rock pools of Aguas Verdes in Fuerteventura are located on the west coast of the island next to Playa del Valle, a beautiful black sand beach.
To get to the rock pools you will drive from the nearest town Llanos de la Concepción and make sure to visit just a few hours before low tide. Check the tide times online before visiting Aguas Verdes rock pools to ensure you visit at the right time and don’t get cut off from the incoming tide.
The natural pools are located just north and south of the beach, a short walk from the beach and it is worthwhile wearing good footwear to protect your feet from the sharp volcanic rocks.
Betancuria
Wander the beautiful cobblestone streets of one of the oldest towns in Fuerteventura. Located in the heart of the island, Betancuria was the former capital of the island until 1834. Betancuria is a picturesque, quaint town where you’ll discover a number of religious sites and buildings including; the church of Santa María de la Concepción and the old convent of San Buenaventura.
There are a number of shops and restaurants to choose from, we would recommend La Sombra restaurant which serves Mediterranean cuisine and is set within a lovely setting in a lush garden full of flowers and plants making it an ideal spot to escape the midday heat.
Mirador Sicasumbre
Driving up to the Sicasumbre observation point is a journey in itself and the only way to access is to either drive or cycle (if you like hills) up mountain roads to this incredible viewpoint which is well worth the effort.
During the day you’ll have wonderful panoramic views across the island surrounded by a copper-coloured, Mars-like landscape and to the south you’ll look towards Cardon Mountain Natural Monument.
On a clear night, Sicasumbre is a great spot to star gaze and see the Milky Way and is a well-known astronomical observatory location. The observatory point is a few hundred metres from the car park and it’s worthwhile to bring a torch to find your way in the dark.
Where to stay on Fuerteventura
There is a selection of hotels, self-accommodation apartments and villas to choose from when staying on Fuerteventura. We’ve put together a list of places to stay that are budget-friendly to all-inclusive adult-only resorts, depending on what you’re looking for.
Iberostar Playa Graviotas 4*
Located on the south side of Fuerteventura, Iberostar Playa Graviotas is situated on the beachfront with wonderful sea views and close to Morro Jable. A family-friendly resort with facilities including tennis courts, outdoor pools, complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, all-inclusive buffet restaurants and bars, a spa, lounging areas and direct beach access.
There is the option to upgrade to the luxury Star Prestige room which grants access to exclusive adult-only areas within the hotel. These exclusive areas include facilities such as an infinity pool, sun terrace with sun loungers, chill-out area, VIP room and complimentary drinks and snacks.
IBEROSTAR SELECTION FUERTEVENTURA PALACE 5*
Previously a 5 star adult-only hotel on Fuerteventura, Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace is located next to Iberostar Playa Graviotas set overlooking the pristine sandy expanse of Janía Beach and close to Morro Jable.
This exclusive 5 star hotel includes luxury facilities that are designed with couples in mind, with scenic outdoor pools, direct beach access, and spacious rooms with sea views.
There is a spa with services such as personal treatments, sauna, hydro-pool, jet shower and steam room making it the perfect place to relax. We experienced the à la carte Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant where the food is cooked in front of your eyes and is an entertaining experience.
Self-Catering accommodation
Fuerteventura Villas - Ecovilla Haleakala Private Pool
A beautiful Eco villa in Villaverde, located in the northeast of Fuerteventura this villa features a private pool with sunloungers, mountain views and a wonderful outdoor dining area. There are a total of 3 bedrooms, a perfect size for a family or group of friends to enjoy together.
The stone-clad villa is set against a mountain backdrop and is located close to the Corralejo Natural Park and benefits from wonderful sea views. The villa is equipped with a kitchen, washing machine, fridge, TV, free Wi-Fi and towels.
CASA LA BOCAINA
Also located in Villaverde, Casa La Bocaina is a beautiful modern private villa with panoramic views of mountains and ocean. Tastefully decorated with mostly natural elements, inspired by its surroundings this villa has a lovely outdoor seating area, modern facilities and floor-to-ceiling windows making the most of bringing the outdoors inside.
The villa benefits from a decent-sized kitchen with a large fridge, microwave, coffee maker and dishwasher. It is ideal for couples with only one bedroom and a beautiful outdoor garden. Casa La Bocaina is located in an ideal spot on the island in Villaverde, close to nearby shops and only a short 20-minute drive to Corralejo Sand Dunes.
Casa Domingo
A budget-friendly option from £69 per night is Casa Domingo, located in Villaverde this villa has two light and airy bedrooms, a spacious kitchen dining area, a cosy lounge with tv, a bathroom and a terrace looking out towards the mountains.
CASA CABRA
A stunning villa also located in Villaverde, Casa Cabra has 3 bedrooms, a stunning outdoor pool with sun loungers, a cosy lounge, two bathrooms, a spacious kitchen, a dining table, an outdoor shower, private parking and free Wi-Fi.
The villa costs around £200 per night and is an ideal place for a family or group of friends wanting to enjoy Fuerteventura together.
