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Fuerteventura is the second-largest Canary Island and offers far more than just beaches, though with over 150km of coastline and some of the finest sand in the Atlantic, beaches are certainly the headliner. The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with volcanic landscapes, sand dunes, and a rich cultural heritage centered around the former capital of Betancuria. Water sports dominate the activity scene, but inland you will find hiking trails through ancient volcanoes, goat farms producing prize-winning cheese, and small whitewashed villages that feel a world away from the resort strips. For help choosing the right base, see our neighborhood guide guide. For more, see our travel tips and FAQ.
Things to Do in Fuerteventura: Beaches and Natural Wonders
Corralejo Dunes Natural Park (Parque Natural de Corralejo)
A 2,600-hectare expanse of rolling sand dunes on the northeast coast, the Corralejo Dunes are the island’s most photographed landscape. The dunes stretch for 10km along the coast and are flanked by turquoise water and the silhouettes of Lobos Island and Lanzarote on the horizon. You can walk through the dunes on unmarked trails, drive the FV-1 coastal road that cuts through the park, or access several beaches including the popular Grandes Playas. There is no entrance fee. The best light for photography is the hour before sunset when the sand takes on golden hues. Park at the Hotel Riu Oliva Beach end for the most dramatic dune formations. Wind can be strong; bring sunglasses and a hat that will stay on. For more details, check our events and festivals.
Isla de Lobos
A small uninhabited island just 2km off Corralejo, Lobos is a protected nature reserve accessible by a 15-minute ferry from Corralejo harbour (round-trip tickets cost roughly 15 euros per adult, available at the pier kiosks without advance booking). The island has walking trails, a volcanic cone (Montaña La Caldera, 127m), saltwater lagoons, and Playa de la Concha, a sheltered beach with calm shallow water ideal for swimming. You need a free permit to visit, obtainable online from the Cabildo de Fuerteventura website at least 48 hours in advance. The permit caps daily visitors at 200 people. Bring water and food; there is only one small restaurant near the dock. The ferry runs roughly every 30 minutes in high season, less frequently in winter. For more details, check our best time to visit Fuerteventura.
Sotavento Beach and Lagoon
Stretching for 9km along the southeastern coast near Costa Calma, Sotavento is actually a series of connected beaches (Barca, Risco del Paso, Mirador, Malnombre, Los Canarios) separated by low rocky headlands. At low tide, a massive shallow lagoon forms at Risco del Paso, creating a natural flat-water arena that hosts the Fuerteventura Kiteboarding World Cup. The beach is wide, the sand is white-gold, and the water is generally calmer than the north coast thanks to the JandÃa peninsula blocking the strongest swells. Free parking is available at several access points. There are no facilities on the beach itself; bring everything you need. The nearest restaurants and shops are a 5 to 10-minute drive back in Costa Calma.
Cofete Beach
If you are willing to brave a rough gravel track, Cofete on the remote western shore of the JandÃa peninsula is arguably the most dramatic beach in the Canary Islands. It is a 12km arc of wild, windswept sand backed by the JandÃa mountains, with no development beyond a handful of simple fish restaurants and the mysterious Villa Winter (a reputed Nazi-era structure). The access road from Morro Jable takes 45 minutes of careful driving on unpaved surfaces; a 4×4 is recommended but careful drivers manage in standard rental cars. The waves and currents are dangerous for swimming, so this is a walking and photography destination, not a swimming beach. There are no services. Mobile reception is patchy. Fill your tank and bring everything you need for the day.
Things to Do in Fuerteventura: Inland and Cultural
Betancuria
The island’s former capital (founded 1404) sits in a green valley in the interior, a striking contrast to the arid coastline. The village has cobblestone streets, the Iglesia-Catedral de Santa MarÃa de Betancuria (built 1620, free entry, open Monday through Saturday 10am to 4pm), and the Museo de Betancuria (entry 2 euros) with exhibits on the island’s pre-Hispanic Guanche culture and colonial history. There are several small restaurants serving majorero cuisine including goat stew (cabrito) and local cheese. Betancuria is a 30-minute drive from the east coast resorts via the FV-30 road. Combine with a visit to the Mirador de Morro Velosa viewpoint (designed by César Manrique, free entry) for panoramic views across the island’s volcanic interior.
Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura
Located near La Lajita on the southeast coast, this 800,000-square-metre zoological and botanical park is the largest animal park in the Canary Islands. It houses over 3,000 animals including lemurs, elephants, giraffes, and a large collection of reptiles. There is a camel riding experience (the island’s traditional beasts of burden) and a sea lion show. Adult tickets cost roughly 38 euros when booked online, 42 euros at the gate. Children aged 4 to 11 pay about 25 euros. Opening hours are 9am to 5pm in winter and 9am to 6pm in summer. Allow at least 4 hours for a full visit. The on-site cafeteria is adequate but pricey; many visitors bring a picnic.
Ajuy Caves and Black Sand Beach
On the remote west coast, the fishing village of Ajuy has a striking black volcanic sand beach and sea caves that were carved by Atlantic waves into the limestone cliffs. A short signed walking trail from the village leads to the caves, which take about 20 minutes to explore. The cliffs above the caves are a Site of Scientific Interest with fossil dunes and ancient marine deposits dating back to the Cretaceous period. The village has a handful of seafood restaurants right on the beach serving fresh-caught fish. The drive from the east coast takes roughly 50 minutes via the FV-30 and FV-605. Combine with a visit to the nearby village of Pájara with its ornate church.
Things to Do in Fuerteventura: Water Sports
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
Fuerteventura is one of the top three wind sports destinations in Europe alongside Tarifa (Spain) and Maui (Hawaii). Flag Beach in Corralejo has several rental centers and IKO-certified schools with beginner courses starting around 70 to 90 euros for a 3-hour group session. Sotavento in Costa Calma is the competition hub with the René Egli Centre, one of the world’s best-equipped wind sports schools offering 1-on-1 coaching for all levels. Equipment rental runs roughly 50 to 70 euros per day for a complete windsurf or kite setup. The best conditions are from March through August when the trade winds blow at 20 to 35 km/h. For a detailed look at wind patterns, Fuerteventura weather by month has the monthly wind data.
Surfing
The north shore around Corralejo and El Cotillo has several consistent reef and beach breaks. The most reliable spots are El Hierro (right-hand reef break, intermediate to advanced), El Burro (beach break, beginner-friendly), and Rocky Point (right-hand point break, intermediate). Winter (November through March) brings the biggest swells, while summer is smaller and better suited to beginners. Several surf schools in Corralejo offer 4-hour group lessons for around 45 euros with board and wetsuit included. Water temperatures of 18 to 23°C mean a 3/2mm wetsuit is enough year-round. The prevailing wind is offshore at most north shore spots in the morning, switching to sideshore by midday.
Diving and Snorkeling
The waters around Fuerteventura have visibility of 20 to 30 metres on good days, with underwater volcanic formations, caves, and marine life including angel sharks, rays, barracuda, and occasional sea turtles. The best dive sites are around Lobos Island and the Veril Grande reef off Corralejo. Several PADI-certified dive centres in Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste, and Morro Jable offer guided dives from roughly 45 euros per single dive including equipment. Discover Scuba Diving introductory sessions (no certification needed) run about 80 euros. For snorkeling, Playa de la Concha on Lobos Island has the clearest water and most accessible marine life in shallow depths. Also see our where to stay.
