Peaceful Fuerteventura offers the best of the Canary Islands, from local delights in every town to stunning beaches and volcanic landscapes. Find out what’s worth seeing on your first visit with this guide to our favourite places in Fuerteventura.
Why is Fuerteventura a perfect holiday destination?
Blessed by the Saharan sun, the Fuerteventura weather shouts ‘holiday!’ all year round. And with so much to see and do, that’s great news! Divine beaches, awesome surf, exciting water sports, pretty harbours and dramatic scenery are among the top attractions of this laid-back destination. Book your Fuerteventura holidays with Thomas Cook, take your pick from our hit list – and find your ultimate Fuerteventura beach.
What are the best places to visit in Fuerteventura?
The island is home to everything from quiet fishing villages and surfing spots like El Cotillo to vibrant resorts like Corralejo. So, whatever you’re into, you’ll find all sorts of things to do in Fuerteventura. And it’s easy to explore, too – especially as most areas are featured in holiday packages available from brands like Thomas Cook. Here’s our take on the best of what to see in Fuerteventura!
Corralejo – The lively north coast hub
Whether you’re unwinding on the mega-long beach, splashing at Acua Water Park or discovering the Old Town, there are lots of things to do in Corralejo, Fuerteventura’s biggest beach resort.
Corralejo Beach: Known as the Grandes Playas, 9 whopping kilometres of sand stretch from the seafront to the famous dunes. Pitch up on bustling Bajo Negro, find a quieter spot along Playa del Moro, or dive into the water sports of El Medano.
Parque Natural de Corralejo: Home of the Corralejo sand dunes, this desertscape sits just outside the town, next to the Playa Park Corralejo hotel. It’s scenic, open and free to visit – but go prepared with everything you need, including shade!
Corralejo Old Town: In Old Town Corralejo, Fuerteventura has a real gem. Uncover the 19th-century fishing village, with its traditional white houses, narrow streets, tempting shops – and some of the best Corralejo restaurants.
Acua Water Park Corralejo: Fuerteventura’s water park is not just for families! Ride the fast river, face the Kamikaze, brave the zig-zag slides and plunge from the castle jump.
Los Lobos Island: Uninhabited and only 15 minutes by ferry, this little island is great for hiking, snorkelling and lazing. Pack a picnic, take plenty of drinks and wear comfy shoes for the rocky terrain.
Corralejo nightlife: Make your way to Plaza Felix Estevez (aka Music Square) for mingling, cocktails and dancing. For music on the sand, Waikiki Beach Corralejo is the best beach club in town. Or, try the friendly surfer bars and Old Town tapas restaurants.
Caleta de Fuste – Family-friendly and relaxing
If you’re searching for relaxation with all the perks of a popular beach resort, pick Caleta de Fuste (aka Costa Caleta). It’s loved by families and couples, and you’ll feel comfortable travelling solo here, too. From the beach to El Castillo, here are our top things to do in Caleta de Fuste.
Caleta de Fuste beach: The wide Playa del Castillo beach is known for its golden sands, good facilities and safe swimming. Or, follow the prom to La Guirra beach, next to Fuerteventura Golf Club.
Castillo Caleta de Fuste: A great place to take in the view. This 18th-century watchtower gives the resort its alternative name of Castillo, and the main beach is named after it, too.
Day at the waterpark: While there’s no Caleta de Fuste waterpark, you can easily get to Corralejo’s Acua Water Park from here (35 minutes by car, or an hour by bus).
Shops & markets: Atlantico is the most popular mall, while El Castillo shopping centre has a high-street feel. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, browse the 200 stalls of lively Caleta de Fuste market.
Costa Calma – Tranquillity meets adventure
Peaceful and scenic, Costa Calma pulls in beach lovers and wind sports fans alike – it’s the closest resort to the world-famous Playa de Sotavento. The main draw is the sea, sand and chill vibe, and the types of things to do in Costa Calma follow suit.
Costa Calma Beach: 2km long, this is a popular spot for sunbathing, safe swimming, and watersports. At its southern end, it meets the quieter Playa de Esmeralda.
Playa de Sotavento: Just south of Costa Calma, Sotavento beach is one of THE best places for windsurfing and kitesurfing in the Canaries. It’s also ideal for alone time, with miles of uncrowded white sand.
Costa Calma nightlife: Perfect for couples and solo adventurers, evenings in Costa Calma centre on dining out, followed by casual drinks in a welcoming bar or laid-back club.
Morro Jable – Explore the south and Playa de Cofete
With a relaxed mood, wide sandy beaches and sea-view prom, there’s a lot to love about this southern beach resort. You can even take the ferry to Gran Canaria – one of our favourite things to do in Morro Jable.
Playa de Matorral: Gloriously wide and very long, with a row of shops, bars and restaurants just behind the sand, plus a lighthouse overlooking it all, Morro Jable beach will be the focus of your holiday here.
Playa de Cofete: Blissfully remote, you can only get to this untamed beach via a rough mountain road, so buckle up for an adventurous day out on a 4×4 trip from Morro Jable.
Morro Jable Old Town: Prepare to be charmed by the narrow streets and traditional houses of the original fishing village! Check out the seafood restaurants, tapas joints, and panoramic views from the Mirador.
El Cotillo – Surf town with wild beauty
El Cotillo Fuerteventura is blessed with a surfer vibe, tasty seafood spots, and sunset views. It’s a magnet for total escapism, with untouched nature and no crowds.
La Concha beach: This is the best El Cotillo beach for combining tranquillity and convenience. It’s the closest cove to the resort centre, and protected by a reef, calming the waves for more gentle swimming. Check out the rock pools at low tide!
Surfing: Surfers have been coming to El Cotillo for years, shaping the laid-back tone of this north-west resort. Thanks to its array of beaches and breaks, rentals and surf schools, it’s the best surf spot in the Canaries.
Puerto del Rosario – The capital city
Fuerteventura’s capital, Puerto del Rosario may not be a major tourist spot but it is a lovely place for a day trip, with bus routes from around the island. Discover culture, art installations and some great shopping.
Explore the seafront: With two beaches and a bustling harbour, this is one of the top things to do in Puerto del Rosario. Go barefoot on the sand, follow the coast path to secluded Playa Blanca, see the old lime kilns, and visit Fuerteventura’s oldest port.
The Old Town: Narrow streets, typical Canarian buildings – you know the drill! Right behind the harbour, this part of the city dates back to its days as a fishing village.
Culture hit list: Look out for incredible murals and sculptures around the city. Visit Casa de la Cultura for creative workshops and exhibitions. And take a peek inside the Miguel de Unamuno Museum.
Betancuria – Step back in time
Incredibly pretty and surrounded by mountains, Betancuria was once the island’s capital. Dating back to the 1400s, it’s tiny but jammed with history. Hire a car to get there (approx 50 minutes from Corralejo) – the drive inland is worth it to see one of Spain’s most picturesque towns and explore Betancuria Natural Park.
Fuerteventura Archaeological Museum: A treasure trove of information and artefacts, this is the best place to learn about the island’s original settlers – the Mahos. Open Tues-Sat.
Church of Santa Maria: Postcard-perfect from its belfry to its intricate wooden ceiling, this is Fuerteventura’s oldest church.
San Buenvantura Convent: Wander around the idyllic ruins of this 15th-century convent for a look into the island’s past.
Betancuria Natural Park: Offering scenic drives, hiking trails and jaw-dropping views, Parque Rural de Betancuria is the best place to enjoy Fuerteventura’s rugged beauty. You’ll pass through it on your way to the town.
Ajuy – A dramatic coastal gem
We’ve mentioned several of Fuerteventura’s wilder places so far, but none quite like Ajuy. Come here for the drama of black sands and impressive sea caves! Perfect for photographers, romantics, explorers, short breakers, and anyone with a yearning for feral coastal scenery.
Ajuy beach: Absolutely stunning, this west coast beach is known for its soft black sands framed by the striking blue sea, and its location near the Ajuy Caves. Give yourself time to look around sweet little Ajuy village, too, home to fishing families across the centuries.
Ajuy Caves: One of Fuerteventura’s best natural attractions, these ancient lava tunnels are free to enter. To get there, follow the clifftop path from the beach. Be prepared for rough, rocky ground and lots of steps!