Escape to Fuerteventura: Discover the Island's Best-Kept Secrets
The paradise island of Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canary Islands and a Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy the immensity of its volcanic landscape and the purity of its beaches. Indulge in the multicultural environment and the diverse flora at Lajares. Discover the magnificent Corralejo Sand Dunes Nature Park, one of the top attractions on the island. Explore and take pictures of the historic ancient capital, Betancuria, or stroll down the streets of El Cotillo, a beautiful fishing village, before sampling the local food or simply enjoying stunning sunsets.
Corralejo Dunes Natural Park
The top attraction in northern Fuerteventura is the Corralejo Natural Park, featuring expansive dunes and endless sandy beaches that have made tourism a huge success in the local town. It's located across from Lanzarote, accessible by ferry in just 20 minutes, and the nearby Lobos Island boasts a diverse range of wildlife and plant life.
Calderón Hondo
Calderón Hondo is a well-preserved volcano with a 70-meter-deep crater. The 5 km circular hiking route begins and ends in Lajares, La Oliva. It takes about an hour to complete and offers impressive views of northern Fuerteventura, southern Lanzarote, and the malpaís created by the volcano's eruption.
Isla de Lobos
A small 4.5 square kilometers island located opposite Corralejo, taking its name from the colony of monk seals that lived here not so long ago. It is now a nature reserve run by the Ministry of Environment. Access is forbidden without a special permit, granting access to the island for 4 hours max. Overnight stays are not permitted in Isla de Lobos.
Betancuria
This was the first island capital, founded in 1404. Stroll through the streets and discover the heritage declared a Historic-Artistic Grouping Site and step back in time, taking in every last detail of the ancient buildings.
Bask in the Beauty of Fuerteventura's Beaches
Known for its stunning coastline, Fuerteventura boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands. From wide sandy stretches to hidden coves, there's a beach to suit every taste and mood. Whether you're looking to relax and soak up the sun, or enjoy some exciting water sports, Fuerteventura's beaches have something to offer everyone.
Sotavento
Consisting of five beaches (La Barca, Risco del Paso, Mirador, Malnombre and Los Canarios) that can be crossed freely at low tide. The Sotavento coast is an endless, extensive stretch of white sand, bathed by clear, turquoise waters. One of these beaches features a beautiful shallow lagoon formed when surrounded by a sand bar, ideal for those trying windsurfing for the first time.
Cofete
One of Canary Islands' wildest beaches, with less urban development and larger dimensions. Located in the north of the Jandía peninsula, in the south of Fuerteventura, Cofete boasts endless golden sand, turbulent waters and a complete sense of freedom. It stands out for its 12 kilometers of beach, lack of buildings and absence of paved roads.
Great beaches in Corralejo
Very close to the Corralejo tourist hub, in the northeast of the island of Fuerteventura, are the Great Beaches of Corralejo: nine kilometers of paradisiacal beaches bordered by the Corralejo Dunes, the largest of their kind in the Canary Islands. This is where turquoise waters caress a coastline covered by jable sand, a type of white sand formed naturally when seashells are eroded.
Costa Calma
Very close to the village of La Lajita, in the south of Fuerteventura, is the beach of Costa Calma, a 2 km touristy beach with white sand and refreshing turquoise water. Its dreamlike shoreline invites visitors to walk along a quiet promenade with stunning views over the coastline full of ochre mountains, softened by erosion.
La Concha
The beaches of fishing village of El Cotillo lie in the northwest of the island of Fuerteventura. They stretch north like a series of white sand coves and calm turquoise waters. Its proximity to the village provides the opportunity to enjoy, a majestic sunset on a terrace, where visitors can enjoy watching the sky changing from ochre to violet in just a few minutes.
The island's cultural heritage
Tindaya Mountain
This mountain has a significant cultural and spiritual significance for the indigenous people of Fuerteventura, and there are many legends and stories surrounding it. The mountain has ancient carvings and inscriptions that have yet to be deciphered, and it is considered a sacred site.
Casa de los Coroneles
Located in La Oliva, this 18th-century building was once the residence of the island's military governors, known as "coroneles." The building is now a cultural center and museum that showcases the history and architecture of the island.
Iglesia Catedral de Santa María de Betancuria
This 17th-century cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in Fuerteventura and is located in the historic town of Betancuria. The cathedral has beautiful architecture and art, including a unique wooden altar.
Biosphere Reserve
Fuerteventura was named a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in May 2009. The reserve covers a total area of 352.813 hectares and is the largest in the Canary Islands.
Fuerteventura has 13 natural environments declared places of special interest and 9 special bird protection reserves. The island has a wide range of ecosystems ranging from desert and semi-desert areas to coastal and marine habitats.
Its natural, marine, cultural, ethnological, environmental and geological values led to the island being named a Biosphere Reserve, a recognition of its commitment to renewable energies, good water management and responsible fishing and hunting.
Fuerteventura is the oldest of the Canary Islands and has extensive natural wealth that emerges from the aridity and the presence of a rich and diverse marine environment. Its strong island personality translates into a cultural heritage rich in customs and traditions.
Gastronomy
If there is one culinary delight that stands out in Fuerteventura, it is cheese. The “Queso Majorero” is one of the three Controlled Designation of Origin of the Canary Islands. This highly traditional product stands out in the archipelago, particularly in Fuerteventura.
The Canary Islands' magnificent climate is perfect for growing fruit and vegetables, which feature in most local dishes, and are also protected under Controlled Designation of Origin. One example is the ancient local potatoes, including the prized black ones.
The mild Canarian climate is also great for growing exotic fruit like papaya, mango, pineapple, avocado and, of course, the popular local bananas. This is the only type of banana to be awarded European recognition as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).
Water Sports
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are the island's most popular water sports. Amateurs and top-level professionals flock to Fuerteventura to enjoy the island's unbeatable conditions and take to the waves, challenging the wind all year round. For those who have always dreamed of feeling the thrill of jumping on a board and heading to the sea, look no further.
And that's not all. Adrenaline junkies can also enjoy trekking, climbing, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, paddle surfing, wing foiling and many other sports in this wonderful active paradise.