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Fuerteventura

10 things to do in Fuerteventura

By Eddi Fiegel

4 July 2019 | Updated 20 February 20247 min read

Sotavento Beach in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain

It’s warm, it has virtually year-round sunshine and there are miles and miles of stunning beaches. What is this magical place? It’s Fuerteventura, just a few hours away from the UK.

Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled family holiday, a surfing adventure or simply to laze away your days on the sand, you’ll find there’s plenty to entertain all types of traveller on this Canary Island. Here’s ten of the best things to do on your next holiday to Fuerteventura.

1. Sink your toes into sand dunes at Corralejo

An aerial view of Corralejo beach and National Park in FuerteventuraAn aerial view of Corralejo beach and National Park in Fuerteventura

The harbour town of Corralejo is one of the main resorts on the island, and just to the south you’ll find some of the most stunning sand dunes in Europe. With over 9.5km (6 miles) of protected, sloping, white sand, this is the kind of landscape you never imagine you’d find so close to home.

However, you’ve also got the glimmering ocean alongside you, with fantastic views across to Lanzarote and Los Lobos island. Lie back and luxuriate in the silky sand, and pack a picnic if you’re coming for the day as this is a highly protected National Park and there are no beach bars or restaurants around.

If you’re feeling active, the strong wind breaks make this a great place for windsurfing, surfing and kitesurfing, and there are plenty of companies offering all three throughout the island. In Corralejo try Flag Beach or surf school Homegrown. Alternatively, take to the dunes on a 4x4 adventure*.

Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort

  • Corralejo, Fuerteventura, Spain
  • 15 November 2025
  • All-inclusive
  • Manchester

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£614 pp
View deal

2. Watch the sunset as you tuck into fresh fish

A sunset view of El Cotillo beach in FuerteventuraA sunset view of El Cotillo beach in Fuerteventura

As you might expect of an island, Fuerteventura has no shortage of great fish and seafood restaurants. At La Vaca Azul (The Blue Cow), in the coastal town of El Cotillo you can watch the sun set over the beach whilst tucking into super-fresh fish and seafood.

Don’t miss the John Dory and octopus, which is simply but superbly grilled or baked. Many of the restaurants in the main resorts are geared towards tourists, with prices to match, but this one is amazingly reasonable. Alternatively, try Gregorio El Pescador in Corralejo for equally good fish and paellas.

3. Visit the mountaintop village of Betancuria

Betancuria village and cathedral in FuerteventuraBetancuria village and cathedral in Fuerteventura

In the midst of a valley filled with lush palm trees and terracotta-coloured mountains, the sleepy whitewashed village of Betancuria is a great place to while away the afternoon. The settlement dates back to the 15th century when it was Fuerteventura’s capital, and there are panoramic views across the island.

The village’s grandiose church has a Baroque altarpiece and there are also high quality craft shops and some great places to eat. Restaurante Casa Santa Maria, in a restored 17th century farmhouse is one of the best, not just in the village but on the whole island. Sit in the tropical garden or one of the antique-filled dining rooms and enjoy braised kid and other local dishes.

4. Enjoy family fun at the Acua Water Park

A girl on a waterslide at a waterparkA girl on a waterslide at a waterpark

The Acua Water Park near Corralejo is Fuerteventura’s only water park and makes for a brilliant family day out. On offer are giant water slides, including a 13m (45ft) kamikaze slide (for grown-ups only), a splash lagoon complete with water jets, a kids’ club with face painting and games, and a kids’ zone. You’ll also find a giant Jacuzzi if the excitement gets a bit too much…

Children under four go free, and prices are cheaper if you book online in advance. Standard entry costs €26.10 for adults, and €19.80 for kids and seniors.

5. Get acquainted with Fuerteventura’s goats

Two goats in FuerteventuraTwo goats in Fuerteventura

Some islands have cows, some have sheep: Fuerteventura has goats. So many in fact that one of the island’s major products is a special kind of goat cheese known as majorero.

Finca Pepe is a traditional goat-cheese making dairy farm in Betancuria, where you can meet the goats as well as donkeys, camels and peacocks. Owner Pepe will show you round the farm, and there’s also a small museum, a shop and cheese-tasting.

Occidental Jandía Playa

  • Playa de Jandia, Fuerteventura, Spain
  • 16 July 2025
  • Half board
  • Manchester

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£1,333 pp
View deal

6. Discover the secrets of the night sky

A star gazer under a starry sky in FuerteventuraA star gazer under a starry sky in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is renowned among stargazers all over the world as one of the best places to observe the night sky. Starsbynight organises special evenings where you can gaze at the Milky Way and the rings of Saturn, while they provide blankets, telescopes, binoculars and friendly astronomer experts.

There are guided walks, astronomy and night photography courses, or for a night to remember, combine stargazing with traditional Canarian delicacies on a gastronomy experience. Tickets start from €97 for adults. Do bring warm clothes and comfy shoes, however, as this is an outdoor activity and temperatures can fall significantly at night.

7. Get a look at lively lemurs, gorgeous giraffes and other furry friends

A close up of a mother and baby lemur at a wildlife parkA close up of a mother and baby lemur at a wildlife park

The Oasis Wildlife Park near Lajita on the south coast of Fuerteventura is a wonderfully well-kept zoo with over 3,000 animals in a very natural, mini-safari-style setting.

As well as elephants, giraffes, zebras and monkeys, there are a number of experiences including camel safaris, plus live educational reptile exhibits and birds of prey displays. There’s also a ‘Lemur Experience’, where you can get up close and personal with these furry fellows, although tickets for this – and all other experiences – cost extra.

If you prefer flora to fauna, the huge Botanical Gardens alongside the park are a lovely place to wander and admire 7,000 types of weird and wonderful cacti and exotic flowers.

8. Soak up local history in La Oliva

A view of Casa de los Coroneles in FuerteventuraA view of Casa de los Coroneles in Fuerteventura

Set amid mountains and palm trees in northern Fuerteventura, the little town of La Oliva is home to a number of significant buildings where visitors can get a taste of the island's history.

The most impressive is La Casa de los Coroneles - a 18th century colonial mansion which was once home to the most important and powerful figures on the island. The house itself is temporarily undergoing renovation, but you can still admire the architectural beauty of its exterior.

The Church of La Candelaria and its unique belltower should also be on your sightseeing list, as should La Casa de la Cilla. This 19th century stone building now houses the Grain Museum with exhibitions illustrating traditional farming techniques on the island.

9. Discover the life aquatic on a diving trip

A woman scuba diving in tropical water with fish and coralA woman scuba diving in tropical water with fish and coral

With some of the clearest waters in the Atlantic and a natural sea shelf, Fuerteventura is one of the best of the Canary Islands for diving*, featuring anemone fields, underwater volcanic landscapes, reefs and wrecks.

There are also nearly 400 species of marine fauna, from groupers and sea breams to eels and Atlantic horse mackerels. Diving schools are plentiful on the island, catering for everyone from entry level divers to hardened pros – Buceo Dive Centre at Jandia beach is a reliable choice.

ROBINSON Esquinzo Playa

  • Playa De Esquinzo, Fuerteventura, Spain
  • 15 March 2025
  • All-inclusive
  • Bristol

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£937 pp
View deal

10. Wind down with sundowners

An image of two cocktails being poured at a barAn image of two cocktails being poured at a bar

Nico’s Belgian Beer House, on the edge of Corralejo, may not look that much from the outside, but this small, cosy bar has one of the biggest selections of Belgian beers this side of Brussels. They also do a mean cocktail, and owner Nico – a native Belgian himself – is the ultimate welcoming host.

Otherwise, for great views across the Corralejo harbour, try Mojitos Beach Bar.


Please note: All prices quoted correct as of 20 February 2024.

* If a link has an * by it, that means it is an affiliated link. If you use these links, we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you. For more details on how we make money at TravelSupermarket, visit our About Us page.

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