Compare Fuerteventura holidays

The natural wonders continue away from the coast. Volcanic landscapes and remote islands made Fuerteventura a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Swap your flip-flops for hiking boots to discover sand dunes in a desert, a tiny island rich in flora and fauna, and reddish landscapes that could be from Mars.

Fuerteventura’s lack of development means you can still find windswept villages with chilled-out charm, such as the island’s 15th-century former capital, Betancuria. The authentic feeling continues in the island’s cuisine, with dishes like roast kid and “old clothes”, a stew that tastes better than it sounds. The renowned goat’s cheese, queso majorero, is a must try.

When the sun goes down, one of Fuerteventura’s best sights is its star-filled skies. Head to one of the observation points to stargaze. You’ll have some of the best views in Europe of the Milky Way and stars twinkling brighter than you’ve ever seen them.

If you’re looking for a cheap break to Fuerteventura, consider spring or autumn. There’s very little rain, the days are sunny and the water is warm for swimming and watersports. Even better, you’ll have more chance of bagging a deal on accommodation.

The colourful Fuerteventura Carnival runs between February and March. Book accommodation well in advance if you want to join in.

There are some beaches you can’t miss. Sotavento is essentially five beaches along the southeast corner of the island. It’s an especially popular spot for kiteboarders and windsurfers. And don’t worry if you’re a novice – you can hone your skills in the much more relaxed lagoon.

Drive down the twisting road to Cofete Beach, in the south, and your reward is a belt of golden sand leading to the Atlantic. Swimming isn’t advised – but a hike in the stark mountains behind the beach definitely is.

Corralejo Natural Park

For more postcard-perfect beaches, visit coastal Corralejo Natural Park. Its epic dunes are an attraction in their own right. The vast piles of Saharan sand shape shift before your eyes as gusts of wind blast through.

To the south of the park, away from the Atlantic waters, you’ll find a dramatic rugged volcanic landscape. One of the best ways to take it all in is by hiking to the summit of the Montaña Roja (Red Mountain) volcano.

El Cotillo

On the northwest coast, this tranquil fishing village is one of Fuerteventura’s most charming spots. It’s a great place to dial down for a few days and embrace the simple life of sunbathing, surfing and admiring stunning sunsets.

Near the old harbour, a series of sculptures and the Fortaleza del Tostón, a 17th-century fort, are a short walk from the village. The shopping street has local artisan handicrafts and the harbour bars and restaurants offer superb sea views.

Lobos Island

Tiny Lobos Island, “Wolf Island”, is just off the north coast and takes its name from the sea wolves (monk seals) that once called it home. Today, serenity rules. It is barely inhabited by humans but boasts more than 130 plant and bird species.

Ferries from Corralejo take you for an hour’s ride around the little island. You’ll pass the island lighthouse, coves with crystal-clear water and the “little oven” mounds formed by lava flows.

Montaña de Tindaya

After a few days of lounging on the sand, you might feel the urge to be a little more active. If so, hike around Montaña de Tindaya, a 400m (1,312ft) high mountain that was considered sacred to the island's indigenous inhabitants.

While climbing the mountain is no longer permitted, you’re can trek around the base. Look out for the amazing 300 or so footprint-shaped engravings left by the Majorero people – you won’t regret it.

If your little ones aren’t great travellers, Caleta de Fuste is only a 10-minute drive from the airport. It’s a good base for exploring the island, and there’s a safe, sandy beach. Jandía, in the southwest, is a quieter spot and only a 20-minute drive from the animals at Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura.

For travellers on a budget

If you’re watching your euros, the widest selection of cheap accommodation is in Corralejo. There are budget hotels and good-value apartments in the town and surrounding coast, as well as large resorts where you can sometimes find offseason deals. In town, you’ll find affordable set menus that should fill you up without breaking the bank.

Thanks to the excellent surfing conditions in Fuerteventura, there are numerous surf camps on the island that offer cheap rooms and dorms. Several are in Corralejo and there are more in areas such as Caleta de Fuste.

For food and drink

In El Cotillo, you can watch fishermen unloading the day’s catch before you tuck into it at a restaurant overlooking the ocean. There are a selection of hotels and apartments with pools, all a short walk from the town’s eateries.

If you like to mix local flavours with international favourites, Corralejo is a good option. There are dozens of places to eat, from tiny tapas bars to high-end restaurants. The artisan market, on Thursday and Sunday, is a great spot to pick up local products such as homemade jams and chocolate.

For nightlife

While the nightlife here is quieter than lively neighbouring islands Lanzarote and Tenerife, Corralejo knows how to party. The town has everything from British pubs to discos where you can dance the night away.

Further south on the east coast, wander down Caleta del Fuste’s main street for your choice of drinking spots and karaoke bars. And many visitors overlook Puerto del Rosario, the island’s busy port and capital, but its pubs and gin bars make for a good night out.

For culture

Tucked away in the southeast corner of the island, Morro Jable is a small town with a quaint harbour. While the beaches have drawn in the tourists, the historic centre retains some of its old charm with narrow streets and whitewashed buildings alongside the hotels and self-catering apartments.

Puerto del Rosario is another spot with plenty of culture. You’ll find a museum in the old home of Miguel Unamuno, a writer and philosopher who was exiled from the Spanish mainland. The Casa de la Cultura puts on plays, concerts and other artistic exhibitions.