What to Do in Fuerteventura: 6 Must-See Spots for Your Trip

A 12-kilometer beach at the foot of steep mountains, with the Atlantic always choppy. It is the most remote corner of Jandía and the one that best keeps its essence.

• 12 km of almost virgin sand
• Jandía Natural Park on one side
• Ideal for surfing and bodyboarding
• Casa Winter and its legend

Getting to Cofete is not simple. The road is well-paved until Morro Jable, but after that, you have to take a dirt detour for almost an hour. An off-road vehicle makes it more comfortable, although you can drive carefully. The effort is forgotten when you see the beach: 12 kilometers of golden sand where you'll mostly feel alone. The environment is what impresses. Surrounded by the Jandía Natural Park, with a desert landscape and steep mountains in the background. The waters of the Atlantic are rough, so swimming isn't for everyone. On the other hand, surfers and bodyboarders find their playground here. On the access road is the Cofete Viewpoint, with views of the entire bay. Further down is Casa Winter, also known as Villa Winter, built in the 1940s by the German Gustav Winter. Its history mixes Nazi legends and unsolved mysteries. It’s worth reserving half a day to combine the beach, viewpoint, and villa.

A long, golden beach where the wind rules. It is the meeting point for kitesurfers and windsurfers from all over Europe.

• 9 km of fine golden sand
• Protected lagoon for water sports
• Dunes and desert landscape around
• Ideal for watching surf competitions

Sotavento is on the Jandía Peninsula, near Costa Calma and Pájara. Its 9 kilometers of fine sand have crystal-clear water and a turquoise color that reminds one of the Caribbean. It's not a beach for a calm swim: the lagoons fill with kites and windsurf and kitesurf boards. The wind is constant, which is why surf competitions are held here. If you're looking for a beach day without waves, better choose another stretch of sand. But if you want to watch the riders or take your first class, it's the perfect spot. One of the best points to enjoy the whole area is the Sotavento Viewpoint. From above, you can see the entire coastline, divided into areas like La Barca, Risco del Paso, Mirador, Malnombre, and Los Canarios. You can also approach the dunes that surround it and capture that perfect photo of the island.

A small desert next to the turquoise sea. Walking among white dunes and seeing the Atlantic in the background is one of the plans that never fails.

• Natural Park with white sand dunes
• ZEPA: refuge for birds like houbara bustards and kestrels
• Family beaches to the north and wild ones to the south
• Ideal for kitesurfing and long walks

This natural park occupies part of the northeast of the island, in the municipality of La Oliva. Its dunes are less high than those of Maspalomas, but they have their own charm. The scenic road crosses them, with the sea on one side and golden sand on the other. It is a space protected as a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). With a little patience, you can see bustards, Canary houbara bustards, stone-curlews, and kestrels. The park measures about 2.5 kilometers long by 10 kilometers wide, so there are beaches for everyone. To the north, the beaches of El Pozo, El Viejo, and Bajo Negro have calm waters, perfect for going with children. To the south, El Burro and El Moro are wilder. The International Kite Festival is held at El Burro. And if you like kitesurfing, Corralejo is one of the best spots on the island.

The old capital of the island is a small village but loaded with history. Its cobbled streets and the 15th-century church transport you to the past.

• First capital of Fuerteventura until 1834
• Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1979
• Santa María Church from the 15th century
• Archaeology and sacred art museums

Betancuria is located in the interior, surrounded by arid mountains that contrast with the green of the valley. It was founded in 1404 by the Norman Jean de Béthencourt and served as the capital until La Oliva took over in 1834. Today, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, according to the official list of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain. The visit can be done in an hour. The historic center is small and quiet. Start at the Santa María Church, built in the 15th century and an example of Canarian religious architecture. Then, stroll through the two main narrow streets; you'll see the square in front of the Casa María Restaurant and the remains of the Franciscan Convent. If you like history, don't miss the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum of Betancuria or the Sacred Art Museum. Both are in the center and complete the visit. In 1979, the entire complex was declared a Historic-Artistic Site, so every corner has its value.

A well-preserved volcano of 278 meters with a deep crater. The climb isn't difficult, but the prize is a panoramic view of Jandía and the ocean.

• 278 meters high and a 70-meter crater
• Simple route with views of mountains and sea
• Volcanic landscape with red and ocher tones
• More than 20 volcanoes on the island to visit

This is the most famous volcano of the more than 20 scattered across Fuerteventura. It is located on the Jandía Peninsula, according to island information, and was formed thousands of years ago. Its structure is well-preserved and it stands 278 meters high. From the summit, you can see a crater about 70 meters in diameter and depth. The hiking route is simple and suitable for most travelers. It climbs through an arid landscape with reddish and ocher tones until reaching the edge of the caldera. Along the way, you'll see Barbary ground squirrels, an invasive species that approaches tourists. Don't feed them because they are carriers of diseases. It is recommended to make the climb avoiding the midday sun. Wear good shoes and bring water. The views from the top include the Jandía mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, and the geological formations surrounding the volcano.

A 15-minute ferry from Corralejo, an almost uninhabited nature reserve. White beaches, volcanoes, and trails for a day trip.

• 15-20 minute ferry from Corralejo
• Nature reserve with permit limited to 200 people per shift
• Trails to the caldera and the Punta Martiño Lighthouse
• Camping forbidden and no tourist services

Lobos Island is off the north coast of Fuerteventura and is less than 5 square kilometers in size. It is a protected nature reserve, so you need authorization from the island council (Cabildo). Organized excursions manage the permit, but you can also go on your own by ferry. Capacity is limited to two daily shifts of 200 people. The ferry leaves from the port of Corralejo and takes about 15-20 minutes. Once there, there are no hotels or restaurants, only a small beach bar. Bring your own picnic and water. Camping is prohibited, and there are no food services or shops. Favorite plans include walking to Caldera Mountain and reaching the Punta Martiño Lighthouse. You can also spend the day at La Concha Beach, with its wooden walkway. The waters around are ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. However, you must return on the same day.