I ended up in Fuerteventura by chance. My sister and I had booked a two-week holiday to Zanzibar, but Turkish Airlines decided to cancel it last minute.
I frantically went online to find a substitute destination. This was in December so it needed to be sunny, warm and ideally, a 6-hour or less direct flight. The best destination we could find was Fuerteventura, the second largest of the Canary Islands.
I was a little hesitant because of the Canary Islands’ reputation of being a charter destination. But I decided to give it a go when I realized that Fuerteventura is less developed than its neighbors and has many surf camps and beginner spots.
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What to expect in Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura isn’t necessarily an island you fall in love with straight away. Let’s just say there’s a lot of brown. And, yes, there are some tacky tourist resorts here as well, you know the good old strips with souvenir shops and karaoke bars.
But the blinking neon lights quickly fade away once you get out and explore the unique blend of volcanic terrain, rolling sand dunes and rugged coastlines. We discovered expansive golden beaches and turquoise waters, quaint white villages and beautiful people who love their island.
And let’s face it, the reason why most people visit, including myself, is to break up those long and grey northern European winters. And that you’ll always get here.
So despite its relatively arid environment, I would say Fuerteventura is a gem. A diamond in the rough if you will. After two weeks here I even started looking at properties, mostly for fun but I truly enjoyed my time.
Best time to visit Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura boasts 300+ days of sunshine a year, so you can visit all year round. Even in December and January, temperatures can reach a comfortable 20°C, making it the perfect winter sun getaway for many Europeans.
When I was there in December we had some mixed weather the first week with mostly cloudy days and some light rain. The next week we had 20-21°C and sunny weather.
Fuerteventura’s wind season, March to August, is prime time to visit for kiteboarding and other wind sports.
My favorite months for enjoying the beaches are September and October because the water is still warm after summer but with fewer people and less wind.
How to get to Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura, the southernmost region of Spain, is located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa, 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Morocco.
The most convenient way to get to Fuerteventura is by flying. The island is served by Fuerteventura Airport (FUE), also known as El Matorral Airport, located about 5 kilometers (3 miles) southwest of the capital city, Puerto del Rosario.
We flew with Norwegian to Lanzarote, but many budget carriers, including Easyjet and Ryanair, have direct routes from many European cities.
From there we got a taxi to Playa Blanca and a ferry to Corralejo in the north of Fuerteventura. It only took 30 minutes and there are several daily departures operated by companies like Fred Olsen Express and Naviera Armas.
You can also catch a ferry from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Puerto del Rosario or Morro Jable in the south, or from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Puerto del Rosario.
🚗 I recommend renting a car to get the most out of your time in Fuerteventura. The roads are great and traffic is relatively calm.
Top things to do in Fuerteventura
First on my list of the best things to do in Fuerteventura is Corralejo Natural Park, where you’ll find miles of golden sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. I spent hours just wandering around here.
Just be aware that a stretch of sand and the end of the village is clothing optional. My sister was a little startled when I little French man jumped up in front of us in his birthday suit. Haha.
Of course, no trip to Fuerteventura is complete without hitting the beaches. My absolute favorite is Playa de Sotavento de Jandía. It is a slice of heaven, with wide sandy shores and shallow, crystal-clear waters. Perfect for both sunbathing and water sports, I could have spent days and days here.
But what you probably haven’t seen before is beaches full of popcorn. Or at least popcorn-looking pieces of white coral and algae that have washed ashore and mixed with the sand. Over time, these pieces have been bleached and shaped by the sun and sea, giving them a distinct popcorn-like look.
Back in Corralejo, you can take a short ferry ride to Lobos Island. Enjoy hiking, snorkeling, and relaxing on its pristine beaches.
And let’s not forget the nightlife. Corralejo is the place to be. Yes, it’s a bit tacky, but if that’s your jam I’m sure you’re going to have a great time. We ventured out on the strip one night, aka Ntra. Sra. del Carmen Street, to look for a place to watch football.
Fuerteventura is also a surfer’s paradise with spots like Corralejo, El Cotillo and Playa de la Pared offering excellent waves. I really enjoyed the surf vibe, it kind of reminded me of the good old days in Canggu, Bali.
We had several surfing lessons, yet I’m embarrassed to say I still struggle. My athletic sister, of course, got it on the first try. Next time I think I’ll book a surf camp instead, to go all in.
I’m creating a bit of a pattern by visiting different salt attractions like the Pink Lake in Spain and Wieliczka Salt Mine in Krakow. So I had to stop by the Salinas del Carmen Salt Museum to learn about the history and process of salt production on the island.
Next up, we headed to the charming village of Betancuria. Set in the heart of the island, this historic town felt like a step back in time. I strolled through its cobblestone streets, visited the beautiful Santa Maria Church, and enjoyed lunch at a local café.
La Oliva is also worth a visit. On Tuesdays and Fridays, you can check out the Mercado de las Tradiciones. A small farmers market with stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to delicious local cheeses and wines.
If you’re feeling adventurous you can explore the Ajuy Caves formed by volcanic activity, accessible via a scenic coastal path. You might encounter a goat or two. I also booked a tour of the Calderón Hondo volcano.
Where to stay
We loved our base up north in Corralejo. It offered the perfect mix of serenity, yet a lot of fun things to do. We stayed in a great apartment (premium sea view) just outside the center of town, enjoying pastel sunsets over the surf most nights.
If you bring children, Caleta de Fuste, on the eastern coast, is a family-friendly destination with a sheltered beach, a marina, and a variety of restaurants, shops and resorts. You can’t go wrong with Barceló Fuerteventura Mar. It is also conveniently close to the airport.
To escape the crowds, Morro Jable, located in the south, is known for its long, pristine beaches and tranquil atmosphere. Here I love Villa Jandia and Saladar Suites Boutique.
And El Cotillo, on the northwest coast, is another laid-back village famous for its beautiful lagoons and excellent surfing conditions. The village exudes a bohemian vibe with its quaint streets, local markets, and beachfront bars.
Costa Calma, located in the south, close to the Jandía Peninsula, is known for its serene beaches and clear waters, making it a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Is Fuerteventura worth visiting
Absolutely, Fuerteventura is definitely worth visiting, especially during the cold European winter months. It’s the perfect escape to recharge and soak up some much-needed vitamin D.
As long as you get out and explore, venture beyond the tourist resorts to discover charming villages, climb mountains for epic views and explore national parks, I’m sure you’ll love it too.
It’s the perfect place to challenge yourself, rent a buggy or a surfboard. Or, alternatively, just lounge on the beach.
Though I wouldn’t trade European summer trips to places like southern Italy or the Greek islands, Fuerteventura is the ultimate late fall and winter getaway. In fact, I can’t wait to go back.
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