Coastal Canary Life
Things to Do in Fuerteventura
Dunes, a wild islet, world-class wind and the most beautiful beaches in the Canaries — here’s what’s worth your time.
Fuerteventura rewards the curious. Most people come for a beach and a sunbed, and there’s nothing wrong with that — but the island has a wilder, more surprising side once you start moving around. From a Saharan dune field to a protected islet you reach by boat, from volcano hikes to some of the best windsurfing on the planet, here are the experiences I’d genuinely send a friend to do.
The big ones
The Corralejo dunes
A vast protected dune field rolling straight into turquoise sea — like a slice of the Sahara on the island’s northeast tip. Walk in barefoot, find your own patch of sand, and watch the dunes shift in the wind. Free, open and unforgettable, just minutes from Corralejo town.
Isla de Lobos
A tiny volcanic islet off the north coast, a 15–20 min boat ride from Corralejo — all marked trails, turquoise coves and a 127 m volcano (La Caldera) you can climb. Important: a free permit from the Cabildo is required (only 400 visitors a day), and there are no shops or water, so bring your own.
Cofete & the wild south
Down on the Jandía peninsula lies Cofete — a vast, cliff-backed beach with no resorts, no facilities and a raw beauty that’s hard to forget. The bumpy track to reach it is part of the adventure. One of the most dramatic beaches in Europe.
Betancuria & the interior
The island’s historic old capital, a whitewashed village tucked in the green hills of the interior. Drive the mountain road through Pájara, stop at the viewpoints, and see the quiet, timeless side of Fuerteventura away from the coast.
Climb Calderón Hondo
An easy, rewarding walk up a perfectly-formed volcanic crater near Lajares in the north. About an hour round trip, with a proper caldera at the top and views across the lava fields — often with wild squirrels begging for snacks along the path.
Popcorn Beach & El Cotillo
Near Corralejo, “Popcorn Beach” is made of pale, popcorn-shaped fossilised algae (look, don’t take). Nearby, the laid-back town of El Cotillo has gorgeous turquoise lagoons that are perfect — and safe — for a calm swim.
Book ahead
Book your experience
The activities worth sorting in advance — especially Lobos and the watersports, which fill up fast.
- The Lobos permit is free. If a website charges you separately just for the authorisation, be wary — the only thing you should pay for is the ferry. Many ferry tickets include the permit handling.
- Rent a car. Cofete, Betancuria and the best beaches are well off the bus routes. The island is big and spread out — a car turns it from a resort holiday into a real trip.
- Pack for the wind. Fuerteventura is almost always breezy. Great for watersports; bring a windproof layer and don’t be surprised by sand on exposed beaches.
- Bring water and snacks for Lobos, Cofete and the dunes — there’s little or nothing out there.
Good to know
What’s the one thing not to miss?
If you only do one trip, make it Isla de Lobos — it’s quick, affordable and feels like stepping onto a wild, empty world just offshore. Book the ferry (and permit) ahead, especially in summer.
Is Fuerteventura good for non-beach days?
Absolutely. Between the volcano hikes, the historic interior around Betancuria, the dunes and the boat trips, there’s plenty to fill a week even if you never lie on a sunbed.
Best for families?
The calm lagoons at El Cotillo and the east-coast beaches are ideal for young kids, and a gentle boat trip or the dunes make for an easy adventure day.
Keep planning
More of Fuerteventura
Some links here are affiliate links: if you book through them it costs you nothing extra and helps keep Coastal Canary Life independent. Permits, ferry times and prices change — always check official sources before you go.
