Fuerteventura is the island of beaches. Some of them are so long and so empty that you feel like you have the whole Atlantic to yourself. One of my favourite beaches in all the Canaries is here, Sotavento, and for families with young children I think this is the best island of all.
Quick answer: spend time at Sotavento, the Corralejo dunes and El Cotillo, take the boat to Isla de Lobos, visit the old village of Betancuria and, if you have a 4×4 or a tour, see the wild beach of Cofete. As a base, I would stay in Caleta de Fuste: it is affordable, pretty and close to everything.
Top things to do in Fuerteventura at a glance
| What | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sotavento | South, Jandía | Lagoon, white sand, kitesurf |
| Corralejo dunes | North | Dunes, beaches, families |
| Isla de Lobos | Boat from Corralejo | Snorkelling, walking, calm water |
| El Cotillo | North-west | Lagoons, sunsets, surf |
| Betancuria | Centre | History, mountain views |
| Cofete | South-west | Wild scenery (no swimming) |
| Caleta de Fuste | East, near the airport | Base for the whole island |
1. Sotavento
My favourite part of Fuerteventura. What I love about Sotavento is the view: a gigantic beach of white sand and water so clear it looks transparent. At low tide a huge lagoon forms behind the sandbar. It is also one of the most famous places in the world for kitesurfing and windsurfing, so expect wind.
2. The Corralejo dunes
In the north, a protected natural park of white sand dunes runs right down to turquoise water. The beaches along the dunes are long and open, and the town of Corralejo is lively, with lots of restaurants and surf schools.
3. Isla de Lobos
A tiny protected island about 15 minutes by boat from Corralejo, with a calm lagoon beach, clear water for snorkelling and an easy walk to a lighthouse and a small volcano.
Important: you need a free access permit as well as your boat ticket. Visitor numbers are limited, it is booked online for a specific day and time slot, and it can only be requested a few days in advance, so book as soon as you can.
4. El Cotillo
A relaxed fishing village in the north-west. To the north are the calm lagoons, perfect for children; to the south, long beaches with waves for surfers. The sunsets here are some of the best on the island.
5. Betancuria
The first capital of the island, hidden in a valley in the mountains. It has a beautiful old church, stone houses and great views on the drive in. Have lunch at Casa Santa María and try the local Majorero goat’s cheese.
6. Cofete
One of the wildest beaches in Europe: kilometres of empty sand under huge mountains at the end of a dirt road in the far south-west. It is spectacular, but the sea is dangerous, so it is for looking and walking, not swimming. Many rental car contracts do not cover dirt roads, so check yours or go with a tour.
Where to stay: why I like Caleta de Fuste
If I go to Fuerteventura, I stay in Caleta de Fuste. It is affordable, it is very pretty, with a calm sandy bay and a small marina, and it sits in the middle of the east coast, close to the airport and to everything else on the island. There are markets too, which makes evenings more fun.
- Caleta de Fuste: my pick. Central, good value, calm beach.
- Corralejo: for the dunes, Lobos and nightlife.
- El Cotillo: for a quiet, local feel and surfing.
- Costa Calma and Morro Jable: for the long beaches of the south and Sotavento.
Fuerteventura for families
If you are travelling with small children, this is the island I would choose. The beaches are bigger and more beautiful, with fewer waves and fewer currents than on the other islands. Look for calm spots such as the lagoons of El Cotillo, the bay of Caleta de Fuste and the lagoon of Sotavento at low tide. See my full guide to the best beaches in Fuerteventura.
Good to know before you go
- Rent a car: the island is long and the best beaches are spread out. Read my car rental tips.
- Wind: its name is no accident. Bring a windbreaker for the beach.
- Sun: there is little shade on the beaches, so bring a parasol and plenty of sun cream.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Fuerteventura?
For value and location, Caleta de Fuste. For dunes and nightlife, Corralejo. For the big southern beaches, Costa Calma or Morro Jable.
Do I need a permit for Isla de Lobos?
Yes. Access is free but limited, and you must book a permit online for a specific time slot in addition to your boat ticket.
Is Fuerteventura good for surfing?
Very. The north between Corralejo and El Cotillo is one of the best surf areas in Europe. Read my surf guide.
Access rules, permits and prices change. Check official information before you go.
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