Things to do in Fuerteventura: Attractions and places to visit

1. Jandía

The most popular resorts are located on the Jandía peninsula in the southern part of Fuerteventura. In addition to the seaside resort of Jandía Playa, Morro Jable, the administrative centre of the region, should be mentioned first and foremost. In both small towns there are numerous bars, cafés, restaurants and shopping facilities. Extended walks along the beach promenade are also highly recommended.

The promenade of Jandia leads picturesquely along the azure blue sea. You should also walk at least once to the beautiful lighthouse of Morro Jable to watch the sunset. In the background, steep mountain ranges rise up, inviting you to hike. A unique play of colours awaits you, which is especially popular with couples.

2. Playa de Sotavento

A paradise for windsurfers is the Playa de Sotavento, which lies in the south of the peninsula Jandá. The five-kilometer-long sandy beach is divided into two sections by cliffs that rise into the sea: Playa Barca and Playa Risco del Paso. The spectacular colours are impressive at this place: black rock meets light sand and turquoise sea like from a picture book.

Because the wind is very strong here, the beach is less suitable for sun worshippers than for surfers. No wonder that the magnificent waves of the Fuerteventura World Cup are accompanied by windsurfing and kitesurfing at Playa de Sotavento. In addition to surfers, couples who want to enjoy a secluded beach walk also get their money’s worth here. Because there’s not much going on on this beach.

3. Playa de Cofete

Even lonelier is the Playa de Cofete. Situated in the very south of the island, the eleven kilometre long beach invites you to take long walks. The panorama is simply outstanding and makes Playa de Cofete one of the most beautiful sights on Fuerteventura.

For Cofete is a bizarre place: black mountains in the background, endless sandy beaches in front of them and often no human soul can be seen. Because the journey over a bumpy road does not take many vacationers on itself. Unjustly, because even if bathing is not recommended here due to dangerous undercurrents, the excursion is worthwhile simply because of the magnificent landscape.

4. Villa Winter

Another important attraction of Fuerteventura is located directly at the Playa de Cofete: the legendary Villa Winter. Many stories and myths entwine around this place. Every visitor quickly feels the mysterious atmosphere that surrounds the place. A weathered path leads to the estate, which the German engineer Gustav had built in 1936 at the foot of the mighty mountains. The former owner of the villa is said to have cultivated a close relationship with Adolf Hitler and after the war helped numerous Nazi henchmen to flee to South America via the island.

Rumours that even a submarine base or bunker was to be built here could neither be proven nor invalidated. The owner himself stated that he had settled there to grow tomatoes – which is hardly possible due to the landscape. Because neither the engineer, who died in 1970, nor today’s residents provide information about the background of the building, much speculation remains. It is always interesting to experience the atmosphere at this mysterious place.

5. Pirate caves of Ajuy

Another mysterious place is the fishing village of Ajuy on the west coast. A real pirate cave is waiting to be explored in the settlement built far off the beaten track. North of the bay where the village is located, a narrow path leads past the cliffs. Along an ancient lime kiln and a ship ramp we go to the bay Caleta Negra.

Here are sights of special kind: up to 600 meters deep caves, in which formerly buccaneers hid their riches. Those who dare can explore the abandoned corridors today. The access starts at the black lava beach and also leads past the old ship’s ramp. Ajuy is also great for a combination with the rock gate Pena Horadada!

6. Dreamlike beaches

In addition to the surfing and walking beaches described above, there are also great beaches on the island. Especially suitable for families with small children is Playa de Esquinzo, located in the south of Fuerteventura. The fine sandy beach drops shallow into the turquoise blue water and the surf here is not as strong as elsewhere.

A short walk takes you here to Playa de Matorral, which is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. There are several cafés and restaurants to cater for your every need. On the north side of the island, the Playas de Corralejo are particularly enchanting, spreading out in the midst of the dunes, which are under nature protection.

7. La Oliva

The historic town of La Oliva is also worth a visit. Historical buildings still bear witness to the former importance of the island’s capital. One of the most beautiful sights is the church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria in the center.

The black bell tower is made of volcanic rock and forms an exciting contrast to the white glowing rest of the sacred building. In the Casa de los Coroneles, the former seat of the military colonels, there is today a museum that offers insights into the history of the island.

8. Parque Natural de Corralejo

In the north of the island, not far from the village of Corralejo, a spectacular dune landscape has formed over the years. On the one hand fed by sand that is blown over from the Sahara, on the other hand formed by shell limestone, desert-like and meter-high elevations of light sand tower up here.

Travellers should definitely take a trip on the FV-1 road through the fascinating landscape and take a little walk. Especially impressive are the shifting dunes of Furteventura, which always stay in motion thanks to the steady trade winds – a great spectacle!

9. Salinas del Carmen

Square water basins cover the east coast at Caleta de Fuste. The old brine basins of the Salinas del Carmen salt extraction plant extend as far as the eye can see. Salt was mined here until the early 1980s. Today, a museum on this site provides information about the mining and once flourishing trade in white gold.

It is exciting to see the salt in the various stages of drying in the outdoor facilities and to receive many explanations and information on this topic. Together with the salt museum El Museo de la Sal, the salt flats are among the most popular sights of Fuerteventura.

10. Oasis Park

The Oasis Park is located in the southeast of Fuerteventura. Not only families with children get their money’s worth with interactive encounters with the animals living in the park. Only the panorama, which offers itself to the visitor, is wonderful. Situated on the hills above the village of La Lajita, the zoo offers great views of the sea from many locations.

Also the area itself is beautifully laid out. Many plants and partly dense vegetation line the paths between the enclosures. In addition to bird of prey and sea lion shows, there is also the possibility of a ride with camels. In addition, more than 3000 animals in 250 species can be found here.

Best time to visit Fuerteventura

We recommend the following months as best time to travel for exploring the attractions and acivities of Fuerteventura:

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November

You can find more information about the weather, including all climate data, on our climate page for Fuerteventura.