Fuerteventura, the second-largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, offers a tranquil escape with its breathtaking beaches, surreal lunar landscapes, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Less frequented than its neighbouring islands, it’s a hidden paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. In this guide, we’ve crafted a one-week itinerary to help you uncover the best of Fuerteventura.

The Canary Islands are generally an affordable destination. The cost of living there is lower compared to western European countries. However, it's important to book your flights in advance or at the right time, as prices can quickly exceed 800 euros for a direct round-trip flight during certain periods. Since the Canary Islands enjoy warm weather year-round, they are a popular winter destination, which is reflected in flight prices. By booking our tickets 1.5 months in advance, we paid 200 euros per person for a round-trip flight in June.

On the island, we opted to stay in an apartment within a residence with a pool, which cost us 200 euros for the week. We also rented a car for the entire stay, which came to 170 euros. In total, our expenses amounted to 385 euros per person for a week in Fuerteventura.

If your plan is to explore the island, it's highly recommended to rent a car to freely explore Fuerteventura. Locals warned us upon arrival that much of the island consists of gravel roads, which are unpaved and therefore challenging to drive on. However, we found that most attractions are well-connected by developed highways, and only certain beaches are accessible via gravel roads. We found these gravel roads to be quite manageable even when not driving a 4x4, as long as you drive slowly and carefully.

We rented a car from Goldcar, which we picked up directly at the airport. We paid a total of 170 euros for a week's rental, including full insurance. Since driving on gravel roads is inevitable if you want to discover the island's most beautiful beaches, we highly recommend opting for full insurance. Cars rarely come back unscathed after navigating a gravel road! Overall, we found the roads in Fuerteventura to be very easy and manageable during our stay, unlike Tenerife, where some mountain roads can pose a real challenge for certain drivers.

For our trip, we chose to stay on the eastern side of the island, in the town of Costa de Antigua. We were willing to stay in a quiet town, close to main roads and shops. Costa de Antigua met all these criteria and offers a wide range of temporary accommodations. However, after exploring the island, we believe we could have chosen the town of Castillo Caleta de Fuste as our base for this trip, as it has many shops within walking distance, a natural pool, and a lovely beach sheltered from the wind. The accommodations there are a bit more expensive, though.

If you're looking for a livelier area to enjoy evening outings and a wide selection of restaurants and bars, the towns of Corralejo in the north and Morro Jable in the south might be ideal for you.

Located off the coast of Morocco, the Canary Islands enjoy mild weather year-round. We visited Fuerteventura in May, and the temperatures were unusually low for the season—around 20 degrees Celsius. While the water was too cold for the locals, it felt perfectly warm to us, especially coming from Ireland, and for other tourists from northern Europe!

The name "Fuerteventura" means "strong wind," and that becomes clear as soon as you land on the island. It is indeed very exposed to strong winds, much like its neighboring islands. While this can make swimming impossible at some beaches, it’s a paradise for kite surfers who thrive in these conditions.

Our itinerary begins at Playa de Ajuy, a stunning black sand beach located on the northwest coast of the island. Black sand beaches are a unique feature of the Canary Islands and we have included a few in this itinerary.

In addition to offering a stunning black sand beach perfect for swimming, Ajuy is a charming little fishing village with several restaurants and a coastal path leading to the famous Ajuy Caves. A 10-minute walk along with a slightly narrow staircase carved into the cliff will lead you to the viewpoint over the caves. We recommend spending the morning here and having lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants.

If, like us, you’re a fan of black sand beaches, the Canary Islands and Fuerteventura won’t disappoint. Formed by successive underwater volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, the Canary Islands are renowned for their lunar landscapes, such as the Timanfaya Natural Park on Lanzarote or El Teide National Park on Tenerife. Erosion has shaped striking ochre and black cliffs, as well as the formation of black sand beaches similar to those found in Iceland. Playa de Ajuy is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful black sand beaches on the island. Access to the beach, including parking, is free. Just make sure to arrive early in the morning, as it starts to fill up after 10AM.

Continue your journey towards the Mirador del Risco de Las Peñas, located just a 20-minute drive from Ajuy Beach. Access to the viewpoint is easy, with free parking available. From the mirador, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Fuerteventura’s volcanic landscapes, where you can see both the western and eastern sides of the island if visibility is good. During your visit, expect to be greeted by several small Barbary squirrels, which are abundant on the island. Although they’re quite friendly and may approach you looking for a snack, it's important to note that feeding them is prohibited.

This first day on the island of Fuerteventura ends with a visit to the village of Betancuria, located just a 20-minute drive from the Mirador. Betancuria is the former capital of Fuerteventura and is named after Jean de Béthencourt, who conquered the Canary Islands on behalf of the Castilian kings. Today, Betancuria is a peaceful village, with charming white facades adorned with flowers. You’ll find a beautiful church, along with several restaurants and souvenir shops, making it a perfect stop to end the day on a relaxed note.

For a bite to eat, we recommend Casa Santa Maria, a restaurant located on the church square. The menu offers a wide variety of tapas and Canarian specialties, such as papas arrugadas—potatoes cooked in salted water and served with green and red Mojo sauce—or queso majorero, a local cheese.

On your way back, consider stopping at the Mirador de Guise y Ayose, which offers a perfect viewpoint to admire the sunset.

This second day on the island of Fuerteventura is largely dedicated to discovering what we consider to be the island's most spectacular beach. It's impossible to plan a trip to Fuerteventura without coming across recommendations for Cofete Beach!

And for good reason—this wild beach stretches over 14 kilometers of white sand and is nestled behind a barrier of volcanic mountains, located in the southwestern part of the island. Accessing this stunning location can be challenging, which is why we've gathered some tips to help you make the most of your visit.

To reach Cofete Beach, you'll need to head towards Morro Jable. Just beyond the town, you'll see signs directing you to the beach. The access road is a gravel path that winds through the mountains for several kilometers. It’s essential to drive slowly and cautiously, unless you drive a 4x4 vehicle. We took about 40 minutes from the start of the gravel road to the parking lot at the beach.

Along the way, you'll pass the Mirador de Cofete, which offers your first breathtaking view of this incredible beach. We were struck by the lack of infrastructure here compared to other parts of the island, and that’s precisely what makes this beach so beautiful. There are no hotels, no restaurants, no billboards—just a parking lot and a few small houses nearby. The area has remained wild and untouched by tourism, enhancing its charm.

We highly recommend arriving early to enjoy the drive at a relaxed pace and because the small parking lot tends to fill up gradually after 10 AM. Fortunately, with 14 kilometers of pristine sandy beach at your disposal, you'll have no shortage of space to lay down your towel!

As you might have guessed, Cofete is not the place for sipping cocktails at a beach bar or rinsing off after a swim. Be sure to bring water and snacks, as there are no vendors on-site.

After the beach, we recommend heading back north to explore two other towns that remain untouched by tourism. The first stop is Gran Tarajal, where you'll find a sheltered black sand beach along with several restaurants lining the shore. It's the perfect spot to indulge in some tapas after a refreshing swim at Cofete or to take a leisurely stroll along the beach. We really enjoyed this small town, which hasn't been overrun by hotels and souvenir shops, offering a genuine glimpse into local life.

Just a 5-minute drive away is the village of Las Playitas, a quaint fishing village. The white façades of the houses contrast beautifully with the azure sea and the volcanic blackness of the nearby coast and beach. Las Playitas also provides a great insight into local life with its few cafes and seaside promenade.

Finish your day just 10 minutes further at the Faro de la Entallada. The road leading there is a bit narrow, so drive carefully. A wooden platform in front of the lighthouse offers stunning views of the ocean and the cliffs. The Faro de la Entallada is the closest point to the African continent of all the Canary Islands. In addition to the breathtaking viewpoint, the lighthouse itself is an architectural gem, featuring a tower and red stone façades sourced from Fuerteventura.

This third day is dedicated to exploring the northern part of Fuerteventura, specifically the town of Corralejo and its surrounding beaches.

Corralejo is the island's largest resort, and its beaches, which are relatively sheltered from the wind, are perfect for lounging in the sun. The town itself boasts a wide array of bars and restaurants, making it easy to refuel between swims.

Begin your visit at the Corralejo Dunes. Parking is conveniently available along the road, allowing you to easily access the dunes. You can stroll through the golden sands and make your way to the beach for a refreshing dip. The Corralejo Dunes stretch nearly 8 kilometers and lead into crystal-clear waters, providing stunning views of Isla de Lobos, which you will explore later in this itinerary.

To fully enjoy the dunes before the crowds arrive, we recommend visiting early in the morning. This will give you a chance to soak in the beauty of the area before you settle down on one of the beaches for the morning. Just a heads up: while these beaches are not officially designated as nudist beaches, they are still frequented by nude tourists. You’ve been warned!

For lunch, you'll find a wide array of options in the town of Corralejo. From international cuisine and ice cream parlors to tapas bars, the choices are plentiful. It’s also a great opportunity to do a bit of shopping, as Corralejo is home to numerous souvenir shops and supermarkets.

While visiting Corralejo, be sure to check out the famous Popcorn Beach, officially known as Playa del Bajo de Burra or Playa El Mejillón. Located just a short drive from Corralejo, you'll reach it after a 4 km gravel road. This beach is unique for its covering of small fossilized algae, which, through a natural process, take on a white color and rounded shape reminiscent of popcorn. While this phenomenon can be found on other beaches on the island, Playa El Mejillón boasts the highest concentration, making it an unusual spot not to be missed!

On this fourth day on the island of Fuerteventura, we suggest embarking on a journey to the islet of Lobos, or Isla de Lobos. The island is accessible via a ferry that departs from the port of Corralejo.

The crossing from Corralejo takes only about twenty minutes. The ferry will drop you off in front of the visitor center, from where you can take a trail leading to La Playa De La Concha de Lobos or the island's small port.

Isla de Lobos stretches over just 5 km and has no roads, only designated paths. The island remains in its wild state, which adds to its charm. It is popular among tourists and locals alike for swimming, snorkeling, and hiking to the summit of Montaña de La Caldera.

During your visit, we recommend exploring at least one beach to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and the views of the islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, as well as El Puertito.

El Puertito is the island's charming fishing port, featuring a few small houses, a dock, and even a restaurant. You can also purchase drinks on-site if you forgot to stock up before boarding the ferry.

Once back on the island of Fuerteventura, head south to visit two of the island's 23 windmills. These cultural landmarks are remnants of the island's agricultural past and were once used for producing gofio, a type of flour still consumed today in the Canary Islands.

The first windmill is located in Villaverde, just a 20-minute drive from Corralejo. You'll recognize its typical architecture, featuring a white façade embedded with red volcanic stones, a design also seen on the El Entallada Lighthouse.

The second windmill is in Tefía, which is another 20 minutes away. The route to get there is stunning, taking you through red mountains and fields of volcanic rocks.

For this new day on the island of Fuerteventura, we suggest a slightly different activity: visiting the Cheese Museum in the town of Antigua. This isn’t just any cheese museum; it’s dedicated to Queso Majorero, a beloved local specialty crafted from goat's milk. 

Admission costs only €4 for adults and €2.50 for children aged 3 to 11, which includes access to the museum, the mill, and the cactus garden. The museum is housed in a recreated traditional Canarian residence, complete with a patio and rooftop terrace.

The museum features an interactive exhibit on the formation of the Canary Islands and the history of volcanism in the archipelago, as well as several rooms detailing the cheese-making process of Queso Majorero. Of course, you can also taste this famous cheese at the charming on-site restaurant.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this museum, which offers a unique blend of cultural and culinary experiences on Fuerteventura, appealing to both adults and children alike.

After this visit, we suggest heading to another spectacular beach on the island: Playa de Sotavento. This beach is located at the southern tip of the island and is easily accessible from the free parking area at Playa de la Barca. Stretching over 9 kilometers of golden sand and crystal-clear water, the beach features a sandbar that forms a warm saltwater lagoon at low tide, which you will need to cross on foot to reach the main beach.

Due to its exposure to the wind, the beach is very popular with surfers. During our visit, the wind was too strong for swimming (our belongings were blown away, and the sand whipped against our legs and faces), so we strolled along the beach, enjoying the parade of kitesurfers.

After visiting Playa de Sotavento, head to another stunning black sand beach: Playa de la Pared. Located on the northern coast of the island, it’s just a 15-minute drive from Sotavento Beach. Access is easy via a paved road, and a trail will lead you to the cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. Playa de la Pared is also a great spot to watch the sun go down.

To end the day, we recommend heading to the Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre to watch the sunset. Located just a 12-minute drive from Playa de la Pared, this viewpoint offers a stunning 360-degree perspective of Fuerteventura, along with a star observation platform. During our visit, it happened to be a full moon night, so the brightness was too strong for us to see the stars. However, we were treated to a spectacular sunset over the island’s red mountains.

On this final day of our week-long itinerary on the island of Fuerteventura, we embrace relaxation, starting with the discovery of a natural pool followed by a day on a wind-sheltered beach.

Head to the town of Castillo Caleta del Fuste and aim for the Elba Castillo San Jorge hotel. You can park in the lot near the hotel or along the roadside. The natural pool is located at the tip below. However, be cautious; it is only visible and accessible during low tide. At high tide, the waves can be too dangerous, and you won’t see the green hues that the water takes on during low tide. The surrounding area is inhabited by Barbary squirrels, adding to the charm of the location.

After a week spent on the island, it’s now clear to you that Fuerteventura is very exposed to the wind. It can sometimes be challenging to enjoy a relaxing moment on the beach or a swim without waves if the beach is exposed. Unfortunately, the most beautiful beaches on the island are often the most windblown, which can be a bit frustrating. That’s why we chose to spend our last day in Fuerteventura at Playa del Castillo, located in Castillo Caleta de Fuste. This white sand beach is sheltered from the wind, allowing you to relax without worrying about being covered in sand or having your belongings blown away! Additionally, there are no waves, making it perfect for a peaceful swim. However, do note that there are unfortunately no showers or restrooms available at this beach.

You can walk along the waterfront to reach the beach from the natural pool.

This brings our week-long itinerary on the island of Fuerteventura to a close. We truly enjoyed this island and its numerous incredible beaches, perfect for a relaxing vacation. We believe that a week is the ideal duration to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach while exploring various attractions across the island. However, we still feel that Tenerife remains our favorite island in the Canary archipelago. If you loved Fuerteventura and found it to be the perfect holiday destination, we highly recommend visiting Lanzarote (if you haven’t already!) which offers similar landscapes (amazing beaches, fishing villages, and volcanic scenery), along with several attractions like the Cactus Garden and the volcanic vineyards of La Geria.

You can find our itineraries for exploring the islands of Tenerife and Lanzarote at the bottom of this article.