7 days in Fuerteventura

Are you planning to visit the beautiful island of Fuerteventura and need a 7-day itinerary? Look no further; I have the ideal route that strikes the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation.

Fuerteventura is undoubtedly a lucky island with extensive white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, giving the impression of being in the Caribbean and having a favourable climate all year round.

What’s more, Fuerteventura is a budget-friendly destination, making it an even more attractive choice for your next adventure.

As always, I will start with some general information about the island and then outline the main points of interest in a relaxed itinerary with a map!

This is the list of everything you will find in this article:

Index

A. Information of Interest

Location

Fuerteventura is a Spanish island in the Atlantic Ocean, just 97 km (60 miles) off the northwest coast of Africa.

It is one of the seven islands constituting the Canary Islands archipelago, along with Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, El Hierro, La Gomera, and La Palma.

The capital and most populated municipality of the island is Puerto del Rosario, located in the central-northern sector on the east coast.

Area

The island covers an area of 1,660 km² (1,031 sq miles) with a coastline spanning 326 km (203 miles). It measures 100 km (62 miles) from north to south and 25 km from east to west.

Adding to its charm, Fuerteventura is accompanied by a tiny islet to the north, Lobos, with a mere area of 4.58 km² (2.8 square miles).

The highest peak in Fuerteventura is Pico de la Zarza, located in the Jandía Natural Park, reaching an altitude of 807 meters.

Population

In 2024, the population of Fuerteventura will reach almost 127,000 inhabitants.

Demonym

Majorero.

However, all native inhabitants of the Canary Islands are commonly referred to as Guanches.

When to go and for how long

*️⃣ Fuerteventura’s climate is warm and semi-arid, with minimal temperature variations and low rainfall, making it a year-round destination.

It is worth mentioning that this island is quite battered by the trade winds, especially in the spring and summer months, and is ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. July is traditionally the windiest month, although there are more protected areas of the island, such as the Jandía peninsula, to the south, so this does not pose a problem.

Fuerteventura is also known as the European surfing paradise. The waves, higher and more powerful during the winter months, offer a challenging experience for seasoned surfers. In contrast, the gentler waves of summer are perfect for beginners, making it an ideal place to start your surfing journey.

If you want to pick a different travel destination based on the most suitable time to visit, see my posts Best Time to Go and Where to Travel Each Month. It will help you plan your trip better.

How many days I need to visit each country/ Cuántos días necesito para visitar cada país

*️⃣ Given Fuerteventura’s size, it’s possible to enjoy its attractions in just 3 days. However, the main draw of the island is its beaches, so you may want more time to enjoy them fully. If relaxation and de-stressing are your main goals, consider spending 6–7 days on the island.

In my posts, How Many Days I Need to Visit Each Country and How Many Days I Need to Visit Each City, I explain the number of days needed to visit each country and the most touristic cities.

Language

Fuerteventura is a stunning island destination that is part of Spain, so the official language spoken there is Spanish.

Remember that you can check the language spoken in each country using the tables that I attach to my articles Countries by Language and Best Time to Go.

Currency

Being part of Spain and, therefore, of the European Union, the currency used here is the euro.

In my post Currency exchange, cards and cash abroad (Complete Guide), there is a table that allows you to see the currency used by entering the name of the country you are interested in. Additionally, this article provides all the essential information you need to know about money and travelling.

Plugs and Voltage

In Spain, the plugs are European-style, with types C and F. The voltage is 220-240 volts, and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Remember that you can refer to my article Plug Types by Country to find out about the different types of plugs used in each country and the corresponding voltage. This will help you determine if you need an adapter and the specific type required. You can find this information in the Travel Logistics section, along with everything else you might need to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Origin and Brief History of Fuerteventura

The origin of the name is associated with the strong trade winds that hit the island, particularly in July and August. Fuerteventura in Spanish means “strong wind”. However, another interpretation of “fuerte ventura” links it to “great fortune,” referring to the name that the Romans gave to the Canary Islands: Fortunate Islands (Fortunatae Insulae).

The history of Fuerteventura stretches back to ancient times, with the oldest discovered remains dating back to approximately 300 years before Christ. It appears that the Greeks and Phoenicians also knew about the Canary Islands.

Before the European arrival in the 15th century, Fuerteventura was a land divided. It was split into two kingdoms: Jandía in the south and Maxorata in the north. These kingdoms were governed by the kings Guise and Ayose, providing a glimpse into the island’s pre-European political structure.

From the 15th century, several European expeditions were aimed at conquering the island. However, it wasn’t until 1405 that Fuerteventura became a dominion under the King of Castile.

During the 18th century, there were numerous pirate attacks, although they did not invade any of the islands.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Fuerteventura was nearly uninhabited. It was the tourism industry that, starting in the 1960s, rediscovered it and transformed it into one of the most popular European destinations today.

Flag

The flag of Fuerteventura is divided vertically into two parts: a green one on the left and a white one on the right. In the centre is the coat of arms of the island. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that the Government has not officially approved this flag of the Canary Islands.

On the other hand, the flag of the Canary Islands has been official since 1982. It consists of three vertical stripes — white, blue, and yellow, with the coats of arms in the central blue stripe.

Since Fuerteventura, as part of the Canary archipelago, is part of Spain, you will also see the Spanish flag displayed alongside the Canary Islands on all official buildings.

B. How to Get Around

The best way to explore Fuerteventura, as well as the rest of the Canary Islands, is by renting a car. This would allow you to reach any destination quickly and comfortably.

If you are considering renting a car, I recommend reading my post, Car Rentals (Complete Guide), where I provide all the necessary information and tips to avoid any surprises when renting a vehicle.

If you’re not convinced about renting a car, you can always use public transport, which is also the most economical option. However, depending on your location and the places you want to visit, it may take much longer.

If you’re considering public transportation, the main option is the bus or “guagua”, as it’s known in the Canary Islands. The regular intercity transport line is TI A DHE, and you can easily access all the routes and schedules on its website, ensuring you are well informed and prepared for your journey.

C. Fuerteventura: 7-Day Itinerary

Below, you have the map for visiting Fuerteventura in 7 days. Each day is colour-coded and numbered to indicate the order of the sites to visit.

I split my stay into two parts: 3 nights in the south and 4 nights in the north to keep the travel distances short. This is optional and probably unnecessary if you are not staying at one of the ends of the island.

To put it into context, travelling from Corralejo (north end) to Morro Jable (southern end) is a distance of about 120 km (75 miles), and it typically takes around 2 hours by car. Therefore, the round trip in a single day involves more than three and a half hours of driving.

1. Fuerteventura — Day 1

Matorral Beach

The flight arrived late last night, so today is a day of relaxation on the idyllic Playa del Matorral (Matorral Beach) in Morro Jable, right in front of the hotel.

The beach stretches for 12 km (7.5 miles) and is divided into several smaller ones, offering fine golden sand and clear waters.

The area closest to the town of Morro Jable is easily accessible and has all kinds of services (umbrellas, sun loungers, beach bars, public toilets and lifeguards). Additionally, due to its location, it is usually more protected from the wind.

Other areas remain unspoiled, while some others are better suited for water sports.

Just behind this beach is the Saladar de Jandía, a protected natural area with high scientific interest and a unique ecosystem.

The famous Matorral lighthouse, which is 62 meters high (203 feet), is located in the Saladar and was built at the end of the 20th century.

2. Fuerteventura — Day 2

Sotavento Beach

Our choice for the second day is to visit Sotavento Beach, located about 14 km (8.7 miles) from Morro Jable. It is possibly the best-known beach internationally.

It is a 9 km long (5.6 miles) virgin beach divided into five sections: La Barca, Risco del Paso, Mirador, Malmundo and Los Canarios.

Tips:

The beach is so natural that it doesn’t have many services, so don’t expect to find umbrellas, sunbeds, or beach bars.
From its name (Sotavento means Leeward), you can imagine that it is a very windy beach. It may not be the best option for highly windy days if you’re looking to relax on the sand. You’ll end up covered like a croquette 😂!

Cofete Beach

Another option for the second day is to visit Cofete Beach, located on the southwest coast of Fuerteventura. The driving distance from Morro Jable is only 22 km (13.7 miles), but due to the challenging access, it takes about an hour to reach the beach.

It is one of the wildest beaches in the Canary Islands, known for its expansive stretch of coastline with minimal urban development. Spanning twelve kilometres, the absence of housing, unpaved roads, and the necessity of a 4×4 vehicle to access the area truly exemplifies its remote and unspoiled nature.

Morro Jable Market

Every Tuesday and Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., a market takes place next to the port of Morro Jable. It offers a wide range of local and artisan products, as well as cultural entertainment and leisure activities.

✳️ Recommendations for eating/drinking:

La Bodega de Jandía is a small place in the centre of Morro Jable that specialises in tapas and will not disappoint you. It offers an excellent quality of products in a charming atmosphere.

3. Fuerteventura — Day 3

Today, we have a busy day ahead. We will be leaving the hotel in Jandía (in the south) to move to another one in Corralejo (in the north). We plan to make the most of the trip by visiting various points along the way.

a. Sicasumbre Astronomical Viewpoint

The first stop will be the Sicasumbre Astronomical Viewpoint, located 40 km from Morro Jable (25 miles) and about 300 meters (984 feet) above sea level.

It is a magnificent observation point of the sky, which is why it attracts astronomers from all over the world. The idea is to go at night to enjoy the sky, but during the day, it offers excellent views of the island. You have to walk a bit to get to the top, but it’s worth it.

b. Majorero Cheese Museum

33 km (21 miles) by car from the viewpoint, we find the Museum of Majorero Cheese, one of the most popular foods of the local gastronomy.

This cheese is made with milk from an endemic goat species and is one of the three cheeses of the Canary Islands with a certificate of origin. Majorero goats are known for being highly productive and for the exceptional quality of their milk.

The facilities, with more than 500 m² of exhibition, include the cheese museum, a mill, and a garden, as well as offering a journey through the history of the island.

If you would like to know more about this museum, its tastings, schedules and prices, you can consult the museum’s website.

c. Morro Velosa Statues and Viewpoint

Driving approximately 7 km (4 miles) to the west, we arrive at the Morro Velosa viewpoint, considered the most beautiful in Fuerteventura, situated at an altitude of almost 700 meters above sea level.

César Manrique designed the viewpoint building. Inside, you can learn about the geological past of this volcanic island.

Here are the renowned 4-meter-high (13-foot) statues of Ayoze and Guize. They depict the ancient Guanche kings of Fuerteventura, who ruled the island before the Spanish conquistadors’ invasion.

d. Betancuria

Three kilometres (1.8 miles) to the south lies Betancuria, the former capital of Fuerteventura, until 1834, when La Oliva replaced it.

It was established in 1404 by Frenchman Jean de Bethencourt, who chose an inland valley for better defence against pirates.

The church-cathedral of Santa María de Betancuria stands out as the most important building in the town.

✳️ Recommendations for eating/drinking:

La Sombra is a restaurant famous for its burgers, but don’t leave without trying their local goat cheeses. Simply delicious 😋

e. Tindaya Mountain

Our next stop is about 27 km further north (16.8 miles), near La Oliva, the sacred mountain of Tindaya.

This mountain, to which magical properties are attributed, has an altitude of about 400 meters (1,312 feet) and is home to numerous rock carvings.

The surrounding landscape is relatively quiet; there is only a small town at its southern base that has several shops and restaurants.

f. Enchanted Ravine (Barranco Encantado)

Continuing our way north, less than 8 km (5 miles) away, is the ‘Barranco Encantado‘ (Enchanted Ravine), also called ‘Barranco de los Enamorados’.

This ravine presents a very characteristic and peculiar landscape, full of fossil dunes excavated by water and shaped by the wind after the retreat of the sea.

The route to travel is circular, just over 6 kilometres long (3 km one-way and 3 km return).

g. Calderón Hondo

If you still feel like hiking a bit more, 17 km (11 miles) on the route from the ravine to Corralejo, you will find the Calderón Hondo volcano.

It is a series of aligned volcanoes which were generated 50,000 years ago. Calderón Hondo is one of the best preserved, with a crater 70 meters deep.

Getting to the summit takes about 45 minutes and has a small viewpoint. From there, you can see the reddish crater with traces of yellow sulphur at the bottom.

h. Corralejo

Finally, after driving another 8 km (5 miles) further northeast, we arrive in Corralejo, where we will stay for the next four days.

This city is the main tourist spot in the north of Fuerteventura.

4. Fuerteventura — Day 4

Corralejo Natural Park

One of the main attractions of Corralejo is the Corralejo Natural Park, which spans 2338 hectares and boasts the most giant sand dunes in the Canary Islands.

This is one of the most visited natural spaces in Fuerteventura. It boasts 10 kilometres of fine, nearly white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it a genuine natural gem.

Since 1987, the month of November in Corralejo has been marked by a grand event — the International Kite Festival. For several days, the sky above the dunes is filled with giant kites, creating a most impressive and awe-inspiring spectacle that is not to be missed.

Moro Beach

Moro Beach, located in the Corralejo Natural Park, is easily accessible by car. It stretches about 300 meters and is sheltered from the northerly and north-westerly winds, which is something to consider on windy days.

✳️ Recommendations for eating/drinking:

Sotavento Restaurant, in Corralejo. It is located facing the sea, near the port. The service is very friendly, and the food is of good quality.

5. Fuerteventura — Day 5

El Campanario Market

Today, we will spend the morning walking around Corralejo, buying some souvenirs.

Two craft markets take place twice a week, and they are ideal for purchasing locally handmade items:

Craft Market: every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Canary Market: every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Both can be found in El Campanario (69, Hibisco Street 1).

Lobos Islet Natural Park

Next, we will take the ferry to the neighbouring islet of Lobos, which got its name because it used to be inhabited by sea lions.

The strait that separates it from the island of Fuerteventura, only 4.7 km (2.9 miles), is known as The River due to its currents and shallow depth.

The visit is definitely worthwhile. You can experience its stunning volcanic landscapes, heavenly beaches, and vibrant seabeds teeming with life and colour.

Things to see on the islet of Lobos:

* Puertito de Lobos

Here, you can take one of the most famous photos of the islet, with the small wooden pontoon, the white sand and the crystal clear waters.

Right in front of Puertito, you will find the only beach bar on the island.

* Visitors Center

A small tourist office where you can find more information about the island.

* Concha Beach

As its name implies (concha means shell), this beach has a shell-like shape, creating the illusion of being by a lake. It is perhaps the most renowned on the islet, and it’s just a 10-minute walk from the pier.

* Punta Martiño Lighthouse

If you’d rather go hiking instead of enjoying the beaches, there are several routes you can take. One of them is to hike to the lighthouse at the northern end of the islet. The distance from Puertito de Lobos is almost 4 km (2.5 miles).

This small islet, measuring 4.5 km², was designated as a Natural Park in 1982 and is currently uninhabited. Visitor numbers are restricted to 400 people per day to preserve its natural environment better.

The permits are divided into two shifts of 4 hours, with a maximum of 200 people each. You can request the free authorisation up to five days before the date you want to visit through the Fuerteventura’s Council website. Some boats offer tickets with a permit included, but don’t assume they are!

6. Fuerteventura — Day 6

El Cotillo

Today, we will spend the day in El Cotillo, a fishing village located in the northwest of the island, 20 km (12.5 miles) from the bustling Corralejo.

Its charm, beautiful beaches, and exceptional gastronomic offerings make this town a must-visit destination.

La Concha, a well-known beach in El Cotillo and Fuerteventura, is renowned for its serene environment and beauty. Protected by a natural reef, the beach offers amenities such as umbrellas, showers, and parking facilities.

7. Fuerteventura — Day 7

Puerto del Rosario

It is the last day in Fuerteventura, and we are going to dedicate it to Puerto del Rosario. It is located to the east of the island and conveniently close to the airport.

Puerto del Rosario became the capital of Fuerteventura in 1860, replacing the town of Betancuria.

Things to see here:

First of May pedestrian street. Located in the centre of the city, it is one of the most famous streets with numerous shops, cafés, and parks.

Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. Construction of the central parish commenced in the early 19th century and was not finished until 1931. It has been designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest.

Miguel de Unamuno House Museum. It’s where Miguel de Unamuno lived during his exile in 1924 during the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera. It has free admission.

Puerto del Rosario Sculpture Park. It includes a set of more than 100 sculptures distributed throughout the streets, roundabouts, and squares of the capital.

Playa Chica, also known as Los Pozos, is located near the port and the promenade.

✳️ Recommendations for eating/drinking:

La Jaira Restaurant. It has a lovely atmosphere and excellent quality food.

I’m not going to say that it is an economic place because it is not, but we decided to treat ourselves to lift our spirits on our last day in Fuerteventura, and it was definitely worth it.