Golden sands and blue sea of Playa de Cofete in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura holidays

Formed 20 million years ago from a volcanic eruption, the oldest Canary Island is also the most beautiful. Fuerteventura has been declared a Biosphere Reserve and features a landscape made up of volcanic mountains, rolling dunes and unspoiled coastline. You’ll find some of Europe’s top beaches, and a subtropical climate that makes holidaying in Fuerteventura perfect at any time of year.

There’s plenty to see and do, from water sports and mountain hiking to scuba diving and whale watching. Put a visit to Corralejo on your list, home to a protected coastal park and photo-worthy marina and don’t forget Playa Jandia Morro Jable, with its culture-rich Old Town and cosmopolitan nightlife. In fact, there’s so much to discover – you’ll only wish you had more time!

Fuerteventura information

Plane

Average flight time

4h 30m

Clock

Time difference

GMT +0h

Wallet

Currency

Euro €

Language

Language

Spanish

A guide to Fuerteventura holidays

Food & drink in Fuerteventura

As soon as you step outside your hotel, you’ll be met by an abundance of delicious restaurants. Indulge in fresh seafood at al-fresco eateries or feast on local delicacies such as papas arrugadas, a potato dish served with spicy mojo sauce. Octopus, chorizo stew and sea bass are top island favourites, but don’t worry – you won’t struggle to find fare from the UK at the many international diners. As for drinks, Dorada and Tropical are Fuerteventura’s go-to beers. However, imported beers, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks are widely available. You’ll find imported wines on every menu and there’s an up-and-coming vineyard industry here, so keep a look out for local wines when you’re dining out. For an after dinner tipple, be sure to sample the delicious Ron Miel, a local rum made with honey.

Some of the best places to eat can be found on the north coast of Fuerteventura. Here you’ll find beachside eateries serving up mouth-watering fresh seafood and Canarian-inspired cuisine. Check out Bodeguita El Andaluz for local dishes full of flair and flavour and LaMAR quesina for the best paella on the island. For pub grub with a Latin vibe, head to Cantate, where the drinks menu includes 120 different kinds of rum. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are also hot on the radar, and you can find plenty of meat and dairy-free options in the coastal towns and resorts. Sanus Fuerteventura in Corralejo shows off the best of local ingredients in their dishes and you can even enjoy a gluten-free beer on the terrace. Further south, be sure to spend an evening at El Invernadero – one of the highest-rated vegan restaurants in the Canaries.

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Beautiful beaches in Fuerteventura

If you’re a fan of the beach, you’ve come to the right place! There are over 150 to choose from, ranging from calm and shallow bays, to surfer hotspots. You’ll find well-equipped stretches of golden sand, hidden rocky coves – and everything in between. The water is clean and clear, so little ones can have a great time splashing about on their holiday. There are plenty of water sport options too, so everyone gets to experience the thrill of the ocean. Sotavento Beach on the southeast coast is the longest on the island. The soft, powdery sand and turquoise water means the beach is popular with families and couples, while over winter, the beach becomes a mecca for surfers. There are no sun loungers or parasols here – all efforts have been made to keep the beach as natural as possible. For snacks and refreshments, you’re just a few km away from major tourist towns.

If isolated, windswept and rugged is more your scene, we’ll let you into a little secret. Cofete is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, but it’ll take a bit of dedication to get there. Twelve miles down a dirt track in a 4×4 to be exact. But, without giving too much away – it’s more than worth it. There are no facilities here and the currents are too dangerous for swimming, but you’ll get to experience a beach routinely voted one of the finest in Europe. Correlejo Beach is easily the most popular on the island, and it’s easy to see why. Miles of soft white sand backed by sand dunes and clear, turquoise-coloured water make this part of the north coast a beach lover’s paradise. What’s more, you’re only a 10 minute boat ride away from the idyllic island of Lobos, where you can snorkel with colourful fish and picnic on the pristine beaches while you take in the scenery.

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Events & festivals in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura hosts a remarkable number of festivals and events throughout the year. You’ll see everything from whole-village tapas cook-offs to international jazz musicians parading the streets. There are circus festivals, mountain biking competitions and even a traditional island sports day with wrestling and stick fighting. Read on for a few of our favourite events and celebrations.

Windsurfing World Cup: One of the most celebrated events in Fuerteventura is the Windsurfing World Cup, which has graced the coastline of Playa de Sotavento for the past 30 years. If you’re on the island mid-July onwards, you’ll be able to catch this exciting show, which sees competitors from all over the world battle it out on the ocean for the grand prize.

Fuerteventura Carnival: From February to March each year, locals all over the island put on carnival parades to mark the month before Lent. Second only to Rio in size, Canary Islanders spend months prepping for the event. The biggest party is held in the northern province of Corralejo, where visitors are treated to a lively and colourful display of costumes, music, dancing and food.

International Kite Festival: November hosts one of the island’s most popular events, the Fuerteventura International Kite Festival. Held yearly in the dunes of the northeast, kite fanatics travel far and wide to show off their colourful creations to crowds of thousands. Possibly the only place in the world you can witness a flying blue whale go head to head with a giant inflatable panda!

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Exploring in Fuerteventura

With rugged volcanic terrain, a beautiful coastline and exotic islands, there’s plenty of chance to explore on your Fuerteventura holiday. Go off-road in a 4×4, hire a car and take in the stunning scenery, or board a boat for an afternoon of sea and snorkelling – there’s plenty of adventure to be had (just don’t forget your camera!).

Boat trips to Lobos Island: Grab the 15-minute ferry from the port of Corralejo to the sun-soaked island of Lobos. Here you’ll find some of the best snorkelling in the Canaries and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of a sea turtle or two. Another draw is the uninhabited nature reserve, home to rare birds and a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Coastal drives: There’s no doubt that hiring a car lets you see the best the island has to offer. One of the most scenic routes goes through the sand dunes of Corralejo, where you’ll get the chance to stop off at any number of incredible beaches. Further north, pull in at the fishing village of El Cotilla – a top spot for taking in the beautiful Fuerteventura sunset.

4×4 adventures: If there’s a prize for the most exciting way to discover the Fuerteventura landscape, off-road touring takes the gold medal. Let your guide take you off the beaten path and away from the crowds as you cross over rugged terrain, traverse through island craters, and visit untouched beaches. Just don’t forget to say hi to the mountain goats along the way!

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Map of Fuerteventura

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