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Hotel Riu Palace Jandia, Fuerteventura

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Fuerteventura

Updated 1 October 2026 · 13 things to do

Pictured: Hotel Riu Palace Jandia

Fuerteventura is the Canary Islands with the lights off and the wind on. It's a long, low, sun-baked island of volcanic hills and some of the longest, emptiest beaches in Europe, where the Atlantic breeze keeps the heat comfortable and makes the island a magnet for windsurfers and kitesurfers. It's a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and it feels like it.

Come for the sand and sea, but don't stop there. The interior has whitewashed villages, windmills and a former capital tucked in a valley. The west coast has black-pebble beaches and sea caves. Hire a car, take plenty of water, and be ready for wind: it blows most days, and you'll get used to it.

Don't miss

  1. 1Corralejo Dunes
  2. 2Isla de Lobos
  3. 3Playa de Sotavento
  4. 4Playa de Cofete
  5. 5Betancuria

Beaches, dunes and wind

  1. Corralejo Dunes

    Nature

    Mountain and dune in the Corralejo Dunes
    Photo: Benjamín Núñez González, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Behind Corralejo, a protected natural park of rolling white dunes runs for kilometres along the north-east coast, with turquoise water on one side and the outline of Lanzarote across the strait. Walk out onto the sand and the resorts disappear. It's one of the most striking landscapes in the Canaries.

    Tip: Take shade and water as there is none on the dunes, and stick to the marked paths to protect the sand.

  2. Isla de Lobos

    Nature

    Playa de la Concha on Isla de Lobos
    Photo: Josi, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A small uninhabited island just off Corralejo, reached by a short ferry. It has a lighthouse, a volcanic cone with a walking trail around it and La Concha, a sheltered lagoon-like beach where the water is shallow and the colour is spectacular. Bring a picnic.

    Tip: Ferries run from Corralejo harbour. Go early in summer, when the boats fill up.

  3. Playa de Sotavento

    Beach

    The lagoon at Playa de Sotavento from above
    Photo: dirkvorderstrasse, CC BY 2.0

    On the southern Jandía peninsula, miles of pale sand curve around a shallow turquoise lagoon that changes with the tide. It's a world-class spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and just as good for walking, paddling or doing nothing.

  4. Playa de Cofete

    Beach

    Playa de Cofete beneath the Jandía mountains
    Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A wild, wind-lashed beach on the far west of the Jandía peninsula, with huge Atlantic waves and a wall of jagged mountains behind. It's reached by a long, bumpy track from Morro Jable. An eerie mansion, Villa Winter, stands on the hillside above, wrapped in local legend.

    Tip: Swimming is dangerous here, with strong currents. Come for the scenery and the walk, and check your hire-car terms before taking the track.

  5. El Cotillo

    Neighbourhood

    The port of El Cotillo
    Photo: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0

    A small fishing village on the north-west coast, with a little harbour, a stone watchtower and a couple of sheltered lagoons of calm water. The beaches beyond are wide, wild and good for surfing, and the sunsets here draw a crowd.

  6. Windsurfing and kitesurfing

    Activity

    Fuerteventura's constant trade winds make it one of Europe's top spots for wind sports. Beginners can take lessons in the sheltered waters of Corralejo and Sotavento; experienced riders head for the waves of the west and north.

Villages, caves and the west coast

  1. Betancuria

    Neighbourhood

    The village of Betancuria in its valley
    Photo: Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Tucked into a valley in the mountains, Betancuria was the island's first capital, founded in the early 15th century. It's a quiet village of whitewashed houses, a small church and cafés, and a world away from the beach resorts. Stop for lunch and a stroll.

  2. Mirador de Morro Velosa

    Nature

    The Mirador de Morro Velosa viewpoint
    Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY 4.0

    A viewpoint designed by the Lanzarote artist César Manrique on a mountain pass above Betancuria. From the lookout the view stretches across the island's volcanic hills and plains, and it's an easy stop on the way through the interior.

  3. Molino de Antigua

    Landmark

    The windmill at Antigua
    Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0

    In the inland village of Antigua, a restored windmill houses a craft centre showcasing local crafts and traditions. It's a gentle, local-flavoured stop between the coast and Betancuria.

  4. Ajuy caves

    Nature

    The sea caves at Ajuy
    Photo: Rudolphu, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A black-sand cove and fishing hamlet on the west coast, where a short path leads along the cliffs to sea caves hollowed out by the Atlantic. The waves crash in, the rock glows, and the setting is wonderfully raw.

    Tip: Take care near the cave mouths when the swell is up.

  5. Puertito de los Molinos

    Neighbourhood

    A tiny fishing hamlet at the end of a valley on the west coast, with a sheltered cove, a few whitewashed houses and simple seafood restaurants. A good place for lunch and a swim far from the resorts.

Eat and drink

  1. Papas arrugadas

    Food

    Papas arrugadas with mojo sauce
    Photo: Fer.., CC BY 2.0

    The Canary Islands' classic: small potatoes boiled in heavily salted water until the skins wrinkle, then served with mojo, a garlicky sauce, either red and spicy or green with coriander. Simple and hard to beat.

  2. Majorero cheese

    Food

    Fuerteventura's goat's cheese has a protected designation of origin, and comes fresh, semi-cured or cured, sometimes rubbed with paprika or gofio (toasted grain flour). Look for it on tapas boards, and pick some up at a farm shop.

Where to stay in Fuerteventura

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Fuerteventura →

Getting around

A hire car is the easiest way to see the island, which is long and spread out. Buses link the main resorts and Puerto del Rosario, but not the best interior and west-coast spots. Some tracks are unpaved, so check what your rental insurance covers.

When to go

The island has a mild climate all year, and it is rarely cold or very wet. Summer is hot and windy, which suits wind sports. Winter and spring are pleasant for walking, though the water is cooler and the wind can feel brisk on the beach.

Questions about visiting Fuerteventura

What is Fuerteventura best known for?
Its long, empty beaches, the white dunes of Corralejo and world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions.
Is Fuerteventura worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want big beaches, dependable sunshine and an outdoorsy holiday rather than a nightlife scene.
What is there to do in Fuerteventura with kids?
Shallow lagoons such as Sotavento and La Concha on Lobos, dune walks, boat trips and surf or kite lessons for older children are popular family days out.
How many days do you need in Fuerteventura?
A week suits a beach holiday with a few day trips. You can see the main highlights in three or four days with a hire car.
Do you need a car in Fuerteventura?
For a resort holiday, no. To see the dunes, Cofete, Betancuria and the west coast at your leisure, a car is best.

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