Visiting Fuerteventura? You might initially approach this list with caution. After all, your list of things to do in Fuerteventura might begin and end with ‘lounge by the pool’. But we’re pretty sure you’ll want to add more than a few of these into the mix. We’ve clued you in to the best beaches, secret spots, an intriguing abandoned mansion and a couple of laid back options for casual mooching. Hello foodie market stalls and windmill spotting. Fuerteventura’s one of those islands where adventures are just around the corner. And it’s more than worth getting off the sun lounger to experience them.
Track down the island’s best beaches
On Fuerteventura, one of the best things to do with your family is enjoy the island’s beaches. And, whether you’ve a family in tow or not, there’s a beach for just about everyone. Remote and wild, facility-packed havens of fun and even one with a whopper of a wreck to admire. We’ve got an in depth guide to the best beaches in Fuerteventura here, but for now, start in Corralejo. There’s over 5 miles of sand to explore – plus acres of sand dunes if your eyes tire of the frankly gorgeous seascapes.
Explore the Puertito de los Molinos caves
These aren’t the most popular caves on the island. The Ajuy Caves in the Betancuria Rural Park attract a little more attention. Being declared a Natural Monument tends to have that effect on a place. And by all means drop by, but do add the Puertito de los Molinos caves to your list for comparison. Tide times makes access tricky, but figure out the timetable and water depth you’re good to go. Not necessarily on the list of things to do with the family as the currents here can be dangerous. Those that do make it here, tend to have the cave to themselves. Though, you’ll only have around 45 minutes before you’ll need to head back before the tide returns.
Orbzii tip: Catch September’s El Pino tide for the lowest water levels to make this one a little easier to tick off the to do list.
Follow the windmill route
Something to do in Fuerteventura that’s a little less stressful? Checking off a few of the island’s many windmills on a dedicated route. The trail takes you Tuineje in the south, right the way up to Corralejo in the north. Whether you’re interested in the agri-history behind the mills or not, it’s a great way to wind your hire car through some lesser known villages and get to know Fuerteventura’s landscape. The mills themselves are pretty photogenic and are ideal map points to start a hike from or just take in the views.
Ride the slides at Acua Water Park
Add Acua Water Park to your list of Fuerteventura things to do with the family. Water slides, the compulsory lazy river and a wave pool are just the kind of cooling fun you need when the island hots up. Add in the giant jacuzzi and nearby mini soft slides for little ones – and you’ve got a grand mix of adrenaline and alone time. There’s a handy mini golf course just next door too.
Trawl the stalls of La Oliva’s market
Regardless of whether you’re up for a browse and a chat with the traders at Mercado de los Tradiciones in La Oliva, this town should be on your radar. The streets are fine for a mooch, but you’ll be scoping out the refreshment opportunities before scampering around the 10,000 year old volcanic crater. Back in the market? It’s all about the local and organic produce. Which, on balance, could be a smidge more alluring than the hot, hot ancient lava formations.
Check out the landscape at Barranco de los Enamorados
You can’t really talk about the volcanic topography of the Canary Islands without dropping in a line or two about Martian landscapes. And, while that’s certainly true, the Barranco de los Enamorados take that other-worldly look to the next level. Formed from sand – rather than lava, the colours, layers and slopes here are complex, mesmerising and somehow calming. Sweeping curves, jagged edges and smooth, smooth lines fill this ravine carved by wind, rain and water. Also known as the Canyon of the Enchanted, this spot in La Oliva is worth a look.
Uncover Villa Winter’s Secrets
No one really knows what went on at Villa Winter. Hidden away to the south of Fuerteventura and around 45 minutes from Morro Jable, there’s been much talk about just what this mansion was for. Nazi rumours abound. There’s been talk of hidden submarine bases and just about anything the imagination can brew up in this isolated and crumbling spot. Time your visit right and you might happen upon the friendly chap that shows inquisitive minds around … for a small fee.
Island hop to Isla de Lobos
Just a mile off the northern coast of Fuerteventura lies the Isla de Lobos. It’s the kind of place you nip off too for a bit of downtime, maybe catch a wave or two and peer through your binoculars at the nesting seabirds. Yes, there’s a restaurant and a handful of residents – but beyond that, just a whole lot of castaway vibes and space to walk. Which sounds pretty inviting, don’t you think?
Scope out the salt flats for sea birds
There are many reasons to visit the salt flats. The museum, the rather barren but intriguing landscape and then there’s the real salt flats no one mentions. The man-made ones are geometric and oddly pleasing to the eye. But the natural salt flats by the ocean are rugged little devils that sit in the volcanic rock gently waiting for the water to evaporate. Add in the huge number of birds you can watch along the coast and things start to get a little more wild and wonderful. Keep your eyes peeled for greenshanks, redshanks, stone curlews and booted eagles.
Get some tips from the windsurfing pros at Costa Calma
Every year, the world’s elite windsurfers gather at Costa Calma to show off their skills and try to lay claim to the World Championship title. The beach on its own has that kind of of jaw-dropping look usually reserved for Caribbean shores. Add in the offshore breezes and some freestyling windsurfing pros and you’re in for quite the show. Pick up some tips for your own windsurfing attempts or sit back and enjoy the show. In town and missed the competition? There’s still chance to surf the waves by renting a rig.
Scale Tindaya Mountain and see the sacred stones
Shimmy up to the top of Tindaya Mountain for the eye-popping views at the summit. But don’t miss the engravings on the way up. Fuerteventura’s aboriginal people considered this hilltop so sacred they left behind a little memento. Around 300 foot-shaped carvings can be found at the base of the mountain. All point to other peaks in the Canaries – which archaeologists are still fervently discussing the meaning behind. Maps, ancient art or just something to do in the long hot summers? You decide while you take the inevitable foot-in-foot snap for your insta.
Explore Betancuria
Fuerteventura hasn’t always been the best at preserving its historic architecture. For a glimpse back into the island’s history, your best bet is a stroll along the streets of Betancuria. Dating back to 1404, some of the buildings have survived pirate attacks and centuries of island development. White stone walls, cobbled streets and a rare snapshot of days gone by.
That should have your Fuerteventura itinerary shaping up nicely. All that’s left to do is get you there. Download the Orbzii app today to book the ultimate stay on this sun-soaked isle.
