Fuerteventura is particularly known for its wide, white sandy beaches. The Canary Island has so much more to offer: rugged mountains, striking rocky coasts and a legendary villa in the middle of no man’s land. There is also no lack of man-made attractions such as zoos, promenades or museums. The island is located in the Atlantic Ocean and is about 120 kilometers from the Moroccan mainland.
However, like the other islands in the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura belongs to Spain – and thus also to the euro zone. This eliminates the need to exchange money and an identity card is sufficient for entry. Because of the year-round mild climate, the second largest land mass of the Canary Islands after Tenerife is also known as the “island of eternal spring”.
It never gets colder than 13 degrees, the maximum temperature is 29 degrees and the sun shines over 300 days a year. Therefore, especially in winter, many people from Europe are drawn to Fuerteventura to escape the dreary weather at home and to relax. The short flight duration is also attractive for holidaymakers. It only takes 4:30 hours to get to the island from Frankfurt.
In the following we present you the most exciting tours, the most beautiful attractions and the best sights on Fuerteventura.
1. Jandía
The most popular holiday resorts are on the Jandía peninsula in the southern part of Fuerteventura. In addition to the seaside resort of Jandía Playa, Morro Jable, the administrative center of the region, should be mentioned in the first place. There are numerous bars, cafes, restaurants and shops in both small towns. Long walks on the beach promenade are also highly recommended.
The promenade of Jandia leads picturesquely along the azure blue sea. You should definitely take a walk to the beautiful lighthouse of Morro Jable at least once to watch the sunset. In the background rise steep mountain ranges that invite you to hike. A unique play of colors awaits you, which is particularly popular with couples.
2. Playa de Sotavento
Playa de Sotavento, located in the south of the Jandá peninsula, is a paradise for windsurfers. The five-kilometer-long sandy beach is divided into two sections by rocks jutting out into the sea: Playa Barca and Playa Risco del Paso. The spectacular colors at this place are impressive: black rock meets light sand and turquoise sea like from a picture book.
Because the wind is very strong here, the beach is less suitable for sun worshipers than for surfers. No wonder that the Fuerteventura World Cup in windsurfing and kitesurfing takes place at Playa de Sotavento with the magnificent waves. In addition to surfers, couples who want to enjoy a lonely walk on the beach also get their money’s worth here. Because there isn’t much going on on this beach.
3. Playa de Cofete
Playa de Cofete is even more lonely. Located in the very south of the island, the eleven kilometer long beach is ideal for long walks. The panorama that is offered is simply outstanding and makes Playa de Cofete one of the most beautiful sights on Fuerteventura.
Because Cofete is a bizarre place: in the background black mountains, in front of an endless sandy beach and often not a soul can be seen. Because not many holidaymakers take on the drive over a bumpy road. Wrongly, because even if bathing is not recommended in this place due to dangerous undercurrents, the detour is worthwhile because of the magnificent landscape alone.
4. Villa Winter
Another important attraction of Fuerteventura is located directly on Playa de Cofete: the legendary Villa Winter. There are many stories and myths about this place. Every visitor quickly feels the mysterious atmosphere that surrounds the place. A weathered path leads to the property that the German engineer Gustav Winter had built in 1936 at the foot of the mighty mountains. The former owner of the villa is said to have maintained a close relationship with Adolf Hitler and after the war helped numerous Nazi henchmen across the island to flee to South America.
Rumors that a submarine base or bunker facility was to be built here could neither be substantiated nor invalidated. The owner himself stated that he had settled there to grow tomatoes – but this is hardly possible due to the landscape. Because neither the engineer, who died in 1970, nor the current residents provide information on the background of the building, much remains to be speculated. It is always interesting to experience the atmosphere in this mysterious place.
5. Ajuy pirate caves
Another mysterious place is the fishing village of Ajuy on the west coast. In the settlement built far off the beaten path, a real pirate cave is waiting to be explored. To the north of the bay in which the village is located, a narrow path leads past the cliffs. Along an ancient lime incinerator and a ship’s ramp, you go to Caleta Negra bay.
There are special kinds of sights here: caves up to 600 meters deep, in which privateers hid their riches. Those who dare can explore the deserted corridors today. The access starts at the black lava beach and also leads past the old ship ramp. Ajuy is also great for a combination with the Pena Horadada rock gate!
6. Fantastic beaches
In addition to the surfers ‘and strollers’ beaches described above, there are of course also great bathing beaches on the island. Playa de Esquinzo, which can be found in the south of Fuerteventura, is particularly suitable for families with small children. The fine sandy beach slopes gently into the turquoise blue water and the surf here is not as strong as elsewhere.
A short walk takes you seamlessly to Playa de Matorral, which is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. For the physical well-being is taken care of thanks to some cafes and restaurants. On the north side of the island, the Playas de Corralejo, which spread out in the middle of the protected dunes, are particularly enchanting.
7. La Oliva
The historic town of La Oliva is also worth a visit. Historic buildings still bear witness to the former importance of the island’s former capital. One of the most beautiful sights is the church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria in the center.
The black bell tower is made of volcanic stone and forms an exciting contrast to the white glowing rest of the sacred building. In the Casa de los Coroneles, the former seat of the military aristocracy, a museum is now housed, which provides insights into the history of the island.
8. Corralejo Natural Park
In the north of the island, not far from Corralejo, a spectacular dune landscape has formed over the years. On the one hand fed by the sand that is blown over from the Sahara, on the other hand formed from shell limestone, desert-like and meter-high elevations of light sand pile up here.
Travelers should definitely take a trip on the FV-1 road through the fascinating landscape and take a short walk. The moving dunes of Furteventura are particularly impressive, which thanks to the constant trade winds always keep moving – a great spectacle!
9. Salinas del Carmen
Square pools of water cover the east coast at Caleta de Fuste. The old brine basins of the Salinas del Carmen salt production plant stretch as far as the eye can see. Salt was extracted at this location until the early 1980s. Today a museum provides information about the extraction and the once flourishing trade in white gold.
It is exciting to see the salt in the different stages of drying in the outdoor facilities and to receive a lot of explanations and information on this topic. Together with the El Museo de la Sal salt museum, the salt pans are one of the most popular attractions in Fuerteventura.
10. Oasis Park
The Oasis Park is located in the southeast of Fuerteventura. Not only families with children get their money’s worth here with interactive encounters with the animals living in the park. The panorama that is offered to the visitor is just wonderful. Located on the hills above the village of La Lajita, there are great views of the sea from many locations in the zoo.
The site itself is also beautifully laid out. Many plants and sometimes dense vegetation line the paths between the enclosures. In addition to bird of prey and sea lion shows, there is also the opportunity to go horse riding with camels. In addition, there are more than 3000 animals of 250 species here.
