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The Best Activities in Fuerteventura
The Best Activities in Fuerteventura
FuerteventuraLink opens in a new tab, a stunning island in the Canary Islands, is a dream for an outdoor enthusiast and a relaxed vacation. Combining gorgeous sandy beaches, breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear waters, and delicious food—the Island is perfect for a year-round vacation due to its sunny location next to Africa.
Likewise, Fuerteventura is a dream for any watersport fanatic; you can enjoy surfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing. However, the island is also superb for hiking with its rugged volcanic landscapes, offering stunning scenery from every vantage point.
Are you considering visiting Fuerteventura? We don’t blame you; here are the best activities:
1. Go Beach-Hopping
When visiting Fuerteventura, the first thing to do is head to the incredible beaches—and there are many options. Here are some of the best beaches:
- Cofete Beach: One of the most remote and beautiful beaches in Fuerteventura is Cofete Beach; you’ll find gorgeous long stretches of golden sand backed by stunning towering mountains.
- El Cotillo Beaches: If you’re looking for gorgeous beaches, check out El Cotillo Beaches. They’re a group of small coves in the island’s Northwest, offering stunning snorkeling and swimming opportunities. Better still, the water is calm, clear, and excellent for relaxing.
- Playa de la Concha: If you want to relax while enjoying shelter from the sun, check out Playa de la Concha and its sheltered cove. With its warm and shallow waters, it’s excellent for families.
- Gran Tarajal Beach: On the east coast of Fuerteventura, you’ll find Gran Tarajal Beach and its gorgeous white sands.
- Sotavento Beach: One of Fuerteventura’s finest beaches is Sotavento Beach, a popular beach for windsurfing and kitesurfing; however, there are also many great spots for sunbathing and swimming.
There are many superb beaches on the island, and you only need to pick one that suits your needs.
2. Go Surfing in Perfect Conditions
Fuerteventura is one of the world’s most notorious surfing islands due to the constant waves and world-class surfing scene. If you’re coming to Fuerteventura to surfLink opens in a new tab, you should visit between October and March because the waves are consistently suitable for surfing.
However, you can surf year-round due to the warm climate. The water temperature averages between 19 and 23 Celsius, so it’s preferable to pack or rent a wetsuit.
One of the top surfing destinations on the island is El Cotillo, situated on the Southwest of the island. With its consistent waves and diverse breaks, it’s a fantastic place to surf whether you’re a beginner or experienced surfer. You can find various surfing and rental shops along the beach.
Other popular surfing destinations include Playa de Sotavento and Corralejo; they both offer superb waves and strong currents. Nonetheless, these beaches are better for more experienced surfers due to the rough currents.
3. Enjoy Windsurfing in Fuerteventura
WindsurfingLink opens in a new tab is one of the primary attractions for anyone visiting Fuerteventura. The island has an array of world-class beaches, warm waters, and strong winds; therefore, it’s incredible for windsurfing.
Some of the top windsurfing spots on the island include Sotavento Beach—home to the annual Fuerteventura World Cup Windsurfing and Kiteboarding event—and the superb beaches of Cotillo, Flag Beach, and Corralejo.
Thankfully, the island is full of excellent windsurfing rental shops, providing lessons and equipment rentals, regardless of your experience levels.
4. Hike Around the Island’s Mountains
Although Fuerteventura is famous for its incredible beaches and crystal-clear waters, people also adore the island for its stunning hiking opportunities spanning volcanic craters, national parks, and hidden valleys.
One of the leading hiking trails on the island is the Betancuria Loop. The trail takes you through the gorgeous BetancuriaLink opens in a new tab Natural Park before finishing in the quaint town of Betancuria. You’ll pass through ancient stone walls, rugged terrain, and lush vegetation along the hike.
If you want to explore the stunning volcanic craters—which we highly recommend—the Calderon Hondo is a must-see. Located north of the island, the Calderon Hondo is a relatively easy 3km hike with stunning views.
Thankfully, the weather is excellent year-round, meaning you can hike during any month. That said, winter months are perfect because they’re colder, still sunny, and relatively dry. Also, wear suitable footwear, bring a water bottle, and your sunscreen.
5. Enjoy Diving around Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is excellent if you’re a passionate diver because of the warm water, marine life, and variety of top-class diving sites. The island offers shallow reefs to deep wrecks, ensuring divers of all skill levels can enjoy divingLink opens in a new tab.
The island’s main diving site is the Marine Reserve of Lobos Island, situated off the coast of Corralejo. Local authorities protect the area because it's home to various marine species, including octopuses, angel sharks, and barracudas alongside colorful coral formations.
Furthermore, the Jandía Natural Park—situated in the south of the island—is excellent for diving due to its clear waters and diverse marine life, including groupers, moray eels, and stingrays.
However, for a truly unique diving experience, check out the village of Caleta de Fuste. It offers truly amazing dive spots with a huge variety of fish and spectacular underwater landscapes.
6. Enjoy the Island’s Capital
Although Fuerteventura is an outstanding outdoor island, you should visit the charming capital city of Puerto del Rosario to witness a glimpse into Fuerteventura’s superb history. The main attraction in the capital is the historic center; you’ll see whitewashed houses, small squares, and traditional courtyards.
In addition, the capital has some great shopping opportunities with many local and international stores selling diverse goods and souvenirs. Ensure you check out the weekly market every Saturday to find local cheese, aloe vera products, and honey to bring home some of Fuerteventura’s goodness.
7. Cycle in Fuerteventura
If you're an avid cyclist looking for an exciting challenge, Fuerteventura's excellent climate and beautiful landscapes offer an ideal terrain for cycling. The island is renowned for its year-round warm climate, clear skies, and breathtaking scenery, making it a perfect location for cycling enthusiasts.
One of the most popular cycling routes is the Betancuria loop, a 35 km ride (or much longer if you prefer) that takes you through the heart of Fuerteventura's rural landscapes. You'll pass through quaint villages, challenging uphill sections, and take in the stunning views of the island's rugged interior.
Another popular route is the Corralejo to El Cotillo trail, a 20 km route that takes you along the island's north coast. You'll cycle through the stunning Corralejo Natural Park, a protected area renowned for its spectacular dunes, before reaching the picturesque town of El Cotillo.
If you prefer a more leisurely cycling experience, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the island's coastline. You can cycle along the islandLink opens in a new tab's many dedicated cycling lanes and take in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Whichever cycling route you choose, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience on this beautiful island.
8. Visit one of Fuerteventura’s Excellent Golf Courses
If you're a keen golfer, Fuerteventura offers some of the most stunning golf courses in Europe. With year-round sunshine and breathtaking landscapes, the island provides the perfect location to indulge in your favorite sport.
One of the most popular golf courses on the island is the Fuerteventura Golf ClubLink opens in a new tab, an 18-hole course designed by the world-renowned Juan Catarineau. The course is set in a stunning landscape surrounded by volcanic mountains, palm trees, and lakes, providing a challenging and picturesque experience for all levels of golfers.
Another popular 18-hole golf course is the Salinas de Antigua Golf CourseLink opens in a new tab which was designed by world champion Manuel Piñero. This beautiful golf course offers extra shelter from the wind while challenging the golfer’s technical skills and stamina in a gorgeous vista.
Fuerteventura: A Paradise Island for Outdoor Activities
If you’re looking for a sunny European vacation in the middle of winter, you should check out Fuerteventura and its marvelous beaches and outdoor activities. It remains one of the most popular islands in Europe for many good reasons: It’s stunningly beautiful with the perfect climate and caters perfectly to tourists from every walk of life.