Fuerteventura

How many days: 7

A week gives you beach days, a watersports lesson and a day exploring the interior and the west coast. A long weekend suits a beach-only trip.

The island is long and thin, so most visitors base themselves in the north, the centre or the south. Decide your area before you book.

What to do in Fuerteventura

Walk the Corralejo dunes

A national park of white sand dunes in the north, backed by turquoise sea. The beaches are some of the best on the islands.

Learn to windsurf or kitesurf

Steady winds and shallow lagoons make the island one of the best places in Europe to learn. Schools in the south and north offer lessons.

Visit the Sotavento beaches

A long strip of sand and shallow lagoon in the south. Ideal for swimming, walking and watching windsurfers.

Take a boat to Lobos island

A small uninhabited island off the north coast, reached by a short ferry ride. It has calm bays, a lighthouse and walking paths.

Explore Betancuria

The old capital, a small village in a green valley in the interior. A good place for a lunch stop.

Drive to the west coast

Wild, empty beaches and black cliffs lie on this side. The sea is rough, so look rather than swim.

Visit El Cotillo

A fishing village with rock pools, a fort and a quiet atmosphere. Locals come here at sunset.

Walk up a volcano

Trails climb the volcanic cones in the north, with views over the island and the sea.

Visit the Oasis Park or a local goat farm

A farm and park in the south shows how goat cheese is made, and has animals and gardens. A good family stop.

Walk to the Ajuy caves

Sea caves on the west coast, reached by a short path along black-sand cliffs. The area has some of the oldest rocks in the Canaries.

What to eat and drink

Goat cheese

The island is famed for goat cheese, often smoked or rubbed with paprika. Majorero cheese has a protected name.

Fresh fish

Grilled fish, such as vieja or sama, is served at harbour restaurants.

Papas arrugadas

Small salty potatoes with mojo sauce. A staple across the islands.

Goat stew

A slow-cooked stew of goat meat with potatoes and spices. A traditional island dish.

Gofio

A toasted grain flour used in many dishes and desserts. A traditional food of the islands.

Local honey and rum

Look for honey rum and palm honey in local shops.

Fresh octopus and limpets

Simple fishing villages serve octopus and limpets with mojo. Look for small places with local diners.

Getting around

A hire car is the best way to see the island, as distances are long and buses are infrequent. Roads are good.

Buses link the main towns and resorts. Taxis are available.

Ferries cross from Corralejo to Lanzarote. Check timetables.

Good to know

• The wind is strong, particularly in summer. Take a layer for the beach.
• The island is dry and has little shade. Bring sun protection and water.
• Some beaches have strong currents. Follow lifeguard flags.
• Spain uses the euro, and cards are widely accepted.
• Many restaurants are small and simple. Book ahead in the evening.
• Dark skies make the island a good place for stargazing. Bring a jacket, as evenings can be cool.
• Many apartments and small hotels are in the north or south, and the main road between them is long. Check the distance from beaches and shops before you book.