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Fuerteventura

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For sun that shines pretty much year-round, plus the best beaches in the Canaries, a holiday to Fuerteventura is spot on.

The unsung island

Fuerteventura is one of the more organic Canary Islands. It’s a no-added-sugar sort of place, where the buildings are low-rise and the landscape has been shaped by biology rather than builders. But that’s not to say nothing goes on here. In fact, as most of the Canaries creak to life around mid-morning, Fuerteventura has been up for hours catering for the people who want to fit it all in.

Surf spots and sand dunes

The island’s enormous beaches attract surfers from sunrise. And at places like Dunas de Corralejo National Park, in the northern resort of Corralejo, sunbathers follow hot on their heels. Once you see the desert-like landscape here you won’t want to stay in bed, either. It’s a sea of wind-rippled white sand, with miles of footprint-free dunes.

Action-packed resorts

That said, All Inclusive holidays to Fuerteventura aren’t just for morning people. In resorts like Costa Caleta on the east coast, and Jandia, in the south, afternoons are filled with watersports, mini-golf and trampolining for the kids. Fast-forward a few hours, and the smell of fresh fish cooking on hot coals fills the island’s harboursides, giving the chequered flag to dinner time.

White sand and watersports

When it comes to beaches, Fuerteventura doesn’t do things by halves – it’s got 150-odd to its name. They don’t scrimp on quality either. From the white sand dunes at Corralejo to Costa Caleta’s quiet cove, beaches here are all first-class. And, if you’re the sporty type, they rank pretty highly when it comes to wind and kite-surfing, too.
The big beach

Top billing here goes to Grandes Playas, a seven-kilometre stretch of white sand just south of Corralejo. It’s part of the Dunas de Corralejo National Park, and is backed by Sahara-style dunes. As it’s a protected area, no building work is allowed – although two large hotels sprung up before the restrictions were put in place. The busiest stretch is between the two properties – if you want a bit more space, just edge a bit further out.
The secret beach

Right down on the southern tip of the island is Cofete Beach. This rugged, five-kilometre stretch is pretty difficult to get to – you’ll most likely need a 4x4 to navigate the tracks down here – but it’s worth it if you’re after a patch of sand away from the masses. The remote location and choppy surf keep the crowds away, so you’re guaranteed to find a secluded spot. It’s a top pick with those who like an all-over bronze, too, so if you fancy getting rid of those pesky tan lines, this is the place.

Bargain Buys

There are plenty of bargain buys to be had in Fuerteventura. For handmade gifts, head to the artisan market at Corralejo’s El Campanario shopping centre between 10am and 2pm on Sundays. There’s also a market in Costa Caleta on Saturday mornings, and one in Jandia on Thursdays, where you can pick up leather belts and bags, jewellery and imitation designer gear.
Mid-Range Buys

The cobbled lanes of Corralejo’s old town are bursting with tiny artisan shops selling homemade arts and crafts. You’ll find loads of aloe vera products for sale, too – the plants grow everywhere here. The creams and lotions are a lifesaver if you’ve had a bit too much sun. You can also pick up gifts like painted vases and plates in the independent shops in Morro Jable, AKA Jandia’s old town.
Designer Buys

Hardcore shoppers make a beeline for Las Rotondas in the capital, Puerto del Rosario. This massive shopping centre spreads out over three floors. Name-wise, you're looking at brands like Massimo Dutti, Benetton, and Jack & Jones. Atlantico in Costa Caleta and El Campanario shopping centre in Corralejo are worth a trip, too.

Laid-back evenings

For a quiet evening, head to the north end of Corralejo’s main drag, Avenida del General Franco. Up by the harbour, you’ll find a tonne of al fresco restaurants where you can tuck in to fresh seafood and listen to live music. Down by the seafront, there are loads of bars with views across to Los Lobos and Lanzarote. Costa Caleta also has some first-rate fish restaurants – just head straight for the waterfront.
Lively evenings

Corralejo is your best bet for nightlife. The main strip is lined with bars, pubs and live music venues, and in the Centro Comercial Atlantico you’ll find clubs open ‘til the wee hours. There’s also a handful of clubs and discos along the main strip in Costa Caleta and in Jandia’s Centro Comercial. You can bank on drinks deals and free shots at both.

Gofio Amasado

This hearty, pâté-like dish has been around for donkey’s years. It’s made with potatoes, wine and honey, and mixed with a doughy mixture called gofio. The finished product is traditionally served up in a ‘zurron’ – a bag made out of leather or fabric.
Papas arrugadas

These crunchy, shrivelled-looking potatoes are a popular side dish and make an appearance on practically every menu in Fuerteventura. The potatoes are steamed with loads of salt until the skins get all wrinkly, then dished up with a spicy mojo dip.
Bienmesabe

Got a sweet tooth? Order bienmesabe. It’s a rich, syrupy pudding made from almonds, honey, cinnamon, and egg yolks that was brought over to the Canaries by the Moors centuries ago. With a name that translates to ‘tastes good to me’, it’s a no-brainer.
Ron Miel

If you’re after a traditional tipple, plump for the local firewater, Ron Miel. It’s an ultra-sweet liqueur made from dark rum and honey. You can drink it as an apéritif or digestif – or both, if you dare.
Queso Majorero<

Milk from the local Majorera goats is the main ingredient in this, one of the best cheeses in Spain. It’s so good, in fact, that it’s been awarded a fancy ‘Denominacion de Origin’ certification. It’s pretty similar to Manchego and has a nutty tang to it. For an added kick, you can get it coated in pimento or paprika.

Places To Stay In Fuerteventura View all places to stay

Corralejo

Set on the north coast of Fuerteventura, Corralejo has a laid-back, natural vibe. This modern, low-rise resort spreads out from the original old town and fishing port. Surfers come for the breaks, beach-lovers for the year-round sunshine – and the ad crew to do fashion shoots against the vast expanses of fine, white sand.

ClubHotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort

Costa Caleta

Twenty years ago, Costa Caleta was just a quiet stretch of coastline on Fuerteventura’s east side. Now this purpose-built resort is right up to speed as one of the island’s favourite holiday spots. There’s a laid-back feel to the place but it can still hold its own on the nightlife front thanks to a main street packed with bars and restaurants. And the beach keeps the side up, too.

Jandia

Set on Fuerteventura’s southern tip, Jandia is a small, modern resort that’s joined at the hip to traditional old town, Morro Jable. The place comes with a clutch of beachfront restaurants and shopping centres filled with shops and bars. But the location is the real draw. You’ve got a top windsurfing spot here – and a whopping 32 kilometres of coastline to do it on.

AT A GLANCE

Explore the Dunas de Corralejo National Park
Go wildlife-spotting at Oasis Park
Get a dose of culture at Casa de los Coroneles

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Weather

Average monthly temperature and rainfall for Fuerteventura.

TEMPERATURE (°C)RAINFALL (mm)

Month	Temperature	Rainfall
JAN	21.0	14.0
FEB	21.0	10.0
MAR	23.0	9.0
APR	23.0	7.0
MAY	24.0	1.0
JUN	26.0	0.0
JUL	27.0	0.0
AUG	28.0	0.0
SEP	28.0	7.0
OCT	26.0	9.0
NOV	24.0	9.0
DEC	22.0	25.0

WHEN TO GO

Temperatures on this island tend to stick somewhere between 20˚C in winter and 25˚C in summer. In August, it can heat right up to the 30˚C mark, although thanks to trade winds there’s always a cooling breeze. As for rain, most of it falls in the north of the island from October to March. That said, it’s only about five millimetres’ worth.

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Tackle a mountain biking session

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Top 5 resorts in Fuerteventura

Top 5 hotels in Fuerteventura

1

Hotel Club Jandia Princess

From £483
2

TUI MAGIC LIFE Fuerteventura

From £455
3

Hotel Barcelo Fuerteventura Thalasso Spa

From £539
4

ClubHotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort

From £406
5

Occidental Jandia Playa

From £418

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Fuerteventura

The unsung island

Surf spots and sand dunes

Action-packed resorts

Things to See and Do in Fuerteventura

White sand and watersports

The big beach

The secret beach

Bargain Buys

Mid-Range Buys

Designer Buys

Laid-back evenings

Lively evenings

Gofio Amasado

Papas arrugadas

Bienmesabe

Ron Miel

Queso Majorero<

Places To Stay In Fuerteventura View all places to stay »

Corralejo

Costa Caleta

Jandia

AT A GLANCE

Weather

WHEN TO GO

Things To Do View all »

Top 5 resorts in Fuerteventura

Top 5 hotels in Fuerteventura

Where we go in Fuerteventura Show on a map »

Popular holidays

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