Despite holidays to Fuerteventura becoming increasingly popular over recent years, the island still remains hugely unspoilt with are many places to discover that are truly away from it all. This naturally beautiful island has a rugged mountainous centre surrounded by over 50 kilometres of stunning white and black sands.

You’re never far away from one of the island’s National Parks either. Corralejo Natural Park boasts 10 kilometres of rolling sand dunes that run down the northeast coast, and Jandia National Park in the south, encompasses many of the island’s best beaches along with the spectacular surrounding mountains.

Just like the other Canary Islands, Fuerteventura offers an excellent base, however you like to holiday, whether it’s a family getaway to make some new memories, a luxury getaway just the two of you, or a cheap Fuerteventura holiday sticking to a budget.

Best beaches in Europe

A huge highlight to holidays in Fuerteventura is certainly it’s beaches – after all, they are thought of as some of the best in Europe. What’s more, beaches are a cheap holiday-seekers paradise.

Corralejo is home to some of the best beaches including Corralejo Viejo, as well as the rustic, 300-metre long El Caseron. The star attraction though is the seven mile long Grandes Playa that stretches back into the rolling Corralejo dunes.

Costa Calma’s Esmerelda beach is the perfect family spot with gentle waves and gorgeous golden sands. Extending 400 m is neither too big or too small and is ideal for getting away from the hustle and bustle.

The isolated Cofete beach sits in the far south of the island, reachable in about 20 to 30 minutes drive along a dirt track, but, it’s well worth it when you get there to enjoy the silence and breathtaking views of the Jandia Mountains.

Wildlife and nature

Fuerteventura is brimming with nature and spectacular sights, whether it be the aquatic wildlife in it’s turquoise waters or the National Parks and natural monuments.

See turtles up close and personal, and even see them be released back to the waters if you visit Cofete beach between August and early September.

Hop on a boat trip and glide across the waves as you keep an eye out for turtles, dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.

Jandia Natural Park is a fun filled day out where you can spot wildlife – it’s home to 40 protected species – and explore the unique landscape, which at its highest point is 807 metres above sea level.

Surfing potential

The long expanses of coastline and gusty winds of Fuerteventura make it the prime location for watersports. Whether you’re a novice or a dab hand, the island is a great place to take part in surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, waterskiing, diving or just even just flying a kite in the warm breeze.

Make a beeline to Sotavento in the south if you are interested in trying your hand at one of these adrenaline-fuelled sports. Here, you can watch the Professional Windsurfers Association world windsurfing speed and slalom event, usually running from July into August.

Or, if you are planning a holiday to Fuerteventura in November, the International Kite Festival is held in Cotillo, in the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park. Here you can watch professional kite flyers and enthusiasts from around the world.

Places to go

Good road and bus links between the main resorts mean you’re never too far from any of the island’s attractions, and after all, it’d only take an hour and a half to get from one end of the island to the other anyway! Buses and taxis are cheap and easy to use across the island.

Fuerteventura’s only waterpark, Acua Family Park, is situated near Corralejo and offers fun for everyone. Dare to go on the tallest and fastest shoots, enjoy a slow paced lazy river, or hit the mini slides for the little adrenaline seekers. Booking your tickets online can see some exclusive discounts, and they offer a bus transfer from several points across the island.

Try Oasis Animal Park near Costa Calma to see some incredible wildlife. With a variety of options to see and learn about the animals, as well as get up close and personal with camel rides and elephant feeding, it’s a great day out for all. There’s several restaurants here too, but also plenty of picnic spots if you’re keeping the cost down.

Things to see

Fuerteventura holidays are all about the relaxation and views, but how about seeing the views in unconventional ways? Ride a Harley Davidson or three-wheeler motorbike along the mountain roads as you stare out across the jaw dropping views of Fuerteventura, you could even tackle the back roads in a 4×4 for a bit of adventure.

For something entirely different, take a camel ride across the dunes and even stroll through the sands at sunset and you’ll see a view you’d need to see with your own eyes to believe it’s real.

The Canary Islands are known for fiesta season and they’re certainly a sight to behold. Every village and town across Fuerteventura holds its own carnival celebrations between January and April, with most held in February, and it’s hard not to be drawn in by these quirky and colourful parties.

Eating out

Fuerteventura holidays are all about sitting with a glass of wine, listening to the waves and watching the sun set – oh, and enjoying a delicious meal.

From fresh seafood caught that day to traditional stews, goats cheese or spicy potatoes, Canarian cuisine has lots to offer. Traditional eateries have a certain charming allure that pulls you in as you walk down the cobbled streets of Fuerteventura, and once you’re inside, the friendly atmosphere makes you feel right at home.

Even if you prefer to stick to your home favourites, most resorts in Fuerteventura have international and British alternatives, so everyone will be kept happy. Corralejo and Costa Caleta have the biggest variety of food joints.

You’ll find that dining out is very reasonably priced, so even if you’re staying All Inclusive or on sticking to a tight budget for a cheap holiday in Fuerteventura, a night or two out is definitely worth it to try something new and soak up the atmosphere.