A guide to things to do in Fuerteventura

Take to the ocean

The waters in Fuerteventura are home to some beautiful wildlife, including dolphins, turtles and whales, and what better way to spend your holiday in Fuerteventura than being close to them. You’ll find a variety of boat trips that will take you out on the ocean to spot these incredible creatures. Enjoy a half day or full day exploring on a catamaran, glass bottom boat or even a yacht. Often you’ll be able to take a dip from the boat so be sure to pack your snorkel! 

Ferry over to Lobos Island

Lobos Island is a small nature reserve, an uninhabited island with beautiful coves and lagoons, and spectacular views. Hope on the ferry from Corralejo and you’ll be there in 20 minutes. Enjoy a day of sunbathing and swimming without the crowds in one of the two beaches here – they’re so small it will feel like you’re swimming in a lake rather than a beach in the Canaries! You can also spend your day hiking around the island using the well-signposted tracks and the terrain is not too harsh either. Only 400 people a day will venture to Lobos Island, so it’s the perfect escape and to enjoy some quiet 

Fuerteventura’s parks

Acua Water Park is the only water park in Fuerteventura and is certainly one of the best things to do with kids. Home to an abundance of rides, shoots and flumes, as well as sun beds, a jacuzzi, and even mini golf and go karting, there is something for all the family. Pack  lunch and enjoy a picnic, or buy from the pool bar or snack shack to keep those energy levels high. It’s a fun-filled day out to remember. 

There’s also Oasis Park near Costa Calma, which offers an alternative day out where you’ll stay dry. Home to a variety of animals, you’ll have the chance to feed zebras and camels, watch the sea lion or bird shows, and even get up close and personal with elephants. There’s also beautiful botanical gardens here housing over 2,500 different species of exotic plants!

Corralejo beach

Corralejo beach, also known as Grandes Playas, spans an extraordinary 10km across the northeast coast of the island and the dunes then expand a further 1.5km inland, so wherever you look you’ve got turquoise blue waters or golden sand. The shallow shores here are perfect for a paddle or for kids to play and the gorgeous sands make great sandcastles! Take a packed lunch and set up camp for the day, you’ll find life guards and showers here and it’s recommended to bring your own tents or parasols as there is often no shade.

Try out some unusual modes of transport

In Fuerteventura there’s some seriously beautiful views on offer and some seriously fun ways to experience them. If you’re a thrill seeker, hire a Harley Davidson or three-wheeler motorbike and head along the mountain roads, or if you like a slower pace rent out a Segway or scooter – even a bicycle. Of course hitting the dunes should be done no other way than by quad bike or buggy, it’ll be like exploring the deserts in Dubai. 

You’ll also find various 4×4 tours available, taking you across the rocky and hilly terrain to a mix of destinations, teaching you about the history and geology of the island. Often they’ll include a lunch stop with a picture perfect view.

Shopping

If thrill seeking like that isn’t your thing then how about a spot of shopping? Head to Las Rotondas Centre in Puerto del Rosario where you’ll find all your favourite high street shops, including Zara, H&M and Quicksilver and so many more. Plus, as Fuerteventura is part of the Canary Islands you’ll be shopping duty free! This means all your tobacco, perfume and alcohol will be cheaper than back home – make sure to leave some room in your suitcase. There’s a selection of cafes and restaurants here too so you can grab a bite to eat when you start to feel peckish.

Go for a hike

Fuerteventura has a vast selection of trails and paths all of which offer fantastic views of the island. There’s trails ideal for everyone, from families looking to get out for a hike together to well-seasoned hikers looking for a new challenge. A vast 255 km of trail is available in Fuerteventura varying in lengths and terrain and they make the perfect way to explore this beautiful island without spending a penny. 

Fuerteventura’s festivals

Fiesta season between January and April is certainly something to not be missed. All the towns and villages here take their carnivals ever so seriously, so much so some say the carnivals rival those in Rio! 

Carnival occurs right before lent, between February and March and lasts for 10 days, and Fuerteventura becomes illuminated with colour, glitter and street musicians. Floats parade through the streets hoping to dazzle the judges before a carnival queen is selected, while street bands put on music inspired by political and current events. You don’t even need to take your wallet, simply watch as the streets come alive or get stuck in and make some moves with the music.