Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands: The Best Beaches in Spain

Welcome to another stunning area of Spain- Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. Not only are the beaches of Fuerteventura some of the best in Europe, but they have so much more to offer.

Fuerteventura will make you feel like you've stepped on another planet with its lack of greenery and unique rocky terrain. Swim in the clearest waters in Spain, eat the freshest seafood, and discover wild and weird landscapes all on one small island paradise.

There are so many fun things to do in Fuerteventura, and we had the pleasure of exploring some really unique spots across it. We're here to share with you all we learned while traveling to Fuerteventura. Here are the best things to do in Fuerteventura, amazing restaurants, and some tips for having an epic trip.

📍 Where is Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands?

Fuerteventura is on the east end of the Canary Islands, which belong to Spain. Just off the coast of Western Africa, Fuerteventura is the closest of all the islands.

Entry Requirements for Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands

If you are coming from another one of the Canary Islands or mainland Spain, there are no additional requirements for entering Fuerteventura.

🛂 Visa Requirements for Spain

There are many nationalities who can enter the country of Spain visa-free. Travelers from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland can visit with no restrictions at all, while those that don't need a Schengen visa can visit for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

The 90/180 Rule

It's important to note that the 90 days count for all countries in the Schengen area. For example, if you spend 30 days in Germany (also part of the EU), you will then only be able to spend a total of 60 days in Spain within a 180-day period.

We use the Schengen visa calculator, which is helpful for those planning on traveling in and out of the EU for a long period of time.

Schengen Visas

For those of you that are planning on staying longer than 90 days, or those that are from a country that don't get visa-free access, you will need to then in fact apply for a Schengen Visa. Make sure to check the list of countries that need to get a Schengen Visa before traveling.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

Local Adjustments for Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands

When traveling to a new place, even within the same country, many things such as language and outlets can change. Here are a few things to keep in mind while traveling to Fuerteventura.

🗣 What Language Do They Speak in Fuerteventura?

The official language in Fuerteventura is Spanish. The Spanish is quite different than the mainland of Spain, and sounds a bit closer to those countries in the Caribbean.

There are also a huge amount on Italians on the island of Fuerteventura, and it is common to find those working in Italian restaurants to automatically speak to you in Italian.

🇬🇧 Does Fuerteventura Speak English?

In the more touristy areas, such as Morro Jable, there are many English people, so it is common to find things in both Spanish and English.

💶 What Currency is Used in Fuerteventura?

The official currency in Fuerteventura is the euro. Currently (as of April 2023) each euro is equivalent to 1 USD and 80 pence GDP.

🔌 What Type of Plug is Used in the Canary Islands?

The plug type in Fuerteventura is type C, which is the same 2-rounded-pin plug that is used throughout the rest of Europe. The standard voltage is 220V and 50Hz.

🚰 Can I Drink Water in Fuerteventura?

In the Canary Islands restaurants won't ever serve you tap water. However, in Fuerteventura the water is perfectly fine to drink. It has high chlorine levels though, so it might not have the best taste. 

💸 Do You Tip in Fuerteventura?

Tipping can be tricky in Spain and the Canary Islands. On the mainland, tipping is not usual at all, and leaving a euro or two is for exceptional service. However, in the Canary Islands there are many tourists that leave a 10% tip. This isn't mandatory, nor is it frowned upon to not leave a tip, but servers are always happy to receive a little extra.

Things to Do in Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands

Now that we know the basics of traveling around the island of Fuerteventura, let's get into the fun stuff! Here are the best things to do around Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.

🍿 Play Around at Popcorn Beach

Did you know that there is a beach of popcorn on the island of Fuerteventura?! Okay, maybe it isn't real popcorn, but it sure does look like it.

All the way in the north of the island you can visit this beach area for free and find small white rocks in the shape of popcorn. There isn't much else to do there, but it's a fun photo stop at the very least.

🏝 Take a Trip to Isla de Lobos

Want the perfect island getaway? Then Isla de Lobos is the spot for you. Just under a 15 minute boat ride away, you can spend 4-5 hours at this protected area by taking a boat ride from Corralejo.

You can relax in the turquoise waters, hike the large hill to get stunning views, or simply wander the trails around the walkable island.

Tickets are 16 euros a person, and can be purchased from any of the kiosks in the port area. The trips are sold as roundtrip, as there is a limit to how many people can visit at one time. Each company goes at its own schedule, but you can basically get one every 15- 20 minutes, and prices are standardized throughout.

Looking to prebook a transfer or excursion to Isla de Lobos? Here are a few different options:

Want to know more about visiting Isla de Lobos? We have a full guide that you can check out.

💧 Swim in the Most Amazing Natural Pool

Most of the highlights of the island of Fuerteventura are located in either the north near Corralejo, or all the way south near Morro Jable.

The capital doesn't have anything to see, so there isn't really a reason to visit the central area on the east side. However, we do have one spot that is worth a stop, and it's in the salt town of Caleta de Fuste.

Here you'll find one of the most beautiful natural pools in all of the Canary Islands! It's seriously one of the most beautiful things to see in Fuerteventura, and the perfect place to go for a swim.

Note: You'll need to visit here during low tide, otherwise the pool will be overflowed. The tides are low at 2 different times throughout the day, and vary depending the day. Make sure to check when low tide is so you can enjoy this spot to its fullest potential.

Rather book a tour to come here? Here are a few options to choose from:

⛵️ Take a Catamaran Trip

One of our favorite moments on a trip to Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands was a catamaran tour that we took. You can find different options from 4-5 hours that leave both from Morro Jable (in the south) and Corralejo (in the the north).

Catamaran rides include lunch, unlimited drinks, and stops to swim. Our favorite part though? We were able to witness tons of dolphins swimming around us. They also told us that almost every day they see whales. We didn't have such luck, but apparently it's pretty common.

Prices range from 50-70 euros per trip, and private charters are also available.

Book your catamaran in Fuerteventura:

🏖 Enjoy the Beaches of Fuerteventura

The beaches of Fuerteventura are definitely some of the best in the Canary Islands. While many other islands boast loads of greenery and black sand beaches, Fuerteventura boasts turquoise waters, making you feel like you've teleported to the Caribbean Sea.

Here are a few of our favorite beaches of Fuerteventura:

Corralejo

Corralejo is a great spot to start for the best beaches of Fuerteventura, especially if you are coming from Lanzarote. Just a stone's throw away from the port, Corralejo has a large stretch of sand dunes, and plenty of space for those wanting to lay out away from the crowds.

There is also a town nearby where you can find smaller beaches, as well as plenty of shops and restaurants.

El Cotillo & La Concha

Located not far from Corralejo we have El Cotillo & La Concha. This area is located in the north western corner of the island of Fuerteventura, and has several beaches in the same area with white sands and turquoise waters. 

There is also an adorable town that is all white and blue, making you feel like you're on a Greek island.  For a bonus you can head to the lighthouse for a beautiful sunset.

Morro Jable

This is hands down the most popular of all the beaches of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. Here you'll find plenty of tourists, as well as restaurants, hotels, and shops catering to foreigners.

Morro Jable has long stretches of white sand against beautiful blue waters. It is one of the ports that ferries come into from Gran Canaria, and also has plenty of activities such as catamaran rides and jet skiing.

El Cofete

Want to witness one of the best beaches of Fuerteventura, but away from the crowds? Well, while El Cofete isn't the easiest to get to, it certainly is worth it. Located on the south western corner of the island, you'll have to drive high up through the hills of Fuerteventura, because arriving in this hidden gem.

El Cofete has a beautiful backdrop of mountains, with long stretches of sand and turquoise waters contrasting it. There is a tiny town where you can find bathrooms and a restaurant. We suggest getting here early so you don't have to do the drive back in the dark like we did.

Want to explore El Cofete? Here are a few excursions you can book:

Costa Calma

Just up the coast a bit from Morro Jable we have Costa Calma, a bit of a quieter area, with equally beautiful beaches. If you're looking for something a bit more relaxed, then Costa Calma is the spot for you.

Playa Sotavento

This just may be one of the most gorgeous beaches you'll ever see. There are some really beautiful beaches of Fuerteventura we visited, but this was definitely our favorite.

Swirls of turquoise mix with sand bars, making it look like Mother Nature came and just painted a masterpiece. It's the perfect place to enjoy the warm pools made by the shallow waters between the  stretches of sand.

Note: This beach is known for being super windy! We suggest bringing a barrier if you want to sunbathe here.

🪁 Learn How to Kite Surf

Speaking of wind, Playa Sotavento is not just for admiring its beauty, but for practicing kite surfing. So if you want to learn a new water activity, then this is the place to test your skills!

🌀 Discover a Curious Maze

Located just outside Cotillo lies a remarkable formation. Wolf Patton, a German musician, created a maze of rocks in a round formation, totaling 3 km in length. The walk to get here is about 10-15 minutes, and it is free of charge to visit.

🥾 Hike to Arco de Las Peñitas

Located just a few kilometers from Ajuy Caves you can find another unique formation worth visiting in Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. Barranco de Las Peñitas has a natural window made from eroded rock that is perfect for an Instagrammable shot.

The hike here is a bit tricky, and definitely requires shoes with a good grip. There isn't a clear path, but you will need to climb to the top of where you see the giant boulders. It took us about a half hour to get up from the parking lot, but was definitely worth the climb.

👀 Discover the Mirador del Risco de las Peñas

While you'e checking out Arco de las Peñitas, there is another beautiful spot worth visiting. This is a beautiful viewpoint that is inside a cave, and is on another path going from the same parking lot as Arco de las Peñitas.

We unfortunately didn't make it here, as we went with very little light left. However, we suggest giving yourself another hour or two to also add this to your list.

🪨 Visit Roque del Morro

Want to see some more beautiful rocky landscapes? Well, Roque del Morro is a giant rock jutting out from the sea. Not only is the rock itself a sight to see, but the whole area around it makes you feel like you're on another planet.

The parking lot is about a 20-30 minute walk along the beach, with a super scenic walk. We suggest packing a lunch and hanging out to enjoy all the beauty that engulfs this area, while escaping from the crowds.

🐊 Check Out Crocodile Rock

We're all about unique formations, and this is definitely one to add  to the list. In Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands you can see this whacky rock in the shape of a crocodile!

The name isn't really official, but we definitely like the sound of it. To get here you'll need to park at the small beach Playa de las Hermosas, and walk around 10 minutes along the rocks to the right side of the beach.

🪟 Search For Window Caves

Another thing we loved about the Canary Islands is that there are beautiful caves and rocky areas that for natural windows. We already mentioned Mirador del Risco de las Peñas, but we also have many more to share!

While the other cave was built into rock formations in the middle of nowhere, many of these natural windows can be found right along the beaches of Fuerteventura. Here are a few worth checking out:

Ajuy Caves

This whole area is just outstanding. Here you'll find a large black sand beach, with paths that leave to long sets of caves. The waves here come crashing down intensely, putting on the most mesmerizing show. You could easily spend a few hours enjoying Ajuy Caves in Fuerteventura.

Los Molinos

This is definitely one of the most popular caves on the island. Unfortunately, we weren't actually able to access it though, as it can only be accessed in the summer months of July and August. We did however enjoy a beautiful sunset, and look forward to making it back one day to witness the cave in person.

Playa de la Solapa

This was one of our favorite beaches of Fuerteventura when it came to window caves. Walking along the beach to the left we came across a stunning large cave where the waves came crashing down. As well, there are a few smaller one hidden along the sands to discover.

Playa de Garcey

Just around the corner from Playa de la Solapa there is Playa de Garcey. We saw a picture of a beautiful window cave here, but were out of luck since it was high tide. We did however, find a small inlet that was a great Instagrammable shot that we took advantage of.

Playa de los Ojos

Located all the way in the southern tip of the island, is the hidden gem of Playa de los Ojos. Walk down a small set of stairs, and there are a couple of caves that you can reach. Not only will you have a fabulous backdrop of the sea, but it's a great spot to also catch the sunset.

Moving Around Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands

Now that you know the best things to do in the Fuerteventura. let's talk about how to get around the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.

🚶🏻‍♀️ Can You Walk Around Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands?

Fuerteventura is a really big island, and there are very few places that you can get to on foot. While the majority of the Canary Islands in Spain have a capital city to walk around, Fuerteventura doesn't. The only areas that you can really explore by walking are Morro Jable, or Corralejo.

🚗 Do You Need a Car in Fuerteventura?

Like most of the other Canary Islands, the easiest way to get around is definitely by renting a car, and we wouldn't do it any other way We rented straight from the airport, and found it to be super fast and easy.

You can still get around by bus to get to certain areas, but the schedules aren't very frequent or well connected.

Where to Stay in Fuerteventura

We would say depending on what kind of trip you want to have, or how long your trip is depends greatly on the best place to stay in Fuerteventura.

Our friends stayed in Morro Jable, and it's a great place to be able to spend a few days at some of the best beaches of Fuerteventura. Corralejo is also a popular spot if you want to visit from Lanzarote for a quick trip.

Book your stay in Morro Jable:

Book your stay in Corralejo:

We stayed in Fuerteventura for a full 10 days, and based ourselves in Caleta del Fuste. We actually loved this because we were able to be equally distanced from different areas of the island. Caleta del Fuste is located on the water, and is right by the airport, making it super convenient.

Book your stay in Caleta del Fuste:

Food & Drink in Fuertaventura

Fuerteventura is rather interesting when it comes to food and drinks. While most other islands have a ton of local cuisine, this island has a bit more of a twist.

There is a heavy Italian influence in many areas of Fuerteventura, as well as a big influx of tourists.

The beaches of Fuerteventura like Caleta del Fuste and Morro Jable have all different types of cuisines from English to Indian. We'll be honest- we aren't a fan of this, as prices are higher, and the quality of food is just not the best. Despite this, we did find quite a few places that we do recommend.

🍴 Restaurants We Recommend in Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands

Pummarola

This was hands down our favorite restaurant in all of Fuerteventura. Shockingly it isn't very Canarian, but an Italian restaurant. This Italian family-run spot is in Caleta del Fuste, and we seriously ate here almost every night. (The others we tried in the area were horrendous).

All of the pasta is fresh, and one dish is more delicious than the next. You can't go wrong whether you get one of the pasta dishes, pizzas, or mouth watering desserts.

Note: This restaurant is only open for dinner, and is also closed on Wednesdays

Rocco

This is another Italian run join (also in Caleta del Fuste) and was our go to breakfast and lunch spot. The servers make you feel at home, and will even make you any kind of custom sandwich you could want. With fresh ingredients and homemade recipes, you can't go wrong with anything you order here.

Restaurante Marea Alta

Looking for some elevated cuisine? Marta Alta is an adorable restaurant in the area of Cotillo, with a beautiful terrace and live music. The food is incredible, and has the most exquisite dishes like pesto gnocchi with truffle foam.

Other Things to Know About Visiting Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands

You're almost completely ready for your trip to Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands! But before you go, here are a few other things to keep in mind.

📆 When is the Best Month to Visit Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands are an area that experiences year round sunshine and warmth. While other areas in Europe have more extreme temperatures, a great time to visit Fuerteventura and the other islands is in the winter or summer. 

We would love to go back in the summer so that we could experience some of the caves that can only be accessed in July and August.

☀️ Weather & Packing for a Trip to Fuerteventura

While Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands is very sunny, there is a lot of wind! This really limited some of our beach days, as the sand would be flying and attacking you while laying out. We suggest preparing accordingly.

Many people will bring barriers to set up around them to better enjoy the beaches of Fuerteventura.

🎒 Packing List for Fuerteventura

Here are a few other things we suggest bringing on your trip:

• Sunscreen (the sun is much stronger than it feels- months later and I still have the tan lines from my trip to Fuerteventura!)
• Light jacket (for the nights, as they can get pretty cool in the winter months)
• Bathing Suits
• Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
• Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
• Water Shoes (for the natural pools)
• Sneakers (for the hikes)
• Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
• Drone (You can get epic shots from above. We use the Mavic Mini 4 Pro because it's super light and has great quality)
• Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
• Standard Lens for a dynamic range (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
• Wide Lens to capture great panoramas and astrophotography (we use the Sony GM 14 F1.8)
• Telephoto Lens to capture the landscapes up close (we use the Sony GM 70-200)
• Tripod to get pictures while no one is around or for multiple shots from far away (We use the JOBY Rangepod Tripod)
• Waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Casemate Waterproof Phone Pouch)
  
• Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
• Wide Lens (for the window caves)
• Travel Adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)

🤔 Is it Worth it to Go to Fuerteventura?

Fuerteventura is a unique island, with a ton to offer! It's particularly a great destination for the beach lovers out there.

⏳ How Many Days is Enough in Fuerteventura?

We spent a full week in Fuerteventura, and felt it was the perfect amount of time to be able to enjoy all that the island has to offer.

If you're looking to spend a weekend or just a few days, we'd recommend sticking to just one area of the island. 

Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands is definitely an amazing island to add to your bucket list. With unique landscapes and stunning beaches, we're sure you won't get bored in this little slice of paradise. 

Planning on visiting some of the other Canary Islands? Well, we have new Canary Islands travel guides each week for all 7 of them!

Need help planning? Well we spent a full two months across the archipelago, pouring hours and hours into our itineraries. But now we can help! Check out our travel planning services so that we can help you create the dream vacation.

Here are some other articles that you'll love: