Fuerteventura: My Favourite Things to Do, Best Beaches and Hotel Tips

Fuerteventura worked really well for us with two young children, mainly because of its beautiful beaches and Corralejo, where restaurants, cafés and a playground were all close by. We stayed in this apartment. We barely experienced any strong wind, although I certainly can’t promise you a wind-free holiday. Below you’ll find my tips on things to do in Fuerteventura, where to stay and the beaches I liked most. It’s the second-largest of the Canary Islands, after Tenerife, and the oldest geologically.

Comparing the islands, I noticed lots of families with children on Tenerife, lots of retirees on Gran Canaria and lots of younger people on Fuerteventura. We even swam in winter, and the lovely pale sandy beaches on the east coast were one of the reasons we enjoyed it so much. The island itself is dry and volcanic, with villages and dunes to explore between beach days. For me, its appeal is the combination of wide-open landscapes and a town where everyday holiday life is easy.

Flights to Fuerteventura

Fly into Fuerteventura Airport (FUE). Direct routes connect the island with the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. From Manchester, options include easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair and TUI, while London Gatwick has easyJet, Jet2 and TUI services. Ryanair also flies directly from Dublin. Routes and operating days vary by season, so use the airport route list to check your departure point and then look up your dates with the airline.

On our Edelweiss flight from Zurich to Fuerteventura, we were served a meal and drinks twice, including juice and coffee, which was a nice touch. I recommend looking for accommodation at the same time as flights. We search on Booking so we can choose a base with a beach and places to eat within walking distance. Corralejo worked well with the children, and we only needed a car for part of the holiday.

Fuerteventura Airport transfers to Corralejo

I liked FUE Airport, especially the children’s play areas in several parts of the terminal. Security was quick and straightforward for us. Our accommodation arranged a taxi to Corralejo for €50, and the journey took about 35 minutes. By bus, you can take route 3 to Puerto del Rosario and change to route 6 for Corralejo. Some weekday route 6 services also serve the airport directly, so check the exact departure in the current timetable rather than assuming every bus does.

Before you fly

• Download my map with beaches, food stops and day trips. The paid map is in Czech.
• Arrange travel insurance that covers your activities and is available in your country of residence.
• Book accommodation in a base that suits the trips you want to do.
• Compare car hire. We use this site and choose offers with free cancellation.
• Check your airline’s cabin-bag rules. My guides cover easyJet baggage and Ryanair baggage.
• Pack your liquids using my hand-luggage toiletries guide, and check the rules at your departure airport.

Fuerteventura weather: when to visit

I wasn’t sure a winter trip to Fuerteventura was a good idea, but it turned out to be brilliant. We had around 20°C in the shade, it felt like 23 to 25°C in the sun, and the sea was 19.4°C. Best of all, the temperature didn’t drop below 17°C at night, so mornings were warm straight away. We didn’t have to wait half the day before going to the beach, as we did in Málaga. The table below gives approximate averages. Winter nights are usually cooler than the ones we experienced.

Monthly air and sea temperatures

Month	Mean air temperature	Average daily high	Sea, approx.
January	18 °C	21 °C	19 °C
February	18 °C	21 °C	18 °C
March	19 °C	22 °C	18 °C
April	20 °C	23 °C	19 °C
May	21 °C	24 °C	19 °C
June	22 °C	26 °C	21 °C
July	24 °C	27 °C	21 °C
August	25 °C	28 °C	22 °C
September	24 °C	28 °C	22 °C
October	23 °C	26 °C	22 °C
November	21 °C	24 °C	21 °C
December	19 °C	22 °C	20 °C

We did swim in the sea. It wasn’t bathwater, obviously, but it wasn’t painfully cold either, and plenty of other people were swimming too. If warm sea water is your priority, I’d choose autumn rather than winter. My November beach holiday comparison puts Fuerteventura alongside Tenerife, Cyprus, Egypt and other options. For a winter holiday, I’d plan a mixture of beach time, village visits and walks, with a light layer for windy moments. That way a cooler day doesn’t mean sitting around waiting for swimming weather.

Is Fuerteventura windy? Where is more sheltered?

Fuerteventura is known for wind, particularly the north-easterly trade winds. We didn’t experience strong wind, but my mum did, to the point where staying on the beach wasn’t enjoyable. Spring and summer can be especially windy around Sotavento, which is part of the attraction for windsurfers and kitesurfers. With children, I’d look for a sheltered bay, such as Caleta de Fuste. A bay still doesn’t guarantee calm weather, so check the forecast for the specific beach before setting off.

The little town beach in Corralejo suited us with the children and wasn’t windy during our stay. Further south, Playa del Jablito is a small bay beside a fishing settlement. The exposed Grandes Playas near the dunes have different conditions from the beach in the town centre, so I wouldn’t describe all of Corralejo as sheltered. I wouldn’t rely on the name Costa Calma either. Sotavento is a famous windy watersports spot, rather than a promise of a calm beach day.

Where to stay in Fuerteventura

We spent a week on Fuerteventura and hired a car for three days. People advised me to stay somewhere in the middle of the island to make day trips easier. But for the days without a car, I wanted a nice town with a beach, restaurants, cafés and a playground. With two young children, having enough to do on foot mattered more to me than being equally close to every sight on a map.

Corralejo exceeded my expectations. Our longest trip, down to Morro Jable, took about an hour and a half by car, which felt manageable. Corralejo is pretty and lively, with lovely little streets, a great playground and a beach that suited the children. We also had calm conditions there. If you enjoy running, you can head along the coast towards the famous dunes, so there was plenty to enjoy without driving anywhere.

Best areas for families and a holiday without a car

For days without a car, I’d choose accommodation based on what you can walk to, rather than simply picking the island’s midpoint. Corralejo suited us for its town beach, restaurants and playground. I’d consider El Cotillo for La Concha and a slower pace, and Morro Jable for its long beach and promenade. Caleta de Fuste has a bay and is close to the airport. Lajares has cafés, a market and a surf atmosphere, but it’s inland rather than on the beach.

Area	Why I would choose it	What to consider and where to stay
Corralejo	Families, cafés and meals on foot, northern day trips	Our tried-and-tested base. The far south is a longer drive. Swell Soul FTV: our two-bedroom apartment in the centre.
El Cotillo	La Concha, lagoons and a surf atmosphere	We loved the beach. A car helps for wider day trips. Coral Cotillo Beach: hotel with pools and family rooms.
Caleta de Fuste	A bay and a short airport transfer	For families wanting beachside facilities. Calm weather isn’t guaranteed. Barceló Fuerteventura Royal Level: the family part of the beachfront resort.
Morro Jable	Long beach, promenade and days without a car	Where I’d stay next time without a car. Far from the north. Riu Palace Jandia: beside the beach, near Morro Jable’s centre.

Our apartment and other places to stay

• We stayed at Swell Soul FTV (formerly Marea Fuerteventura Home 2), a lovely two-bedroom apartment in central Corralejo.
• We were also advised to spend a few nights in Lajares. Browse Lajares stays.
• For surf atmosphere and nearby beaches, browse El Cotillo stays.
• For a southern beach base, browse Morro Jable stays.
• Search Fuerteventura accommodation and sort by price to find lower-cost options.

Fuerteventura accommodation map

Zoom into Corralejo, El Cotillo, Caleta de Fuste or Morro Jable on the map to compare accommodation locations with the beaches. Enter your own dates and the number of adults and children travelling. No holiday dates are preselected. If you’re staying without a car, check the walking distance to restaurants and shops as well as the sand. The recommendations above have direct property links, while the map lets you explore other options in the same area.

Car hire in Fuerteventura

We booked our car through Discover Cars. That’s what we usually do, because we’ve found the customer service good, and we choose offers with free cancellation. We enter our dates and pick-up location, then compare the rental companies’ Google Maps reviews. On Fuerteventura, we chose TopCar. We paid approximately €74 extra for one child car seat and brought a second seat from home.

Before booking, check whether the rental company allows you to drive to the places on your list. TopCar prohibits driving on unpaved roads, and even its extended cover excludes damage caused by doing so. That matters for the road to Cofete and the dirt tracks around Popcorn Beach. Hiring a 4×4 doesn’t override the rental agreement. You can also reach Cofete by bus from Morro Jable, as explained in the Cofete section below.

My Fuerteventura map

During our trip, I saved the places we visited and other interesting stops in a map you can download here. It includes day trips, beaches, places to eat and coffee stops, so you don’t have to spend your evenings searching and saving each location separately. The paid map and its descriptions are in Czech. The place pins can still help you plan a route, but please bear the language in mind before buying it.

Things to do in Fuerteventura

These are the places we visited on Fuerteventura, along with a few we didn’t manage with two young children. Some of these are still on my list for next time. You can book the Lobos crossing, Oasis Wildlife tickets and boat trips in advance, and there’s a surf lesson linked further down. The individual sections explain transport, permits and the practical reasons we decided to skip certain outings with the children.

Popcorn Beach

Popcorn Beach lies north-west of Corralejo. Instead of ordinary sand, it has little white pieces that really do look like popcorn. These are calcareous formations made by red algae and washed ashore by the sea. Leave them on the beach, where they belong. The approach is a dirt track, so don’t assume you can drive there in your hire car. TopCar, for example, prohibits that. I’d treat it as a stop while exploring the north rather than a conventional sandy swimming beach.

Lajares and its Saturday market

Lajares is very popular, so there were quite a few visitors around. I really liked the Saturday market with local products, where we met a Czech woman making beautiful ceramics under the name Cactoo Canarias. We had a lovely lunch at Restaurante La Boqueria, and I finally found good coffee at El Arco. There’s also a nice children’s playground with a climbing wall, which made this much more than a shopping stop for us.

Calderón Hondo volcano hike

For a walk away from the beach, consider Calderón Hondo near Lajares. The tourist board describes a circular route of about 5km, taking roughly 1.5 hours, with a viewpoint beside the crater. Take water, sun protection and proper shoes, stay on the marked trail and don’t feed the squirrels. I’d allow extra time with children.

Faro de Tostón and El Cotillo

You can drive to Faro de Tostón, the lighthouse near El Cotillo. It’s an exposed spot, so be prepared for wind, but I loved the idea of sitting there for a while, taking in the view and walking through the volcanic landscape. Nearby is the lovely horseshoe-shaped La Concha beach. I’d combine the lighthouse with some beach time and a wander around El Cotillo, a town that’s especially popular with surfers.

Another good coffee stop in El Cotillo is Tritons Coffee Lab. Walk around the old defensive tower, Torre del Tostón, for the views. Behind it is a whale skeleton, which is particularly interesting for children. I’d combine the town with La Concha beach and a walk near the lighthouse. We liked La Concha so much that we returned several times. A car is useful for a wider northern loop, but stick to paved roads.

Betancuria

Betancuria is beautiful, although very touristy. It was Fuerteventura’s capital until the 19th century. We stopped for coffee and a sandwich at Terrazza Santa Maria, which was a little pricier but in a lovely setting. The pretty Santa María church is here too, with admission around €2. I’d combine Betancuria with an inland drive and possibly Ajuy. We ended up choosing another beach for the children instead, so the caves stayed on our next-time list.

Ajuy caves

We planned to drive from Betancuria to Ajuy, but decided to take the children to another beach instead. I’ve heard lots of good things about Ajuy and would like to go back for it. A coastal path leads from the black-sand beach to the Ajuy caves. Expect uneven ground and steps rather than a flat promenade. With young children, I’d plan a careful walk in proper shoes, and I’d make the caves and coastal scenery the reason for going rather than swimming on the exposed beach.

Sotavento beach and the tidal lagoon

Sotavento is particularly popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers, thanks to its wind. Other visitors come for the blue lagoon, which fills when the tide is high enough. We caught it beautifully full. The timing and water depth vary, so turning up at the same hour every day won’t give you the same scene. Before driving there, check René Egli’s lagoon calendar for the estimated filling times and highest water levels.

Morro Jable

Morro Jable, in the south, is one of Fuerteventura’s main holiday hubs. A seafront promenade several kilometres long links it with shops and resorts, alongside a long, popular beach. There are plenty of visitors, but fewer seem to explore the heart of the old town. Most head for the beach and the viewpoint above it. I’d leave time for the little streets too, rather than only seeing the resort strip.

The Mercado Municipal is another stop to consider in Morro Jable, with market stalls and music events. Check the current programme before you go.

Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura

I think we made a mistake by not taking the children to Oasis Wildlife. This zoo and botanical garden in La Lajita gets plenty of praise, and you can see giraffes, camels, parrots and flamingos. It opens daily from 9am to 6pm. Standard admission includes the zoo, botanical garden and educational presentations. Special animal interactions are booked and paid for separately, so check exactly what’s included in the ticket you choose.

Cofete beach: bus, road and swimming conditions

An unpaved mountain road leads to Cofete beach, and conditions can change. I wouldn’t simply set off in an ordinary hire car. TopCar, the company we used, prohibits driving off paved roads and excludes the resulting damage from cover. Another option is bus 111 from Morro Jable via Cofete to Punta de Jandía lighthouse. The standard fare is €8.70 per journey, and seats can’t be reserved. I’d go for the scenery and a walk. Strong waves and currents make it a poor choice for swimming with children.

Corralejo sand dunes

The Corralejo dunes natural park is free to visit. You can walk from town, although the distance depends on which part you want to reach. Alternatively, take Tiadhe bus 6 and choose a service stopping by the hotels and Grandes Playas. We stopped by car and found a great patch without footprints, which I also saved in our map. Go around sunset for better photos, and keep your car on the road in this protected landscape.

La Oliva traditional market

The Mercado de las Tradiciones in La Oliva sells local products in Casa del Coronel. The municipal calendar lists it on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9am to 1.30pm, with some holiday exceptions. I’d combine it with a short walk around this lovely town rather than rushing straight on after shopping. You can also travel from Corralejo by bus, but check the timetable and connections first. The market calendar lists the scheduled closures.

Lobos Island ferry and entry permit

The Lobos ferry leaves from Corralejo harbour and takes around 20 minutes. You also need an entry permit for the protected island, arranged through LobosPass. Check whether your chosen boat ticket includes help obtaining it. Nortour offers a ticket option with the permit included. Pack water, food and sun protection, as shade is limited, and choose your return sailing before setting off.

For a boat trip or a day beside the sea, a small dry bag is useful for keeping a change of clothes together and away from splashes. The Regatta 10L Dry Bag has a 10-litre capacity and a roll-top buckle closure. The link goes to Alza, a Czech retailer, so check delivery to your country.

In the end, I decided not to visit Lobos with our young children. I was expecting one restaurant, queues and limited facilities, including one public toilet. The beach and snorkelling appealed to me, but another walk in the heat and sun didn’t feel right for us with the children. Next time. If you do go, plan the return crossing and food in advance rather than relying on sorting out lunch for the whole family once you arrive.

Pájara and more places to explore

I also had the village of Pájara marked on my map, but didn’t make it there. If you visit, let me know whether you liked it.

Best beaches in Fuerteventura

This is my personal take on Fuerteventura’s beaches. My favourite was La Concha, near El Cotillo and Faro de Tostón. It’s a beautiful horseshoe of pale sand, and it worked well with the children. We returned several times. On one visit, the wind made it a bit chilly, but it was still gorgeous. South of El Cotillo you’ll also find Playa del Águila. For our own family beach days, though, La Concha was the place we kept choosing.

If I returned to Fuerteventura for a holiday entirely without a car, I’d stay in Morro Jable. The beach goes on and on, the town is lovely, and there are seriously long walks along the coast. You can visit famous Cofete beach by bus from Morro Jable, avoiding the unpaved-road issue with a hire car. I wouldn’t use this southern base for daily trips to the north, though. I’d choose it for beach days and exploring the south.

Other beaches people recommend include Sotavento, Esquinzo and the bay at Caleta de Fuste, which is often suggested for families, as is Playa del Jablito. In Corralejo, the little town beach was enough for us with the children. You can also take a bus to Grandes Playas beside the dunes. On exposed beaches, the day’s waves and wind make all the difference. A sheltered bay still doesn’t guarantee calm weather, and I’d distinguish scenic west-coast beaches from places suitable for swimming.

Surfing in Fuerteventura

If you’ve been wanting to try surfing, Fuerteventura is a tempting place to book a lesson. I learned in Porto, in winter and in a wetsuit. It was such hard work that I didn’t even feel cold! You can book a surf lesson in La Pared. For a first attempt, I’d let an instructor choose conditions suitable for beginners rather than picking a beach just because it looks good in photos.

Food prices and money-saving tips

We bought bottled water rather than drinking tap water on Fuerteventura. For food, look for a menú del día, the set lunch menu. In Corralejo, I had a three-course lunch for €12 including a drink. I looked through photos of menus in Google Maps reviews or simply asked whether the restaurant offered a lunch menu. Some did, some didn’t. A ham-and-cheese bocadillo, a baguette-style sandwich, also filled us up nicely for €3.50.

Look out for happy hour too. We found reduced prices until 5pm in some bars and 7pm in others, and paid €9 for a litre of sangria during happy hour. It’s worth checking the tapas offers as well as the drinks. Fuerteventura uses the euro. We exchange money in Revolut in advance, outside the weekend, and then pay by card in the local currency, EUR here. Exchange fees and allowances depend on your plan.

Fuerteventura to Lanzarote ferry

Ferries link Corralejo with Playa Blanca on Lanzarote, so the neighbouring island is close enough for a day trip. Líneas Romero runs a crossing of about 30 minutes, and Fred. Olsen also operates this route. You can compare a ferry ticket with single and return options. Check the operator, ports and return sailing before booking. Don’t take a hire car to another island without the rental company’s permission.

A suggested 7-day Fuerteventura itinerary

We had a week and only hired a car for three days. I’d use that as a starting point for this relaxed itinerary from Corralejo. It combines our favourite stops with optional trips to Lobos, Ajuy and Oasis Wildlife, which we didn’t visit. Put the longer drives on your car-hire days, move Sotavento to a day when the lagoon fills, and keep Saturday free for Lajares if you want the market.

Day	Suggested plan	Transport
1	Settle into Corralejo, explore the old town and enjoy the town beach.	On foot
2	Corralejo dunes and Grandes Playas. Stay for the late light if it suits your journey back.	Bus 6 or car
3	Lajares, Faro de Tostón, El Cotillo and La Concha. If hiking Calderón Hondo, allow more time and reduce the other stops.	Car, paved roads
4	Betancuria and an inland drive. Ajuy is an optional addition that we skipped for another beach.	Car
5	Sotavento lagoon and Morro Jable. Check the lagoon timetable first. Oasis Wildlife is an alternative full-day plan, not an extra stop to rush through.	Car
6	Choose another beach day or the Lobos ferry with an entry permit. We chose not to take our young children to Lobos.	On foot or ferry
7	Return to a favourite beach or take a Lanzarote day trip if your flight times leave a full spare day.	Local transport or ferry

Fuerteventura travel FAQs

Is Fuerteventura worth visiting?

For me, yes, especially for pale sandy beaches, dunes and an easy family base in Corralejo. I’d choose it for beach days mixed with village visits. If your priority is lush scenery and a wider range of mountain walks, compare it with my Tenerife guide.

Do you need a car in Fuerteventura?

You can enjoy a beach holiday without one if you stay within walking distance of the beach, food and shops. Corralejo worked for us, and I’d consider Morro Jable for a southern stay. We hired a car for three days out of a week. For Cofete, check bus 111 or an organised trip rather than assuming a hire car is allowed on the dirt road.

Corralejo or Caleta de Fuste: which is better?

I’d choose Corralejo for its lively town centre, cafés, harbour and access to the northern sights. Caleta de Fuste is worth considering for its bay and shorter airport transfer. Corralejo was our own family base. Neither resort can promise wind-free weather, and the exact location of your accommodation matters if you won’t have a car.

Can you swim in Fuerteventura in December, January or February?

We swam during our winter holiday, with the sea around 19.4°C, but that doesn’t guarantee the same conditions for your dates. The sea is cool in winter, and wind can make getting out feel chilly. For warmer sea water I’d choose autumn. Always pay attention to beach flags and the day’s conditions.

How many days do you need in Fuerteventura?

A week worked well for us with two young children, combining beach days and three days with a car. With only three or four days, I’d concentrate on either the north or the south. Trying to cover the whole island, Lobos and Lanzarote in a short stay would mean a lot of travelling.

Can you take the popcorn from Popcorn Beach?

No. Leave the white algae formations where they are. They are part of the beach’s natural environment, rather than souvenirs to collect.

Can you swim at Cofete beach?

I’d visit Cofete for the scenery and walking, rather than plan a swimming day there. It’s an exposed Atlantic beach with strong waves and currents, and I don’t recommend it for swimming with children.

Do you need a permit for Lobos Island?

Yes. Arrange the entry permit through LobosPass or choose a ferry option that explicitly includes permit arrangements. A boat ticket and permission to enter the island are separate things, so read the selected offer carefully.

What should you pack for Fuerteventura?

Bring sun protection, a light windproof layer and shoes suitable for rocky paths as well as beachwear. With children, I’d also plan water and snacks for outings away from the resorts. Check your airline’s bag dimensions before packing, especially if you’re travelling with only a small underseat bag.

For another Spanish beach break, have a look at my guides to Málaga, Alicante and Tenerife. Each draws on my own trips, so you can compare the sort of holiday on offer before choosing your next destination.

For a different island holiday, you can also read my Malta guide. It combines places we visited with my favourite beaches and practical tips for getting around.

If you’d rather plan a city break next, try my Barcelona itinerary or Gibraltar day trip.

Read next: Tenerife · Málaga · Alicante · Malta