If lounging on sun-soaked beaches in Spain sounds like the kind of vacation you desperately need right now, let us officially introduce you to Fuerteventura, one of the most relaxed, raw, and wildly beautiful islands in the Canary Islands.

Located just off the coast of southern Morocco, the Canary Islands offer year-round sunshine, dramatic landscapes, incredible beaches, and fantastic food. After visiting four of the Canary Islands, we can confidently say that each one has its own personality and where Fuerteventura truly shines is if you are looking for beautiful beaches, otherworldly landscapes, and charm.

We visited Fuerteventura in November, and loved its laid back atmosphere, vibe, and raw and authentic feel. Think massive sandy beaches, rolling dunes, volcanic landscapes, and constant ocean breezes. Fuerteventura has a good mix of developed towns and cities perfect for tourists, while also having plenty of open spaces and small authentic towns where you can get a feel for the more local side of the island. The weather hovered around a perfect 74°F (23°C), and the island’s laid-back vibe instantly put us into vacation mode.

If you’re deciding which Canary Island to visit, here are 14 reasons Fuerteventura deserves a spot at the top of your list.

14 Reasons to Visit Fuerteventura

1. Corralejo’s Lively Yet Laid-Back Vibe

Corralejo is the island’s social hub, perfectly balancing beach town energy with chill island life. You’ll find great restaurants, walkable streets, surf shops, nightlife, and easy ferry access to Isla de Lobos and Lanzarote. It’s an ideal base for first-time visitors. Picture beaches and coves closeby (such as popcorn beach!) and a vibrant small downtown where live music is played in the town square with lively restaurants and abundant outdoor seating. Just outside of the main square, you can find more quiet restaurants, cafes, and bars, if you want something more intimate, you can find beach bars and restaurants right along the coast. It’s a great place to base yourself or to visit for a day.

Looking for a unique way to explore? Book this self guided eBike tour to get an effortless view of the town!

2. Corralejo Natural Park Sand Dunes

These massive rolling sand dunes feel more like the Sahara than Spain. Backed by turquoise water and volcanic mountains, this is one of the most iconic landscapes on the island and one of the best places for beach hopping, photos, and long walks. We loved wandering the dunes plus they are a perfect place to relax and fly a kite or just bask in the warm sun.

Looking for an awesome way to explore the dunes? Book this dune buggy or quad excursion to explore the sand dunes!

3. Endless White Sand Beaches

Fuerteventura is famous for its long, wide, white-sand beaches, many of which feel completely untouched. Whether you want a social beach with amenities or a quiet stretch of sand all to yourself, you’ll find it here.

4. Golden Hour & Unreal Sunsets

Sunsets in Fuerteventura hit differently. Watch the sky explode into shades of orange, pink, and purple from the beach, a seaside bar, or a coastal viewpoint, especially around Corralejo and the west coast. I loved going for an evening run and watching the sky turn into multiple shades of reds and pinks illuminating the ocean and the surrounding volcanoes.

5. Surfing, Windsurfing, & Kitesurfing

Thanks to steady winds and consistent waves, Fuerteventura is a water sports paradise. Beginners can find sandy-bottom breaks, while advanced surfers and windsurfers flock here year-round. (Tip: always ask locals where conditions are safest because there are plenty of rocks hidden by crashing waves.)

First Time? Be sure to book a surf less or windsurfing lesson!

6. Ajuy’s Black Sand Beach & Sea Caves

Ajuy feels like stepping into another world. Wander along a dramatic black sand beach, explore ancient sea caves, and hike along rugged coastal cliffs. It’s raw, moody, and unforgettable. This was one of our favorite beaches to explore. There are a few quaint little beach taverns where you can grab some food while staring at the beautiful beach and ocean.

7. Costa Calma for Ultimate Relaxation

True to its name, Costa Calma is all about slow mornings, wellness retreats, yoga studios, and calm beaches. If your goal is rest, relaxation, and sunshine, this is your spot. Costa Calma is laid out perfectly if you are looking for an all-in-one convenience area. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, water sports, and hotels all situated along a walkable (or bikeable promenade). The beach is generally calmer than other areas along the island and is prefect for relaxing!

8. Morro Jable & Its Lighthouse

Located at the southern tip of the island, Morro Jable combines beautiful beaches, a charming promenade, and sweeping ocean views. The lighthouse is a scenic stop and a great jumping-off point for beach days. If you are looking for beautiful scenery and a really fun area to explore, Morro Jable is a great stop or a great place to stay.

Morro Jable is a great place to go sailing! Book a sailing trip to see dolphins, turtles, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

9. Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura

Perfect for families and animal lovers, this large wildlife park focuses on conservation and education and is home to giraffes, elephants, camels, and native species, all set against a desert-like landscape. This is perfect if you are looking to switch up a beach day or if it drizzling or rainy on the island. Plus there is a tram that will take you around the park with multiple pick up and drops offs, making this a great attraction for kids, families, and those that may not be as mobile.

Book tickets through the official website.

10. Drive Through Volcanic Landscapes

Driving in Fuerteventura is half the adventure. We absolutely loved driving around the island and felt like we were on Mars at times. Scenic routes through volcanic valleys and viewpoints like Mirador de Vallebrón or near Tindaya make road trips here unforgettable.

We highly recommend renting a car through expedia to compare multiple companies.

11. Isla de Lobos Day Trip

Just a short ferry ride from Corralejo, Isla de Lobos is a protected natural island perfect for hiking, snorkeling, and beach picnics. It’s quiet, rugged, and stunning, book permits in advance if you plan to visit on your own.

Looking for a more intimate way to see the island? Book a small group or private tour to sail around the island, enjoy water sports, and check out the beautiful beaches .

12. Stargazing at Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre

With minimal light pollution, Fuerteventura offers amazing stargazing. Even if you’re not into astronomy, the viewpoint alone is worth the drive for sunset and panoramic views. While visiting at night is ideal for seeing the stars and milkyway, if you visit during the day the views over the island are incredible. Expect some wind at the top!

13. Popcorn Beach (Playa del Bajo de la Burra)

Yes, it’s real, and yes, it’s quirky. This beach is famous for its popcorn-shaped white coral stones, making it one of the most unique beaches in the Canaries (remember to enoy, but don’t take the coral!). The beach itself can be a little rocky (AKA the corals are a little sharp), but seeing the beach is really unique and cool. It is a perfect place to wander along the beach and admire nature’s popcorn.

14. Incredible Food Scene in Corralejo

From fresh seafood and tapas to international cuisine, Corralejo punches well above its weight. Don’t miss local goat cheese, papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, and seaside dining. Personally, we thought the food in Corralejo was the best and would highly recommend exploring the great restaurants. We loved Restaurante Me Gustas Tu, Good Fellas Pizzeria Napoletana, and TantaLuna.

Have Extra Time? Take a Day Trip to Lanzarote

Lanzarote is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Corralejo. You can wander around Playa Blanca for beaches, beach bars, and water sports or book a guided day tour to see Lanzarote’s volcanic highlights, including its unique wine region. This is definitely worth a visit if you are looking to experience another Canary Island only a short distance away.

Read to check out Lanzarote? Book a Lanzarote day tour here.

I Saw the 14 Reasons…but Why Else Visit Fuerteventura?

There are many reasons to visit this beautiful Spanish island:

Year-round sunshine
Some of the best beaches in Europe
Raw, otherworldly volcanic landscapes - trust us driving around the island is incredible
Less touristy than Tenerife or Gran Canaria, which makes it feel more authentic and more relaxing
Ideal for relaxation and adventure

Fuerteventura feels wild, open, and authentic, perfect if you want space to breathe without sacrificing great food, amenities, or comfort.

How to Get to Fuerteventura

Fly into Fuerteventura Airport (FUE) from major European hubs (such as Madrid, London, Frankfurt)
- Note: the cheapest way to fly is to fly into one of the major European hub airports and then book a budget flight (RyanAir or Easyjet) to Fuerteventura. This can save you some extra money than flying a multi-leg flight if you are coming from North America or outside of Europe. Just be sure to double and triple check your baggage weight and size before you go!
From North America: expect one European layover
Ferries exist from mainland Spain, but they take ~28 hours (not recommended). If you are looking to bring a car from mainland Europe it MIGHT be worth it but overall we would recommend flying.
You can also Ferry from other Canary Islands, such as Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, or Tenerife. This is a great way to see multiple islands and experience each islands unique vibe. Expect the ferry to take about 2 hours from Gran Canaria or 4+ hours from Tenerife. We recommend booking through FerryScanner.

Things to Know Before You Go

Do I need to rent a car?
Yes, we highly recommend renting a car to explore beaches and viewpoints. While the bus and public transit are fine, if you want maximum freedom be sure to rent a car. Additionally, you can consider renting a scooter to get around the island as well.

How many days do I need?
4–7 days is ideal. This will give you time to both explore the island and have some relaxation time.

Is it safe?
Very safe; normal travel precautions apply, but you’ll be perfectly safe running and walking around at night

Population:
~120,000 residents

Unique fact:
Fuerteventura is the oldest Canary Island geologically

SIM cards & Wi-Fi:
Widely available; consider an eSIM for convenience. We recommend (and use) using Airalo (if you are looking for a discount, feel free to use our discount code: MATTHE6398).

Cash or card?
Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but we recommend carrying some cash for smaller restaurants and cafes.

Can I Drink the tap water?
Not recommended, stick to bottled water (which are inexpensive at the convenience stores).

Restaurant reservations?
Helpful in high season, not always required. However, if you are visiting with a larger party (like a stag party or bachelorette party or if you have a large family) then we would recommend making reservations.

Plug type:
Type C & F (European standard). Be sure to bring a travel adapter!

Favorite Beaches

Grandes Playas (Corralejo) - this big expansive white sand beach is the crown jewel of the island
Playa de Ajuy - an amazing black sand beach with incredible views
Costa Calma Beaches - Big white sandy beach with plenty of amenities and water sports available.

Best Areas to Stay

Corralejo – lively, walkable, great food
- Book a stay at AVANTI Lifestyle Hotel if you want to be close to the beaches and restaurants in Corralejo
Costa Calma – wellness & relaxation
- If you are looking to be more in the tourist district with plenty of amenities book a stay at H10 Tindaya
Esquinzo / Morro Jable – beach resorts
- If you are looking for a beach resort book a stay at XQ El Palacete
Villaverde / La Oliva – rural, quiet, scenic
- If you want a more authentic experience, book a stay at a villa like this one

Weather & What to Pack

Fuerteventura enjoys average temperatures around 75°F (24°C) year-round with plenty of abundant sunshine. Expect really mild temperatures year round. When we visited in November, the weather was perfect, about 74°F during the day and the high 60s at night. We had one day where we had rain showers, but the rest of the time there was plenty of sunshine. In fact, Fuerteventura, has over 300 days of sunshine making it a perfect year round destination!

Quick packing list:

Light layers (especially evenings)
Windbreaker
Swimsuits (plural)
Comfortable walking shoes
Reef-safe sunscreen
Hat + sunglasses
A great Travel Backpack (we love this one)
A packable beach bag
Sand Cloud Towels (we love that they are lightweight and easily packable)

Final Thoughts

Fuerteventura surprised us in the best way, with its raw beauty, volcanic landscape, calming energy, endless beaches, and slow-island rhythm. Whether you’re here to surf, relax, explore volcanoes, or simply soak up the sun, this Canary Island gem delivers. Fuerteventura is one of our favorite Canary islands for its diversity and authentic feel.

We hope this guide inspires you to experience the magic of Fuerteventura for yourself.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you book or purchase through our links. We only recommend things we’ve personally used and loved. Thanks for supporting our blog!

Ready to plan your own Fuerteventura escape?

Check prices for hotels in Fuerteventura or browse tours in Fuerteventura to get started!

Featured