1. Sand Dunes of Corralejo (Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo)
The huge area of sand dunes bordered by 10km of beaches with gorgeous turquoise-coloured water is a must-visit for anyone staying in the north of the island. Unlike many of Fuerteventura’s main attractions, the dunes are easily-accessible by public bus from Corralejo.
Click here for more about the Corralejo Dunes
2. Cofete
While the Corralejo Dunes are easily accessible, the stunning 15km stretch of unspoiled beach on the west coast of the Jandia peninsula requires a bit more effort to reach. Although there is a 4×4 bus service from Morro Jable, the limited places mean that the 12km dirt track journey is best made on an organised excursion or by car. Once there, visitors will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the wild coast and steep mountains and no sound other than the constant ocean waves crashing on the beach.
Click here for more about Cofete.
3. Betancuria
Betancuria is a beautiful sleepy village located in the hills in the middle of the island. Founded in 1404, it is the oldest town in the Canary Islands and the former capital of Fuerteventura. The main attractions are the church of Santa María (the first church to be built in the Canaries), the roofless 15th century monastery and the recently-opened Museum of Archaeology.
Click here for more about Betancuria.
4. Barranco de las Peñitas Ravine
Located at the edge of the mountains to the south-west of Betancuria, this very picturesque ravine with its tiny hermitage was used in Ridley Scott’s epic, Exodus: Gods and Kings. If you don’t mind some light scrambling around some boulders, you can also visit the nearby Instagram-friendly ‘Arco de las Peñitas’.
Click here for a video about Barranco de las Peñitas
5. Playas de Sotavento
The southern side of the Jandia peninsula boasts a 20km stretch of beaches with stunning turquoise waters all the way from Morro Jable to Costa Calma. The huge tidal lagoon at Playa de la Barca hosts Wind and Kite surfers and is one of the most photographed locations on the island. The lagoon is best visited at high tide to appreciate its full splendour.
Click here to watch a video about Sotavento Beach
6. Isla de Lobos
The small islet of Isla de Lobos is located just off the coast of Corralejo and is reachable via a short journey by water taxi. The island is a nature reserve with sheltered lagoons and beaches that are ideal for snorkelling and swimming. Recent archaeological digs have revealed that the island was used as a manufacturing centre for purple dye in Roman times.
Click here for more about Isla de Lobos
7. Pico de la Zarza
Pico de la Zarza is Fuerteventura’s highest mountain and offers breathtaking views of Cofete and the west coast. At 814 metres (2670 feet), it is not especially tall, however the climb is from sea level (or 90 metres if you start at the car park) and the round trip takes about 5 hours. Make sure that you have good boots, a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water – it’s a long climb, but the reward at the top makes it all worthwhile.
Click here to watch a video about Pico de la Zarza
8. Ajuy
This seaside village on Fuerteventura’s rugged west coast is famous for its huge sea caves that can be accessed via steps (visitors should be aware of the tide and waves). The black sand beach is in stark contrast to most of Fuerteventura’s golden or white sand beaches, and the area is also noted for its rich geology: boasting the oldest rock in the canary islands with a rich fossil layer of extinct marine creatures. After seeing the sites, visitors can enjoy a fresh fish meal in one of Ajuy’s seafood restaurants.
Click here for more about Ajuy.
9. Boat trip from Morro Jable (and see Stingrays and turtles)
A boat trip from Morro Jable offers the chance to see Dolphins and Whales off the southern coast of the island. As an added bonus, you can also visit the Turtle Recovery centre (free) as well as see huge stingrays swimming around inside the harbour. There are a variety of boat trips available from the harbour, some of which are Catamaran sailing trips with drinks and lunch, while others offer more dedicated whale and dolphin watching tours on a rib.
Click here to book a boat trip from Morro Jable.
10. Salinas del Carmen
The Salinas del Carmen salt pans are a must-visit for anyone staying in the Caleta de Fuste area (they are located just 2km south of the resort). The museum explains to visitors how the process works – especially interesting here, since unlike other salt pans, the salt water is driven entirely by the natural forces of wave, wind and gravity. Also on display is the skeleton of a huge Fin Whale that was washed up on the island in 2000.