Explore Fuerteventura: Top 10 Places to Visit
Endless beaches, volcanic landscapes, whitewashed fishing villages and sunshine all year round — Fuerteventura packs a lot into one island. Whether you’re here for a relaxed beach holiday, a surf trip or a longer stay, these are the spots we tell our own guests not to miss. As local hosts based in El Cotillo in the north, here’s our pick of the best things to do on the island — and the best place to base yourself while you do them.
El Cotillo
A laid-back fishing village on the northwest coast and our home base. El Cotillo has kept its quiet, authentic feel — great little seafood restaurants, world-class surf, the calm turquoise lagoons of Los Lagos, and some of the finest sunsets on the island. The perfect place to slow down and settle in for a few days, or a few months.
Foto: El Cotillo village
Corralejo Dunes Natural Park
Just up the coast, the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo is one of Fuerteventura’s most iconic sights — kilometres of golden Sahara-like dunes rolling straight down to turquoise water. Ideal for long beach walks, photography and swimming off the white-sand beaches that line the park. A 20-minute drive from El Cotillo.
Foto: dunes meeting the sea
Isla de Lobos
A tiny, uninhabited island just a couple of kilometres off Corralejo, reached by a short boat trip. Lobos is all volcanic trails, crystal-clear lagoons at El Puertito and unspoiled nature — perfect for a half-day of hiking and snorkelling. Entry needs a free permit (book ahead in summer), so plan it before you go.
Foto: Lobos lagoon
Playa de Cofete
On the remote Jandía peninsula in the south, Cofete is the island’s most dramatic beach — over 14 km of wild sand backed by towering mountains, with the mysterious Villa Winter nearby. The currents are strong, so it’s more for awe than swimming. Reached by a long unpaved road; a 4×4 or organised trip is the way to go.
Foto: Cofete beach & mountains
Betancuria
Tucked into the central mountains, Betancuria is the island’s pretty former capital, founded in the 15th century. Wander cobbled streets, visit the Santa María church and stop for traditional Canarian food — Majorero goat cheese and slow-cooked goat stew. A green, historic contrast to the coast.
Foto: Betancuria village
Ajuy & the Sea Caves
On the rugged west coast, the black-sand beach of Ajuy leads to spectacular sea caves carved into cliffs that are among the oldest rock formations in the Canaries. A short, scenic cliff path gets you there — bring decent shoes and a camera
Foto: Ajuy caves / black beach
Sotavento Beach
A windsurfing and kitesurfing paradise on the southeast coast, Sotavento is famous for the vast turquoise lagoon that forms between the sand and the shore at high tide. Endless golden sand, shallow warm water and reliable wind — a bucket-list spot for watersports and big-sky beach days.
Foto: Sotavento beach lagoon kitesurfing Fuerteventura
Faro de Tostón (El Cotillo lighthouse)
A short walk or drive north of El Cotillo, the Tostón lighthouse marks a beautiful stretch of wild coastline, tidal pools and quiet coves — one of the best easy walks in the area and a top spot to catch the sunset close to home.
Foto: Sotavento beach lagoon kitesurfing Fuerteventura
Popcorn Beach
One of Fuerteventura’s quirkiest stops, on the wild North Shore between Majanicho and Corralejo. The “popcorn” is actually whitened coral fragments shaped like kernels — great for photos, not for swimming. Please don’t take any home; it’s a natural formation everyone should get to enjoy.
Foto: Popcorn Beach coral Fuerteventura
La Concha Beach (El Cotillo)
Back in El Cotillo, La Concha is a sheltered lagoon-style beach with calm, shallow water — ideal for families, easy swimming and lazy afternoons, with sunset views to finish the day. One of the reasons we love calling this corner of the island home.
Foto: La Concha beach lagoon El Cotillo
Where to Stay: El Cotillo, the Perfect Base
For exploring the north of the island, El Cotillo is the ideal base — central enough to reach the dunes, Lobos, Lajares and Corralejo with ease, but still peaceful and authentic. We offer holiday apartments and homes right here in the village, for both short breaks and longer stays.
👉 Browse our holiday homes in El Cotillo » 👉 Staying a month or more? See mid-term rentals »
A week lets you mix beach days with a few trips (Lobos, Cofete, Betancuria). For surf, watersports or remote work, many visitors stay a month or longer to settle into island life.
For the beaches and villages in this guide, yes — a hire car makes exploring far easier, as many of the best spots are spread out and away from public transport. El Cotillo itself is walkable once you’re based there.
Fuerteventura is a year-round destination with mild winters and constant sunshine, which is why it’s a favourite for winter sun and longer off-season stays as well as summer holidays.
El Cotillo is our pick: beaches, lagoons, surf and restaurants on the doorstep, plus easy access to Corralejo and Lobos — without the larger-resort feel.
