Fuerteventura offers a range of diverse adventures, making it an ideal destination for families, solo travellers and couples. The island caters to various interests, including exploring nature parks, enjoying pristine beaches, engaging in thrilling water sports, and discovering charming towns. This comprehensive guide highlights the top activities and attractions in Fuerteventura available on this picturesque island, ensuring an enjoyable and fulfilling trip for visitors.
Visit Oasis Park
Visiting Fuerteventura without exploring its Oasis means missing out on a quintessential part of the island’s allure. Nestled on the southeastern coast, this extraordinary nature reserve spans 800,000 square meters and offers sanctuary to diverse flora and fauna. Home to over 3,000 animals across 250 species, the reserve boasts a unique Botanic Garden featuring Europe’s most extensive cactus garden.
Engage in captivating educational sessions with parrots, elephants, birds of prey, and reptiles, led by knowledgeable keepers who provide insightful information about these fascinating creatures. The reserve ensures both enlightenment and entertainment.
In the Madagascar area, you can experience unparalleled interactions with lemurs and sea lions underwater and embark on an unforgettable coastal camel ride. There is even an opportunity to enter the sea lions’ “home” and learn about their daily training or the dangers they face in nature at the hands of those who work every day for their welfare.
The Oasis is open year-round and includes three restaurants, a children’s play area, and a domestic animal farm.
The park’s address is Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura, Museo del Campo Majorero, Carr. Gral. Jandía, s/n, 35627 La Lajita, Las Palmas, Spain.
Fantastic Beaches
Fuerteventura is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, with a variety of coastlines to choose from. The beaches are fringed with shimmering sand and bathed by turquoise waters, creating shallow lagoons that offer a wide range of options for beachgoers. The soft sand comes in shades ranging from white to gold, and the water is a beautiful shade of blue. While Fuerteventura is often called “the windy island,” many beaches now have wind shelters built by visitors, making them even more enjoyable.
Water sports in Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is celebrated for its world-class waves, making it an absolute paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re into windsurfing, surfing, jet skiing, paddle boarding, or snorkeling, this island has it all. What’s more, there are many tranquil, less crowded beaches where you can indulge in these activities. Not to mention, Fuerteventura is home to exceptional sports centers where you can receive top-notch training in a variety of water sports at all skill levels. From sailing to scuba diving, sailboat sailing to water skiing, Fuerteventura has something for everyone looking for an aquatic adventure.
The waters around Fuerteventura are rich in marine life, providing excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving. The diverse marine Life includes a variety of fish, rays, and some fascinating turtles.
Discover The Numerous Activities In Unspoiled Corralejo
At the northern tip of Fuerteventura lies the magnificent 11 km stretch of Corralejo and its iconic dunes, which have been designated as a national park. This pristine natural landscape offers a perfect setting for relaxation and wildlife observation due to its well-maintained environment and relatively low levels of crowding. In addition to unwinding on the dunes, visitors to Corralejo can also partake in car tours, visit an aquapark, explore a variety of restaurants and shops, and enjoy a diverse selection of vibrant bars.
Boat Trip to Isla De Lobos
Isla de Lobos, a small island located near Corralejo, is accessible by a 10-minute boat ride. This pristine island is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. With 13 kilometers of breathtaking beaches, visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, exploration, or simply relax while taking in the picturesque views of Fuerteventura. The island’s lighthouse, which was automated in the 1960s, stands as a testament to its history and is definitely worth a visit. As you wander around the island, you might feel as though no one lives there, and the mesmerizing volcanic crater is a sight that could captivate you for hours.
Explore Historic Betancuria
The charming town, secluded in a valley, was established in 1405 as a refuge from external threats. Although devastated by a catastrophic fire in 1593, it was reconstructed and functioned as the island’s capital until 1834. The town boasts picturesque low-rise buildings constructed from volcanic stone, nestled amidst cobblestone streets adorned with palm trees. Visitors can explore museums, dine in restaurants, frequent bars, browse through tourist shops, and admire architectural gems like the 17th century Santa Maria church. The relaxed pace of life adds to the town’s allure.
Explore Jurassic World At Cuevas Ajuy
The Cuevas Ajuy, located along the coast, are a set of naturally formed caves that have been shaped over millions of years. These caves boast exquisite Jurassic-style rock formations composed of various types and layers, with lava sculpted into captivating and unique shapes. They hold the distinction of being the oldest rock formations in the Canary Islands, providing a significant historical and geological context. Interestingly, these caves were once frequented by pirates seeking clandestine refuge. Today, they offer an ideal setting for leisurely afternoon strolls and provide an enthralling destination for enthusiasts of geology to delve into the intricate details of these natural wonders.
Visit A Local Market To Buy Souvenirs
When visiting Fuerteventura, be sure to explore the local markets, which offer an exceptional shopping experience. One of the most renowned markets is the Mercado de Los Tradiciones, located at the Colonels House in La Oliva. This market is open every Tuesday and Friday from 10 am to 2 pm and features a wide array of items including homemade jams, organic food, Majorero cheese, and locally made gifts.
For a less bustling market experience, consider visiting the market at the Aqua Park parking lot in Corralejo, open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 2 pm.
Additionally, if you prefer shopping at shopping centers, Centro Comercial Atlantico Fuerteventura in Caleta de Fuste is a must-visit. It boasts numerous well-known clothing outlets, making it a great destination for those looking for a diverse retail experience.
Hiking In Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura, one of the enchanting Canary Islands, boasts an abundance of breathtaking natural wonders just waiting to be explored. For those seeking an adventure, the island offers a total of 86 diverse climbing trails, each unveiling a unique perspective of the island’s beauty. These trails lead to stunning panoramic views and wind along the picturesque coastline, providing a memorable and awe-inspiring experience.
In addition to the climbing trails, Fuerteventura is home to several popular walking routes. One such trail spans 8 kilometers and traverses volcanic terrain, guiding hikers from Corralejo to Lajaras. For the more adventurous, the challenging ascent to Pico de La Zarza presents an opportunity to conquer the island’s highest peak. Meanwhile, the leisurely stroll to the Mirador Morro Velosa viewpoint promises captivating vistas.
The trails are conveniently marked with colored stripes, offering information about their classifications as GR (great routes), PR (minor routes), and SL (local trails). For those interested in a unique experience, securing special permission allows for the rare opportunity to climb the revered Montana de Tindaya, a sacred site held in high esteem by the native Majorero people. This stone giant stands as the tallest rock formation across the entirety of the Canary Islands, adding an air of mystique and reverence to the experience.