Responsible tourism is more than a buzzword; it’s a commitment to ensuring travel benefits both visitors and the destinations they explore. On Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands’ lesser-known gems, this ethos takes on special significance. Known for its volcanic landscapes, endless beaches, and proximity to Africa, the island offers a unique backdrop for sustainable travel. By supporting local communities, travellers can help preserve its natural beauty and cultural heritage while enjoying an authentic experience. This article delves into how to travel responsibly in Fuerteventura, weaving practical advice with insights into its attractions, transport options, and local life, all while keeping community welfare at the forefront.
Fuerteventura’s appeal lies in its wild, untamed character—think golden dunes in Corralejo and rugged cliffs near Cofete. Yet, its tourism boom since the 1960s has brought challenges, from environmental strain to cultural dilution. Responsible travellers can counter these by engaging directly with locals, whether through dining at family-run tavernas in Puerto del Rosario or buying handmade Majorero cheese. The island’s El Matorral Airport (FUE), just 5 kilometres from the capital, serves as your gateway, connecting the UK via airlines like Jet2 and easyJet in roughly four hours. Start your journey here with intent, and you’ll uncover a Fuerteventura that thrives beyond the tourist veneer.
Understanding Responsible Tourism in Fuerteventura
Responsible tourism hinges on minimising harm and maximising benefits to local communities. In Fuerteventura, this means stepping beyond all-inclusive resorts to engage with the island’s 124,000 residents, many of whom rely on tourism. The island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, earned in 2009, underscores its ecological value, urging visitors to tread lightly. Supporting locals starts with understanding their way of life—fishing villages like El Cotillo and agricultural hamlets like Betancuria offer glimpses into traditions predating mass tourism.
Take Fuerteventura Airport as an example: its efficient layout, with one runway and five boarding bridges, handles over five million passengers annually. Upon arrival, opt for a local taxi (around £15 to Caleta de Fuste) or a Tiadhe bus to Puerto del Rosario instead of pre-packaged shuttles. This small choice directs funds to islanders rather than multinational firms. From there, explore responsibly—visit the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park, but stick to marked paths to protect its fragile ecosystem. Every decision, from transport to sightseeing, shapes your impact on Fuerteventura’s communities.
Why Supporting Local Communities Matters
Fuerteventura’s economy leans heavily on tourism, yet not all profits stay local. Large hotel chains and foreign operators often siphon revenue away, leaving towns like La Oliva or Morro Jable with less to show for the influx. Supporting local businesses—be it a surf school in Corralejo or a goat farmer selling cheese in Antigua—keeps money circulating within the island. This bolsters livelihoods and preserves cultural practices, such as the crafting of volcanic stone souvenirs or the fishing heritage of Ajuy.
The island’s history amplifies this need. As the oldest Canary Island, Fuerteventura has weathered economic hardship, with tourism reviving its fortunes since the mid-20th century. Arriving at Fuerteventura Airport, you’ll notice its modest yet functional design—no sprawling duty-free malls, just essentials like a Costa Coffee and a small cigarette shop. This simplicity reflects the island’s character. By choosing a family-run guesthouse in Puerto del Rosario over a chain hotel, or dining at a harbourside restaurant, you directly aid residents. Attractions like the Oasis Wildlife Park, with its conservation efforts, further tie your visit to local well-being.
Choosing Sustainable Transport Options
Getting around Fuerteventura responsibly starts at the airport. El Matorral’s proximity to Puerto del Rosario (5 kilometres) makes it a practical hub, but how you travel onward matters. Hiring a car from a local firm like Cicar, rather than an international giant, supports island entrepreneurs. Rates start at £15 per day, offering freedom to explore remote spots like the Jandía Peninsula, home to windswept beaches and the Pico de la Zarza hike. Driving also lets you visit offbeat villages like Pájara, where local cafes serve papas arrugadas with mojo sauce.
Public transport is another eco-friendly choice. The Tiadhe bus network connects the airport to key towns—Corralejo in 40 minutes, Morro Jable in 90. Fares are affordable (under £5), and buses are reliable, though schedules may require planning. For a cultural twist, take the ferry from Corralejo to Lanzarote’s Playa Blanca, a 30-minute trip run by local operators like Fred Olsen. These options reduce your carbon footprint while funnelling funds to Fuerteventura’s workforce, enhancing your journey with authentic encounters—like chatting with a driver about the island’s best hidden beaches.
Where to Stay: Supporting Local Accommodation
Accommodation choices define your impact on Fuerteventura’s communities. The island boasts over 150 beaches, drawing visitors to resorts like Costa Calma and Caleta de Fuste, but many hotels are foreign-owned. Instead, seek out locally run options. In El Cotillo, a fishing village on the west coast, guesthouses like TAO El Cotillo offer affordable stays with pools and kitchens, supporting small-scale operators. These spots immerse you in daily life—watch fishermen haul in their catch or join locals at the lagoon beach.
Near the airport, Puerto del Rosario offers budget-friendly hostels like Sol y Mar Surf Camp, ideal for exploring the capital’s port and Las Rotondas shopping centre. For luxury, the Elba Palace Golf & Vital Hotel in Caleta de Fuste blends five-star comfort with local ownership, set amid an 18-hole course. Staying south in Morro Jable? Opt for a family-run apartment near the historic old town, steps from Jandía’s turquoise waters. These choices not only enrich your experience—think sunrise over the dunes—but ensure your money bolsters Fuerteventura’s residents, from staff to suppliers.
Eating Local: A Taste of Fuerteventura
Food is a gateway to Fuerteventura’s soul, and dining locally supports its farmers, fishermen, and chefs. The island’s cuisine reflects its volcanic soil and coastal bounty—think goat stews, fresh sea bass, and Majorero cheese, a tangy delight from indigenous goats. Skip hotel buffets and head to Puerto del Rosario’s harbourside eateries, where dishes like papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo picón sauce cost under £10. These family-run spots thrive on your patronage, preserving culinary traditions.
In Corralejo, fish restaurants near the harbour serve catches from the Atlantic, often paired with Canarian wines from nearby Lanzarote. Morro Jable’s tavernas offer similar fare, with views of the Jandía Peninsula. Visiting Fuerteventura Airport? Grab a quick cortado from the landside Costa Coffee, but save your appetite for a local cafe in El Matorral village, 5 minutes away. Markets like La Oliva’s Tuesday gathering sell handmade cheeses and jams—buying here aids artisans directly. Every bite, from a beachside snack to a sit-down meal, ties you to the island’s community and its storied landscapes.
Shopping Responsibly: Crafts and Souvenirs
Shopping in Fuerteventura can either drain or sustain its economy. Mass-produced trinkets flood tourist hubs, but local crafts tell a richer story. In Betancuria, the island’s oldest town, artisans sell pottery and volcanic stone carvings, reflecting centuries of heritage. Founded in 1404, this hillside village—40 minutes from the airport—also boasts the Santa María church, a cultural gem worth visiting. Your purchases here support families, not factories.
Corralejo’s independent shops offer handmade jewellery and textiles, while Puerto del Rosario’s Las Rotondas centre blends local and commercial retail across four floors. Avoid duty-free at Fuerteventura Airport unless buying Canarian goods—focus instead on markets like Antigua’s, where farmers sell aloe vera products and cheeses. These items, rooted in the island’s arid terrain, sustain small producers. A responsibly bought souvenir—like a jar of mojo sauce—doubles as a memory and a lifeline for Fuerteventura’s craftspeople, linking your trip to their livelihoods.
Engaging with Local Culture and Traditions
Fuerteventura’s culture thrives in its villages, not its resorts. Engaging with it responsibly means more than spectating—it’s about participation. In La Oliva, 30 minutes from the airport, the Casa de los Coroneles showcases colonial history, while nearby markets pulse with local life. Attend a Canarian music night in a Corralejo bar—guitars and timples (small stringed instruments) echo the island’s soul. These experiences, often free or cheap, channel funds to performers.
Betancuria’s Museum of Archaeology, a short drive from Puerto del Rosario, unpacks the island’s pre-Spanish past—entry fees support preservation. Or visit Ajuy’s sea caves, where fishermen share tales of the coast’s oldest rocks. Fuerteventura Airport’s free Wi-Fi lets you research events like the February Carnival in Puerto del Rosario, a riot of costumes and community spirit. Joining in—whether dancing or buying a local snack—deepens your connection while sustaining traditions. Respect is key: ask before photographing people, and honour the island’s quiet pace.
Exploring Nature Responsibly
Fuerteventura’s landscapes—dunes, volcanoes, and beaches—are its lifeblood, but tourism can strain them. Responsible exploration preserves this beauty for locals who depend on it. The Corralejo Dunes Natural Park, 10 kilometres of shifting sands, lies near the northern town—stick to trails to protect nesting birds. A £30 car rental from the airport gets you there in 40 minutes, or take a £2 bus. Either way, your spend supports islanders.
Southwards, the Jandía Natural Park offers wild beaches and the 814-metre Pico de la Zarza hike—bring water and boots, as facilities are sparse. Cofete’s remote shore, an hour’s drive from Morro Jable, rewards with solitude, but leave no trace. Fuerteventura Airport’s proximity (90 minutes to Jandía) makes day trips viable. The Oasis Wildlife Park near La Lajita rescues endangered species—your ticket aids conservation, a local priority. By respecting nature’s limits, you ensure these wonders endure, benefiting both ecosystems and the communities tied to them.
Volunteering and Giving Back
Giving back to Fuerteventura’s communities can elevate your trip. Volunteering, even briefly, supports local efforts while deepening your understanding. Organisations like Clean Ocean Project, based in Corralejo, run beach clean-ups—join one to tackle plastic pollution, a scourge on the island’s 150 beaches. No cost, just time, and you’ll meet locals passionate about their home. The airport’s quick security (rarely queued) leaves you free to plan such activities.
The Oasis Wildlife Park offers volunteer programmes focused on animal care—contact them pre-trip to arrange a stint. In Puerto del Rosario, 5 kilometres from El Matorral, community gardens welcome help with planting, sustaining food security. Donations work too—buy extra Majorero cheese at a market and gift it to a local family via a guesthouse host. These acts, small or sustained, ripple outward, supporting Fuerteventura’s residents while enriching your journey with purpose beyond sightseeing.
Navigating Fuerteventura Airport Responsibly
Fuerteventura Airport (FUE) is your entry and exit point, and using it responsibly sets the tone. Located in El Matorral, it’s compact—check-in desks split into two zones (1-32 and 33-66), with security rarely delayed. Arriving from the UK (four-hour flights via Ryanair or TUI), you’ll find taxis (£50 to Corralejo) and buses (under £5) waiting. Choose local operators over pre-booked shuttles to keep funds on-island.
Departing? Skip overpriced airport cafes and eat in Puerto del Rosario beforehand—harbourside spots are a 10-minute drive. Duty-free sells cigarettes and Canarian goods, but markets offer better souvenirs. The airport’s free Wi-Fi helps you research last-minute local purchases. With 23,600 operations scheduled for winter 2024-2025, it’s busy yet manageable—arrive early to avoid rush, and use the car hire return near the entrance if driving. Every choice here, from transport to spending, can bolster Fuerteventura’s economy if made with care.
Comparison Table: Responsible vs. Conventional Tourism in Fuerteventura
| Aspect | Responsible Tourism | Conventional Tourism |
| Accommodation | Local guesthouses, family-run hotels | Chain resorts, all-inclusives |
| Transport | Local taxis, Tiadhe buses, Cicar cars | Pre-booked shuttles, int’l rentals |
| Dining | Family tavernas, markets | Hotel buffets, fast food chains |
| Shopping | Artisan crafts, local markets | Duty-free, mass-produced souvenirs |
| Economic Impact | Funds stay with islanders | Profits often leave the island |
This table highlights how deliberate choices amplify local benefits, a principle easily applied across Fuerteventura’s offerings.
FAQs
How can I ensure my spending supports Fuerteventura’s locals?
Focus on local businesses—stay in guesthouses like TAO El Cotillo, dine at Puerto del Rosario’s tavernas, and buy crafts in Betancuria. Avoid chains where possible, and use cash at markets to aid small vendors directly.
What’s the best way to travel from Fuerteventura Airport sustainably?
Opt for a Tiadhe bus (e.g., £2 to Corralejo) or a taxi from the rank (£15 to Caleta de Fuste). Hiring from Cicar keeps money local, unlike international firms prevalent at the airport.
Are there eco-friendly attractions in Fuerteventura?
Yes, the Corralejo Dunes and Jandía Natural Park offer natural beauty—stick to paths to minimise impact. The Oasis Wildlife Park supports conservation, blending education with local benefit.
How do I respect Fuerteventura’s culture as a visitor?
Engage respectfully—join local events like Carnival, ask permission before photographing people, and learn basic Spanish phrases. Support traditions by buying Majorero cheese or attending a timple performance.
Can I volunteer during a short Fuerteventura trip?
Absolutely—Clean Ocean Project’s beach clean-ups in Corralejo are drop-in friendly. Contact Oasis Wildlife Park for half-day animal care options, ideal from Puerto del Rosario or the airport area.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Meaningful Travel in Fuerteventura
Responsible tourism in Fuerteventura isn’t a chore—it’s a gateway to a richer experience. From the moment you land at El Matorral Airport, every choice shapes the island’s future. Staying in a fisherman’s guesthouse in El Cotillo, savouring goat stew in Morro Jable, or hiking Pico de la Zarza with care connects you to a living, breathing community. These acts preserve the island’s wild beauty—its dunes, caves, and volcanic peaks—while sustaining its people, from artisans to farmers.
The journey begins with intent. Swap convenience for impact: take a local bus, buy a handcrafted souvenir, or join a clean-up. Fuerteventura rewards this effort with authenticity—views of Cofete’s untamed shore or the strum of a timple in La Oliva. As tourism grows, so does its power to uplift or strain. By travelling responsibly, you ensure this Canary Island remains a haven for its residents and a wonder for those who follow, crafting a legacy of respect over exploitation.