Visiting this wild and arid island is a pleasant surprise for tourists, since many do not expect to find the diversity of landscapes that it offers. Volcanoes, beaches, natural pools, mountains, beautiful towns steeped in history, deserts, viewpoints and impressive views that leave anyone breathless. There is no doubt that there are many things to see and do in Fuerteventura; That is why I have written this small guide with the purpose of helping you discover the immense charm of the corners of this Canary Island.
What to see in Fuerteventura in a week
The beautiful island of Fuerteventura is best known for its many spectacular beaches. Although Fuerteventura certainly hides in its interior a wide variety of incredible places, in addition to its popular beaches. If you want to read a little more about its beaches, here I will tell you which are the best ones you can visit. But this time I am going to focus a little more on the different corners of this island. So I will tell you what to see in Fuerteventura in a week, so you don’t miss any of these impressive places.
Visit Corralejo in Fuerteventura
Corralejo is a small and very touristy town on the island, so it is not only one of the most essential places to visit in Fuerteventura, but it is also an excellent option to stay in Fuerteventura. Despite having a varied hotel offer, the old town of this place maintains a calm seafaring essence. Strolling through Corralejo, looking at its beautiful white houses and stopping to eat good fish on one of its terraces is one of the best things to do in Fuerteventura.
In the Corralejo Natural Park you will find its incredible dunes, a spectacular desert landscape that also offers views of the sea. The Dunes of Corralejo are the product of the disintegration and pulverization of shells and other marine organisms with an external skeleton that gave rise to this spectacular arid landscape. Without a doubt, this is a place that cannot be missing from your list of places to see in Fuerteventura.
Discover Lobos Island (Isla de lobos)
The Isla de Lobos in Fuerteventura is a nature reserve that offers endless water activities, mainly because it has spectacular beaches ideal for everything. But it also has an impressive desert landscape and beautiful trails that you cannot miss. It is important to note that to access Isla de Lobos you must have a permit, so I recommend that you choose to take a ferry from Corralejo (book here) or take a half-day tour. This is because both options include the management of the permission, so you will not have to worry about this procedure and simply enjoy the excursion around the island of Lobos.
How to request permission or how to get a Permit Isla de Lobos
If you decide to go on your own and request the Permit to visit Isla de Lobos, I will explain how to obtain authorization to enter Isla de Lobos in Fuerteventura, since it is free and easy:
- Click on the link for the official LoboPass website.
- Enter «request authorization» and then «request again»
- Select the day you want to go to Isla de Lobos. You must bear in mind that if you do it on your own, you must request permission 5 days in advance. If it is urgent, you can go with an excursion with the option of ferry + permit.
- Complete the personal data fields. For each person who obtains the permit, you can obtain three authorizations to visit Isla de Lobos at the same time.
- Enter your email and confirm that you have received the permit for Isla de Lobos.
- Take a screenshot with your mobile or print the authorization.
- Finally, book a Ferry to Isla de Lobos, Water Taxi or an excursion.
Calderon Hondo Fuerteventura What to see
The north of the island offers endless spectacular views, but without a doubt the list is set by the volcanic cones that create one of the most impressive landscapes to see in Fuerteventura. A panorama with reddish tones that will make you feel that you are in a place out of this planet, it is quite a spectacle. These volcanoes were generated 50,000 years ago and gave rise to the Isla de Lobos. However, there is only one that has a marked trail to access its top: the Calderón Hondo volcano.
This is a tour of about 40 minutes and once you are at the top you will be able to get one of the most epic views of the island, since you will be able to appreciate the north of Fuerteventura in all its splendor.
Fuerteventura What to see – The olive (La Oliva)
A place in Fuerteventura what to see is this small and very pretty town located in the north of Fuerteventura used to be the capital of the island in the 19th century. It has one of the most important buildings on the island: the Casa de los Coroneles, which today works as a museum (entrance fee). You can also visit the Casa Mané, which houses the Canarian Art Center, where you can see works by the famous Canarian artist César Manrique. You cannot miss the opportunity to see one of the largest churches in Fuerteventura, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, which stands out for its unique bell tower.
Tindaya Mountain – Best things to do in Fuerteventura
Very close to La Oliva stands the imposing mountain of Tindaya, which is about 400 meters high. Tindaya was considered the sacred mountain by the aborigines who lived on the island, the Majos. The landscape of this mountain is from another world, there is no doubt that it is a quite magical place. A large number of engravings of high archaeological value have even been found on its stones.
Currently (2021), the Tindaya mountain is not in suitable conditions to be traveled to the top, so its access is prohibited until a more suitable path for its conservation is created. At the moment an opening date has not been established, but you can still get an excellent panoramic view of the mountain from the Vallebrón viewpoint.
Best brunch and Breakfast in Sitges
Betancuria – Fuerteventura What to see
Betancuria is one of the most beautiful towns to visit in Fuerteventura, despite not having a beach or being very large, this town is full of charming places. Its main attraction is its narrow streets full of history and the palm trees that adorn every corner of the town. In the Plaza de Santa María de Betancuria (see location) you will find a beautiful church with the same name, and it is one of the most essential places to see in this town. Nor can you miss the opportunity to visit its different viewpoints, where you can appreciate the beauty of Betancuria from different angles.
Barranco and Arch of the Peñitas
The Barranco de las Peñitas is located very close to Betancuria, you can access it by driving along the FV-30 road. There you will find some very beautiful natural pools and you will be able to appreciate some spectacular reddish rock formations. Among them, the incredible Arco de las Peñitas stands out, which is mostly known for being the protagonist of the most epic photographs.
Corrales de Guize viewpoint
If you drive north on the FV-30 highway, you will have the opportunity to visit this curious double viewpoint. On the one hand you will be able to appreciate an incredible panoramic view of the interior of Fuerteventura. While the other offers a good view of the mountains that surround Betancuria, as well as a beautiful ocean. If you are not lucky enough to visit it on a clear day and you cannot appreciate the view, do not worry, you can also appreciate the impressive sculptures of the Ancient Kings of Fuerteventura, Guise and Ayose. These imposing statues of almost four meters represent both kings with their command rods.
Caves of Ajuy
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Following the route that connects Pájara with the town of La Pared, take the detour to the FV-615 that leads to the fishing town of Ajuy. This beautiful town is not as touristy as Corralejo, but it has one of the most emblematic places to see in Fuerteventura: the Cuevas de Ajuy Natural Monument.
The black caves of Ajuy are located in the Rural Park of Betancuria, this is one of the most beautiful places in the island, so it is a must thing to do in Fuerteventura. To get to these caves you must follow a 15-minute route along a very beautiful path that extends over an impressive petrified dune. Along the way you will find several viewpoints and observe wonderful views until you reach the most anticipated destination: the black caves of Ajuy.
Sicasumbre Viewpoint
One of the things to do in Fuerteventura, is to enjoy the viewpoints and when we think of the best viewpoints in Fuerteventura, we must visit the Mirador de Sicasumbre from where you can get one of the most fascinating views of Fuerteventura, especially if you are lucky enough to go during sunset. The pastel tone of the sky in contrast to the mountainous landscape is quite a sight, without a doubt it is one of the best things to see in Fuerteventura. And if you are an astronomy buff, you will be amazed by this viewpoint (known among the locals as the «viewpoint of the stars»).
Lovers Ravine
Walking this trail of geological formations is one of the best things to do in Fuerteventura. This charming ravine is not only very peculiar and interesting, but it is also steeped in history. Fossil remains of both terrestrial and marine species have even been found. Without a doubt, an amazing place to see in Fuerteventura.
Salinas del Carmen
The extraction of salt has been one of the most important activities within the economy and history of the island during the last two centuries. That is why it is essential that you visit one of the most outstanding salt flats in Fuerteventura, the Salinas del Carmen, since they are the only ones that are still in operation. There you will not only be able to appreciate a very peculiar landscape, but you will also be able to visit the Salt Museum and learn about its history, extraction and commercialization.
Windmills of Fuerteventura
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Fuerteventura is characterized by being a land of a lot of wind, so it is not surprising that it has hundreds of windmills scattered throughout the island. There are different types of mills, some are used to extract water, grind grain or generate energy. You won’t have to look far to find them, since as you drive around the island you’ll find them along the way. If you are interested in learning a little more about the history, use and importance of these mills for Fuerteventura, I recommend you visit the Mills Interpretation Center.
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