How to Visit Fuerteventura the Right Way (Where to go and What to do)
I’ve spent the last 6 months living and working remotely in Fuerteventura, the second largest island in the Canaries. Famous for its watersports, particularly, surfing, windsurfing, and kite surfing, Fuerteventura attracts a young, healthy crowd. Hence why it's commonly referred to as Europe’s Hawaii: it’s got beaches, it’s got babes, and it’s got surf.
As a result of the adrenaline junkies that swarm the island every year, the tourist facing locals have a firm grasp on the english language. However, there is treasure to be uncovered beyond the traps of english speaking hotels, restaurants, and Corralejo (the epicenter for sunburnt beer drinkers). Keep reading to learn where the treasure lies and how you can get your hands on it.
This post will tell you where to go in Fuerteventura (and where to avoid), and what to do when you get there. To jump to a specific section, click the link below:
There’s more to see than the big C
Get lost in Lajares
Become a local in Cotillo
Improve your squat game down South
There’s more to see than the big C
By “big C” I mean Corralejo, a town on the northeast coast of Fuerte. The seaside town boasts picturesque beaches, tapas restaurants, bars, and boat trips to the neighbouring island: Lobos. However, it is also home to Irish pubs, water parks, curry houses, cafes that assure you they sell “the best english breakfast in town”. O, and I mustn't forget the sports bars, packed to the rim with red faced holiday makers, watching the football match of the day.
Let’s assume you’re looking for the beaches, and tapas restaurants, rather than a good ol’ pint of Guinness and a bit of footie. How do you find the diamonds in the rough (so to speak), the good tapas restaurants, and quiet beaches? Well, you could either try your luck in Corralejo, the Jupithor Villas would be a good place to start. Or, you could go further afield.
Get lost in Lajares
Roughly 15 minutes drive west of Corralejo you’ll find a quaint roadside town called Lajares. Resembling Byron Bay, with its hand-made craft stores, Vegan-friendly cafes, and live music venues, Lajares attracts a very different crowd. Situated smack bang in the middle of the surf route aptly named “The North Track”, this is where the surfistas base themselves (when they're not in Hawaii).
Lajares is more than just well-located, it’s landscape is like no other, it’s beautiful, but not in the golden sands, turquoise water kind of way. Situated 7,5km inland Lajares is rustic, volcanic, and there are enormous cacti and aloe plants dotted around the place. Joining the cacti are highwalled, white, houses that look as though they belong in the Sahara desert. Some of these houses are available to rent, my favourites include:
The Surf Shelter: This is less high white walls and more wooden cabin. It’s cosy, peaceful, affordable, and perfect for remote workers. It also neighbours a donkey farm which I loved.
If you’re looking for a getaway from your get away, then Lajares provides a perfect change of scenery.
Become a local in Cotillo
Source: Johannes Jank
If golden sands and turquoise water is more your vibe, then keep driving west from Lajares. 21km from Corralejo and 7km from Lajares, is Cotillo, home to dreamy lagoons, the best sunset on the island, and a never ending playa.
Cotillo is where you’ll find the flip-flop clad, sunkissed, beach babes. They’ll likely be drinking 1€ cervezas at “La Morocha”, eating seafood tapas at “Bagus”, or spoiling themselves with some fine dining at “La Vaca Azul”.
The best thing about Cotillo, is that it is still fairly untouched. This is great for sunbathing and enjoying its numerous lagoons, but means accommodation is limited. I personally chose a longer-term rental property and based myself there for a few months. Average rent for a front row apartment, providing you can haggle a bit in Spanish, is around €450 per month. You can find apartments on Airbnb, or by heading to any of the bars/ restaurants listed above and asking around.
Improve your squat game down South
The South of Fuerteventura, despite the rumours, is not reserved for Germans. That said, if you put on some socks and sandals in the resort town of Costa Calma you’ll probably fit right in. Nevertheless, I’m not suggesting you visit Costa Calma.
Disclaimer: This next section is for the adventure seekers.
120 km south of Corralejo you’ll find Morro Jable, head there, fill up on fuel and keep driving, or, maybe take a pitstop at the beach, then leave. Unless you’re looking for a derelict, run down, beachside town, it’s not worth hanging around. From then on you’ll be relying on one vital piece of equipment which you’ll need to acquire before you set off down south: a campervan.
You can hire a campervan from either of these sites:
From Morro Jable head to Salinas, a surf spot, camp spot, and beautiful seaside town. You could even keep driving south, there is a whole coastline to be explored. I camped and surfed at a different beach every night for a week, none of which were listed on Google maps. If you’re looking for an adventure, the south is where it’s at.
Pro-tip: The beaches of the south do not come equipped with a lavatory. So, the only options are to dig a hole and work on your squat game. Or, make sure you hire a van with a bathroom.
Doing Fuerteventura the right way
There you have it. Hopefully after reading this blog you feel equipped and ready to uncover the hidden treasures of Fuerteventura. Don’t forget to pack your socks and sandals.
Image Sources: by Johannes Jank
I'm Molly, full-time Content Writer for Process Street, a no-code workflow software designed to help teams make recurring work fun, fast, and faultless. I’m currently travelling around the world working remotely, to follow my journey check out my Instagram: @mollystovold or my blog: mollystovold.com.