a body of water with Playa de Las Teresitas in the background
Destination

Fuerteventura

Hotels in Fuerteventura

It is not by chance that Fuerteventura is called la Playa de Canarias. Having 326 km of coastline, 77 km of which are long, sunny golden sand beaches; the island is ideal for both family holidays and romantic getaways. However, numerous tourist and cultural Fuerteventura attractions even go beyond its excellent seaside. It is sufficient to mention that there are 24 volcanoes and lava fields in the area, attesting to the intense tectonic activity that shaped Fuerteventura in the past.

In addition, the Majorero territory - this name derives from Fuerteventura’s indigenous name Maroxata, meaning “Main Island” – still keeps a priceless colonial atmosphere thanks to the gorgeous buildings, lining up on some of its most representative streets.

In order for you to be able to enjoy all the best places in Fuerteventura easily, Iberostar offers the best hotels in Fuerteventura, where you can set your worries aside and enjoy a perfect few days’ rest.

Stop browsing the Internet, searching through numerous Fuerteventura holiday deals. Any of our hotels make the best place to stay in Fuerteventura. Make your reservation and let us take care of everything.

Restaurants in Fuerteventura

Just like in a lot of Spanish dishes and in other Canarian cuisines, fish is a key ingredient in Fuerteventura cuisine. It is eaten fried, roasted, boiled or marinated, and almost always accompanied by the traditional mojos - cold sauces made of raw vegetables (mojo picon, mojo rojo and mojo verde). Spanish restaurants in Fuerteventura will certainly surprise you with their way of cooking fish.

Among the famous Spanish dishes based on meat, one of Fuerteventura’s most popular is oven-roasted baby goat (or baifo). This specialty represents typical Canarian food very much appreciated in Puerto del Rosario, Antigua, Pájara and Tuineje. Almost any self-respecting Spanish restaurant here serves baifo. Other Canarian dishes of traditional Spanish food worth trying are potajes de millo (a corn stew) and gofio (made of crushed, roasted or kneaded grains). And of course, the irreplaceable sancocho (a root-vegetable soup with meat and vegetables) - a rich, filling and flavourful stew - deserves to be highlighted, as well as dishes cooked with vegetables, water cress, lentils and chickpeas.

To finish your Fuerteventura dinner with good Spanish desserts we recommend la leche asada (roasted milk), carnival tortillas and the pumpkin pie. In addition, the cherry on top of your local Spanish cuisine experience – juicy majorero cheese. Try it! You definitely won’t regret!

But remember, that the best restaurants to try these Canarian food specialties and other well-known Spanish dishes are at our hotels in Fuerteventura. Savour delicious meals of the highest quality guaranteed by Iberostar in the buffet restaurants, depending on the chosen deal. Approach the island’s culture through the food we serve or attend our live cooking demonstrations (show cooking) to become a part of the culinary magic.

a man standing in front of a boat

The best beaches in Fuerteventura

The beaches on Fuerteventura are one of the most beautiful natural paradises in Europe, where you can lie in the sun with your family or partner, or do exciting sports. There are about 150 beaches on Fuerteventura, from small black-sand coves like Ajuy to extensive white-sand strips such as Jandía, Cofete or Morro Jable.

Main beaches on Fuerteventura

  • Jandía beaches: Jandía, in the south of Fuerteventura, is one of the most popular beach areas on the island, courtesy of the calm waters, the natural setting wrapping the sands, and the wide range of visitor services available. Many of them welcome nudists, while others are great for sports like surfing or diving (Sotavento, Costa Calma, etc.).
  • Morro Jable beaches: The beaches around the quaint fishing village of Morro Jable, on the southern tip of Fuerteventura, are unique large sands surrounded by a mountainous landscape, offering good-quality adaptive services. Cofete and Morro Portala are among the best in the area, the latter being quite popular with nude bathers.
  • Corralejo beaches: In the north of Fuerteventura, in the municipality of La Oliva, there are some of the island’s most beautiful beaches: unspoilt Puerta Blanca, comfortable Puerto Remedios, huge Médano beach or the beaches of El Cotillo, a village with a character of its own where you can taste the best fish on Fuerteventura.
  • Puerto del Rosario beaches: The beaches close to the capital of Fuerteventura offer good services and are very popular. They include Playa Blanca, always crowded with windsurfers and families, and Caleta del Fuste or El Castillo – sandy Heaven on Earth.
a sandy beach next to the ocean

Book your hotel in Fuerteventura

If you are looking for the best Fuerteventura beach hotels, choosing any of our four-star hotels is the right choice: a Spa hotel, a hotel with a swimming pool and chill-out area, a hotel with activities for children etc., Iberostar offers numerous accommodation options to fully satisfy your preferences and needs.

And for maximum comfort choose one of the luxurious rooms, suites and other amenities in the STAR PRESTIGE area of the Playa Gaviotas and the Fuerteventura Palace hotel which we offer for our VIP guests.

Besides enjoying the luxury facilities themselves, our Fuerteventura resorts allow you to practice water or adventure sports, such as surfing and hang gliding, and others - such as archery or table tennis, for example. Even if you fancy visiting one of the Fuerteventura golf clubs, your desire can be easily met. Check out the leisure and outdoor sports options Iberostar offers and choose the one suiting your tastes and expectations in the best way possible. You will not be disappointed, you can rely on it!

a view of a mountain

Things to do in Fuerteventura

Being a part of the Las Palmas province, along with Lanzarote (to the north) and Gran Canaria (to the southwest), Fuerteventura is the closest island to the Moroccan coast – it is only 98 km away from the Moroccan shores. The island’s 1,732 sq. m. surface make it the second largest island in the Canaries surpassed only by Tenerife. Fuerteventura is also one of the most appreciated tourist destinations, as you will be able to see for yourself during your Fuerteventura holidays.

The island has six municipalities: Antigua, Betancuria, La Oliva, Pájara and Puerto del Rosario and five tourist áreas: Caleta de Fuste, Corralejo, Costa Calma, Morro Jable and Puerto del Rosario. Fuerteventura beaches are practically its business card, and there are a lot of very attractive ones, like Las Lajas, for example. But beside beaches the island will impress you with its mysteries, such as the disturbing Mafasca Light, and numerous interesting little places, which you will not be able to stop exploring.

One of the must-see places is Puerto del Rosario, the capital of the island. Among its main attractions are the lively Calle León y Castillo street, the modern Island Auditorium, and above all, Unamuno House Museum. In addition, only 3 km away lays the incredible and very quiet Playa Blanca – one of the Fuerteventura beaches with the finest sand.

We recommend spending some time exploring another of the best places in Fuerteventura – the fascinating town of Betancuria. Founded in 1404 by Jean de Bethencourt and located in a valley surrounded by mountains, it has many interesting attractions, such as the church of St. Mary Betancuria, the monastery of St. Buenaventura, theHouse of the Conqueror (la Casa del Conquistador), the hermitage of San Diego, the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum, and  in the immediate vicinity of the urban centre, the Rural Park Betancuria, where one can find the oldest geological formations of the Canary Islands.

Don’t pass by El Cotillo and Los Molinos – two of the best beaches Fuerteventura offers. You will absolutely enjoy them. In addition, not far from there, one of the most unique cultural attractions - La Alcogida Ecomuseum opens its doors for visitors.

On the other hand, if you stay at any of our hotels in Jandía - on the south coast - you can easily reach the Tindaya Mountain, hosting some aboriginal archaeological sites. Finally, the beautiful Natural Park of Jandía and spectacular Llano cave, situated in nearby Villaverde, also await you.

a man riding a skateboard down a street

What to see in Fuerteventura

The island of Fuerteventura was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2009. With 24 volcanoes, it makes a great setting for an active travel holiday. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘flat island’, its terrain being less rugged than others on the Canaries.

Nature in Fuerteventura:

  • Jandía Nature Park: This park is in the highest part of Fuerteventura, in the south, in the Peninsula of Jandía, also housing the island’s highest peak: Pico de la Zarza (800m). Besides strikingly contrasting plants and native animal species, the park features several trails leading to wonderful beaches.
  • Fuerteventura’s volcanoes: Fuerteventura is an island of volcanic origin; proof of this are the 24 volcanoes that can be found across its territory. The most spectacular ones are Tindaya, Bayuyo, Malpaís Grande and  Malpaís Chico.
  • Betancuria massif: Right in the centre of the island, where it becomes narrower, there is Betancuria Rural Park – the largest natural area on Fuerteventura. The views from the highest peak, La Atalaya (760m) are just amazing.
  • Corralejo dunes: This heavenly nature park is world-famous for its long white-sand beaches. Located in the north of Fuerteventura, covering 2,500ha, it is the largest dune area in the Canary Islands. The shiny sand has its origin in marine mollusc shells.
  • Isla de Lobos Nature Park: Just facing the coast of Corralejo, in the municipality of La Oliva, there is one of the main attractions on the northern coast of Fuerteventura. This unspoilt island can only be accessed by boat. You cannot spend the night here, but you can take a stroll down the quiet trails before going back.

 

Events in Fuerteventura

Almost 100 local festivals (87, actually) are held in Fuerteventura throughout the year, from Carnival in February to the Kite Festival in La Oliva in November. Enjoying their genuine colours and flavours, and their joyful atmosphere, is one of the best ways of exploring the island’s culture.

Major events in Fuerteventura

  • Carnival in Fuerteventura: Fuerteventura does not fall short of Tenerife when it comes to Carnival celebrations. Every village on the island celebrates in style. In Morro Jable, for instance, merrymaking goes on for several weeks. Although, on the whole, the island is quiet, Carnival is an adrenaline-boosting injection of energy.
  • Day of the Canary Islands: This holiday is deeply felt across Fuerteventura. It is held on 30 May, with folk celebrations and taifas dancing in the capital, Puerto del Rosario, and food tasting, art exhibitions, concerts and many other activities in the rest of the villages.
  • Saint John’s Eve: This magical night (23 June) associated with fire and the sea is celebrated across the island, especially in Ajuy, Cofete and Pozo Negro. Bonfires, dancing and music to pass the summer solstice – the shortest night of the year.
  • Feast of El Carmen: The Patroness of sailors, Our Lady of El Carmen is honoured in Morro Jable, on the southern tip of Fuerteventura. Religious procession and folk traditions get mixed with family activities in a joyful atmosphere brimming with sea flavours.
  • Good Journey Festival: The most genuine folk festival in Fuerteventura is held in the fishing village of El Cotillo in late August (around the 20th). The village gets all dressed up, and there is a programme packed with activities, from fish catching in the river Cotillo to a mass water party.
  • Procession of Our Lady of the Rock: The Patroness of Fuerteventura, Virgen de la Peña, is honoured in Betancuria, on the Mal Paso gorge. Her feast is held on the third Saturday of September, gathering pilgrims from all over Fuerteventura to make their offerings to Virgin Mary.
  • Feast of El Rosario: October is the month of big celebrations in the capital of Fuerteventura. Puerto del Rosario gets all dressed up and for some days the streets witness all kinds of activities: folk dancing, traditional Canary sports, concerts by top-level artists and more. An ideal setting for family fun.
  • Kite Festival in La Oliva: Held on El Burro beach in Corralejo since 1987, the Kite Festival is one of the most striking events in the Canaries. For three days, tourists from all over the world join the local population on the sand to fly kites in a thousand different shapes and colours. The show draws people of all ages, but it is children that love it the most.

History and curiosities of Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is a magical mystery island, strongly attached to its aboriginal roots and volcanic origins. Honouring its bonds with an eventful history and rich tradition, it has kept many old customs alive. What is more, stories told about it make it unique. Fuerteventura is the second largest island in the Canaries, but it is the oldest.

History and curious facts about Fuerteventura

  • Two islands in one: Fuerteventura is in fact two different islands. Jandía became a peninsula as a result of volcano eruptions. Today, the two original islands are connected by a fascinating sand isthmus where some of the greatest beaches in the Canaries can be found.
  • Turtle nests: Fuerteventura as a whole was declared a biosphere reserve. This means it is a favourable environment for the conservation and breeding of many different species. Sea turtles come to the beach to nest and hatch, and dolphins can be seen swimming along the coastline.
  • The ‘Big Wall’: The peninsula of Jandía is sometimes called ‘The Wall’ in reference to the wall built to separate the two kingdoms Fuerteventura used to be divided into. Stretches of the old wall can still be seen on the island.
  • Oldest island: Fuerteventura is the oldest island of the archipelago of the Canaries. According to specialists, this is one of the reasons why it features spectacular arid landscapes and long sandy beaches. Time has done its part with volcanoes, mountains and coastlines.
  • The conquest: Only 63 sailors were enough to seize Fuerteventura. They were led by Jean the Béthencourt, from Normandy, whose name was immortalised in the massif: Betancuria.
  • Planet of the Apes: Cofete, a marvellous unspoilt beach in the south of Fuerteventura, in the peninsula of Jandía, was chosen as the setting of the film Planet of the Apes.
  • Local icon: The plant cardón de Jandía (Euphorbia handiensis) is the icon of the island. It is a thorny cactus growing only here, which was thought to have healing properties.
  • Capital of Fuerteventura: Although today’s capital is Puerto del Rosario, a coastal town, Fuerteventura earliest capital was Betancuria, one of the municipalities with the richest natural, artistic and cultural heritage on the island.