The Canary Islands were never a place I thought about visiting. Frankly, I didn’t know much about them. I knew they were located in Spain, close to Africa and that a lot of British and German people vacation there. A quick Google search convinced me pretty quickly that I had to visit, but the question was, which island?

I chose Fuerteventura for a few reasons:

1. I knew absolutely nothing about the island, I didn’t even know it existed.
2. It was the second-largest island – not sure why that played into my decision.
3. I wanted to visit a place with nice weather and (hopefully) not a ton of tourists
4. island life seemed pretty nice

After my trip to Fuerteventura, I can say with 100% certainty that I made the right choice. Fuerteventura was the perfect mix of beach, culture and incredible food. At the end of my trip, I did not want to leave. I was internally kicking and screaming my way to the airport.

I got to deep sea fish – something that has been on my bucket list forever; visit one of the prettiest cheese museums I have been to; discover the magic of mojo sauce; experience true Canarian culture by visiting adorable towns, and the list goes on and on. What was evident my first day on the island is that there is so much to discover and even being there two weeks, I just scratched the surface.

Okay, maybe I scratched a tiny bit more than the surface.

But Fuerteventura is definitely a place I want to return to. It’s so much more than just beaches, and mountains, there is something for everyone and by the end of this post, you will see why Fuerteventura is worth visiting.

Fuerteventura Faqs

How do you get to Fuerteventura?

Fuerteventura airport has direct flights from cities all over Europe. If you are coming from either Gran Canaria or Lanzarote, there is also a ferry service and the ferries do take cars.

The airport is about a 32-minute drive from Corralejo. If you aren’t renting a car, I suggest grabbing the number 3 bus to Puerto Del Rosario (the main bus station) and getting either the number 8 towards Corralejo or number 1 towards Morro Jable. It’s the cheapest option and there is a compartment below the bus for your bag.

Many hotels do offer transfers for an additional charge, so definitely check with your accommodation.

Cabs will cost about €50 to get to Corralejo and €100 euros to get to Morro Jable which is a 1 hour drive. Luckily, most cabs on the island do accept credit cards.

How do you Get Around?

Most people who visit Fuerteventura rent a car, but if you don’t want to drive or don’t want to bother with a car, there are buses that can get you to almost any of the towns and attractions in Fuerteventura. To access real time bus schedules, download the app Moovit. It’s similar to google maps in the sense you put where you want to go, and it will tell you which bus to take.

The buses only take cash, but if you don’t have exact change, no worries! They will provide change as long as the notes aren’t too high.

The only downside of the buses is they can take a long time, and it’s really hard to visit multiple places in one day. I found myself planning way more than was possible in a day with the bus.

I also did a ton of tours, which allowed me to get to certain places on the island that would not have been possible on the bus. As convenient as the bus is, it doesn’t go everywhere and there will be times when you’ll have to get a cab, walk or take a tour.

Is Fuerteventura Expensive?

Surprisingly, Fuerteventura was pretty affordable. I was a bit nervous after coming from Barcelona, where everything was so expensive. To break it down,

• Food cost between €9-12,
• Transportation was €2-10 depending on where you want to go. I ended up mostly paying between €2-4 to get to nearby towns. Getting from Corralejo to Morro Jable was the most expensive.
• Drinks were €5-8 at most bars and that’s just cocktails. Beer and wine was a lot cheaper.
• Accommodation in Fuerteventura depends on how much you want to spend. I don’t want to give an estimate because, like in any city, it varies significantly. I spent over €400 euros for 9 days in Corralejo and over €200 euros for 3 nights in Morro Jable
• Tours were way more affordable than other cities I’ve traveled to. I spent €30-70 per tour and most of the tours I did were all day, so I definitely got my money’s worth.

That being said, I find this question difficult to answer because everyone has their own budget. What I personally think is affordable or expensive might not be what you think is affordable or expensive.

What is the Weather Like in Fuerteventura

One of the best parts about visiting Fuerteventura is the weather. They have 300 days of sunshine  year, which makes it a popular destination year round. The average temperature is 70°F (21°C). Make sure to pack those swimsuits and sun screen because you will need them!

Where to Stay in Fuerteventura 

Fuerteventura is the 2nd biggest Canary Island, It’s a whopping 62 miles long.  Driving from one side of the island to the other takes about 3 hours.

The three main cities are Corralejo, Morro Jable and Puerto Del Rosario. Most people who visit the island stay in either Corralejo or Morro Jable, so those are the places we will focus on.

I stayed most of my time in Corralejo and a couple of days in Morro Jable. I preferred Morro Jable over Corralejo. I found it to be a lot prettier with nicer beaches and lanscapes. Next time I would make my base in Morro Jable. There was a lot I didn’t get to do in Southern Fuerteventura that I am now having major FOMO about.

Corralejo

Corralejo was my least favorite place in Fuertevetura. It reminded me a bit of Vegas, but a less glamorous version. It was filled with chain stores, some casinos and many of the restaurants were overpriced and not very good. I did happen to find a few gems that I will share with you guys, but for the most part I was not impressed.  

A few things I did like about Corralejo were the endless accommodation choices, nightlife was pretty good and getting to some of the smaller towns in Northern Fuerteventura was super easy. It’s one of the best places to base yourself on the island, but I wouldn’t plan on spending too much time in Corralejo and instead explore the beaches and smaller towns nearby.

Where to Eat in Corralejo

Infusion Lousiana | Address: C. María González Carballo, 21, 35660 Corralejo, Las Palmas, Spain

So before you judge me for getting Louisiana style food in Fuerteventura hear me out. After indulging in Spanish food non-stop for the last 2 months I needed something different.  I heard great things about Infusion and had to try!

The first thing that immediately stood out was the prices on the menu. I could get a full slab of ribs for €11.50 which in the states would have cost me $25. Food is stupid cheap in Fuerteventura and the prices alone at this place prove that.

The ribs were actually really good. They were tender and well seasoned. If I had more room in my tum tum to spare, I would have ordered the Seafood Jambalaya as well. Heck, I would have ordered every single thing on the menu.

Vrebac | Address: edificio, Av. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, 8, 35660 Corralejo, Las Palmas, Spain

If you want to try some of the best and creamiest ice cream in Corralejo, you have to check out Vrebac. They make all their ice cream in house. You can even see the ice cream churning as you wait to be served. I think I stopped in once a day for a cone. My favorite flavors were the Pistachio, Hazelnut and Belgian Milk Chocolate, but you really can’t go wrong.

Oscar Tapas | Address: Calle Iglesia, 17, 35660 Corralejo, Las Palmas, Spain

I loved Oscar Tapas so much, I ate here two times. I don’t know if it was the cozy atmosphere with wine barrel tables, the super friendly wait staff, the deliciousness of the food or all of the above, but I couldn’t get enough! I had the fried local cheese with jam both times, so definitely recommend getting a plate of that, the garlic shrimp was also superb. The menu is pretty big and overwhelming, so if you are with other people I recommend getting a bunch of dishes and just sharing.

The one thing I hate about traveling solo is that I can’t try everything on the menu. 

If you do want to eat at Oscar Tapas I recommend making reservations, especially if you are a big party. Since I was alone I was able to walk in most places and get a seat, but I did see groups struggle to get a table without a reservation.

Gilda Casa de Pinchos y Tapas | Address: Frente Hotel Avanti, C. Delfín, 35660 Corralejo, Las Palmas, Spain

Another delicious gem in Corralejo is Gilda. A place with a hand written menu on a black board that you will have to use Google Translate to decode (if you don’t know Spanish).

I would describe Gilda as Italian, Spanish fusion. Although they did have a lot of Spanish food, they were best known for their Bruschetta with various Spanish inspired toppings and meatballs. The location was also a plus! It’s central and close to the water, so the view wasn’t too bad either.

Due to its popularity, they fill up quite fast, so it’s recommended to make a reservation, but if you are flying solo and arrive before the dinner rush you may be lucky and get a table. People at my hostel were turned away because they didn’t have a reservation, so you have to decide if it’s a risk you’re willing to take.

Where to Stay

Surf Rider Fuerteventura | Address: C. El Medano, 14, 35660 Corralejo, Las Palmas, Spain

I was pleasantly surprised with Surf Riders. I wanted to stay somewhere cheapish, but did not want to stay in another hostel, and Surf Riders fit the bill.

They marketed themselves as a hostel, but they are a hotel. They don’t have dorm rooms, but instead all their rooms are located in a complex. Each complex has 4 private rooms and a kitchen, depending on what you book you can either have your own bathroom or for a bit cheaper share one. I booked a double room with my own bathroom and it was perfect. 

 pros of surfers

• Pool and nice patio area to relax
• Whatsapp group, so you can meet other guests (grab dinner, drinks or explore the island together)
• surf equipment rentals and lessons you can book
• laundry service
• a nice little co-working space

The only con was the location. It was farther out of the city center than I would have liked, but that didn’t make or break my stay. I would absolutely stay here again if I visit Fuerteventura in the future.

Corralejo Garden & Relax | Address: C. Galicia, 27, 35660 Corralejo, Las Palmas, Spain

I felt like I was transported to a hippie paradise when I checked into Garden & Relax. The first thing I saw upon entering was their massive front yard with hammocks, a fire pit, picnic tables, and lots of buddah statues. The inside looked more like a home than a hotel. Now, this place did have dorm rooms, but again, I wanted a private room. I like my space!

Every morning they served a buffet breakfast that looked amazing for 7 euros. I was always out early, so I didn’t get to try it.

The only thing I found weird was their very limited reception hours. Check in is only between 5-9 pm which seems late compared to most hotels, and they could only store luggage between 9 am -12 pm which I found strange.

Other than the odd reception hours, I have no complaints. My stay was excellent. I especially loved The location. It was very central and close to the waterfront where there are tons of good restaurants and bars and a 5-minute walk to the dock where all the boat tours leave from.

Morro Jable

I was shocked to discover how different the North of the island was to the South. I personally preferred the South. I thought it was prettier overall and had better beaches. I just wish I had spent more time in the South, but I guess that just means have to go back.

Where to Eat

La Bodega De Jandia | Address: C. Diputado Manuel Velázquez Cabrera, 4, 35625 Morro Jable, Las Palmas, Spain

This was the highest rated restaurant in Morro Jable and after having a fantastic dinner there I can see why. The food wasn’t just good, but the owner was was taking orders himself and making sure every single guest was happy. Reservations are encouraged because they do fill up pretty quickly. I arrived right when they opened and snagged a seat before the dinner rush.

NOMADS Proper Burgers | Address: C. San Juan, 12, 35625 Morro Jable, Las Palmas, Spain

There is only so much cured meats and cheeses I can eat before I reach my limit, so Nomad Burgers was much needed. I went with their La Majoera Burger which had all ingredients local to the island. It was made with goat meat, and had cured goats cheese. It was so good, you guys. Absolutely come here to eat one of the best burgers in Fuerteventura.

Restaurante La Farola del Mar | Address: Avenida del Mar, S/N, 35625 Morro Jable, Las Palmas, Spain

Located on the water, you’ll be able to indulge in fresh seafood and all around incredible Mediterranean food. The seafood pasta is especially killer. I might have been starving, but I recall them also having some of the best mojo sauce, served with bread and aioli.  Try to get there before it gets dark and sit outside, so you can enjoy the water view.

Where to Stay

La Colina | Address: C. Mafasca, 18, 35625 Morro Jable, Las Palmas, Spain

I absolutely loved my stay at La Colina. This was the cheapest hotel I could find at $60 a night, but for that price I got a huuuuuge room with a living room and a private entrance to the pool. It was more like a bed & breakfast than hotel, and it was really quiet. In fact, I didn’t see anyone else my entire stay! The only other person I saw was the sweet owner who made sure I had a cup of coffee ready when I woke up every morning.

Breakfast was also included which consisted of meats, cheeses, breads, cereals, and eggs, which I got to enjoy outside with a view of the ocean.

I think there is something about breakfast tasting better with a view? Or is that not a thing because I think it’s a thing.

Since I was only staying for a few days, I decided to leave my suitcase in Corralejo using Radical Storage. I am happy I did because La Colina was located on a steep hill that would have been difficult to access with my big ass bag. It’s possible, but it would have been a struggle.

La Colina is about an 8-minute walk to the center of town, which I didn’t explore much because I had a packed itinerary of tours. I did have dinner in town a couple of times and walked along the beach, which was close as well.

Unusual Things to do in Fuerteventura

Visit Some of the Prettiest Beaches in Spain

Fuerteventura has some of the prettiest beaches in Spain. The island is known to be a hot spot for surfing and kite surfing, with people coming from all over the world to try these activities. I for one, have the balance of a baby learning to walk, so I spent most of my time doing more cultural things.

I am not much of a beach person, but I couldn’t pass up a few days of exploring some of Fuerteventura’s beautiful beaches. For a more extensive list of beaches on the island, check out this article.

Beaches in North Fuerteventura

La Concha

This was by far my favorite beach in Northern Fuerteventura. It’s famously called La Concha because of it’s Concha shell shape, and it’s one of the best beaches for swimming due to its calm bright blue water. I took a tour that stopped at La Concha. They allowed us lots of time for swimming, walking around and/or grabbing a drink.

To get to La Concha without a car, you have to take the number 8 bus from Corralejo to El Cotillo, and then it’s a 17-minute walk, so definitely worth it if you plan on spending all day. Check out Moovit for planning all your transportation around Fuerteventura.

Grande Playa Corralejo

This stretch of beach is located in the Corralejo Natural Park, over the dunes. It’s certainly the nicest beach closest to Corralejo and a short bus ride away. It’s worth climbing to the top of the dunes for great views.

Beaches on South Fuerteventura

Cofete Beach

Now, I will start by saying people don’t visit Cofete Beach to swim. The winds and current are too strong, so most people who visit go just for the scenery. It’s the most beautiful wild beach on Fuerteventura and I would say possibly even in Spain. Unfortunately. Getting there is the hard part. It’s located in Jandia National park and rental companies don’t allow their cars to drive through Jandia due to insurance issues. The roads are very bumpy and narrow, and unless you are a good driver, I wouldn’t recommend it, so the only way is to rent a 4×4 vehicle that does allow Jandia access or take a tour.

I took a tour and had a great time. We spent, about 45 minutes at Cofete, which was the perfect amount of time to walk around and take pictures.

Juan Gomez

This is one of the few beaches where it’s safe to swim in Jandia National Park. The tour I took did stop here and gave us about an hour to swim. It was pretty windy though, so I didn’t go in, but many people did. Getting down to the beach was the trickiest part, which required slowly descending a rocky hill, but once I got down I spent the next hour sleeping on the sand.

Pretty much all of Jandia National park beaches will be tough to get to without a tour or 4×4 vehicle that can handle the roads. But if you can get to Juan Gomez beach, you will surely be one of the few people there.

Morro Jable Beach

This is the main beach in Morro Jable, very close to most hotels and restaurants, and definitely has some of the calmest waters in the south. There is 4 km worth of sand, so plenty of room to stretch out and get your tan on. It’s bordered by a boardwalk with restaurants and shops, which is perfect for those annoying moments when you forget something like sunscreen, a snorkel, or sand toys for the kiddos or yourself (no judgement here!).

There are also sunbeds and umbrellas you can rent, so really, you have everything you need to have a fantastic beach day.

Check Out a Quirky Museum

Museo del Queso Majorero

I am always a fan of a good cheese museum. I have been to way more than any one person should, but that is an addiction I will talk about another day. Anyway, if I were to pick a favorite cheese museum, Fuerteventura’s would be up there with my top 3. Most of the museum is outside with a couple of exhibits inside that talk about the island’s special majero goats from which the cheese is made, the cheese making process and information about Fuerteventura in general (nature, island life etc.)

Outside was where I spent most of my time. There is a gorgeous oasis of palm trees when you walk in the museum, and I bet you have never been to a cheese museum with a cactus garden. I sure haven’t! You can climb to the top of the museum for a glorious view of the area.

Once you are at a point where your brain is over stuffed with cheese facts & information. There is a café where you can try some cheese and accompany it with some wine or if you are feeling something a bit less fancy they have amazing cheesecake as well.

Salt Museum Salinas del Carmen

The Salt museum of Fuerteventura gives a fascinating look into the history and extraction process of one of the most versatile seasonings in the world. I was way more excited than anyone should be about visiting a museum entirely dedicated to salt, but since salt makes any dish magically taste 100x better and it’s one of my favorite souvenirs to bring home. I have over 100 types in my kitchen.

I definitely have a problem. 

I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to visit the salt museum and maybe stock up on some more salt while I’m at it.

This museum is an immersive experience that has you walking through the inside of what a salt worker’s house might have looked like, with videos guiding you through the exhibits. Outside, we could walk through the salt flats, which are still in use. It’s a small museum, but absolutely recommend a visit.

Centro de Interpretacion de los Molinos

One of my favorite discoveries to come out of Fuerteventura is Gofio. A grain that doesn’t taste like a grain as long as you add lots of sugar. Gofio has been around for thousands of years and is a staple in most Canarian households.

Why am I telling you this?

Because Fuerteventura is home to a couple museums dedicated to grains, and you will be reading a lot about Gofio if you visit them.

The Los Molinos Interpretation center covers the vast history of grain cultivation on the island in a series of small exhibits.

After re-reading what I just wrote, I can see why “vast history of grain cultivation” might not seem interesting, and to most people it probably isn’t, but I quite enjoyed learning about the cultural aspect of grains on Fuerteventura.

The museum itself is located in a beautiful traditional majero home. You’ll be able to tour an old grain mill and see the process of grain cultivation over the years.

By the end of my self-guided tour the receptionist gave me a gofio ball which is made with gofio, sugar, water and is absolutely delicious and a recipe that I need to make at home.

Museo del Grano “La Cilla”

Okay, so this museum in my opinion is not worth it unless you are super interested in agriculture and farming life on Fuerteventura. They have cool farming artifacts, but all the text is in Spanish. They do have a packet with the English translation, though.  I went through the entire museum in about 15 minutes. Te town it’s located in:  La Oliva, is really cute, and I recommend a stroll around. I talk more about La Oliva below.

I wouldn’t recommend coming just for this museum. There are far better museums to visit. I want to be honest about what is and isn’t worth it, so that is why I am listing it here.

Learn the Ins and Outs of being a goat farmer

Quesería La casa del Queso cabrera Pérez (try saying that one!) is a dairy farm about a 50-minute drive from Corralejo in the middle of nowhere. They have a super fun experience that allows visitors to get a first-hand look at goat farming. You get to not only learn how to make cheese, but also learn the day to day tasks goat farmers do to keep the farm running.

Needless to say, This city girl did not know what she signed up for when she booked what she thought was a simple “cheese making class”.  This “class” ended up being an entire goat farming experience, and I wasn’t mad about it.

The trickiest part of the experience was actually getting there. Since I don’t drive and my experience was early in the morning, my best option was to take a 6 am cab which was $60, but considering the distance, it’s not too much.

Tip: cabs in Fuerteventura do take credit cards! 

When I arrived to the farm, I was immediately greeted by a gorgeous patio with planter boxes outlining the edge and adorable wooden tables.

I didn’t expect a dairy farm to be so pretty & adorable!

The first thing I was offered after checking in was a latte which I so desperately needed after my early start, and then I met my guide who took me back to get ready for the cheese making workshop. The workshop was quick, and before I knew it, I had a wheel of cheese ready to pop in the fridge while I continued on with the rest of the experience.

I was then handed off to a farm hand, who I would spend the rest of my time with. He did not speak English and I didn’t speak much Spanish, but he showed me what to do, and I tried my best to do the same, failing miserable at almost every task. He gave me some work overalls to put on.

I don’t think farming is in my future. 10-year-old me would be so disappointed. 

The first thing I got to try was milking. Many farms in Fuerteventura have automated the process, but since I was here to learn, I was shown how to milk a goat the old-fashioned way by grabbing those teats. It is way harder than it looks. My favorite part was trying the milk fresh. My guide mixed it with Gofio and sugar, which was a delicious combo (I talk more about Gofio below).

Then, I got to feed the goats and if you’ve never been surrounded by hungry and raucous goats, then you are in for a treat. I soon understood why I was given overalls. As I entered the enclosures, I was immediately bombarded with goats jumping up on me. My guide showed me how to pour the food in the trough, which involved picking up a 50 pound bag of feed. After spilling a good portion of it on the ground (I am not as muscly as I thought I was!), I managed to get at least some of it in the trough, or enough for the goats to eat.

I promise no goats went hungry!

My favorite part of the day, was playing with the baby goats, who somehow thought my overalls were food. They were too cute!

Fuerteventura is the only place in the world where you can see marjero goats, so being able to see them thriving on the farm was so cool. These goats are treated like royalty.

I ended my experience with a platter of cheese, bread, and jams that I enjoyed on the pretty plant filled patio. I never thought in a million years I would be working on a farm. Even if it was only for a few hours. I have so much respect for farmers and although, it was lots of work, I had a blast.

Go on A Countryside Tapas Tour

This was by far my FAVORITE tour in Fuerteventura. This tour is run by two lovely German women and funnily enough, I was the only native English speaker on the tour. Most were German and there was one Danish guy, so we were on our own “private” tour while the German speakers were in a separate group.

Anyway, Fuerte Authentic Tours is a company that specializes in authentic experiences in Fuerteventura (as the name says) and this is one of their most popular tours.

I recommend staying in Morro Jable if you plan on doing this tour, since all the places you visit will be located on the south of the island. They do offer pick up from northern Fuerteventura if you request it, but it would be about 1 1/2 hour drive to get to the starting point of the tour.

During the tour, we stopped at three farms; an olive farm, a cactus farm and a goat farm. We got to meet with the owners of each farm, and get a tour. — plus, eat yummy food with ingredients grown themselves. Every farmer had a story and reason behind why they got into farming. I could tell How truly passionate each person was. Plus, it felt great supporting these small farms, so they can continue doing what they do for years to come.

Here is a little run down of the farms we visited and what to expect.

Stop One: We began our tour at an olive farm. The farm itself is massive, with fruit trees, veggie, and herb plants and of course olive trees spanning the entire property. On the tour, we got to pick and try fresh fruit straight from the trees and learn about the process of turning all those olives into olive oil. Every farm on Fuerteventura has a dog, so of course we got a cute companion who followed us around to make sure we weren’t causing any trouble.

When it was time to eat, a beautiful long wooden table was set up under the shade of several olive trees. We got to try olive oil with fresh bread, potatoes, and Mojo sauce (which is a traditional canarian spicy sauce), and some fresh fruit and wine.

Stop Two: Our next stop was a cactus farm, and also the home of our guide. Unfortunately, the Cacti weren’t in season, so we couldn’t try them fresh, but our guide prepared an amazing spread for us. We got to try Cactus juice, cactus jam and learn how to make mojo sauce from scratch.

We also got to try Gofio balls. Gofio is a traditional Canarian flour made from roasted grains, and I loved it so much I even brought home a bag of it. Gofio Balls are simply made with water, lots of sugar and of course Gofio. They tasted like raw cookie dough, but way healthier.

Our final stop was a goat farm, where we got to try a variety of cheese – plus play with baby goats. There is a lot that goes into making Fuerteventura cheese, all down to the type of goat used. I spent most of my time playing with goats and eating cheese than learning about cheese.

I also already spent several hours on a goat farm learning about goat farming (as it says above), so I thought it was okay for me to miss this part. 

Honestly, I have done a lot of food tours in my life, but I have never done a farm hopping tour and I think this is something more destinations need to offer.

Visit An Aloe Vera Farm

Have you ever gotten such a bad sun burn that even a slight touch of your skin causes you to whimper in pain? Most of us have and it is one of the worst feelings, but how do we cure a nasty burn or at least make it slightly better? Lather cold gooey aloe vera all over.

It feels like the touch of a hundred angels.

That is the most common use, but aloe can also be used for many other things such as exfoliating skin, acne, relieving itchy bug bits, and sometimes it’s even mixed in with a refreshing smoothie or juice.

Aloe vera barbadensis miller is the only variety that grows in Fuerteventura, and it’s the only edible variety of aloe, but we were told it works more like a laxative, so if you ingest too much, you’ll be spending a lot of time in the bathroom. On a more positive note, ingesting aloe can also help reduce blood sugar, prevent breast cancer and even help with heartburn relief, but again, be careful with the amount you take.

There are several Aloe Vera farms you can visit on the island, and it’s pretty simple. You just show up and get a mini presentation of the farm you’ll learn about the amazing benefits Aloe has and of course how these farms really make money is through the products they sell, so you will get a presentation and samples of different Aloe products and how they can change your life! Slightly joking, but still kind of true.

I visited Finca Canarias Aloe Vera which is located in La Oliva, a 30 to 40-minute bus ride from Corralejo. Check out Moovit it for bus routes and schedules, A visit was included on a tour I did of northern Fuerteventura (highly recommend!).

Below are a few tours that will include a visit to an aloe farm.

Take A Day Trip To Lobos Island

If you walk along the waterfront in Corralejo, you’ll notice a mysterious island in the distance with a towering volcano. This my friends is Lobos Island, one of and although not particularly hidden, I couldn’t write a post without adding it. It’s about a 15 minutes ferry ride from Corralejo. From the outside it may not seem like there is much to do, but believe me there is. Well, as long as you like to swim and hike.

It will cost about $15 round trip and is a timed visit. Depending on what time you leave from Fuerteventura, you can stay for either 4 or 6 hours, with the first departure at 10:00 and the last at 17:00.

Once you arrive at Lobos Island, you will be spoiled for choice on which direction to wander. When you get off the boat, you will see the visitors center, which has information and history about the island. If you have time, I recommend going inside. Then you can choose your own adventure.

I decided to take the path I saw the least people wandering down, which led me to a small beach where I spent the majority of my time. Lobos doesn’t look that big from Corralejo, but it is, and you can only do so much with the time you have.

La Concha is the most popular beach on the island and where most people go immediately after disembarking from the boat. It’s also the closest beach to the port.

If you want a good hike and a view of the island and distant Corralejo head to Montaña La Caldera. It’s the highest point on the island.

Traveler Tip: If you are looking for a walk that will take you around the island, check out this map. It’s a 6-mile loop that will take 2 – 3 hours and allow time for a swim before heading back to Fuerteventura.

…And Lanzarote

Did you know it’s pretty easy to island hop in the Canary Islands? I had no idea, but when I found out Lanzarote was only a short 30 minutes ferry from Fuerteventura, I booked a tour.

I decided to book a tour because I didn’t have a car and I wanted to see as much of the island as possible including all the highlights, a tour was my best option. There was one tour called “The Volcano Express” and with a name like that I couldn’t resist. The duration of the tour was about 8 hours, and we got to see a good chunk of the island.

The one thing I was dying to do in Lanzarote is visit Timanfaya National Park. That was the “volcano express” portion of the tour, so after stopping at an Aloe Vera farm and winery where we had a wine tasting and tapas, we were on our way. Timanfaya National Park is the only National park in Spain of its kind meaning, you won’t find another national park that looks like outside lands in Lion King; uneven terrain, variety of colors, volcano outlines, and it’s all due to volcanic eruptions that were happening between 1720 – 1736 and 1824.

The tour took about 45 minutes, and we stayed on the bus the entire time while we listened to an audio guide. The visitor’s center of the Timanfaya had a restaurant with wall to floor windows overlooking the entire park, where they cook chicken over volcanic heat. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to eat, but that just means I have to come back. I want to eat chicken cooked over a volcano!

The tour is long, but if Lanzarote has been on your bucket list, I recommend it. I am not a fan of coach tours, but this one wasn’t too bad, and it was the only way for me to properly see Lanzarote in a day without a car.

Here is chicken being cooked over volcanic heat. How cool is that!?

Eat Traditional Canarian Food

What to Eat in Fuerteventura

Patatas with Mojo Sauce

This is the signature dish of Fuerteventura and you will find it on every menu. Patatas with Mojo Sauce are essentially wrinkly potatoes cooked with lots of salt and most commonly served with mojo picon, a spicy sauce made with olive oil, pepper, and spices such as paprika, cumin, and coriander. I ate this dish with almost every meal and now that I am not in Fuerteventura, I miss it every day.

Gambas Al Ajillo

Big juicy shrimp swimming in sizzling spicy garlic oil is what you’ll get with Gambas Al Ajillo, a popular Spanish tapas. Order some crusty bread for dipping, and you have perfection.

Gofio

My life was changed the minute I discovered gofio, and the sadness I felt when I found out I couldn’t get it outside the Canary Islands. Gofio is a type of Canarian flour made by roasting grains. It’s commonly used in Canarian cooking for thickening stews or adding a little something special to desserts It tastes excellent mixed with milk and sugar or mixed with water and sugar, until it’s the consistency of cookie dough. I was so obsessed with Gofio, I bought a couple bags from the grocery store to take home.

Goat Meat

Majero goat meat is a staple in most kitchens on Fuerteventura. My personal favorite is goat stew, which simply made with the most tender goat meat and veggies. I had fried goat meat, but wasn’t a fan, It was too chewy.

Goat Cheese

I don’t think much needs to be said here other than it would be a crime to visit a place known for their cheese and not try it. Most menus have an extensive cheese list and if you are unsure, just ask your waiter for recommendations.

Majero Cheese Fritters

I am a friend of anything fried, but fried cheese? Well, now my mouth is watering. The fried cheese in Fuerteventura is typically served with fruit jam and makes a perfect appetizer.

Where to Eat in Fuerteventura

Los Pinchitos (Lajares) | Address:  C. Coronel Glez del Yerro, 35650 Lajares, Las Palmas, Spain

If you want to try traditional goat stew, Los Pinchitos is the best and oldest place on the island to serve it. It was recommended to me by multiple people, and lived up to my expectations. The portions are huge, so make sure you come hungry.

Tapas Oscar (Corralejo) | Address: Calle Iglesia, 17, 35660 Corralejo, Las Palmas, Spain

I ate at Tapas Oscar twice, and I would have eaten there 10 more times if I had the chance.  They had the best tapas in Corralejo, especially their fried cheese fritters and goat meat. I recommend eating here before the dinner rush or right when they open. They take reservations for dinner, and they do get booked up.

El Callao Restaurante (El Cotillo) | Address: Calle Requena, 6, 35650 El Cotillo, Las Palmas, Spain

El Callao is a cozy family run restaurant known to cook up a mean paella. It’s best enjoyed sitting outside watching the sun set on the water. I know paella isn’t traditionally Canarian, but they do make some of the best I’ve had.

Restaurante Los Caracolitos (Salinas) | Address: Salinas del Carmen, 22, 35610, Las Palmas, Spain

I have a thing for nautical themed restaurants. You would be surprised at how many there are in the world. With vintage boat propellers and model ships hanging from the wall, Los Caracolitos is a kitschy restaurant serving up fantastic fresh seafood. It’s conveniently a 10-minute walk from The Salt Museum, so if you take a trip to the museum (which you should), a stop in Los Caracolitos for lunch should be mandatory.

Take a Snorkel Tour

Honestly, snorkeling is the best. It’s the one water activity that doesn’t require you to do anything. You could quite literally put on a mask and float in the water for hours as you gawk at all the cute little fish swimming past. No skills required other than swimming. You definitely should know how to swim, but assuming you do, snorkeling is one of the most unusual things to do in Fuerteventura.

Most of the snorkel tours I found left from Morro Jable. I did this tour and it was perfect. I hate snorkel tours that cram so many people onto a boat like a pack of sardines. The boat we were on was small, but there was still plenty of room to move around.

We started the tour by searching for dolphins. The captain informed us that they are in contact with other boat tours in the area, so if another boat happens to spot dolphins, we can head to where they are. Unfortunately, all the dolphins must have been sleeping because we had no luck.

We spent the 2nd hour of the tour snorkeling and enjoying the water. We got to snack on local bread, meat and cheese, but just a word of advice…

DON’T DO THIS TOUR IF YOU GET SEASICK.

I mean, that might be obvious, but still thought I should mention it. There was one girl on our tour who was REALLY seasick and had to lay down the entire time. If you want to take this tour, and you do get sea sick, make sure you pack some motion sickness tablets.

As someone that has snorkeled all over the world and has become somewhat of a snorkel snob, I will say that Fuerteventura doesn’t have the BEST snorkeling in the world. You won’t see vibrant sea life like The Great Barrier Reef, but it’s not horrible either. You’ll still see lots of fish, and honestly I was just happy to swim in the clear turquoise waters of Fuerteventura, even if no dolphins were spotted.

Learn How to Deep Sea Fish (and Get What You Catch Cooked For You)

Have you ever fished for your meal only to have it served to you on a silver platter an hour after catching it.

If your answer was no, then it’s time we change that. Fuerteventura is known for many things, but I didn’t realize fishing was one of them. People come from all over the world to fish these blue waters.

So of course as someone that loves to fish, I was excited when I found this tour.  On this tour, we were relying on each other to catch our lunch, so if we all sucked at fishing, we would not be eating. I wasn’t sweating because fishing was my jam. *Cue 6-year-old me catching 5 massive fish*.

What I wasn’t prepared for was how different deep sea fishing was to literally every other type of fishing.

When we got on our boat, the skippers gave us a crash course in how to fish (casting our line, baiting etc) – plus safety. We got unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks and then once our skippers found a good fishing spot we were left to our own devices. I expected the fish to be massive to the point where I would have to fight with my rod to wheel one in.

Turns out the fish weren’t too big. I didn’t even feel them nibbling. Everyone else on the tour seemed to know what they were doing and caught loads of fish, even the kids. I did manage to get my line tangled about 10 times and my bait nibbled off, but don’t let my failed fishing experience deter you from taking this tour. Because it was a lot of fun, and we had plenty to eat, as pictured below.

We ended our tour by swimming in the pristine blue water near Lobos Island and then feasting on a platter of our fish, potatoes and traditional Canarian mojo sauce.

Try Award Winning Wine at Fuerteventura’s Only Vineyard

I was a bit skeptical when I discovered Fuerteventura had a winery. For starters, the island is like a desert, and doesn’t seem like the ideal climate for a winery to thrive, but what do I know? Wine making is not my specialty. My specialty is drinking wine, so any excuse to do that, I’ll take it.

So let’s talk about Bodega Contavs, the only winery on the island. Not only is this winery unique, but it has won a couple of international awards for its wine and the winemaker Alberto González Plasencia was chosen as the second-best oenologist (expert in the science of wine)  in Spain and 10th in the world. 

So I think it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about wine, and as someone who has tasted the wine and may have purchased a bottle or two, I can vouch for them.

The tour itself was great! Our guide Izabel was an exceptional host. She shared the history of the place and showed us how the wine is produced and sold, as well as their plans for the future. They only sell their wine at the winery and a couple of restaurants on the island, but they mainly get their business from people who come to the winery to pick up orders.

Once the tour was complete, we got to taste 4 wines. A white, red, rose and sweet wine, and we each got a plate of local cheeses, olives, and meats.

Visiting this winery is one of the more unique things to do on Fuerteventura, and definitely worth it.

Getting to the winery is easy with a car, but if you are like me and don’t drive or just don’t want to drive (I don’t blame you!) there is a bus that will take you from Corralejo to Lajares, and then it’s about a 12-minute walk from the bus stop to the winery. To get the exact bus route, I recommend downloading Moovit. It’s an app I used to get around the island. I would have been very lost without it!

Drive A Dune Buggy Through Corralejo National Park

Now, before I talk about this dune buggy tour I took, I want to point out that it was more of an off-roading tour than dune buggy. I don’t believe proper dune buggy driving is allowed, which is unfortunate because the Fuerteventura sand dunes would be perfect for it! This was still fun and a great way to explore the national park.

Fuerteventura Dune Buggy Tours, offered four tours a day: morning, midday, afternoon, and sunset (summer only) each lasting 2 1/2 hours.  I went with the morning tour since it was my first day on the island. It got really hot later in the day, so glad I did.

The tour began bright and early in front of a Burger King, where a group of us eagerly awaited to be picked up by our guide. It honestly looked like we all were waiting for Burger King to open.

Once we were picked up and taken to the warehouse where our dune buggies were parked, we got a safety lecture, and then we were off.

To drive a dune buggy, you do need a license and since I don’t have one I had to ride passenger side as one of the workers drove, which was fine with me. It allowed me to enjoy the scenery, and it was way cheaper.

Our dune buggy was leading the group, and we were going fast! I felt like I was on a roller coaster.

We made a couple stops for pictures and one stop for drinks (water, soda). If you are staying in Corralejo, this should definitely be on your itinerary. Corralejo National Park is beautiful, and you will be driving to parts of the park that aren’t accessible by car.

Visit Cute Villages

The villages in Fuerteventura are an attraction in itself. The whitewashed houses line cobblestone street’s with towering churches standing in the middle of quiet squares. If you are looking to experience a more cultural and traditional side of the island, then I suggest leaving the main city and wandering through some of Fuerteventura’s small villages.

El Cotillo

If you want to see the BEST sunset on the island, You need to add El Cotillo to your list. El Cotillo is beautiful with whitewashed houses, delicious local restaurants with some of the freshest seafood on the island and views that go on for miles. Wind and kite surfers flock to the tiny town to take advantage of near perfect conditions.

I recommend grabbing a table outside at Restaurante La Vaca Azul 1 – 1 1/2 hours before sunset. You’ll be right on the water with a front row seat to an amazing sunset – plus they have a wide selection of local food and fresh seafood.

El Cotillo has tons of cute shops where you can find local and high quality souvenirs and if you happen to visit on a Friday, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm there is a craft market which sole purpose is to promote traditional handicrafts. I tried to go, but with timing it just didn’t work out, so if you go, let me know how it is!

Lajares

My favorite town to explore was Lajares, a hippie haven. It’s home to Los Pinchitos one of the oldest restaurants on the island to serve up traditional goat stew and if you want to get a good walk in, you should hike up Hondo Calderon nearby, a giant crater with breathtaking views. It’s a 55-minute walk from Lajares or a 16-minute drive.

I am that insane person that will walk 4 miles to see a museum or go to a beach or in this case hike up a volcano, but not everyone is as crazy as I am. 

Bodega Contavs is the only winery on the island and a short walk from the center of Lajares. On the main street of town, explore the shops and stop into Amiga Mia for ice cream and then head up to the rooftop to eat it.

Antigua

The main reason I went to Antigua was for the Majero Cheese Museum, but since I was there, I wandered around. To be honest, there wasn’t a lot happening in Antigua. The town itself was cute, but the only thing to do was look at the houses, church, and well, the cheese museum. There aren’t many restaurants or places to just sit and drink.

I added Antigua to the list because I think the cheese museum is 100% worth it, but I don’t recommend going to Antigua just to visit the town. It’s a pretty place, but just very quiet and not much going on.

La Oliva

I found La Oliva to be very charming. It’s home to The Fuerteventura Grain Museum, which may be dull if you have no interest in agriculture.  You’ll also find Museo de las Tradiciones which gives a fascinating overview of local life.

The museum can only be visited by appointment, and the guy who runs tours only speaks Spanish. Luckily, I happened to visit when he was giving a tour to a young couple, who were nice enough to translate for me, but even if I had a tour by myself, I still would have found it fascinating looking at all the cool artifacts.

The number to make an appointment is +34 629 47 37 47. You can call before you visit or when you arrive, and he will let you in. 

If you happen to visit La Oliva on Tuesday or Friday I recommend checking out Mercado de las tradiciones, a tiny handicraft market where locals sell fruit and veggies, but also artwork, soap, fabrics etc. It’s not worth going just for the market, but if you are in town, definitely check it out.

Shop For Local Souvenirs

What to Buy in Fuerteventura

Goat Milk Liquor

The goats that inhabit Fuerteventura are as much a part of the island as the people living there, so what better way to remember your trip than with a souvenir that will remind you of these majestic creatures. Goat milk is commonly used in Fuerteventura to make all sorts of things like award-winning cheese, soap, and it’s used in many of the dishes you’ll try on the island, but the winner in my opinion was the liquor.

I bought a few bottles, and they didn’t make it home with me. Whoops! If I had brought them home with me, I would have had a fantastic cream replacement for my coffee or a refreshing glass by itself (which is what I did, except out of the bottle in my hotel room). I also found coffee flavored goat milk liquor, which I bought and drank pretty quickly. I don’t have a drinking problem, I promise. All they need is strawberry and banana flavors, and I would buy a lifetime supply.

Mojo Sauce

You’ll be eating a lot of Mojo sauce in Fuerteventura. Every restaurant will serve it with bread and aioli right before a meal, and it’s incorporated in a few traditional dishes, so it’s no surprise that you can also buy the stuff in pretty much every shop. Mojo sauce is a variety of different sauces ranging in spiciness and every local will have a different recipe, but the main ingredients are olive oil, garlic, pepper, and a range of different spices such as paprika, cumin, or coriander. It can be spicy, but for me at least it was never overwhelming, and it goes great with pretty much everything.

Be very careful, though. I decided to buy a couple jars to bring home, and upon my arrival to my next destination, one of the bottles opened and spilled out. It stunk up my entire suitcase and all my clothes, as well as my entire hotel room, which stunk for days. I would suggest buying a zip loc bag and wrapping it very well with newspaper or bubble wrap.  I wouldn’t wish what happened to me on my worst enemy. It was hell to clean up.

Cheese

If you aren’t traveling for a long time, Fuerteventura cheese is an excellent souvenir. If you have a car, I recommend doing the cheese route which will guide you to several quesaerias which are essentially dairy farms. Many of them offer cheese tastings or better yet, you can purchase a cheese plate and try many cheeses, mojo sauce, fresh bread and jam. If you are unsure which cheese to get, a tasting is a great way to help you decide. Some queserias even offer tours of the facilities, so you can see the cheese making process first hand.

But if you have eaten all the cheese on the island and know exactly what you want, or you just care about getting your hands on some cheese as quickly as possible, you can head into any grocery store and pick up some.

Cactus Juice (or anything cactus)

You haven’t lived until you’ve had a glass of ice-cold cactus juice, or really anything made from cactus. I can’t speak for all cactus, but Fuerteventura cactus is sweet, a bit tart and has a strange bubble gum flavor, but it works. You’ll also be able to find cactus liquor and jam in shops all over the island, so if you are still debating on whether cactus is something you should be bringing home with you, the answer is yes!

My favorite shop to get cactus juice is in Lajares, and it’s called Artesania Lajares. They have a cactus juice that is to die for. I took the bus for over 40 minutes from Corralejo just to get a second bottle.

Aloe Vera Products

As I mentioned above, Aloe Vera is a versatile product that can be used in so many ways, whether you need face cream, a way to soothe your sunburn or a tasty juice, Aloe has so many health benefits. If you make it to an Aloe Vera Farms on the island, You have to get a few products from the farm shop. You won’t find good quality Aloe products for this price in many places, so take advantage of it!

Jeep Safari Through Jandia National Park

If you come to Fuerteventura, there is no way you can leave without visiting Jandia National Park. It’s located on the southern tippy tip of the island and is only accessible by tour or with a 4×4 vehicle. Many rental car companies on Fuerteventura don’t cover insurance for this part of the island, so even if you do have a car, you won’t be able to drive through Jandia. That being said, I had a fantastic time on the jeep safari tour I took.

First off, it doesn’t matter where you are staying on the island – north or south, they will pick up and drop off. I even arranged for them to pick me up in Morro Jable and drop me off in Corralejo, but it was only possible because I didn’t have a suitcase with me.

The tour itself was a fun and bumpy rollercoaster of a ride, quite literally. I was picked up and crammed into the back of the jeep with two lovely English guys. We were laughing the entire time while our heads were continuously banging on the roof. We stopped at the highest point on the island where we got tot take in the views, and snap some pictures.

Then we continued on our way to visit a couple beaches, one of which we were able to swim. It was too cold for me to swim, but people were getting in the water and having a great time. We stopped at Cofete Beach, which is said to be the prettiest beach on the island and one of the prettiest in Spain. It wasn’t advised to swim because of the strong currents, but it was beautiful nonetheless, and we had the entire beach to ourselves!

We also went to a small seaside town where we had a fresh seafood lunch and finished our tour at a lighthouse where we got spectacular views of the island. On our way back, we came across some very social goats who ran up to our car. Someone on the tour had raw carrots, so we fed them, and that was how our tour ended.

A few things to know before taking this jeep safari:

• Even though most of Fuerteventura is hot, Jandia can be verrrry chilly and windy, so I don’t recommend wearing a dress or skirt and definitely pack a jacket (that is something I wish I would have done).
• It is a bumpy ride, our butts were leaving the chair every few seconds.
• Even though you are in one jeep, there are about 8 jeeps on this tour who are all going to the same spot, but you don’t have much to do with them.

Hike Up to a Volcano

One of the most unusual thinsg to do in Fuerteventura is hike up to Calderon Hondo. A volcano located in the north of the island. This was the first time I have hiked up a volcano and to be honest it was more of a walk than a hike. There was a clear cobblestoned path all the way to the top, and it only took about 15 minutes from the parking lot.

If you are anything like me, you probably cringe at the word volcano and hike used in the same sentence, but I will put your mind at ease by saying there is no lava and if a clumsy potato like myself can do the hike, then anyone can do it! I booked a tour which happened to have the volcano hike included.

The only other way to get there is by car or if you really want a work-out you can take the bus from Corralejo to Lajares and then walk which will take about 55 minutes.

When you get to the top, prepare yourself for one of the best views of the island and a meet & greet with the adorable Fuerteventura chipmunks, who will come right up to you. Remember that they are wild animals, so don’t feed or touch them.

It also may get cold, so pack a jacket just in case.

If you don’t want to rent a car, but want to explore the north of the island, I will leave the details of the tour below. On this tour we got to visit Corralejo National Park, the hippie town of Lajares, an Aloe Vera Farm, El Cotillo for lunch and of course, Calderon Hondo.

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