Fuerteventura's most beautiful villages: a trip to its Canarian essence
Fuerteventura, belonging to the Canary archipelago, is home to villages that stand out for their beauty and charm.
These places, steeped in history and tradition, offer a unique cultural experience.
From vibrant tourist destinations to quiet fishing corners, each village has its own character.
Below is a tour of the island’s most beautiful villages.
"Estás como una jaira": A person who is not in his or her right mind. Who is crazy.
El Cotillo: A Seafaring Town
El Cotillo
El Cotillo is a coastal town in the municipality of La Oliva, north of Fuerteventura. El Cotillo is a quiet fishing village that thanks to its traditional charm and the beauty of its beaches has become one of the main places to see in Fuerteventura. Noted for its relaxed atmosphere and is a paradise for water sports, especially surfing.
Points of interest :
- El Roque Mill: Spectacular three-story, four-bladed flour mill.
- Hornos de La Cal viewpoint: Good place to enjoy a nice sunset.
Maritime path of El Cotillo: Enjoy a relaxing stroll.
Fishing Port: Small fishing port.
Alto Grande viewpoint: Beautiful views of the village of Cotillo.
Beach of the Castle: Access by car by dirt road and sand.
Beach of the Aljibe de la Cueva:Access by car by dirt road and sand.
La Escalera beach: Access by car by dirt road and sand.
La Concha: Extensive white sand beach, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, with showers and toilets.
Tostón Lighthouse: This lighthouse has not only been crucial to the navigation of the north coast of the island, but also embodies the rich maritime history of the region.
Natural pools of Playa de los Charcos: Beautiful place, especially recommended at low tide.
Majanicho: Charming village halfway between El Cotillo and Corralejo.
Reaching this village by the dirt and sand road located in the vicinity of the Toston Lighthouse is quite an adventure.
Activities :
- Clean Ocean Project: Non Governmental Organization (NGO) founded in 2001 whose aim is to protect beaches from plastics and marine litter on the island of Fuerteventura. If you want to know more about them.
- Biomilt Farm: If you are looking for quality organic fruits and vegetables.
Morrojable: Adventure and relax in the south of Fuerteventura
Morrojable
Morro Jable is a town in the municipality of Pájara. It is one of the main tourist centers of the island. Vibrant tourist destination, which began as a small fishing village and has been transformed into a popular tourist destination.
Points of interest :
- Port of Morro Jable : Ferry terminal from where boats depart to Gran Canaria.
Viewpoint of Morro Jable: Beautiful viewpoint with spectacular views.
El Matorral beach: Wide sandy beach with sun lounger rental service, lighthouse, showers and nudist area.
- Jandia Beach: Incredible beach.
- Morro Jable Lighthouse: Lighthouse of 59 m built in 1991, popular because of its spectacular beach and jogging trails.
- Hiking Trail Pico de la Zarza: hiking area.
Lighthouse Punta de Jandia: From Morro Jable and through the road punta de jandía, you can reach the Faro punta de Jandía ( 40 minutes ) and Cofete (46 minutes).
Access by car by dirt road.
For the more adventurous.Pico de la Zarza: Mountain peak, breathtaking views.
- Cofete Beach: Long, secluded sandy beach with steep cliffs, crystal clear waters and spectacular views.
- Viewpoint of Cofete
La Oliva: Traditional architecture and historical charm
La Oliva
La Oliva is a Spanish town and municipality on the island of Fuerteventura, in the province of Las Palmas, in the autonomous community of the Canary Islands.
Points of interest :
- Casa de Los Coroneles: Eighteenth century mansion where the former colonels of the island lived, with art exhibits and events.
Market of traditions: Small local market.
Fountain of Tababaire: Viewpoint with views.
Vallebrón viewpoint: Viewpoint with views.
Sacred Mountain of Tindaya: Sacred place for the aborigines.
The mountain is known for the numerous “podomorphs” or engravings of feet, carved in its rock.- Tebeto beach, La Mujer beach, andJarubio beach. Jarubio beach 20 minutes by car.
Access by dirt road.
Corralejo: The Pearl of the North
Corralejo
Corralejo is a town located on the northeast coast of Fuerteventura. It is known for the Natural Park of Corralejo, which has beaches with strong winds and dunes. It is a town and a popular tourist destination on the island.
Points of interest:
Corralejo Natural Park: Protected area of Fuerteventura.
It offers a desert landscape that contrasts with the blue Atlantic Ocean.
Essential place to see in Fuerteventura. With great beaches as impressive as:
- Town of Corralejo:
- Bristol Promenade: Enjoy a stroll overlooking the Isla de Lobos.
Poster Corralejo: Photogenic place.
Bayuyo Volcano: Hiking area
Calderón Hondo Volcano:Caldera of an extinct volcano accessed by a well-marked trail, with routes along the edge of the crater.
El Mejillón Beach: Pop Corn Beach a 10-15 minute drive from Corralejo.
- Acua Water Park: Water park with slides, pools, lounges, children’s area, restaurants and gift store.
Lajares: Creativity in the Interior
Lajares
Lajares or Los Lajares, is a town in the municipality of La Oliva in the north of Fuerteventura. The name has its origin in the presence of flat, smooth and thin stones around the place as an effect of volcanic activity in the past. These rocks are known in the Canary Islands as "lajas".
Points of interest:
Lajares Mill: The mill is a traditional circular mill with four blades, which was grinding gofio until the 1960s.
Windmill of Lajares: This mill also has four blades although it originally had six.
This mill was in operation until 1980.Los Lajares Craft Market: Open Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.
Calderón Hondo Volcano: Essential
Betancuria: The Historical Capital
Betancuria
Founded in 1404, Betancuria was the capital of Fuerteventura until the nineteenth century.
Points of interest :
Betancuria Rural Park: Rural park, with a popular driving route between arid rocky massifs, known for raptors and chipmunks.
Archaeological Museum of Fuerteventura: Small museum with fossils and archaeological and ethnographic objects of the region.
Las Peñitas Arch: Access of moderate difficulty.
A 30 minute drive from Betancuria, from the parking lot to the Arco de las Peñitas 15 minutes walk along trails.Ajuy Caves: Totally recommendable to visit the caves.
A 40 minute drive from Betancuria.Sicasumbre Astronomical Viewpoint: Viewpoint with a vertical sundial and views of the constellations at night.
A 40 minute drive from Betancuria.
Antigua: A Walk Through History
Antigua
Antigua is a town and municipality of Fuerteventura. It is located in the central-eastern part of the island. The most inhabited population center of the municipality is El Castillo or Caleta de Fuste, which is one of the most important tourist enclaves of the island.
Points of interest :
Majorero Cheese Museum: Museum with a restored mill, a cactus garden, local crafts and exhibits on how to make cheese.
Museum of the Salinas del Carmen: Museum in old salt mines that exhibits the ethnography, history and production of sea salt.
Natural pool: Recommended, especially at low tide.
Fuerteventura Golf Club: Picturesque golf course open all year round with panoramic sea and mountain views.
Ajuy Caves: Totally recommended to visit the caves.
A 35 minute drive from Antigua.Sicasumbre Astronomical Viewpoint: Viewpoint with a vertical sundial and views of the constellations at night.
35 minutes drive from Antigua.
Charming villages in Fuerteventura
Corralejo: Beach and water sports paradise
Corralejo, in the north of the island, captivates visitors with its beaches of crystal clear waters and golden sands.
Ideal for water sports such as surfing and diving.
The Natural Park of the Corralejo Dunes is a natural treasure not to be missed, with its impressive dunes that create a dream landscape.
Lajares: Art, handicrafts and panoramic views
Lajares, a picturesque inland village, stands out for its quiet atmosphere and stunning views from the Calderón Hondo volcano.
It is also a perfect place to discover local artisan workshops, decoration stores and enjoy the authentic handicrafts of the island.
Betancuria: Historical jewel and cultural wealth
Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, Betancuria is a journey into the past of Fuerteventura.
Founded in 1405, it preserves a rich cultural heritage.
Its cobbled streets and the church of Santa Maria reflect the history of the island.
The Museum of Sacred Art is a window to the artistic and religious past.
Tuineje: Livestock tradition and local gastronomy
In Tuineje, in the south of the island, the livestock tradition is part of its identity.
Discover the culinary richness of Fuerteventura tasting its famous artisan cheeses in cozy restaurants.
Immerse yourself in the authenticity of the local gastronomy and live a unique experience in each dish.
Antigua: Canary Island history and tradition at its best
Antigua, in the heart of the island, is a treasure of Canarian history and tradition.
Its windmills and the church of Nuestra Señora de Antigua are testimonies of its past.
Discover the Majorero Cheese Museum and marvel at the wild olive plant, symbols of the island’s identity.
La Oliva: Traditional architecture and historical charm
La Oliva invites you to discover its traditional architecture and historical charm.
The Casa de los Coroneles and its historic palace are examples of the architectural richness of the island.
Immerse yourself in the traditional atmosphere of La Oliva and let yourself be captivated by its history.
El Cotillo: Crystal clear waters and seascapes
El Cotillo, a picturesque fishing village in the north of Fuerteventura, will surprise you with its white sandy coves and crystal clear waters.
The Castillo del Toston and the lighthouse are points of interest that invite you to explore.
Dive into its waters to enjoy the unique experience of snorkeling in an incomparable natural environment.
Puerto del Rosario: Economic and administrative center of the island.
Puerto del Rosario, the capital of Fuerteventura, is the economic and administrative epicenter of the island.
With a wide range of services and stores, it is an ideal place to enjoy the comfort and variety of urban life.
Discover the cultural and gastronomic offer that this vibrant center has to offer.
Morro Jable: Adventure and relaxation in southern Fuerteventura
Morro Jable, in the south of the island, combines the adventure of its wild landscapes with the relaxation of its paradisiacal beaches.
Immerse yourself in the fishing culture of the area and enjoy the quiet and cozy atmosphere.
An ideal destination to disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
Gran Tarajal: Fishing culture and quiet environment
Gran Tarajal invites you to immerse yourself in the fishing culture of Fuerteventura and enjoy a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.
Its picturesque streets and rich maritime tradition will transport you to a place full of authenticity and charm.
Discover the simple beauty of this coastal town and let yourself be carried away by its magic.
