Disembark on the leeward island, buckle up and hit the road. Fuerteventura road trip: itinerary for 1 and 2 weeks.
The Canary archipelago is a destination as accessible as it is exotic. It combines the charms of Spain, its songs and its gastronomy, with the pleasures of the islands. The emblematic islands of the Canaries can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Fuerteventura is one of them!
This pretty rock in the middle of the sea is a haven for water sports enthusiasts and lovers of desert regions. It owes its name to the wind that constantly caresses its dry land. But never fear, the heat is everywhere: in the atmosphere and in the hearts of the inhabitants.
Despite its small size, Fuerteventura holds many treasures. A self-guided tour is undoubtedly the best way to enjoy them in complete freedom. With your hair blowing in the wind, why not embark on a road trip to Fuerteventura? For inspiration, follow the advice of Generation Voyage travellers.
1. Puerto del Rosario to Majanicho
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Brigida Soriano
Disembarking at the island’s main airport(Puerto del Rosario), start your tour in the north of the island. Head for Majanicho, first passing through the unmissable Corralejo.
This town, though touristy, has managed to preserve its attractions. First and foremost, it’s the departure point for the islands of Lanzarote and Los Lobos, two other jewels of the Canary Islands. It’s also a pleasant and welcoming city for a spot of shopping, a stroll along the seafront or a long evening of partying.
Last but not least, it’s the main gateway to the famous Corralejo dunes. These spectacular expanses, to the south of the town, stretch as far as the eye can see and inspire great serenity.
Get back on the road and make sure you don’t miss the Bajo beach, better known as Pop Corn Beach. This beach is one of the most amazing. It’s like crawling through tons and tons of popcorn! Yes, the charred seaweed stretching for miles looks like… impeccably white popcorn.
Finally, we head for the fishing village of Majanicho. It reflects the authentic Fuerteventura, the one you fall in love with at first sight. Playa El Majanicho is a pleasant little bay with a few small fishing boats and recesses sheltered from the wind.
- Excursion to Los Lobos: permission is required to set foot on this beautiful and protected island. In fact, only 200 travelers a day are authorized to enter. The precious sesame is issued with the purchase of a boat ticket(€13 for the round trip, €21 with a snorkeling experience). More expensive catamaran experiences are also available;
- Lajares: Between Corralejo and Majanicho, reach the beautiful village of Lajares. Here, too, the charm of the traditional takes hold. Among the traditions still alive and well, you’ll discover embroidery. With the development of tourism, the old stalls have sometimes given way to trendy cafés and « babas cool » surf shops.
2. Majanicho in El Cotillo
Photo credit: Shutterstock – dubassy
In the early morning, drive along the coast. Still to the north, head for the brightly-colored Toston lighthouse, set among windy coves and jagged volcanic rocks. Magnificent panorama guaranteed!
Your road trip to Fuerteventura finally brings you to the gates of El Cotillo, an old fishing village where maritime traditions are still alive and well. Today, the village is also very popular with kitesurfers. If you’re not into board sports, you’ll be caught up by the charm of the small, colorful houses and the fresh fish cuisine.
Its beach, La Concha, is one of Fuerteventura’s most famous. Its string of small bays, both family-friendly and sporty, are renowned for their tranquillity and blazing sunsets. What makes it special? A natural horseshoe-shaped reef that maintains low tide and small volcanic stone walls(carralitos) that protect from the wind.
- Climbing the Calderón Hondo volcano: an easy walk around a volcano. We recommend this hike just before sunset, when the landscape takes on ochre and pink tones. Departure from El Cotillo;
- Playa del Aljibe de la Cueva: the first beach to the south of El Cotillo, a haven for surfers, is well worth a visit if you’re particularly keen on beach tourism.
3. El Cotillo in Betancuria
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Naeblys
- 🗺️ Itinerary: from El Cotillo to Betanduria, via Los Molinos, Mirador de Guise y Ayose and Antigua
- 📍 D istance: 50 km – 1h30
- 📷 Places to visit: the lost village of Los Molinos, windmills, landscapes along the FV-30, Antigua, the beautiful village of Betancuria
- 🏠 Where to stay: in a hotel or anAirbnb in Betancuria
Fancy a road trip to Fuerteventura just like in the movies? Take to the road along the FV-30, a breathtaking road that gives you an intense sense of freedom. You’ll wind your way through the golden hills before the splendid village of Betancuria appears at the end of the valley.
But first, stop off at the astonishing village of Los Molinos. A typical village at the end of the world, it comprises just a handful of houses suspended above the ocean.
Then on to Betancuria. En route, stop off at the famous Mirador de Guise y Ayose, but also stop off in Antigua for a gourmet break at the Museo del Queso Majorero. This typical local goat’s cheese is much more than just delicious: it’s an island pride! What’s more, the museum is nestled in a typical Canarian building, and its architectural perspectives will delight photographers.
Fuerteventura is also the island of windmills, scattered throughout the north and center. Near the Antigua Cheese Museum, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one and learn a little more about these veritable emblems. At the end of the day, enjoy a charming night in Betancuria.
- La Oliva village: after El Cotillo, head inland to La Oliva village. The narrow streets between the church and Casa De Los Coloneles make for a pleasant stroll;
- Tamariche Tetir and the Temejereque mountain: after La Oliva, follow the FV-10 to discover Tamariche Tetir. Nestled in the heart of the island, the village is surrounded by a wild, almost lunar landscape. A few scattered cottages and historic buildings bear witness to a rare human presence. All in the shadow of the Temejereque mountain. Fancy climbing to the very top? The walk is short and accessible, despite a fairly steep section.
4. Betancuria in Ajuy
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Traveller70
Betancuria is without doubt the most beautiful and picturesque village on the island. Get up early to enjoy it. Here you’ll meet the endemic Barbary squirrels. Take the time to explore the historic center, immerse yourself in the silence of Saint-Marie church or enjoy a drink on a terrace near a shady fountain…
Fancy a day out in nature during your road trip to Fuerteventura? Take advantage of the Betancuria rural park: a protected area home to numerous birds, aloe vera cultivation and ecotourism. You’ll be delighted by the range of hikes through volcanic and wetlands, cliffs and ravines.
In the early or late afternoon, take the FV-30 back to Ajuy. This colorful coastal village is renowned for its black volcanic sand beach and patchwork of colorful houses. Along the way, you’ll come across the Mirador Las Peñitas: a must-see panorama of the island.
- The Ajuy caves: accessible via a path, these natural formations offer a spectacular journey through the island’s history and geological phenomena.
5. Ajuy to Morro Jable
Photo credit: Shutterstock – JackCo
Leaving Ajuy, head for Sotavento and its piercing blue lagoon. This is one of the highlights of your Fuerteventura itinerary. A paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers, this sandy beach offers a sparkling backdrop of striking contrasts. Enjoy the turquoise waters and the landscape shaped by the tides before you really get down to the south of the island.
At the end of the day, head for Morro Jable. Around the village, you’ll find another lighthouse, immense beaches and the magnificent ocean as far as the eye can see. Then, you’ll discover a charming town center and strolls in the shade of tall, flowering palm trees. Here, diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will be in heaven.
- Playa de la Pared: crowned by cliffs and decorated by beautiful volcanic streaks, the beaches of Pared are calm and inhabited by the famous squirrels. They are located on the south-west coast, between the villages of Pajara and Costa Calma;
- Jandia Peninsula: starting from Costa Calma, a superb hike crosses the desert of the Jandia Peninsula. You’ll be a little lost. Are you on a road trip to Fuerteventura or California? It’s easy to get confused. Then the scenery gradually changes, and spectacular, never-before-seen lagoons appear.
6. Morro Jable to Cofete (return)
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Armando Oliveira
Located in the south of the island, Cofete beach is reputed to be the most beautiful of any Fuerteventura itinerary.
Twelve kilometers of marvellous, wild and magnetic landscapes that leave lovers of wind, salt and seaside tourism speechless.
After an hour’s drive, swap your car for a buggy. It’s the must-do activity around Cofete. Drive all the way to the southern tip of Jandia Park. It’s a fun and unique way to continue your Fuerteventura road trip!
There are no facilities on Cofete beach, so at the end of the day, head back to your accommodation on Morro Jable.
- Costa Calma: instead of returning to Morro Jable for the night, put your bags down at Costa Calma. In addition to the hiking mentioned above, its beaches, set against a backdrop of cliffs and volcanoes, provide an idyllic setting. Here, too, quad/buggy rides and surf lessons are legion.
7. Morro Jable in Puerto del Rosario
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Naeblys
- 🗺️ Itinerary: from Morro Jable to Puerto del Rosario, via Punta de la Entallada lighthouse and Pozo Negro
- 📍 Route: 130 km – 2h
- 📷 Places to visit: Punta de la Entallada, Pozo Negro village
- 🏠 Where to stay: in a hotel close to the airport to take the plane back.
Head back towards the airport. One of the highlights of the change of territory is the encounter with the Punta de la Entallada lighthouse. Standing over 200 metres high, watching over herds of bighorn sheep, this monument is extremely photogenic with its glowing stones. Stop off at the lookout point, accessible via a wooden footbridge overlooking the sea rollers blown in by the powerful wind.
Along the way, you’ll also come across the village of Pozo Negro. A well-kept secret with a unique ambience. Here, faded, romantic facades give way to whitewashed walls. So why Pozo Negro? Because of the black well carved out by a lava flow, forming a long ebony beach. A few bright yellow boats are scattered here and there, adding to the fascination of the place.
- La Lajita: let yourself be seduced by the incredible charm of a tiny fishing village. Embellished by a particularly green landscape, the area has a surprising mini-jungle feel. Outside the village, you can visit a large botanical garden. The village is also home to El Mirador el Tabloncillo, with its magnificent view of the surrounding coastline;
- Gran Tarajal: quiet and beautifully landscaped, this spot is little known to tourists. Endless walks on the sand, salt, iodine, the smell of fish: it’s the ideal place to end your day in peace.