Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Active GatG, Beach GatG, Digital Nomad GatG, Surfing GatG

I have so many favourite islands but Fuerteventura is definitely high on my list. This Canary Island is beautiful and I have been lucky to have visited it twice, more recently in October 2022.

If you are planning a trip to Fuerteventura in the Canaries, I have included all my favourite must-sees including where to stay if you are solo. Discover the best things to do in Fuerteventura, how to get around and where to stay.

Solo Travel in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is safe to travel here solo. I even met another solo traveller on the bus. You can come here solo and stay at a surf camp, learning how to surf, get fit at a fitness retreat or stay in co-living accommodation and co-work with others, taking advantage of the beaches in the afternoons. Fuerteventura is a friendly island with helpful locals. The local language is Spanish and you’ll find some South American natives here too. The most popular area is Corralejo where you can meet others, Costa Calma and Morro Jable are popular with German tourists. 

About Fuerteventura 

Fuerteventura is a volcanic island in the Canary Islands archipelago, off the mainland of Africa. If you like beaches and water sports, Fuerteventura is your island. The name literally translates to ‘strong wind,’ making it popular with kite surfers and windsurfers and you’ll find several surf schools here. But surfers aren’t the only mammals that you’ll find in the sea as whales and dolphins can be spotted from the coast.

Fuerteventura has a mix of landscapes and the whole island is a Biosphere Reserve. From barren plains to golden sand dunes, this second-largest island has more than 150 beaches so you’ll never run out of new beaches. But this island isn’t just about beaches. There are plenty of things to do for all types of travellers. 

Things To Do in Fuerteventura

Activity & Adventure 

The island is fantastic for active solos. You can hire a mountain bike and explore its volcanic landscapes both off and on road or swap your two wheels for four wheels on a buggy tour, cruising over the dunes, Mad Max style. If you have come here to surf, La Pared is the place to be. (It’s also good for mountain biking). 

If you love trekking, why not challenge yourself and hike Fuerteventura’s highest peak? At 807 meters high, Pico de la Zarza offers fantastic views of Playa de Cofete and only takes a couple of hours to complete. Or for somewhere with less altitude, explore the Ajuy caves on the island and walk along the rocky path.

Beaches

Did I mention that there are more than 150 beaches here?! If you love beaches, you are seriously spoilt for choice. There are so many beautiful ones but one of the most amazing has to be Cofete, the most virgin beach in Fuerteventura which stretches over 12 km. But Cofete beach isn’t the most accessible. 

For turquoise waters head to El Cotillo for the El Cotillo lagoons. El Cotillo was once a former fishing village and has a more laid-back feel than the tourist resort towns. This area is home to La Concha beach which has amazing sea views and is the perfect beach to watch the sunset. Located on the northeast of the island, La Concha beach is known for its tranquillity. 

El Cotillo isn’t the only place where you will find lagoons on the island. Sotavento Beach on the Jandia Peninsula is stunning at high tide. For ocean lovers, you can also surf here too.  

You simply have to see the desert landscape of Corralejo Natural Park where sand dunes meet the sea. The first time you see this area, it really does blow you away. This natural area is protected and has some of the most gorgeous beaches in the Canaries. The area of Corralejo also has a really chilled atmosphere and great cocktail bars.

Culture

The island is known for its Majorero cheeses so visiting one of the island’s cheese farms is a must. Made from native goats, there are over 40 cheese farms in Fuerteventura. This cheesy export is so important to the island that they even opened a museum in Antigua where you can learn about the history of goat cheese production. 

Get a glimpse into rural life in Tefia at La Alcogida Eco-Museum, a living museum where you can witness how traditional life once was on the island and watch local artisans working their trade. It does attract kids but you can see how bread is made and watch weaving and stone carving too. 

But this isn’t the island’s only production as Aloe Vera is grown here and you can pay a visit to a bio farm to learn more about this amazing plant and its health benefits. 

Another export is salt and you can visit the Salt Museum in Las Salinas del Carmen to find out more about the production. These saltworks are the only 100% sustainable saltworks in Spain and have been declared a site of cultural interest. 

History & Sightseeing 

Puerto del Rosario is the island’s capital. Stroll along its main street stopping for a bite to eat, see an exhibition at the Juan Ismael Art Centre, or just wander around the city admiring the dozens of sculptures that the town is known for. 

Don’t forget to visit the old capital when you’re in Fuerteventura too. Betancuria Old Town is the island’s first city which was founded in the 15th century. As the former capital, it has a historic centre and a church and a certain charm to it. You can see how people once lived in the Archaeological Museum here.

Nature

Get a great view at Mirador Morro Velosa. This viewpoint is the most beautiful on the island and is situated between Betancuria and Valle de Santa Inés. The Mirador is signposted but you do need a car to get here.

Wildlife

For the wildlife lover, one of the things to do in Fuerteventura is to watch the sunset as you horse ride by the sea in various locations around the island or better still, ride a camel across sandy plains. 

Head to the south of the island to interact with loggerhead turtles at the Turtle Nursery in the town of Morro Jable. As well as the turtles, you can also see a natural skeleton of a sperm whale. 

In the neighbouring town of Jandia, birdwatchers can spot egrets and ibises thanks to the salt marsh here. The Jandia Peninsula has stunning beaches and you can walk or jog along the beach after bird spotting. 

If you haven’t had enough of islands, hop aboard a boat and visit another one! Isla de Lobos is a deserted paradise that is ideal for bird spotting. There is also marine life within this nature lava reef. 

Where To Stay in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura has a mix of accommodation depending on what you are looking for. Find 4 and 5-star hotels, beach-front resorts and bed & breakfasts. Go all-inclusive if all you want to do is lay by the pool or choose a studio or apartment with a kitchenette to cook your own meals. And if you don’t want to be surrounded by kids, you can even choose an adults-only hotel. 

The island is a popular destination in both the summer and winter months as many Europeans fly here for some winter sun so if you are intending on visiting during both of these seasons it’s advisable to pre-book your accommodation. All accommodation below has been recommended by either myself or solo female travellers. For all other accommodations click the link below.

* To book, check prices or availability for all accommodation in Fuerteventura

For the active solo who wants to surf or take part in fitness classes, I have personally stayed in all three of these accommodations and recommend them for women travelling solo. 

Planet Surf – I stayed here for a week to learn how to surf. There’s a kitchen and social events as well as surf lessons. * Check dates, prices and availability: Planet Surf

La Pared powered by La Playitas – This sports hotel located on the west of the island has daily sports activities including yoga. The area is also popular with surfers. * Check dates, prices and availability: La Pared 

Las Playitas Hotel – This sports hotel is amazing. It’s right by the sea with a wide variety of classes, healthy buffet food and friendly staff. The resort itself is beautiful too. * Check dates, prices and availability: Las Playitas

Getting Around Fuerteventura

If you’re considering hiring a car to get around, Fuerteventura is relatively easy to drive around. The majority of the roads are good and well-surfaced so hiring a car is a good option. I have used Discover Cars in the past and recommend them. * Check prices for car hire Fuerteventura 

If you don’t plan on driving, there are several bus routes on the island. The buses are cheaper than taxis and you can just pay onboard. Depending on where you are going on the island you may need to change buses at the bus station in Puerto del Rosario (there are toilet facilities here). I took several buses and I had to change buses here from Gran Tarajal to Corralejo. From Puerto del Rosario to Corralejo it cost me €8.00 for the journey. There is space to put your luggage underneath the bus. 

Taxis are the most expensive option but you can combine a bus journey with a taxi fare to reduce the cost. There are taxi stations around the island that look similar to bus stops. I took a taxi from the taxi stop in Costa Calma to La Pared and it cost €11. Hiring a car is definitely cheaper than taking taxis if you are planning on seeing a lot of the island. 

Fuerteventura Airport

From the airport in Fuerteventura, you can either take a taxi or pre-book the Canary Shuttle to your accommodation. Taxis from the airport start from €17 to El Castillo or Costa Caleta. Further out to Corralejo cost up to €65 and more in the evenings and early mornings.

Canary Shuttle offers transfers from Fuerteventura Airport that drop you off and collects you from various different hotels and resorts on the island. Head right when you come out of arrivals and exit out of the furthest door to find the large orange bus. You need to book your shuttle at least 2 days before you travel to guarantee a seat. 

Buses run from the airport to various destinations on the island. For example, bus line number 3 runs from Fuerteventura Airport to Puerto del Rosario, as well as Las Salinas and Caleta del Fuste. Walk left when you arrive at the airport and follow the bus signs. Depending on the time you arrive, you may find yourself waiting for a bus. Click here for the bus routes