The 13 best things to do on Fuerteventura

What is it? Huge aloe vera plantations which travellers can visit in La Oliva and Gran Tarajal. Both do guided tours. 

Why go? You’ve probably bought aloe vera in the form of a face wash before (it really had its boom as a wellness product a few years ago), but aloe vera plants are a whole different kettle of fish. Crack open those thick stems to find the cooling aloe vera within, which is incredibly good for sunburn and other skin issues. Check out the farms at Finca Canarias Aloe Vera’ Gran Tarajal farm or La Oliva.

What is it? A beautiful island on the coat, close enough to Fuerteventura for a day trip.

Why go? Isla de Lobos can be reached by ferry, so if you’re sick to death of beautiful sun, sea and sand, you can head up there for more beautiful sun, sea and sand. This island, which used to be inhabited by sea lions (now in danger of extinction), looks like a downloadable desktop background, it’s that beautiful. You’ll find a ton of different fish, plants and birds there, and it’s well away from the hustle and bustle – this island only allows 700 visitors a day. 

What is it? Fuerteventura’s only remaining salt flats.

Why go? Caleta de Fuste is the resort of choice for Brits visiting Fuerteventura. (Where hotels source the likes of Marmite for homesick tourists.) If you want to savour a more Canarian flavour, continue southwards along the FV-2 (or hike along the coast if you prefer) to Salinas del Carmen. Here, you’ll find a salt museum detailing the history of producing this condiment on the island. Plus the opportunity to buy some of these white goods in the shop.

What is it? A get-away-from-it beach in the southeast of Fuerteventura.

Why go? Staying in the comparatively built-up Morro Jable? Make a break for it in Cofete. Like Islas de Lobos, there’s just a smattering of houses here. The only other signs of human habitation are the sand cemetery and Villa Winter with its eerie history. (It’s rumoured to have been a secret Nazi base.)

What is it? Caves that form a portal to a quantum leap.

Why go? The polar opposite of Fuerteventura’s postcard beaches, the Cuevas de Ajuy in the west of the island have heritage. Indeed, they’re the oldest rock formation across the whole of the Canary Islands, enabling you to travel back 70 million years into the past.

What is it? El Cotillo’s standout restaurant.

Why go? Heard about the resort whose present mirrors its past as an erstwhile fishing village? This is no holiday brochure spiel: El Cotillo in the north of Fuerteventura really is like that. Marked by stylishly minimalistic stone floors and walls, La Marisma is the place to visit for ocean-fresh seafood. The likes of melt-in-your-mouth clams and mussels are paired with a herby green mojo, a sauce that goes big on coriander.

What is it? Fuerteventura’s very own badlands.

Why go? There’s La Oliva the municipal capital and La Oliva the municipality. The latter will transport you to another world. That world is in the form of Malpaís de la Arena, formed tens of thousands of years ago during the island’s last major volcanic eruptions. Trek to the peak of the Arenal crater for the best views.

What is it? One of the Canary Islands’ largest zoos, which doubles as botanical gardens.

Why go? Time your visit to Oasis Park Fuerteventura right and you’ll be able to tick a lot off your holiday bucket list. Here you can ride a camel (don’t worry if you’ve been gorging on your hols as these can carry up to 500kg of weight), clock the Canarian archipelago’s largest collection of cacti, and pick up a non-tacky souvenir at the Mercado Agro-Artesanal. Stallholders include photographer John Ette who has captured some evocative images of the island.

What is it? Natural swimming pools in Fuerteventura’s wild west.

Why go? Imagine the Fuerteventura coastline and you’ll picture sandy beach after sandy beach. Things get a little rocky out west, however. Including the 6km stretch of Betancuria shore. Where you’ll discover the island’s big outdoor spa. The rush of the Atlantic turns these rock pools into alfresco jacuzzis.

What is it? The in-house restaurant of Fuerteventura’s leading boutique hotel.

Why go? The Avanti Hotel Boutique, in a previous life, was Corralejo’s first-ever hotel when it opened its doors for business back in 1969. These days, it’s designed with the Instagrammable generation very much in mind. Think sleek lines and soft lighting. Head for a meal on the promenade terrace of Rompeolas, the hotel’s restaurant. Despite its maritime theme, one of the house specialities is kid (goat).

What is it? A foodie-friendly market in quaint La Oliva.

Why go? La Oliva makes for a great day trip any day of the week, but particularly on Tuesdays and Fridays. This is when Casa del Coronel, one of its most iconic buildings, hosts a covered market from 10am to 2pm. Stock up on craft bread, homemade jams, and organic fruit and veg from Eco Centro Morales.