Fuerteventura in 5 Days: everything you need to know

Fuerteventura is the second largest island of the Canary Islands. It is a natural paradise with beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. Despite its size and its natural and cultural heritage, it is possible to see the most important things in Fuerteventura in 5 days.

Nature, water sports, boat trips... If you organise yourself well, the mild temperatures of this Canary Island paradise will allow you to do thousands of outdoor activities. Plan your trip with the following list of things to see and do on the island.

One of the essential things to do on your 5-day trip to Fuerteventura is to visit Isla de Lobos, declared a National Park and bird protection area.

It is a very small island located next to the Natural Park of the Corralejo Dunes, just over 10 minutes away by boat.

You can get to this natural park by car on the FV-1 road from Puerto del Rosario and then walk around it, enjoy its beautiful dunes and beaches, and then take a boat to Isla de Lobos.

Get lost in the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park

One of the most geologically valuable places in Fuerteventura is the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo, a set of almost 3,000 hectares of dunes and beaches. The route to the park is quite easy and also very attractive: there you will find some of the best beaches on the island, where I recommend you stop for a dip. In addition to the park's uniqueness, another of the reasons that make it interesting is the varied presence of birds, which you will be able to see during your visit.

On the other hand, it is very common to take advantage of the trip to visit the Great Beaches of Corralejo, known throughout the island. These are a set of beautiful and very comfortable beaches. They have all kinds of services, such as beach bars and lifeguards, so you can stop for lunch or a cocktail while you watch the sunset.

When visiting the park, you can hire different activities, although it is not necessary. However, if you want to add some fun to the plan, you can book a buggy tour of the Corrajelo Dunes Natural Park, where you can explore the volcanic area in a buggy or 4x4 vehicle as a passenger. . To get to the next activity, you will need to book a boat trip from Fuerteventura.

Visit the island of Lobos

Isla de Lobos is named after the ancient sea lions that used to inhabit it. However, these were no longer found on the island due to the activity of the fishermen. At present, efforts are being made to recover the presence of these animals through various measures. Given its size, it won't take you more than an hour to walk around the island. When you have finished, you can choose to take part in different activities. For example, there are companies that organise excursions with water activities.

You can also snorkel in the crystal-clear waters to discover the seabed, or climb the La Caldera volcano, the perfect place to enjoy breathtaking views of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. If you want to spend the day on the island of Lobos, you'll be pleased to know that the islet has a restaurant. This restaurant is owned by the only two inhabitants of the area and serves fresh fish dishes such as 'pescaito' frito (fried fish) or paella.

At the end of your visit to this incredible island, return by ferry to the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo. From there you can easily return to your hotel by car.

On your trip to Fuerteventura in 5 days, you can even dedicate one of them to visit Lanzarote. There are many companies that organise excursions to the neighbouring island.

In addition, I recommend that you round off the day by giving water sports a try, which you can do in Lanzarote as well as in Fuerteventura.

Take a boat trip to Lanzarote

One of the most popular excursions is a visit to Timanfaya, the Aloe Vera Museum, Charco de los Clicos and La Geria. With this option you will get to know the most important places of Lanzarote, so it is highly recommended if you have not been to this island before.

This tour includes the ferry to and from the island; transport around Lanzarote accompanied by a professional guide; the entrance to the Timanfaya National Park, where you can enjoy a unique volcanic environment; a visit to the Aloe Vera Museum, where you will learn about the types, therapeutic properties and history of this fabulous plant; and a complete visit to the wine area of Lanzarote, La Geria, where you can also enjoy a wine tasting of local wines.

In the 6 and a half hours that this excursion lasts, you will also have the opportunity to contemplate the amazing landscapes of the island, tinged with red, black and ochre due to the volcanic formations of the area.

Try water activities

You already know that Fuerteventura is famous for its beaches, being a paradise of white sand and crystal clear waters. While lying on your towel and watching the weather go by is all very well, there are other ways to enjoy this summer oasis, such as doing some water activities.

If you are a beginner, there are many companies that have instructors to keep you safe at all times. What's more, not all water activities involve great risks. You can start by trying some surfing lessons, an ideal sport to do in Fuerteventura on the much-desired waves of the Atlantic, or go kayaking, where you'll discover beautiful coves and beaches.

In addition to the above, in Fuerteventura you can book a paddle surfing lesson, go scuba diving, windsurfing, jet skiing or parasailing. Find out which one is right for you and take a look at the different options available near you.

Finish the day with a great dinner

The boats to Lanzarote leave from Corralejo, where they arrive after the excursion. Therefore, I suggest you end the day with a great dinner in this fishing village. There are many recommendable restaurants in the town. If you are looking for an informal place to enjoy some tapas, I recommend Casa Gilda. If you are looking for something more elegant and with a taste of the sea, opt for the Rompeolas restaurant.

The mountain of Tindaya has been one of the most important places in Fuerteventura throughout its history. The beach of Bajo de la Burra is one of the most famous beaches on the island. If you go by car, it will only take you half an hour to get to this beach from Tindaya mountain.

Climb the mountain of Tindaya

The mountain of Tindaya is also known as the Sacred Mountain, named after the ancient natives of the island, who believed that the site had magical properties. It is of great archaeological value, due to the rock engravings it contains. All this, together with its morphology, means that the mountain of Tindaya has been declared a Point of Geological Interest, a Natural Monument and an Asset of Cultural Interest.

It is 400 metres high and is located in the municipality of La Oliva, in Llano de Esquinzo. On the mountain of Tindaya you will be able to see birds that are rare in other places, such as the Saharan racer or the Houbara bustard. You will also have the chance to meet peculiar animals, for example, Atlantic lizards. Take advantage of the excursion to visit the Cueva de Bailadero de Las Brujas, where the aborigines performed rituals.

After spending a few hours on this magical mountain, just 35 minutes away by car on the FV-10, you have a very special beach where you can end this third day relaxing among popcorn...

Get to know the beach of Bajo de la Burra

Fuerteventura has a beach that you will surely have seen on social networks. The beach of Bajo de la Burra is colloquially known as 'the popcorn beach'. This is due to the presence of rhodoliths, which are the remains of calcareous algae that are surprisingly similar to popcorn.

Such is this resemblance that many people think that the beach of Bajo de la Burra is artificial, but quite the opposite is true. In fact, during your visit, don't be tempted to take a rhodolith as a souvenir. You will find many signs prohibiting and discouraging this practice. The 'popcorn beach' is located between Corralejo and Majanicho.

The beach of Bajo de la Burra is about 30 minutes by car from the mountain of Tindaya. It is not possible to reach this beach by public transport, but you can reach it by bike, for example by hiring a bike tour around the island of Fuerteventura, which includes a stop at the popcorn beach for a dip.

End the day with dinner in Corralejo harbour

Just 10 minutes away by car you can return to the Port of Corralejo, where a wide range of restaurants await you to end the day tasting the delicious Canarian food. I recommend several:

• Platanera Restaurant: The tastiest fresh fish on the island awaits you in this restaurant. Located at Av/ Juan Carlos I, nº 3, Corralejo.
• Bar Buena Onda: Hamburgers and cocktails for the surfers. Located in C/ La Niña, nº 3, Corralejo.
• Baobab: A paradise for vegetarians and vegans or lovers of this exquisite food. In C/ José Segura Torres, nº 14, Corralejo.

The fourth day in Fuerteventura is for rest and relaxation. After 3 days of intense sightseeing, it is time to stop for a while and disconnect. Although it is important to go sightseeing and get to know the towns in depth, it is also important to enjoy them in peace and quiet. Between the two places, there is a distance of only 20 minutes by car.

Relax in Costa Calma

Costa Calma is a coastal town of great importance and tourist interest in Fuerteventura. In this corner of the island, white sandy beaches and crystal clear water reign supreme. The tide is usually calm in Costa Calma, so it is also an ideal place to enjoy a day at the beach if you are travelling with small children.

Of all the beaches you'll find, there are a few that are my personal favourites. The first on the list is Sotavento beach, an oasis of almost ten kilometres of sand. Here you will find the Sotavento Lagoon, the cove of Risco del Paso and the beach of La Barca, famous for being ideal for water sports.

Another of my favourite beaches in Costa Calma is ** La Esmeralda**, where you will have at your disposal different beach bars where you can have lunch and try the local cuisine.

Visit Oasis Wildlife

The plans offered by this town in Fuerteventura are not only relaxation and beach. Another is a visit to Oasis Wildlife, a nature reserve dedicated to the protection of endangered animals. In this park you can immerse yourself in the African continent, contemplating everything from lemurs to sea lions.

In addition to this visit, you can also visit the African flea market or the Jandía Nature Reserve.

Discover Morro Jable

I would like to take advantage of the previous proposal to recommend an excursion to one of the most famous coastal towns of Fuerteventura. Morro Jable is a fishing village located on a hill overlooking the sea. It is known for its gastronomic richness, where you will find many bars and restaurants where you can taste the real Canarian cuisine. To enjoy the unique views, I recommend you go to the Mirador de la Iglesia del Carmen.

Afterwards, you can walk along the beautiful promenade that runs through the town until you reach the Morro Jable lighthouse, located in the Paraje Natural de la Playa del Matorral. This lighthouse is 60 metres high and to this day still serves as a guide for boats. Very close to the lighthouse is the Saladar de Jandía, a paradise for bird lovers, from where you can see everything from hoopoes to grey herons and stonechats. Finally, head to the port of Morro Jable, famous throughout the island for being one of the most important ports on the island.

By the way, you can also visit Morro Jable on board a Segway, on a fun tour that will take you to this and other idyllic corners of Fuerteventura.

The last day of your 5 day trip to Fuerteventura will end your visit to the island in style. The Ajuy Caves are located in the Betancuria Rural Park, specifically in the municipality of Ajuy.

The second destination is a visit to the island's capital, Puerto del Rosario. Between the two destinations, there is a beautiful 50-minute drive across the island.

Get to know the Ajuy Caves

The Ajuy Caves are of great scientific value, as they form part of the base that supports Fuerteventura, making them one of the 150 areas of greatest geological interest on the planet. They are also the first geological formations in the Canary Islands. This Natural Monument is made up of more than 30 hectares of unique and surprising nature. I recommend that you take a camera with you to immortalise the incredible views.

In addition to all of the above, the route to the caves is very easy. All you have to do is drive to Ajuy beach, where your walk to the caves begins. The hike is no more than 500 metres long and is very beautiful, with dunes and lime kilns. If you have time, you can even stop at the beach for a dip.

When you have finished your visit to the caves, you can go up to the village of Ajuy, stroll through its streets, visit its most typical shops and enjoy some Canarian cuisine in some of its best restaurants, such as La Jaula de Oro.

Explore Puerto del Rosario

After lunch, you can finish the day with a stroll around the capital of Fuerteventura, cultural tourism in a museum or a bit of sport to round off your trip to the beautiful island.

To get from Ajuy to Puerto del Rosario, you can go by car. The journey takes about 40 minutes and is the best option. However, you can also choose to go by bus, although you will also have to hire a taxi.

Despite being the capital, Puerto del Rosario is not exactly one of the most touristy places on the island. However, that is what makes it so special. Here you will find various monuments and activities that you will love.

Discover the main monuments of Puerto del Rosario

One of the most attractive for art lovers is the Casa Museo de Unamuno, where the famous writer took up residence for 4 months after his exile by Primo de Rivera.

Outside the museum you will find a statue of the author. When you enter, you will be completely immersed in the mind of Unamuno, learning about everything from his most eccentric quirks to some of his personal objects.

I also recommend you visit the town's church, a temple dating from the 19th century, as well as the Puerto del Rosario pier, an ideal place to watch the sunset.

Enjoy an afternoon on the beach

Finally, the city has beautiful beaches where you can get rid of the heat on sunny days. Some of the best are Playa Blanca, Playa Chica and Playa de Puerto Lajas. The latter is perfect for surfing.

The best way to get around Fuerteventura and the rest of the Canary Islands is by car. A private vehicle gives you total independence when it comes to organising your itinerary. It also gives you extra flexibility, allowing you to vary your plans for the day and let yourself go as you please.

You have two options: rent a car in Fuerteventura or take your own by ferry. My personal recommendation is to go for the first option, as there are plenty of car hire companies on the island. You can also fly to Fuerteventura.

But you can also choose to see the island from another point of view: that of the Atlantic Ocean. In Fuerteventura you will find many alternatives to enjoy the sea breeze and beautiful landscapes that you would not otherwise have access to:

• Sailing: On this excursion you will enjoy the typical Canarian gastronomy, you will be able to snorkel and, if you are lucky, you might even be able to see dolphins or whales. Sounds good, doesn't it?
• By glass-bottom boat: If what you really like is to observe marine animals, on this trip you will have the opportunity to see dolphins, turtles and colourful fish, as well as snorkelling or kayaking. A very complete plan!
• On a pirate ship: This is an experience that adults can also enjoy, but if you are travelling with children it will be a great plan. Traditional Canarian menu, snorkelling, dolphin and whale watching? What more could you ask for?

Public transport in Fuerteventura, and the Canary Islands in general, leaves a lot to be desired. However, you may not be able to drive, in which case you will have to use this mode of transport. Each island has a network of buses, also known as guaguas.

You can consult the timetables, stops and routes of the different bus lines on the official website: Tiadhe. As there is not a great variety of timetables, you will have to plan your journeys in advance, consulting the information provided on the website.

If you compare the different prices per kilometre travelled, the car is the most competitive vehicle. If you rent a car, prices are usually around 25/30 euros per day. In addition, some companies have offers and vouchers for multi-day rentals. The car is followed by buses.

Busesin Fuerteventura are very cheap, with an average price of 1.50 euros. Ferries to Isla de Lobos and Lanzarote cost between 20 and 30 euros return. Finally, as you can imagine, the most expensive form of transport is the taxi. However, it is a good option if you miss the bus.

If you are travelling with several companions, perhaps the most convenient option is to book a single accommodation for the whole trip. This way, you won't have to carry your suitcases around. The most common option is to rent accommodation in Corralejo. This town is located in the north of the island, where most of **Fuerteventura'**s tourist attractions are located. Furthermore, there is a wide range of accommodation in Corralejo: from resorts to tourist accommodation, hostels and guesthouses.

However, my advice is to divide your stay on the island between the north and the south. In this way, you will shorten the distances of the different days of your trip. As for the south of Fuerteventura, both Morro Jable and Costa Calma are good options. This is where you will discover the best beaches on the island.

You may also be interested in these other itineraries:

• What to see and do in Fuerteventura in 3 days
• What to see and do in Fuerteventura in 4 days