Corralejo
The best base for the dunes, Lobos, windsurfing and village life. It has plenty of restaurants and accommodation, and is a fair distance from the south of the island.
Itinerary · Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura in 3 days: day-by-day itinerary
A 3-day itinerary around Fuerteventura with the Corralejo dunes, El Cotillo, Betancuria, the Ajuy caves and the beaches of Sotavento and Jandía.
- 3days
- 11stops
- 7Areas
This 3-day itinerary covers the essentials of Fuerteventura by car: dunes and villages in the north, the historic interior with the Ajuy caves, and the beaches of the south. It suits anyone who wants to see the island from end to end without undue rush, and you can add a day of windsurfing or beach time if you prefer.
From Fuerteventura Airport, taxis leave from the rank in front of the terminal. Puerto del Rosario is a few minutes away, while Corralejo and the south are further. There are also Tiadhe buses (lines 3, 10 and 16) to Puerto del Rosario, Caleta de Fuste and Morro Jable. To get around the island, a rental car is the most convenient option.
Tips
- Hire a car: it is the simplest way to link villages, viewpoints and beaches.
- Bring sun protection, a hat and water; the wind is deceptive and skin burns easily.
- Book excursions such as Cofete by 4x4 or windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons in advance.
- Many inland roads are winding; drive calmly and observe the speed limits.
- Check the beach flags and do not swim where there are strong currents.
- Fresh fish restaurants tend to fill up at lunchtime; book at weekends.
Day 1
Corralejo Dunes, Corralejo and El Cotillo
Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo
Corralejo
A sea of white sand beside turquoise beaches, just south of Corralejo. Park at one of the access points along the road, walk among the dunes for a while and bring a hat and water: there is almost no shade.
Corralejo
Corralejo
A fishing and tourist town with a seafront promenade, a harbour and good fresh fish options. It is the windsurfing and kitesurfing hub of the north, and you can see sails out at sea almost all year round.
El Cotillo
El Cotillo
A fishing village on the west coast, with an 18th-century castle and white-sand coves sheltered by rocks, known as the lagoons. Perfect for watching the sunset and having fish for dinner.
Day 2
Betancuria, Pájara and Ajuy
Betancuria
Betancuria
The island's former capital lies in an inland valley, with the church of Santa María and whitewashed houses. Arrive early, before the coaches do, and give yourself time to stroll without hurrying.
Mirador de Guise y Ayose
Betancuria
A viewpoint on the road between Betancuria and Pájara, with wide views over a mountainous, arid landscape. It is a short stop, but a very photogenic one.
Pájara
Pájara
A quiet village known for the doorway of its church, with reliefs that look almost pre-Columbian. A good place for a coffee or for some Majorero cuisine, with goat's cheese.
Cuevas de Ajuy
Ajuy
Large caves open to the sea on the west coast, next to a fishing village and a black-sand beach. A short path leads there from the village; the swell can be strong, so respect the marked areas.
Day 3
Sotavento, Costa Calma and Morro Jable
Playa de Sotavento
Costa Calma
A long strip of sand and a shallow lagoon with the constant wind that has made it famous among windsurfers and kitesurfers. Even if you don't take part, walking along it is a spectacle.
Costa Calma
Costa Calma
A small tourist resort with wide promenades and beaches. A good place for lunch before heading further south.
Morro Jable y playa de Jandía
Jandía
A town at the foot of the Jandía peninsula, with a long seafront promenade and one of the island's longest beaches. Walk to the lighthouse and keep the afternoon free for a swim.
Playa de Cofete
Jandía
If you have time and a suitable vehicle, the dirt track leads to this wild beach beneath the Jandía mountains. It is for admiring: swimming can be dangerous. Many 4x4 excursions leave from Morro Jable.
Fuerteventura
Where to stay in Fuerteventura
Costa Calma
Convenient for exploring the centre and the south, with direct access to Sotavento. It is quiet and less lively at night.
Caleta de Fuste
A practical option near the airport, with a calm beach and services, just a few minutes from Puerto del Rosario.
Itinerary · Fuerteventura
More Fuerteventura itineraries
5 days
Fuerteventura in 5 days
- Day 1 Corralejo Dunes, Corralejo and El Cotillo
- Day 2 Betancuria, Pájara and Ajuy
- Day 3 Sotavento, Costa Calma and Morro Jable
- Day 4 Puerto del Rosario, Antigua and Caleta de Fuste
- + 1 day
7 days
Fuerteventura in 7 days
- Day 1 Corralejo Dunes and Corralejo
- Day 2 La Oliva, Tefía and El Cotillo
- Day 3 Betancuria, Pájara and Ajuy
- Day 4 Sotavento, Costa Calma and Morro Jable
- + 3 days
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a rental car in Fuerteventura?
It is the most advisable option. The towns and beaches are far apart and public transport is limited, although you can also book organised excursions.
What is the best time of year for this itinerary?
You can do it all year round, thanks to the mild climate. In summer there is more wind and heat; in winter, bigger swell on the west coast.
Can you swim at all the beaches?
Not always. On the west coast and at Cofete there are strong currents. Choose beaches with lifeguards, such as those at Corralejo or Jandía, and respect the flags.
Photo credits
- Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo: Tamara Kulikova, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Betancuria: Frank Vincentz, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Cuevas de Ajuy: Rudolphu, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Playa de Cofete: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons