Discover these things to do in Fuerteventura for an authentic holiday

Leave Fuerteventura's resorts behind and head to Betancuria, the oldest settlement on the island. This is a small town that was once the island’s capital, with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and a peaceful atmosphere where visitors can get a glimpse into the Fuerteventura of a bygone era. The centrepiece is the Santa María Church with its wooden balconies and religious art which reflect the Spanish colonial influence of the island. This captivating town is often considered one of the best day trips in Fuerteventura, and you can enhance your experience by stocking up on artisanal souvenirs from the local shops and supporting local artisans with each purchase. When in Betancuria, don’t miss out on visiting the Museo Arqueológico y Etnográfico de Fuerteventura, an archaeological museum where you can learn about the Mahos, the island’s first settlers. 

For active souls, heading out from the old town into the surrounding countryside is a must. Betancuria Rural Park consists of trails that pass through volcanic hills and rugged ravines, offering breathtaking landscapes that are deemed by some to be the most Instagrammable on the island. Some of these paths lead to viewpoints where one can see goats grazing, an iconic sight in Fuerteventura’s inland areas. If you are staying in the area and looking for a place to rest before embracing your hikes, we have you covered. Whether you’re drawn by the history or the scenic trails, visiting Betancuria Rural Park ranks high on the list of things to do in Fuerteventura and offers plenty of Fuerteventura family activities for those travelling with kids who want to explore nature and history together.

Fuerteventura is not only about beach life and leisure; it also offers surfing and stand-up paddle boarding year-round, thanks to constant swell and a mild climate. While newcomers often gather at Costa Calma for gentler waves, experienced surfers choose to stay in Corralejo for bigger breaks, making it a top highlight among things to do in Corralejo, with lessons and rentals widely available. Stand-up paddle boarding is a slow-paced option, popular with families, making it easy for everyone to explore the island’s turquoise waters and appreciate its coastline. For adrenaline seekers, catching waves here is among the most fun things to do in Fuerteventura, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned surfer.

Among the more unusual things to visit on this island are the Salinas del Carmen salt pans, recognized as one of the most popular places in Fuerteventura for travellers seeking scenic photography spots. These open-air pools, where sea salt is naturally crystallized under the warm island sun, create a breathtaking setting, perfect for Instagram-worthy photo shoots. 

A small museum on the site explains the centuries-old practice which was once a vital part of food preservation. Strolling through the salt pans offers a glimpse into a slower pace of life and it is not uncommon to see fishermen standing by the rocks and casting their lines.

Gofio, a form of roasted grain flour, is a key culinary tradition in the Canary Islands. In Fuerteventura, it has been a part of the diet for generations, used in porridge, dough, and even modern gourmet dishes. You can learn about this tradition as you explore the old mills where grains were once ground by hand. These mills are still very significant Fuerteventura points of interest and show how the islanders had to make adjustments to the scarce resources of the past. Many guided tours now offer a sampling of freshly milled gofio along with exquisite dishes crafted from it, providing a delightful taste of the island's rich culinary heritage.

Although reaching La Punta de Jandía involves a bumpy path, the journey rewards you with an unforgettable sunset at the island’s southern tip. You will be welcomed by a striking lighthouse and an exhibit about marine wildlife. As the day fades away, the sky bursts into a riot of orange, pink, and purple, and it’s definitely among the best places to see in Fuerteventura for travellers seeking a memorable excursion. You can cap off your trip with a refreshing dip in the ocean at one of the many secluded beaches around the area.

Including a visit to La Atalayita in your itinerary is a fascinating choice among the many things to do in Fuerteventura. La Atalayita is one of the most important aboriginal settlements on the island and was once a bustling city before the Spanish conquest. Discovered in 1974 by Demetrio Castro Alfín, the site features dry stone houses and extremely narrow streets. Signs guide you through this ancient city where you can learn how its inhabitants farmed, fished, and thrived in a harsh, desert-like environment. It offers a deeper perspective on Fuerteventura’s historical roots—making it one of Fuerteventura's top attractions if you want an authentic glimpse of the island’s past.

Tasting local cheese is not only one of the most enjoyable things to do in Fuerteventura, but also a delicious introduction to the island’s gastronomic scene. Majorero cheese, which is made mainly from goat’s milk, has become famous all over the world for its taste and texture. If you are not a big cheese lover, don’t worry, you will find a Majorero that you like as it comes in a variety of flavours, ranging from mild to aged, and sometimes pepper-coated. It is still common to find that many of these cheese factories are run by families who will be more than happy to let you witness the cheese-making process firsthand. There is even a museum dedicated to the history of this cheese!  For food lovers, learning about Majorero cheese production is also on the list of Fuerteventura's top sights when exploring the island’s gastronomic delights.

Another irresistible thing to do in Fuerteventura is explore its volcanic vineyards, where tradition meets nature. Wineries may be a surprising addition to the list of Fuerteventura’s places to go, given the island’s dry climate. Nevertheless, vineyards thrive in certain areas of Fuerteventura thanks to fertile volcanic soil and minimal but well-timed rainfall. 

A guided winery tour usually covers the cultivation methods, production stages, and tasting sessions. Visitors discover wines with a distinct mineral character that reflects Fuerteventura’s geological origins. It’s an ideal break from surfing or dune-bashing, offering a calm environment to appreciate local craft. If you’re planning your itinerary of Fuerteventura's best places to visit, be sure to schedule a tasting at one of these unique volcanic vineyards.

La Pared, on Fuerteventura’s west coast, offers an adventurous escape with its dunes and uncrowded beaches. Thrill-seekers can enjoy sand surfing, sliding down gently rolling mounds under the warm sun. When conditions are right, the beach also attracts surfers seeking a wilder spot away from bigger crowds. Horseback riding at sunset feels cinematic as the shoreline glows in the evening light. Less frequented by mass tourism, this area draws those craving something different. If you need a place to stay, the Occidental Jandía Royal Level Hotel in Costa Calma is just a short drive away—another exciting option for those seeking high-adrenaline activities in Fuerteventura before winding down for the night.