Three weeks in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands: Everything you need to know

We were choosing between Fuerteventura and Tenerife for this trip. But with limited time off, we decided that Fuerteventura was a better option since Tenerife has more hikes and other trips that we wanted to go on. However, there was still plenty to do during our days in Fuerteventura and we never found ourselves feeling bored.

So, why go to the Canary Islands? What are the best things to do in Fuerteventura? What is Fuerteventura like for holidays? And is Fuerteventura a good holiday destination in winter? Read on to find out.

Things you need to know about Fuerteventura

How do you get there?

You can fly directly to Fuerteventura from most UK airports. We flew from Stansted with Ryanair, and returned to Gatwick with BA. In November, our flights cost around £100 for a return. However, costs will vary depending on when you travel, where from, and the airline you choose.

When is the best time to travel to the Canary Islands?

The weather is good almost all year round in Fuerteventura, but it’s still mainly considered to be a summer holiday destination. However, when we visited in November, the temperature stayed well above 20ºC for the full three weeks. There were a few showers and downpours that passed within 15 minutes, and the island is known to be windy – so you’ll want layers, especially in the evenings.

How much time do you need in Fuerteventura?

One to two weeks is probably enough to see the whole of Fuerteventura and still fit in plenty of time to relax. We chose three weeks as we wanted to escape the incoming British winter, and have time to explore without having to take much time off work. We had about 8 days of exploring, which was enough for us.

Is Fuerteventura expensive?

In the past few years, travel has become increasingly more expensive regardless of where you go. Compared to our two previous Canary Island trips, Fuerteventura was about 20% more expensive, but mainly due to inflation rather than the island being an expensive place to visit. 

The good news is that most of the things to do – like hiking, wandering small towns, and visiting the beach – are free. So once you’re here, you won’t need much spending money beyond food and drink.

Are there good beaches?

There is a wide array of stunning beaches in Fuerteventura. Thanks to the wild Atlantic coastline, the island is well known for its water sports like surfing and wakeboarding. But there are plenty of places to relax on the sand if that’s more you think.

Find our favourite beaches in Fuerteventura here: The best beaches in Fuerteventura.

Is Fuerteventura good for food?

Of all the Canary Islands we have visited, Fuerteventura probably has the best food. The surf culture on the island means there’s a lot of great spots for healthy food as well as more traditional Spanish restaurants. 

Find out our favourite places to eat and drink here: The best places to eat and drink in Fuerteventura.

Is it good for nightlife?

Fuerteventura is a fairly quiet island with a relaxed vibe. While there are a few late-night bars, beach clubs, and live music spots it’s not a big party destination. 

If you’re coming from somewhere with a good party scene, you probably won’t get that excited about the clubs in Fuerteventura. But you can still have a good night out at the bars and restaurants… and get to bed by midnight.

Is Fuerteventura good for family holidays?

Fuerteventura is a well-known destination for family holidays. It has plenty of activities, including water parks and zoos aimed at kids. And there are a number of holiday resorts and all-inclusive hotels that might appeal more to families than private villas.

Do you need a car?

We hired a car in Fuerteventura as it was the best way for us to explore the island with ease. There are plenty of tours and coach services available, but we prefer to be able to get in the car and go whenever we need to. 

Hiring a Seat Ibiza for three weeks cost about £450 for two drivers We used Autoreisen, and collected and dropped off our car at the airport which made the process very easy.

Is it easy to travel around the island?

While you can book coach tours and catch taxis fairly easily in Fuerteventura, there aren’t many public services like buses that tourists can rely on. For that reason, if you want to travel around the island, it is best to hire a car.

What is the main thing to do in Fuerteventura?

Fuerteventura is primarily a beach holiday destination that’s well-known for water sports like surfing and kite surfing due to the wind and big waves, especially in the north. However, the volcanic landscape makes it a great place for hikes, the small towns are great for quiet getaways, and there are lots of attractions like water parks and zoos for kids. 

Find out more about the best hikes in Fuerteventura.

What do I need to pack for a holiday in Fuerteventura?

The weather in Fuerteventura is pretty warm and sunny all year round. In the summer months, it can reach as high as 40ºC while winter is still above 15ºC during the day. At night, it does get colder especially due to the wind.

I packed a lot of light clothing, including dresses, t-shirts, vest tops and shorts. But even in summer you may want a layer like a cardigan or shirt when you’re out at night. I also brought trousers for our winter trip, but only wore them a couple of times.

For a full list of what I packed for a month in Fuerteventura in November, read my blog: What to pack for a holiday in Fuerteventura.

Where to stay in Fuerteventura

We stayed in Corralejo, one of the main towns in the North of Fuerteventura. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the airport, and has a wide range of options for tourists. From large hotels to boutiques and private villas and flats, you’ll be able to find something that suits your needs.

We were about a 20-minute walk from the town centre. It’s not exactly upmarket, but it’s by no means the least attractive or run-down town we’ve come across in the Canary Islands. In November, it still had a fun and lively feel without being too busy or full of tourists. 

Corralejo has a lot of bars and restaurants that are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you won’t be short of somewhere to eat. Plus, it’s right by the sea. So you’re never far from incredible views, and a nice place to relax with a drink.

We spent three or four nights a week going out eating, drinking, or watching live music in the town without having to visit the same spots more than once (unless we wanted to) so there are plenty of good options to suit different tastes.

There are plenty of good beaches and hikes in the area, and it’s the main destination for getting a ferry over to Isla Los Lobos. But if you want a more family-focused holiday you could choose Caleta de Fuste or Morro Jable instead.

Find out more about our trip to Fuerteventura here: the best things to do in Fuerteventura.