Updated October 11, 2023
Published February 3, 2022
Fuerteventura’s wild, windswept coastline is home to some of the loveliest beach resorts in the Canary Islands. Whether you’re a family looking for a classic beach break, a group of surfers searching for a gnarly ride, or a solo traveller seeking some scenic solitude, Fuerteventura delivers.
1. Caleta de Fuste
Best for families
For those travelling with tots in tow, Caleta de Fuste is one of the best resorts in Fuerteventura. This purpose-built resort town is less than a ten-minute drive down the coast from the airport, which means there’ll be no asking ‘are we there yet?’. Once you arrive, you’ll find everything you’ll need for a great family holiday – a beautiful beach, lots of bars and restaurants, a golf course and loads of watersports.
The main beach, Playa El Castillo, has white-gold sand and still water that is safe enough for little swimmers. There are also umbrellas and watersports on offer, so you can break up sunbathing with a hit of adrenaline. For something a little different, take a family day trip to Oasis Park. This fantastic zoo and botanical garden is home to camels, lemurs, giraffes and more – and it’s just 40 minutes away on a free shuttle bus.
2. Corralejo
Best for nightlife
Looking to party in Fuerteventura? Corralejo is the one for you. At the northern tip of the island, this popular resort is bursting with bustling bars and restaurants, set around the charming harbour and whitewashed old town. Along the coast, you’ll find plenty of sandy beaches to sweat out that hangover.
During the day, make a beeline for the rolling sand dunes that make up Playa Grande, and find a secluded spot to soak up the sun and shelter from the wind. You could also try surfing or kitesurfing lessons. In the evening, the fun really starts. Head down to Music Square for live entertainment before hitting the clubs and cocktails bars of the main strip.
3. Costa de Antigua
Best for travellers on a budget
A mere six-minute taxi journey takes you from the airport to your budget-friendly stay in Costa de Antigua, making this a great choice for those looking for a cheap and easy holiday in Fuerteventura. Hunker down for a week in this laidback resort and you’ll enjoy all the conveniences of a bigger town – think a range of affordable bars and restaurants – without the price tag.
Stay in Costa de Antigua (also known as Nuevo Horizonte), and you’ll be a 30-minute scenic walk from Playa del Castillo in Caleta de Fuste. For a fun but affordable day out, hop on a bus to the quaint town of Antigua, where the old windmills and churches offer a glimpse of Fuerteventura as it once was.
4. Gran Tarajal
Best for couples
Unspoiled beaches, local restaurants, and hardly another tourist in sight – Gran Tarajal is the perfect spot for a romantic holiday in Fuerteventura. Tucked away on the island’s southeast coast, this quiet resort is all about long walks on wild, windswept beaches and intimate dinners in authentic Spanish tavernas.
If you’re feeling active, hike up to the Piedras Caidas viewpoint for spectacular views of the surrounding area. Planning to rent a car in Fuerteventura? Tackle the hairpin turns and winding country roads up to Faro de la Entallada, a beautiful Moorish-style lighthouse overlooking the island from a mountaintop perch.
5. Costa Calma
Best for surfers and nature lovers
This lovely, lush resort is found in the southeast of the island, close to the Jandia Nature Reserve and on the south coast of the Jandia Peninsula. This part of Fuerteventura is widely considered to have the best beaches, with the likes of Playa de Sotavento and Playa Barca offering long swathes of golden sand and dramatic crashing waves. Here, you’ll find lots of surf shops and places to rent boards or windsurfs if you want to get out on the waves.
For a less adrenaline-fuelled outdoor activity, explore the lagoons, desert-like landscapes and flora and fauna in the Jandia Nature Reserve.
6. El Cotillo
Best for a quieter place to stay
Sleepy El Cotillo is the perfect destination for a relaxing get-away-from-it-all holiday. This fishing village and resort is found on the northwest of Fuerteventura, further away from many of the island’s bigger resorts.
There’s not a ton to do here, but that’s part of the draw. Instead, spend your days admiring the long white sands of Playa de la Concha and the idyllic, turquoise El Cotillo lagoons, one of Fuerteventura’s must-see sights. As the light fades, head back into the village to watch the sunset – the golden hour glow here is one of the most spectacular in the island. On Fridays, a small but lively artisan market takes over Plaza Publica del Cotillo. Expect live music and plenty of shopping opportunities.
7. Morro Jable
Best all rounder
Fuerteventura’s southernmost town provides all the ingredients for a fantastic holiday. There’s easy access to stunning beaches on the Jandia Peninsula, an authentic old town and several top hotels – without any huge crowds.
The long, sweeping Playa del Matorral is Morro Jable’s trump card. Blessed with pristine aquamarine waters and wide golden sand that merges into Jandia Playas, the beach is the definition of epic. Scuba diving is popular in these parts (expect to see moray eels, groupers and even angel sharks), and there are several dive schools nearby. For an adventure further afield, plan a visit to Cofete beach around half-an-hour’s drive – it’s been voted among the top beaches in Europe.
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