Things to do in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura Villages, Caves and Farm Tour with Lunch

Fuerteventura is famed for its miles of sandy beaches but head inland and you'll find a land that time forgot. This exclusive excursion takes in colonial churches, the whitewashed villages of Pajara and Betancuria, a farm and an aloe vera plantation among other attractions.

Ajuy and Las Peñitas Walking Tour with Picnic

Everything that makes the western highlands of Fuerteventura special comes together on this walking tour. Your guide will lead you through one of the island's greenest areas and barren landscapes with a Wild West feel, all the way to the fishing village of Ajuy – and there's a few hidden surprises on this well-known route. Fernando, one of our insider guides, says ‘Every year, on the third Saturday of September, thousands of islanders dressed in traditional Canarian costume pilgrimage through the gorge to worship Fuerteventura's patron saint.'Discover off the beaten track parts of Fuerteventura as you embark on foot, crisscrossing valleys from the hamlet of Vega de Rio Palmas to the hermitage of Las Peñitas. There'll be plenty of photo stops and the chance to rest in the shade under one of the many date trees which dot the route. Thanks to the surrounding sea of green vegetation and otherworldly rock formations, locals refer to the area as the ‘Oasis of Fuerteventura'. Film fans, though, can spot it in one of the scenes from the Marvel movie, The Eternals.Continue the trail along a gorge towards the coast and we'll reach the wave washed Ajuy. This remote village is famed for its sea caves, which you'll get time to explore along with its black volcanic beaches. Stroll along the shore at El Jurado and treat your feet to a dip in the refreshing water of the Atlantic. We'll tuck into a well-deserved picnic before heading back.

Lobos Island Pirate Family Adventure and Picnic

The Cap'n and his merry crew have hidden their loot on Lobos Island – now you and the kids have to find it before the Cap'n can. This treasure hunt in the uninhabited volcanic island lying to the north of Fuerteventura is all about fun and games – with a pirate twist.

Cofete Sunset 4x4 Safari with Meal in Punta de Jandia

The volcanic landscapes of Fuerteventura's mountainous interior are scaled from the seemingly endless coastline is this late afternoon off-road safari to Cofete. Juan Carlos, one of our local guides, says, ‘Cofete was so removed from civilisation that it spawned a wartime spy mystery – and countless novels – centred on the enigmatic Villa Winter. Was it a transmission centre for U-boats? A hideout for secret agents? A ratline staging post? A venue for hedonistic parties? The legend only grows with each passing year.'You'll first head into Fuerteventura's central mountains, where cloud-wreathed slopes plunge down to endless, deserted beaches. The most eye-catching is Cofete beach, which clocks in at almost 14km. The spray from waves creates an almost ever-present haze over the shoreline. Heading off-road onto hairpin tracks, you'll bump around the Mars-like landscapes around Pico de la Zarza, one of the island's highest volcanic peaks. Here, you'll enjoy panoramic views over the buffeted west coast before dropping down to Cofete, a ramshackle hamlet.This mostly abandoned village is home to the mysterious Villa Winter, which is rumoured to have been a Nazi hideout after World War II. Next, it's off to Punta de Jandia at Fuerteventura's southern tip. Hopefully, you can enjoy a sunset over the lighthouse and Atlantic, before a meal and glass of wine at one of the few restaurants found in this remote part of the island. You'll then wind your way back to your hotel under the starlit sky.

Highlights of Fuerteventura Private Tour with Canarian Lunch

Explore Fuerteventura's plentiful supply of sights and scenery on an exclusive tour just for you and your party. You'll visit Pajara, Ajuy and Betancuria and there's a cheese tasting experience and a traditional lunch included, too. Yurena, one of our local guides, says, ‘We're so proud of our majorero cheese. The goats have been here for centuries, and their milk reflects how happy they are with island life – it's top quality, very pure, and has a high protein and fat content, making it perfect for cheese production.'First up is an aloe vera plantation, where you'll learn all about the plant's reputed healing properties. Then it's on to Pajara to visit its enigmatic Aztec-looking church. Next up is the remote village of Ajuy, with its black volcanic beach with colourful fishing boats. There's also a pit stop at Las Peñitas viewpoint – a standout selfie spot. We'll discover beautiful Betancuria, too. The island's first capital is now a sleepy, whitewashed village that's home to St Mary's Church – the oldest in the Canaries – whose simple façade hides a richly decorated interior.When you've worked up an appetite, there's a tasty lunch of local specialities to look forward to in Valle de Santa Ines. Hosted at a family-owned restaurant, your meal will be prepared with local, seasonal produce from the island. In the afternoon, you'll visit a goat farm, where you'll sample majorero cheese together with local jams and homemade mojo sauces as well as honey rum.

Highlights of Lanzarote Private Tour from Fuerteventura

Lanzarote may only be a 25-minute ferry ride from Fuerteventura, but in the scenery stakes, it's a world away. On this exclusive private tour, you'll discover the lava-scarred landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, journey through the palm tree valley of Haria and taste wine from a volcanic vineyard.

Lanzarote Volcanoes and Caves Tour from Fuerteventura

Lanzarote and Fuerteventura may only be 25 minutes apart but scenery wise, they're light years apart. On this full day, you can discover some of the best bits – the volcanoes of the Lunar Route, Cesar Manrique's inspired architecture at Jameos del Agua and some local wines in La Geria.

Betancuria Private Tour with Transport and Speciality Tastings

Overflowing with flowers and framed by humpbacked hills, Betancuria is a beauty. Hear tales of heroes, pirates and plunder as you follow a guided walking tour of the town, exclusively for your party. You'll delve into island history, see the most photogenic corners and taste local cheese and rum, too. Fran, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Betancuria was founded by French explorer Jean de Béthencourt in 1404, after he conquered the island. Just six years later the original church of Santa Maria was built, and even though it was destroyed by pirates and had to be rebuilt, it's still the oldest church on Fuerteventura.'Peppered with palm trees and nestled under the hills, the island's former capital is a lovely place to wander around and take photos. Your guide will show you the prettiest corners and lead a visit to the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum, which brings the island's history to life. Next, take a short walk into the countryside to explore the deserted ruins of San Buenaventura Convent and the adjacent Hermitage of San Diego – both sacked by pirates in 1593.Call in at the Church of Santa Maria to see a fine example of colonial architecture and admire its collection of sacred art. Fran says, ‘The altarpiece today was commissioned after the devastating pirate raid in 1593. It is so intricate that it took 34 years to complete.' Finally, we'll round off in a typical Canarian bar to taste an award-winning island cheese and local honey-flavoured rum.

Private Guided Tour of Betancuria and Local Speciality Tastings

Framed by humpbacked hills and overflowing with flowers, Betancuria is a beauty. It may be small, but this little village is big on legends. Hear tales of heroes, pirates and plunder as you follow a guided walking tour of the town, exclusively for your party. You'll visit the town museum and taste local cheese and rum, too. Fran, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The story of modern Fuerteventura begins in Betancuria. It was founded in 1404 by French explorer Jean de Béthencourt, after he conquered the island. The church of Santa Maria was built just six years later and is the oldest church in the Canary Islands.'Greet your guide at the meeting point and set off on your private tour of the former capital. A visit to the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum will bring the island's complex history to life. Next, take a short walk into the countryside to explore the deserted ruins of San Buenaventura Convent – it's like a scene from a spaghetti western – and the adjacent Hermitage of San Diego – both destroyed by pirates in 1593.Call in at the Church of Santa Maria to see a fine example of colonial architecture and peek inside to admire its collection of sacred art. Fran says, ‘The altarpiece you see in the church today was commissioned after the devastating pirate raid in 1593. It is so intricate that it took 34 years to complete.' Finally, we'll round off in a typical Canarian bar to taste an award-winning island cheese and local honey-flavoured rum.

Private Sunset 4x4 Tour in Cofete with Dinner in El Puertito

This exclusive experience takes you through southern Fuerteventura's desolate landscapes to the remote beach at Cofete and the fishing village of El Puertito. Juan Carlos, one of our local guides, says, ‘It's like being in another world as you're zooming down a mountainside dirt track looking over the wave crashing against an endless virgin beach. And then you spot a goat or squirrel, and remember you're still on planet Earth.' This untamed peninsula is perfect for exploring by 4x4. Even better when you see it all with family or friends on a private tour.You'll be whisked up and down dusty trails and volcanic ridges, zooming through desert-like badlands. After traversing these arid hills, we'll stop to drink in the panorama from the Cofete viewpoint. This lofty spot boasts spectacular vistas of the rugged north-west coastline, which is where you're headed next. Sweeping down the trail, you'll soon reach Cofete beach. It's a slice of wilderness where the blue waters of the Atlantic meet the golden coastline – a contrast of colours that's one of Fuerteventura's hallmarks.Superb sunset spots don't come much better than the lighthouse at Punta de Jandia, where you'll round off the day watching the sun go down with a glass of chilled cava in hand. For dinner, you'll tuck into some tasty local dishes at a family-run restaurant in El Puertito. Savour the remoteness of this otherworldly corner of the island as you drive back through the lunar landscape under the stars.

Private Sunset Safari Tour to El Cotillo with Bayuyo Volcano

This exclusive off-road experience takes you through northern Fuerteventura's pockmarked volcanic landscapes to remote beaches and the fishing village of El Cotillo. On this private tour it's just you, your family or friends, plus the guide, so take it at your own pace. Juan Carlos, one of our local guides, says, ‘You can see a string of volcanic craters behind Corralejo. You visit the largest, Bayuyo, on this safari. The last eruption was about 10,000 years ago, spreading lava and ash across the north of the island, and it actually expanded the island by around 100 square kilometres.'You'll be whisked down rural trails and past lava fields as we zoom through Fuerteventura's scarred landscapes. Stopping at Bayuyo's scorched flanks, you'll get to see the crater up close. Juan Carlos adds, ‘A scurry of chipmunks is often waiting there to see if anyone has brought them a snack. They love nuts.' From here, you'll traverse arid terrain in your 4x4 until you reach the beachside hamlet of Majanicho on the northwest coast.Next, you'll follow sandy tracks parallel to the coastline until the splendid beaches and lagoons of El Cotillo come into view. Enjoy ¡ free time in El Cotillo and the chance to grab some dinner. There's a great variety of eateries, so take your pick – tasty tapas in a typical Canarian bar, fresh fish straight to your plate. Stroll to the harbour or enjoy the view from Tostón castle while the sun sinks slowly into the ocean.

El Cotillo Sunset 4x4 Safari in Fuerteventura with Bayuyo Volcano

This exclusive off-road experience takes you through northern Fuerteventura's volcanic landscapes to wave-washed fishing villages. And to top it all, your evening is rounded off with the chance to see an epic sunset. What's more, you'll do it in a small group of no more than 16 guests. Juan Carlos, one of our local guides, says, ‘Right from the go, it's a full-throttle adventure as you rumble through the Bayuyo badlands. With their scorched earth, dusty trails and volcanoes, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were on Mars.'We'll hook inland to the Bayuyo volcanic zone, zooming down dirt tracks and past craters on lava-scarred fields. There's a photo stop at the Bayuyo volcano itself, where with a bit of luck you might meet the friendly local chipmunks. ‘Bring some nuts,' advises Juan Carlos. We'll then make a beeline for Majanicho, a ramshackle hamlet huddled in a sheltered cove. From here, we'll follow the coastline on sandy trails until reaching the fishing village of El Cotillo. The waves have made it something of a mecca for surfers.Unlike the coastlines to its north and south, El Cotillo beach is black volcanic sand. You'll get to visit the three-in-one lighthouse and the Toston tower for some snaps. There's also free time to grab a bite to eat or poke around the village. It's then on to a viewpoint to watch the sun sink into the Atlantic while you sip on a chilled cava. Then drive back under the star-lit sky is the icing on the cake.