What to do in Fuerteventura: our pick of the must-sees

Betancuria, the former historic capital

These must-sees blend historic villages, traditional windmills and sea caves — starting with Betancuria. Founded in the 15th century by the conquistador Jean de Béthencourt, this former island capital nestles its white houses in a fertile valley, away from the coast.

The village is worth visiting for its Santa María church, built in the 17th century, one of the most remarkable religious monuments in the Canaries, and for its peaceful atmosphere, very different from the coastal resorts.

Isla de Lobos, the unmissable boat trip

Off Corralejo, Isla de Lobos is a protected islet, part of the Corralejo Natural Park. It can only be visited by boat, via a regular service or an organised excursion from Corralejo harbour, for a half-day of walking and swimming in unspoilt surroundings.

Oasis Park, the family animal park

At La Lajita, in the south of the island, Oasis Park stretches over more than 80 hectares and gathers over 3,000 animals from 250 species — the only zoo in the Canaries to house hippos and African elephants. The site also includes a botanical garden of more than 3,000 cactus species, plus several shows (sea lions, parrots, birds of prey).

Ajuy and the Tefía windmills: on the inland road

The small fishing village of Ajuy is worth the detour for its sea caves, carved into the volcanic cliff and reached by a short walk along a spectacular coast. Further inland, the traditional windmills of Tefía, La Oliva and Antigua bear witness to Fuerteventura's rural crafts, now turned into eco-museums and workshops.

Walking along the coast from the village, you come out onto rocky arches carved by erosion, with an open view over the ocean and the white cliffs typical of the site — one of the most photogenic stretches of the inland road.

We visited the La Alcogida eco-museum in Tefía during our stay: several reconstructed traditional houses show how the island's inhabitants lived in the early 20th century, with farm animals (goats, dromedaries) still on site. A visit of about an hour, a pleasant change of pace from the beach.

The Morro Velosa viewpoint, designed by architect César Manrique at 669 m, is the ideal finishing touch to this inland road, with a view over the whole north of the island.

Excursions and guided tours: prepare your outing well

To make the most of these must-sees, a few simple habits help: booking your excursion in advance remains useful in high season, especially for Isla de Lobos, where boat places go quickly, as well as for Oasis Park entry tickets.