Surfers Retreat

With its scores of beaches and year-round blue-sky weather, Fuerteventura is a sun-seeker’s paradise. But there's lots more to this little Spanish island than its sandy beaches: it also offers plenty of adrenaline-filled adventures and unique scenery to explore. One of the Canary Islands, its Atlantic Ocean position makes for perfect surfing conditions along the coastline, while further inland, the rocky landscape and volcano cones create an otherworldly feel.

Fuerteventura hostels are generally based right next to the beach or nestled in the island’s interior. You can stay in an eco-friendly lodge with views of the ocean from your front door or in a surf retreat where water sports activities are part of daily life. You can expect a Fuerteventura hostel with free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, a swimming pool and a balcony with a view. 

If you want to cover all parts of the island, it’s quite easily done. You can drive from one end to the other in less than two hours and see its changing landscapes along the way. You could start in Corralejo National Park for its desert-like sand dunes, and work your way down to the capital, Puerto del Rosario. Further inland is Fuerteventura’s oldest village, Antigua, which is known for its windmills and local handicrafts. And for the best nightlife? Head to Corralejo or Caleta de Fuste. 

One of the most-talked about beaches in Fuerteventura is Sotavento Beach. It’s really photogenic with its mint-coloured lagoon and offers some of the best kite surfing on the island. Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre is another one of the island’s must-see natural spectacles. This astronomical hill-top viewpoint has far-reaching views over the island’s volcanic landscape by day and panoramas of the night sky after dark. For a little bit of history, head to the old town of Betancuria and learn about its pirate-filled past. 

The island’s airport, Fuerteventura Airport, is 6km from the capital, Puerto del Rosario. There are regular buses that run every half hour from the airport to the city. If you’re touring the Canary Islands, you can catch a ferry from Playa Blanca in Lanzarote to Fuerteventura’s Corralejo. There are 16 different bus routes here that take you all over the island. If you want to check out some of the undiscovered areas of Fuerteventura, you can take a taxi or hire a car.