Are you wondering where to stay in Fuerteventura? In this post we will be discussing 10 places where your stay in Fuerteventura will be made more enjoyable, but we will first discuss a few interesting facts about this island:
* Although Fuerteventura is part of the European Union by virtue of being part of Spanish autonomous region of Canaria, the island is geographically located in North Africa.
* The name of this island means “strong winds,” and they are the reason Fuerteventura is a haven for surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, and kitesurfing. Big wave surfers from California, France, Hawaii, and Portugal flock to the west coast of the island during the winter to bravely ride these monstrous swells.
* The island has been settled since about the year 1000 B.C.; the first residents arrived from North Africa, and they formed two rival tribes that agreed to split the island in half with a rock wall.
Some ruins of this ancient wall are still in place; the island also features historic sites from the days before the Spanish Crown claimed the entire archipelago. Fuerteventura has been through periods of piracy and military dispute against the old British Empire.
*Geologically speaking, Fuerteventura is the oldest of the Canary Islands, and its origin is entirely volcanic. The diverse topography and the constant ocean breezes make this island one of the best spots for ecotourism just outside of Europe.
Many visitors are surprised at how pristine the natural wonders of Fuerteventura are kept, and it certainly helps that surfers are very mindful of environmental conservation.
In 2009, UNESCO granted the entire island biosphere preserve status, which is why visitors are amazed at how clean and pure everything appears in Fuerteventura.
* If you are familiar with the sound and inflection of Caribbean and Latin American Spanish, you will hear a strong similarity among residents of Fuerteventura.
This can be explained because many conquistadors and soldiers from the Canary Islands settled in the New World over many centuries.
Where to Stay in Fuerteventura: Best Areas
Let’s jump right to it. Here are our picks for where to stay in Fuerteventura.
1. Corralejo, where to stay in Fuerteventura for first-timers
This northern section of Fuerteventura is home to some of the most scenic dunes in the world. Corralejo packs a lot of tourism options into less than nine square kilometers.
There’s the national park, long stretches of beaches with sugary sands and water that always seems at the perfect temperature for swimming and relaxing; but there is also a port area for ferries ready to take you to other islands.
The Acua Water Park attracts a lot of families, but most visitors really want to explore the sand dunes. The only way you can access the national park is on foot, and this drives many visitors to book the hotels closer to the beach and most scenic dunes.
We are talking about all-inclusive resorts with lavish accommodations and amenities, but there are a couple of guesthouses that offer lodging at backpacker prices. There is no question that you will deeply enjoy your stay in Fuerteventura if you choose Corralejo.
The world-famous Quicksilver surfing camp is located here, and it is one of the most respected in Europe. You do not have to worry about the massive swells of the winter because the surf school breaks are always moderate for beginners.
Keep in mind that the popularity of Corralejo makes it a bit more expensive than other places where you can stay in Fuerteventura.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CORRALEJO
- ($$$) Secrets Bahía Real Resort & Spa Adults only
- ($$) Barceló Corralejo Sands
- ($) Atlantic Garden Beach Mate
2. Caleta de Fuste, best place to stay in Fuerteventura for families
A caleta is supposed to be a smaller beach or a cove, but in this case is the name of a coastal town located on the eastern coast of the island, and it offers a large beach that connects to various other smaller beaches.
Of all towns in Fuerteventura, Caleta de Fuste is the one that has experienced the most significant development of tourism infrastructure. Since 2007, this formerly sleepy coastal town has been transformed into a resort village.
This part of the island is where you will find two upscale golf resorts along with modern shopping malls, a marina, modern cinemas, beachfront hotels with truly impressive views of the ocean, casual dining restaurants, and an opulent residential area where you can find long-term vacation rentals.
Families should note that the coastline topology in this part of the island breaks up the waves, thus making it safe for swimming; this is one of the few spots in Fuerteventura where surfers would be disappointed.
A few international chain hotels offer reasonable prices in Caleta de Fuste, but there are no options for budget travelers.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CALETA DE FUSTE
- ($$$) Sheraton Fuerteventura Golf & Spa Resort
- ($$) Barceló Fuerteventura Mar
- ($) Elba Castillo San Jorge & Antigua Suite Hotel
3. El Cotillo, paceful beach town
This peaceful beach town on the northwest section of the island is a magical place to stay in Fuerteventura.
From Playa La Concha to El Aljibe and from Los Lagos to its namesake beach, this stretch of coast is protected by a large reef that prevents the formation of large swells, thus attracting swimmers, locals, and scuba divers.
El Cotillo proudly boasts a Blue Flag and the neighborhoods surrounding El Cotillo give you an excellent opportunity to interact with island residents, and the overall cost of your vacation will be lower when compared to Caleta de Fuste and the dunes region.
Guesthouses and long-term vacation rentals are more common here, but they tend to be booked by windsurfers and parasailing enthusiasts because the winds here are extraordinary.
One of the tourism slogans of the island is that the best climate in the world can be found here, and El Cotillo clearly supports this notion because the constant ocean breezes converging from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean keep things cool even during the days when temperatures are at their highest.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN FUERTEVENTURA IN EL COTILLO
Read also: Best things to do in Fuerteventura
4. Puerto del Rosario, where to stay in Fuerteventura without car
If you plan on arriving by cruise ship, which is highly recommended because the routes around the Canary Islands are very scenic, you will likely dock at Puerto del Rosario, capital city of Fuerteventura.
Compared to other Spanish cities, this one is small, but it packs a lot of tourism activities, and it even features a nightlife scene.
The most accessible beaches of the island are located in this area of the island, and they include Playa Blanca, where the fine sands change color from beige to white through the seasons.
This municipality is a great place to learn about the history of Fuerteventura and how its strategic location between North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula resulted in quite a few battles.
There is a vibrant arts and culture scene that unfolds between a couple of museums and galleries.
The long-term vacation rentals are highly sought after by visitors who are interested in the local cuisine because they can stay close to the largest market on the island.
Puerto del Rosario is the main transportation hub of the island. From here you will be able to reach all the towns and resorts on the island by public bus.
There are only about a dozen hotels in Puerto del Rosario, but they range from the stately to hostels and from family-friendly to hostels. A couple of rural lodges have opened in recent years; they are located on the western side of town.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PUERTO DEL ROSARIO
5. Costa Calma, where to stay in Fuerteventura for surfers and windsurfers
Travelers who desire to stay in a region where they can enjoy some green moisture in the air should head straight for the southeast region of the island; this is where they will find Pajara, which holds the distinction of being the Spanish municipality with the longest stretch of beach.
The Jandia Peninsula is home to the largest nature preserve of Fuerteventura, and you can feel the green influence of its microclimate when you stay at the various hotels here.
Costa Calma is a haven for surfing and windsurfing, but it also attracts many ecotourists and travelers who plan to stay in Fuerteventura for more than a week.
The two main areas of Costa Calma can be found on either side of the highway that runs parallel to the coastline; beach hotels that cater to various budgets are on on side, and the other is where you can find vacation apartments along with convenience stores.
Staying here for a couple of weeks to experience the Jandia nature preserve is a great vacation plan, and you can even take surfing and windsurfing lessons here.
BEST PLACES WHERE TO STAY IN TENERIFE IN COSTA CALMA
- ($$) INNSiDE by Meliá Fuerteventura – Adults Only
- ($$) SBH Costa Calma Palace Thalasso & Spa
- ($) Labranda Golden Beach
6. Morro Jable, where to stay in Fuerteventura for amazing beaches
Located right next to Costa Calma, Morro del Jable is a small coastal town well known for its amazing beaches. If you choose Morro del Jable to stay in Fuerteventura you will enjoy easy access to some of the best beaches.
Here the main activities are tourism and fishing. If you are into offshore fishing, this is where you will want to stay, and the same goes for travelers who wish to taste the local seafood gastronomy.
This part of Fuerteventura has become popular among German tourists who enjoy more comfortable travel budgets; the all-inclusive beach resorts in Morro tend to be upscale, and there are not many vacation rentals.
Do not expect to find a hostel here, but you may be able to get discounts on your lodging when you combine it with a windsurfing school package.
WHERE TO STAY IN MORRO JABLE
- ($$$) Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace
- ($$) Sol Fuerteventura Jandia – All Suites
- ($) Villamar Hotel
7. Costa de Antigua, where to stay in Fuerteventura on a budget
This coastal town is just south of the busy Fuerteventura International Airport and north of Caleta de Fuste.
The recent history of Costa de Antigua is interesting: Both local residents and expatriates expected that this village would one day undergo a transformation similar to that of Costa Calma, but that did not happen because of the global financial crisis of 2008.
When you stay here, you may notice some derelict construction projects, but there is also a chance that they will be resumed and completed by the time you book your vacation here.
Costa de Antigua is a good spot for budget travelers, and not just backpackers. The nearby beach, Caleta de la Camella, is a few blocks away from most hotels, and this prompts operators to lower their prices.
This is a good place to stay in Fuerteventura because you can really stretch your travel dollars and euros, and it is less crowded than other places.
Camel keepers set up shop near the beach; they are part of a tradition that goes back to Berber times, and their domesticated dromedaries are very popular with children.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN COSTA DE ANTIGUA
8. La Oliva, great place to stay in Fuerteventura for ecotourism
The northern region of Fuerteventura is known to locals as La Oliva; this is where Corralejo and its sand dunes are situated, but there is more than just the national park and the long stretch of beach.
The proper center of La Oliva, which is to the north of Puerto Rosario, can be described as being one of the most cosmopolitan towns in the Canary Islands despite its low population density.
When you stay here, you will notice the ethnic diversity caused by an influx of foreign residents who have relocated in recent years.
La Oliva is not a beach town; you will have to ride a bike, take a bus, or arrange for short ground transportation to Corralejo or any other beach of your choice.
Choosing to stay in Fuerteventura here is a smart move because of the convenience and lower prices; plus, you have a better opportunity to taste the local cuisine, particularly the various cheese offerings.
The Spanish Colonial architecture and the tasteful urban planning of La Oliva will make your stay feel more authentic, and quite a few ecotourism excursions originate here.
Prices are reasonable, especially when compared to other destinations.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN FUERTEVENTURA IN LA OLIVA
- ($$) Villa Azul Fuerteventura
- ($) Hotel Rural Restaurante Mahoh
- ($) Hotel Rural El Cabo de “Casa Marcos”
9. Gran Tarajal, peaceful and picturesque beach town
This arid beach town is part of the small city of Tuineje; it is not the most well-known tourism spot in the Canary Islands, but it is very peaceful and picturesque. Gran Tarajal lies at the foot of an impressive mountain range.
The golden sands of the gorgeous beach will remind you that this one of the closest points to North Africa.
If you are interested in learning about the history of the Canary Islands and their important contribution to Latin America and the Caribbean, this is a great place to stay in Fuerteventura.
The first thing to know about Gran Tarajal is that life revolves around the ocean. Fishing is still the main industry, and this is reflected in the great seafood restaurants around the center of town. You have to try the mojo fish stew and the majorero local cheese.
Tourists who visit the Canary Islands for angling can book deep sea fishing charters from here. There are major development plans for this part of the island, but construction has been slow as of 2020.
A stretch of coastline is dominated by a black sand beach, and this is where major Spanish hotel chains will likely develop a tourism oceanfront; for the time being, however, Gran Tarajal offers accommodation in apartments and private villas at great prices in a very tranquil and picturesque ambiance.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN GRAN TARAJAL
10. Lajares, where to stay in Fuerteventura for backpackers
This laid-back surfing village is not on the ocean; it is actually located a few kilometers south of Majanicho and Corralejo, which is where some of the local surfing schools usually take their students.
Lajares is the town that offers the most authentic backpacker experience in Fuerteventura, and this is also a good place to taste local cuisine.
This is where surfers and younger backpackers like to stay looking for good accommadation prices, and you can often find them at cafes next to hikers and birdwatchers.
Ecotourists who stay at the country lodges and hostels of Lajares have the advantage of being close to various hiking trails of nearby volcanoes, which are all dormant.
Don’t expect all-inclusive beach resorts in Lajares; the lodges are modest but extremely nice, and the prices will not scare away backpackers.
BEST PLACES WHERE TO STAY IN FUERTEVENTURA IN LAJARES
- ($$) Surfescape Fuerteventura
- ($) Warung
- ($) MAAR House Lajares
There are some excellent places to stay here. I’ll be considering these on my next trip to the island.