OF YOUR STAY
Obviously a great deal of time is likely to revolve around relaxing, sunbathing, the pool and the stunning local beaches.
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Villa Abeja is just minutes away by car from the fabulous 'Flag Beach', which is part of the Parque Natural de Corralejo that stretches for miles down the east coast until reaching the impressive volcano Montaña Roja, and is world renowned for every watersport you can imagine.
Expect turquoise seas, white coral sands, and breezes varying from slight (enjoy body surfing and swimming) to strong (walk and be amazed by the watersports) to absolutely calm (snorkelling, swimming, shell hunting, being amazed by the vibrant colours of the ocean).
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The easiest way to discover this volcanic landscape is by simply driving around. e.g. Try Vallebron, a local valley with traditional farming. Take a selfie with goat statues in the valley - and dotted all over the island.
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Fuerteventura is dry, with a fascinating landscape: volcanoes, rocks, malpais (lava fields), white coral sands & occasional black lava beaches.
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Expect a warm welcome: generous people, fine food and drink, English spoken everywhere (though attempts at basic Spanish appreciated).
Corralejo Town Beach
Enjoy the town's beaches: no waves, safe swimming for all, white sands, overlooking the port and lined by restaurants and bars that are great for lunch or evening.
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Perhaps stroll from the small southerly town beach (filled with tiny 'popcorns' or rhodoliths) to the northern one. Grab an ice cream, coffee or cocktail, relax and watch the world go by.​​
At the northern end is the old port from which ferries depart for Isla de Los Lobos and Lanzarote.
Take selfies with the fish sculptures!
Restaurants & food
For a small island the food is excellent, whether you're a fish fan, meat lover, vegan or gluten-free.
Corralejo's old port area is a warren of whitewashed alleyways, which come to life in the evenings. Try Calle la Iglesia, where live music is a regular on the street, for popular restaurants serving locally caught fish, tapas & traditional dishes.
Have coffee or cocktails on the seafront eg café Cordon Blue. Or light lunches at vegan/veggie cafés: Baobab, H2O, and Ojalá Poke.
Climb a volcano!
Enjoy fabulous views from the rim of Calderon Hondo, a short drive from Corralejo. It's a 45' walk along a clear path with the crater only revealing itself as you reach the top.
Directions: Head for Lajares, and turn right at first roundabout immediately before the village onto Calle Majanicho. Continue to 'Camel Parking' sign, about a mile. Park and follow everyone else north along path Cam Calderas. Wear trainers, take water. Can be windy at the top.
Coffee and lunch are recommended at the unassuming Café El Arco (coffee specialists), or the many street-side cafés and bakeries. Lajares' market on a Suturday morning is full of local artists and great (not tacky) products.
Visit Betancuria
This beautiful historic town is one of the prettiest and greenest on the island - it has more rainfall than anywhere else.
La Sombra is recommended as a beautiful shady restaurant and a well-priced modern take on cheeses, salads, good burgers etc.
Betancuria is a 1h 15m drive from Corralejo to the centre of the island along roads with hairpin bends. There are breathtaking views from the many viewpoints on the way.
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Be aware that restaurants in Betancuria often shut mid-afternoon.
Stunning ravine walk
near Betancuria
Discover the hidden gem of the isolated chapel: La Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña. It is only accessible by foot and is a highlight of any holiday. The trail (45' each way) leads you through a cactus-filled barranco (ravine) past a dry dam and beyond to the tiny chapel.
Directions: Drive south from Betancuria on the FV-30 for approx. 5km, fork right signed Vega de Río Palmas, continue approx. 1km and pull right at little car park space (just before go over second 'bridge' over dried stream).
Rest and reflect at the chapel, take in the views, before returning to Betancuria for a late lunch. Take water, wear trainers.
El Cotillo
The town of El Cotillo lies on the wild west coast of Fuerteventura, straight on through Lajares. The waves to the south (Piedra Playa) are for experienced surfers only but drive along the dust tracks and park on the cliffs. Walk and enjoy the beach and views. Head even further south for 'Steps Beach' (5km along the track). Accessed by stairs down the cliff. Stunning and almost empty.
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Head into the town past the whale skeleton and her story, the (usually locked) Castillo de El Toston, onto restaurants overlooking the sea. Round the corner to the tiny port and enjoy the amazing restaurants overlooking the bay. Vaca Azul is the best (need to book) and Mirador Sunset is great.
Then head north for el Cotillo's famous shallow lagoons...
El Cotillo Lagoons & Lighthouse
The lagoons are sheltered bays where snorkelling and swimming can be enjoyed safely by everyone.
Unusual rock formations are visible at low tide created by the black lava against the white coral sand.
Playa de la Concha is the first you come to and has a good café, loos and showers.
Then head further north to the best sunsets on Fuerteventura
Continue to the top of the island to see the iconic lighthouse El Tostón, with its small museum Museo de la Pesca Tradicional.
There are also self-guided trails, endless rock pools, fossils embedded in the rocks, stunning remote blue and green pools that can be swum in.
Sign makes us smile!
Isla de Los Lobos
20 mins by boat from Corralejo is this fabulous island. Book tickets in advance in the old port for the ferry to Los Lobos. Note you also need a permit - numbers are limited to 400 per day. https://lobospass.com/welcome
Spend an excellent day exploring the blue lagoons, sandy beaches, tiny fishing village, wild interior: if you've the energy, climb the 127m Montaña la Caldera, or walk 3.5km to the northern point where there's a lighthouse. Trainers, hat and water essential foor too unless you visit the tiny restaurant in the village. Queue early and order your takeaway/book a table as soon as you arrive on the island (last order 1pm, shuts 3pm). Good takeaway coffee.