12 things to do in Fuerteventura

1. Sink your toes into sand dunes at Corralejo

The harbour town of Corralejo is one of the main resorts on the island, and just to the south you’ll find some of the most stunning sand dunes in Europe. With over 9.5km (6 miles) of protected, sloping, white sand, this is the kind of landscape you never imagine you’d find so close to home.

However, you’ve also got the glimmering ocean alongside you, with fantastic views across to Lanzarote and Lobos island. Lie back and luxuriate in the silky sand, and pack a picnic if you’re coming for the day as this is a highly protected National Park and there are no beach bars or restaurants around.

If you’re feeling active, the strong wind breaks make this a great place for windsurfing, surfing and kitesurfing, and there are plenty of companies offering all three throughout the island. In Corralejo try Flag Beach or surf school Homegrown.

2. Watch the sunset as you tuck into fresh fish

As you might expect of an island, Fuerteventura has no shortage of great fish and seafood restaurants. At La Vaca Azul (The Blue Cow), in the coastal town of El Cotillo you can watch the sun set over the beach whilst tucking into super-fresh fish and seafood.

Don’t miss the John Dory and octopus, which is simple but superb both grilled or baked. Many of the restaurants in the main resorts are geared towards tourists, with prices to match, but this one is amazingly reasonable. Alternatively, try Gregorio El Pescador in Corralejo for equally good fish and paellas.

3. Visit the mountaintop village of Betancuria

In the midst of a valley filled with lush palm trees and terracotta-coloured mountains, the sleepy whitewashed village of Betancuria is a great place to while away the afternoon. The settlement dates back to the 15th century when it was Fuerteventura’s capital, and there are panoramic views across the island.

The village’s grand church has a baroque altarpiece and there are also high quality craft shops and some great places to eat. Restaurante Casa Santa Maria, in a restored 17th-century farmhouse is one of the best – not just in the village but on the whole island. Sit in the tropical garden or one of the antique-filled dining rooms and enjoy braised goat and other local dishes.

4. Enjoy family fun at the Acua Water Park

The Acua Water Park near Corralejo is Fuerteventura’s only water park and makes for a brilliant family day out. On offer are giant water slides, including a 13m (45 foot) kamikaze slide (for grown-ups only), a splash lagoon complete with water jets, a kids’ club with face painting and games, and a kids’ zone. You’ll also find a giant Jacuzzi if the excitement gets a bit too much…

Children under four go free, and prices are cheaper if you book online in advance. Standard entry costs €29.50 (£25.73) for adults and €22.50 (£19.63) for kids and seniors.

5. Take a boat trip to Isla de Lobos

Just off the coast of Corralejo lies Isla de Lobos, a tiny uninhabited islet that’s ideal for a peaceful day trip. This former pirate hideout turned nature reserve is a haven for birdlife, sea creatures and hikers alike.

You can catch a short ferry ride from Corralejo, and once there, follow scenic walking trails past volcanic rock formations and salt flats, or snorkel in crystal-clear waters at Playa de la Concha.

Pack water and food as there are limited facilities, and don’t forget to request a (free) visitor permit online in advance – only 200 people are allowed on the island per day to protect its fragile ecosystem.

6. Get acquainted with Fuerteventura’s goats

Some islands have cows, some have sheep: Fuerteventura has goats. So many in fact that one of the island’s major products is a special kind of goat cheese known as majorero.

Finca Pepe is a traditional goat cheese-making dairy farm in Betancuria where you can meet the goats as well as donkeys, camels and peacocks. Owner Pepe will show you round the farm, and there’s also a small museum, a shop and cheese-tasting.

7. Discover the secrets of the night sky

Fuerteventura is renowned among stargazers all over the world as one of the best places to observe the night sky. Starsbynight organises special evenings where you can gaze at the Milky Way and the rings of Saturn alongside friendly astronomer experts (from €49/£43, with blankets, telescopes and binoculars included).

There are guided walks, astronomy and night photography courses, or for a night to remember, combine stargazing with traditional Canarian delicacies on a gastronomy experience. Do bring warm clothes and comfy shoes, however, as this is an outdoor activity and temperatures can fall significantly at night.

8. Get a look at lively lemurs, gorgeous giraffes and other furry friends

The Oasis Wildlife Park near Lajita on the south coast of Fuerteventura is a wonderfully well-kept zoo with over 3,000 animals in a very natural, mini-safari-style setting.

As well as elephants, giraffes, zebras and monkeys, there are a number of experiences including camel safaris, plus live educational reptile exhibits and birds of prey displays. There’s also a ‘Lemur Experience’, where you can get up close and personal with these furry fellows, although tickets for this – and all other experiences – cost extra.

If you prefer flora to fauna, the huge Botanical Gardens alongside the park are a lovely place to wander and admire 7,000 types of weird and wonderful cacti and exotic flowers.

9. Soak up local history in La Oliva

Set amid mountains and palm trees in northern Fuerteventura, the little town of La Oliva is home to a number of significant buildings where visitors can get a taste of the island’s history.

The most impressive is Casa de los Coroneles – an 18th-century colonial mansion that was once home to the most important and powerful figures on the island. The house itself is temporarily undergoing renovation, but you can still admire the architectural beauty of its exterior.

The Church of La Candelaria and its unique belltower should also be on your sightseeing list, as should La Casa de la Cilla. This 19th-century stone building now houses the Grain Museum with exhibitions illustrating traditional farming techniques on the island.

10. Discover the life aquatic on a diving trip

With some of the clearest waters in the Atlantic and a natural sea shelf, Fuerteventura is one of the best of the Canary Islands for diving, featuring anemone fields, underwater volcanic landscapes, reefs and wrecks.

There are also nearly 400 species of marine fauna, from groupers and sea breams to eels and Atlantic horse mackerels. Diving schools are plentiful on the island, catering for everyone from entry level divers to hardened pros – Buceo Dive Centre at Jandia beach is a reliable choice.

11. Browse the bustling markets of Fuerteventura

If you fancy a break from the beach, head to one of the island’s many markets for a colourful browse. Corralejo’s craft market (held in the El Campanario shopping centre on Thursdays and Sundays) is packed with handmade jewellery, local honey, cheeses and leather goods. For a more traditional feel, try the Saturday morning market in Lajares, popular with local artisans and surfers alike.

It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir or two, watch street performers and sample Canarian street food – think papas arrugadas, churros and rich mojo sauces. Arrive early to avoid the midday heat and get the best of the local produce.

12. Wind down with sundowners

Nico’s Belgian Beer House, on the edge of Corralejo, may not look that much from the outside, but this small, cosy bar has one of the biggest selections of Belgian beers this side of Brussels. They also do a mean cocktail, and owner Nico – a native Belgian himself – is the ultimate welcoming host.

Otherwise, for great views across the Corralejo harbour, try Mojitos Beach Bar.