Heading to the Spanish island of Fuerteventura this year? Here’s a complete rundown on where to stay on Fuerteventura to help you choose which part of the island to stay in, which town, resort or beach is for you, and the best beach hotels, whether you’re booking DIY accommodation or looking for a package vacation.
This resort guide will cover:
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- which part of the island to choose
- Fuerteventura’s main beach resort towns; the best places to stay for nightlife, beautiful beaches, and a wide variety of accommodation and facilities
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- a quick look at some of Fuerteventura’s quieter resorts and destinations; where to head for authentic Canary vibes and a bit of history
FUERTEVENTURA OVERVIEW
- BEST LUXURY HOTELS: Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real GL Barcelo Corralejo Bay
- BEST HOTELS ON THE BEACH: Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real GL or Iberostar Fuerteventura Palace
- SWANKIEST VILLA: Bahia Azul, Katis Villas
- BEST RESORT HOTELS FOR FAMILIES: Barcelo Castillo Beach Resort
- BEST FOR COUPLES: Bahia Azul or Barcelo Corralejo Bay
- BEST MID-RANGE BOUTIQUE HOTEL: Avanti Boutique Hotel
- BEST APARTMENT: Sol
WHICH PART OF FUERTEVENTURA TO STAY IN?
- NORTH: English holidaymakers, retirees, and surfers. Dune, sandy beaches, rocky sheltered lagoons.
- SOUTH: Excellent sandy beaches, popular with windsurfers and naturists, Germans, Brits and Scandinavians.
- EAST: Wild and windy with difficult to access beaches.
- WEST: Administrative and local towns, some small sheltered beaches popular with families.
CORRALEJO
Corralejo (pronounced ‘coral echo’) is a chilled out resort town in the north. The airport, which is in the centre of the island, is about 40 minutes drive away. The town is centred around a small harbour and old town area, painted all white. There are numerous beaches stretching out in either direction, offering a wide range of beachside accommodation with a view of Lobos island in the distance. Some of the beaches are child-friendly, others are more suited to those in search of surf. The 10km Playa Grande is nearby, where the famous sand dunes meet the sea. The dunes are part of a national park zone – Parque Natural de las Dunes de Corralejo.
Corralejo is a hub for watersports. It’s situated on the northern tip of the island, so ideal base for surfers and kitesurfers with a choice of east or west facing beaches.
The atmosphere is low-key with a wide range of conveniences and facilities, and it’s a popular town with British holidaymakers and expats. There is something of a ‘strip’ for those looking for cocktails and pool floats and entertainment, but it never gets too rowdy.
Of all the main resorts on Fuerteventura, Corralejo has the most life about it beyond the hotels (it also has some of the best hotels on the island). There’s a cluster of restaurants offering seafood and traditional Spanish and Canarian food in the old town, and there are also a few supermarkets, making it an ideal destination for a self-catered holiday. Lively local bar and music scene.
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LUXURY: 5-star Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real GL is the trad choice; a Moorish-styled complex right on the beach with two pools and free use of the spa included. But the most stylish place to stay in Fuerteventura at the moment is Bahia Azul Villas & Club, a complex of luxurious private villas with pools at the Dunes end of town, where the white volcanic chic has shades of Santorini.
If you have kids in tow then the Barcelo Corralejo Sands has all the mod-cons and facilities you need, whereas sister hotel Barcelo Corralejo Bay is adults-only with focus on the spa, Moroccan touches and Balinese beds.
BOUTIQUE: Avanti Boutique Hotel is near the seafront in town and has a coastal turquoise and white theme; the rooftop terrace and hot tub is a nice touch. Corralejo Surfing Colors Hotel & Apartments is a traditional aparthotel reimagined: think cool blue and white rooms, free yoga, and storage space for fat bikes and SUP. The H10 Ocean Dreams Boutique Hotel has sumptuous white beds, daybeds by the pool, and an on-site spa (not inclusive).
BUDGET: There’s no shortage of good-value budget accommodation in Corralejo. The town sprawls out on either side along the coast, with plenty of low-cost aparthotels. Hotel The Corralejo Beach is a huge complex with seafront access. If you prefer vacation rentals, Casa La Ventura has fresh modern design with an emphasis on upcycling.
SURF: A number of surf camps have sprung up to meet the demand from the surf schools located in the area; dorms and cheap rooms are often available even if you’re surfing elsewhere (or not at all). Billabong Surf Camp has the best location with hammocks right on Waikiki beach, whereas Lorenzo’s has cheap and simple beds nearer the heart of town. 7 Island has a hot tub to ease those weary bones, and Surfers Retreat has clean cosy private rooms in an apartment complex. Surf Rider’s has dorm rooms and courses.
JANDIA PENINSULA
The Jandia peninsula at the southern tip of the island is home to some of the most incredible beaches and landscapes on Fuerteventura. The area is a designated nature reserve but is home to a number of beach resorts – the main ones being Costa Calma, Playas de Jandia, and Morro Jable.
The most spectacular beaches are the 12km Cofete on the west coast, with the Jandia mountains towering behind. You’ll need a 4×4 to access as it’s only accessible by dirt track and strong winds make it unsuitable for swimming or small children, but it’s as wild as they come on Fuerteventura.
Sotavento is the other star beach: A shimmering shallow tidal lagoon in the north of the peninsula which is popular with kitesurfers, nudists and Scandis.
MORRO JABLE
The beach town of Morro Jable (also spelt Morro del Jable) is the southern equivalent of Corralejo; once a sleepy fishing village, it has managed to retain its original charms despite its development and is now a favourite destination for holidaymakers, especially Germans and Scandinavians. It has a seafront promenade leading to its old town and harbour, where you’ll find pedestrianised streets with tapas bars as well as tourist fare. Ferries for Gran Canaria leave from Morro Jable port.
There are some big resort hotels here, popular with families. The main beach is Playa del Matorral, which is wide and sandy and capped with a lighthouse. The 3km beach merges into Jandia Playas and is a beach bum’s dream with its large expanse of golden sand.
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Accommodation options in the Jandia peninsula can sometimes feel a little dated compared to other destinations. Garden & Sea Boutique Lodging is just a few metres from the beach and has a fresh feel.
Of the big all-inclusive leviathons, Robinson Club Jandia Playa is one of the few hotels right on the beach, as is Hotel Riu Palace Jandia.
There are plenty of nice, bright studios and condos on Booking.com for those on a budget.
JANDIA PLAYAS
Playas de Jandia is home away from home for German holidaymakers. It functions an extension of Morro Jable and sports a big sandy beach and a number of large all-inclusive hotels with good facilities, popular with older couples and families. There’s a palm-lined promenade that will take you into Morro Jable. You can find plenty of international cuisine and souvenir shops here. If you’re all about the beach (and you like German beer) then Jandia Playas could be the right spot for you.
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Tthe adults-only Iberostar Fuerteventura Palace is the star here; a large all-inclusive resort right on the beach (although it is a walk down) with newly-renovated coastal-chic interiors and comfy beds.
COSTA CALMA
Costa Calma is one of the largest purpose-built resorts on the island, and boasts some of the best beaches too. In fact, you’re spoilt for choice. The winds here are consistent and the waves small, making it a popular destination for windsurfers and kitesurfers, as well as families. Plenty of watersports are available. It’s perfect for a fly-and-flop, particularly over the winter months when winds are a bit calmer.
Another reason to stay is its proximity to the beautiful tidal lagoons at Playa Sotavento, just 15 minutes away.
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VIK Suite Hotel Risco de Gato is the stylish choice in Costa Calma – a four-star concept hotel inspired by Fuerteventura’s volcanic landscapes. Or for traditional finca (old farmhouse) vibes check out Casas de Campo on the other side of the peninsula.
CALETA DE FUSTE
The main beach resort on the east of the island, Caleta de Fuste is popular with British families with young children thanks to its big beach and relative lack of winds. It’s close to the airport too, which means short transfer times but also occasional noise from overhead jets.
The main beach is El Castillo, a wide and organised man-made beach with plenty of kid-friendly activities. Older children won’t get bored either thanks to the variety of watersports on offer. Waters are sheltered and shallow (and wheelchair-accessible too). Caleta de Fuste is probably the best spot on the island if you’re less fussed about beaches and are looking for an active break with plenty to keep you occupied. Just south of town is the golf club.
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Barcelo Castillo Beach Resort is the cream of the crop here. It’s right on the beach but still has 3 swimming pools and a plethora of activities.
Nearby Costa Antigua (not to be confused with the historic village of Antigua which is inland) is a purpose-built resort just up the coast. Here you’ll find the Elba Castillo San Jorge & Antigua Suite Hotel overlooking the bay, with plenty to keep both kids and adults occupied.
If you’re sans kids, Elba Palace Golf & Vital Hotel is adults only and – as the name suggests – has a focus on golf and spa.
EL COTILLO
One of the most interesting spots on the island, El Cotillo is a traditional fishing village with a unique vibe on the north-west coast. It’s been co-opted by surfers thanks to its proximity to big surf beaches such as Piedra Playa. The village itself has a pirate heritage, and still feels a bit wild and cut off – especially when the wind is howling.
You’ll find beautiful sunsets, an incredibly laid-back atmosphere and some of the best seafood on the island. Non-surfers will enjoy the sheltered lava lagoons and turquoise waters at Los Lagos and the fine white sand at La Concha. Don’t expect a party town, El Cotillo is still small and quiet.
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There are a few hotels in and around El Cotillo – try LAIF Hotel for a bright and welcoming hotel with surfer vibes. For apartment rentals or rooms in the heart of town try or Casamundo.
LAJARES – VILLAVERDE – LA OLIVA
If you’re looking for self-catered accommodation and can tear yourself away from the sea, there are some interesting options in the small villages of Lajares, Villaverde, and La Oliva.
With the coast accessible in three directions, these villages have become a popular on the surf scene (and the emerging wellness scene too), lending them a bit of a boho vibe with the occasional juice bar playing Jack Johnson tunes. Retreats – such as those run by Azulfit – tend to be based in the area. These are small villages though, so be prepared to entertain yourself for the most part. Check out Canela Cafe for live acoustic music and jams. These villages may look unassuming, but hide some classy design and great pools.
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Check vacation rental websites such as VRBO. As well as gorgeous villas with pools (check out Black Rocks Villa), there’s also shared acommodation for surfers and other watersports fans in places like SurfHouse Lajares. Aphrodite Suite is a good value romantic room with a tub.
PUERTO DEL ROSARIO
It’s off the beaten track despite being the administrative capital of Fuerteventura, but Puerto del Rosario is gradually on the up as a destination.
Its charms are not immediately obvious. Don’t expect historic buildings as Puerto del Rosario was only named the capital in 1860, but you will get a sense of the real Fuerteventura here. It has has a workaday, functional feel in common with most port cities but exploration of its streets will slowly reveal some great tapas bars, thriving nightlife and street art scene. Sculptures are dotted around the city. Puerto del Rosario is also a ferry hub and has a yacht marina. Being the capital, it has great bus connections to the rest of the island. Beaches nearby are sandy and safe for children but do get busy at weekends.
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Puerto del Rosario is off the mass tourism development radar, so rather than hotels try combing through Booking.com for cheap rooms and apartments to rent.
GRAN TARAJAL
Another hidden gem of Fuerteventura, Gran Tarajal hasn’t yet been discovered by foreigners despite being Fuerteventura’s third largest town. Situated on the east coast between Puerto del Rosario and Costa Calma, the big beach is the colour of demerara sugar and is backed by colourful buildings. The waters here are calm and suitable for families. It has a local feel and doesn’t get as busy as some of the other beaches on the island; a good choice if you’re looking for a slice of authentic Fuerteventura that hasn’t been overtaken by mammoth hotels.
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Check out Booking.com for holiday homes and apartments. It’s a little pricier than Puerto del Rosario, but many have easy access to the beach.
BETANCURIA
The historic capital of Fuerteventura, inland Betancuria is far from the famed beaches but offers something a bit different. It has a well-heeled feeling thanks to its carefully restored traditional buildings. The landscape is mountainous and sparse but there are some lush gardens in town – you could almost be in an oasis. Betancuria is a popular daytrip from the islands resorts and is the place to go if you want to be surrounded by history.
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Betancuria hasn’t traditionally been somewhere to stay on your Fuerteventura holiday, but there are a few rooms and cottages available like Casa Princess Arminda.
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Image credits: Parasol © Neissl / Adobe Stock, Corralejo palm © The Mediterranean Traveller, Sandcastles by Ben Kerckx via Pixabay, Playas de Sotavento © wjarek / Adobe Stock, Morro Jable © travelbook / Adobe Stock, Costa Calma by Karagho via Pixabay, Caleta de Fuste © wjarek / Adobe Stock, El Cotillo street © The Mediterranean Traveller, El Cotillo beach © dziewul / Adobe Stock, Surfer by Teddy Kelley via Unsplash, Puerto del Rosario © pixs:sell / Adobe Stock, Betancuria © The Mediterranean Traveller, Buggy by Sonny Hiles via Unsplash, Wild Cofete by Christoffer Engström via Unsplash.