Fuerteventura – une île aux paysages lunaire

After a week on the beautiful island of Lanzarote, see our road-trip in Lanzarote ici, nous avions décidé de changer d’île pour sa soeur l’île de Fuerteventura bien différente par ses couleurs, ses dunes et sable blanc fin juste en face du Sahara.

We took the ferry from the south of the island of Lanzarote Playa Blanca to reach the island of Fuerteventura.

Our good deals in details on the Map

Cliquez sur la flèche icône en haut à gauche de “Fuerteventura Voyage” pour avoir la liste de nos bons plans.

How to reach Fuerteventura from Lanzarote

Ferry crossing from Playa Blanca

Through three ferry companies, Naviera Armas, Lines Romero and Fred Olsen that make regular rotations in less than 40 minutes.

We advise you to leave your hired car à Playa Blanca, nous avons choisi l’agence de location Cicar, on vous détaille ici les locations de voiture en Espagne et comment éviter les arnaques .
Then we rented another car in Corralejo. It is useless to make the crossing with the rented car, the extra cost is important.

So the ferry will cost you per person 17.50 euros one way without vehicle with the company Lineas Maritimas Romerois the one we chose.

Vous pouvez prendre aussi l’avion pour rejoindre Fuerteventura mais les îles sont trop proches et cela n’est pas avantageux ni pour le prix et en temps perdu. Néanmoins prendre l’avion avec Binter ou CanaryFly est utile si vous voulez visiter une île plus éloignée comme La Palma ou Ténérife.

Car Hire in Fuerteventura

Whether you are looking for a car hire in Tenerife, Lanzarote or Fuerteventura, we recommend that you rent with a local agency that has experience in the country. This way you will avoid the scams of some car rental companies. For a safe and stress-free value, we recommend l’agence Cicar, rent a city car with unlimited mileage and all-risk insurance for only 99 euros per week, i.e. 14€/day in May for example.

Although insurance is included, like all renters on the island you cannot take unpaved trails. In case of breakdown, towing costs will be at your charge! It can even happen that some locals will report you to the rental agency...

If, like us, you wish to make several islands, it is better to return the car in the same country as when you left than to keep the same vehicle and make the ferry crossing.

Notice that the roads in Fuerteventura as well as in Lanzarote are in a remarkable statethat it's fun to drive there. The scenery is breathtaking, never before have we had so much fun driving during our holiday without stress and toll fees.

About the gas prices in FuerteventuraFor the SP95 and LPG, count 0.90€ for SP95 and 0.52€ for LPG. We had an Opel Moka that could handle both petrol and LPG. We took the opportunity to be often with LPG and save money. To fill up with LPG, go to the only station that offers LPG, namely the Gasolinera Mederos Station Disa El Mattoral just below the airport.

Le nord de l’île de Fuerteventura : la station balneaire de Corralejo

We are overwhelmed by the beauty of this place when arriving from the ferry you will see dunes and crystal clear water. The contrast is striking compared to its sister, the clear white sandy beaches a curaçao blue water Whoa, is this heaven here?

Car hire Cicar is located next to the landing stage but if you are staying several days in Corralejo you can walk to the city centre via the port, you will see colourful warehouses at the bar la Lonja and Resacca Fishing Charter . 

The seaside resort of Corralejo

La ville de Corralejo est très touristique surtout fréquentée par les britanniques. Beaucoup de restaurants et une ambiance festive, si vous voulez vous reposer ne dormez pas au centre-ville.

If possible, avoid driving in the city centre by car, to park you will have to be very patient, idem to leave the car at the agency of the centre, prefer the agency of the landing stage.

Excursion: to Los LobosIf you stay several days in the north of the island it is the opportunity to go on an excursion to the island of Los Lobos: you must have a permit. Indeed, the island is protected by the tourist influx by limiting the number of travellers to 200 per day.
You can get the authorization at the same time as the boat excursion ticket through two companies: Ferry Lobos Express 13€ return and Minicrucero & Snorkel 21€ return (includes 25 mn of Snorkeling)

?️ Take the boat and Top Excursions to do in Fuerteventura : 

•  Prendre le Ferry pour l’île de Lobos
• Watch dolphins and whales
• Go on an excursion to the top of the Timanfaya volcano
• Balade sur l’île en bateau Pirate

? All the must-do excursions are listed here

We advise you to have a drink at the atypical bar near the port of Corralejo: the Blanco Cafe. Their specialty? All kinds of cocktails in a reproduced cave, an exotic garden and atypical rooms .

For dinner, we went to restaurant Boardriders Grill & barlocated in a cul-de-sac in the El Campanario mall. Cool surfing atmosphere, with singers. A good burger for Florence (9€), and Xavier had an Argentinean steak (15€), and for dessert a delicious Hot Chocolate Cake (6€)! 
L’occasion aussi de goûter le café typique des îles canaries : un Barraquito coffee Liqueur 43 with condensed milk, lemon-cinnamon.

Hotel Boutique TAO Caleta Mar Corralejo

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Towards the Dunes of Corralejo

Move away to the south of Corralejo, where the large sandy beaches make their appearance. These large expanses are ideal for resting, bathing, and seeing the dunes of Corralejo. We slept at the fabulous hotel Boutique Tao Caleta Marbreakfast was the only weak spot.
The road is fantastic along the coast with the sea and the sand dunes on the other side stretching for 8 km.
You can bathe all the way there are monitored areas by lifeguards. The water temperature is rather pleasant and you are still protected from the wind unlike the West Coast.

Towards the northwest coast between creeks and popcorn beaches

Let's go to the coast you will pass by Lajares a village for cool baba surfers to buy, get their boards repaired.

We've been driving along the coast since El Cotillo this former fishing village has become a place of accommodation for kitesurfers. A few colorful houses, restaurants but honestly we were disappointed by this place and we didn't linger there.

Further north we come to the lighthouse: Faro del Tostonand on his right the Marrajo cove and Los charcos beach forming small creeks. Here the wind is omnipresent, the island bears its name well, on the beach you can take shelter behind the volcanic rock and sunbathe. However in the water or on the beach many small plastic debris spoil this place.

The small bay of Playa El Majanicho is nice with some small fishing boats. The place is wild and perfect if you want to stroll on the sand in the calm sheltered from the wind.

Further north, we land on a beach full of popcorn... Playa del Bajo de la Bura as if Americans have spilled their cups after a movie. No, you're not dreaming the beach is a white that contrasts with the black sand of the beaches upstream. It's ancient burnt algae dating back to between 4000 years and 100,000 years that looks like popcorn.

C’est amusant de les avoir dans la main, mais n’en prenez pas avec vous, déjà cela est interdit mais vous risquez d’abîmer son écosystème.
To leave on the runway is winding and depending on the tide the road may be flooded (the road leading to the port of Corralejo), leave before it gets too dark.

Lajares and Calderon Hondo

Passing through La Oliva, make a pass to admire the Calderon Hondo, this volcano is impressive by its size.

You can hike or ride a camel even if we don't support it.

We took the opportunity to do a little drone flying and admire its crater.

Le centre de l’ile de Fuerteventura

Puertito de los Molinos

The small village of El Puertito de los Molinos is authentic with a few houses. We went there to go to the Molinos Cave (Cueva) mais la marée n’étant pas basse nous n’avons pas pu admirer les grottes.
Quand vous arrivez au parking, vous serez surpris de voir y nager quelques canards dans la rivière Barranco de los Molinos qui se jette dans l’océan.

Nous avons pris un verre au restaurant pour admirer la vue et respirer l’air marin ici où le temps semble s’être arrêté.

Caleta de Fuste: Seaside resort

The seaside resort of Caleta de Fuste 13km from Puerto Rosario ne présente pas de grand intérêt si ce n’est pour être un lieu de départ bien placé pour visiter différents endroits de l’île. Elle n’a pas de centre historique et est principalement fréquentée par les Britanniques avec des restaurants de tout types.
If you're in a car, it will be difficult to park there. Long beaches line the seaside resort. 
For a quick bite to eat you can make a stop at the Spar supermarket with a bakery for a cheap lunch on the go.
You can head north, a beautiful hike along the coast with near the cliffs salt piles look like snow.

The village of Pozo Negro: our little crush

This small village of Pozo Negro est charmant avec quelques maisons blanches juste au bord de mer. Ce village tient son nom du puits noir créé par la coulée de lave noire qui s’est jetée dans la mer.

The road is arid and deserted but no less fascinating.

On the beach a few yellow-coloured boats contrast with the black pebbles.

The picturesque town of Betancuria

Until 1834, the village of Betancuria was the capital of the island. The Norman Jean de Béthencourt founded this city as is still evident in its historic centre with the Church of St. Mary.
When we arrived, most of the shops were closed and we were able to enjoy the quietness of the place with its small fountain in the shade. 

The viewpoint of the Mirador of Corrales de Guize

The road back down is impressive, as is the encounter with 2 Giant Guardians of the valley: they are the last kings of Fuerteventura: Ayose and Guise.

The watchtower was built by César Manrique, stop to admire the view, see the flora and fauna like the famous Barbary squirrels. (Do not feed them).

Squirrel barbaric

Bien qu’ils soient mignons, ces écureuils sont invasifs sur l’île et il a suffi que d’un couple importé du Maroc en 1965. Maintenant ils font partie de l’île,  c’est pourquoi il ne faut pas leur donner à manger des biscuits ou autres. Il est omnivore, capable de se nourrir de légumes provenant des cultures, ainsi que les œufs d’oiseaux indigènes, d’insectes ou d’ordures. Ce dernier est une menace pour certaines espèces natives des Canaries. Il peut se montrer agressif s’il se sent en danger.

Nous l’avons fait approcher simplement en lui montrant un caillou. Mais surtout ne le touchez pas, une simple morsure contient des bactéries et virus.

Vega de Rio – Las Penitas

An idyllic little palm grove

If you like hiking, we recommend you to go to the village of Vega de Rio, 2km from Betancuria.

Join the Las Penitas Dam to discover a small oasis with palm trees and a path between small rocks.

Vers le Sud de l’île de Fuerteventura un apercu du Paradis

Entallada Lighthouse

Let's now head south, starting with an atypical lighthouse at 215 meters high on the Entallada Lighthouse...take a very narrow road, about four miles long. On the sides you can say hello to the beetles but stay focused so as not to fall into the ditch.

Once at the top, a large car park at the foot of the lighthouse allows you to admire its unique reddish stone architecture.

You can get to the lookout via a wooden footbridge overlooking the sea 200 metres above. You think you're the kings of the world despite the strong wind here.

Morro del Jable Old Fishermen's Village

Going down south, on the left side you will see salt meadows with a lighthouse. Stop for a small scale towards the Morro Jable Lighthouse.  Beyond great sandy beaches and the ocean as far as the eye can see.

Go to the centre of Morro Jable and head towards the beach. The water is beautiful and the small path that borders the church (Parroquia de Nostra Senorita del Carmen) allows you to have a back view. Moreover the walk is bordered by palm trees and flowers. Down below, the rocks are an ideal place for snorkeling and admiring the seabed.

We recommend the Venezuelan restaurant towards the central square : Canaima Bistro – 7 Calle de San Miguel pour déguster les frites de Yucca, Enchilada de poulet, hamburger boeuf, bacon, brie et les frites papas arrugadas un régal !

En remontant le soir vers la place centrale, Plaza de los Pescadores,  nous avons assisté au 16ème festival de Los Mantequillas avec des danseurs en costume folklorique et musiciens avec leur “Canary timple“, c’est un instrument en bois à cordes pincées et en forme de poire… non, ce n’est pas une guitare mais bien un timple.

The beach of Cofete

C’est une des plus belles plages sauvages de l’île avec près de 12km de long, néanmoins pour découvrir cette merveille il vous faudra y aller en voiture (mais qui n’est pas couvert par l’assurance du loueur car c’est une piste).Il est peu recommandé d’y aller avec votre véhicule de location. Comptez environ 45 minutes de trajet.
You can also go to the Cofete beach by bus via line 111 from Morro Jable the journey costs 2€.

Sotavento and its turquoise blue lagoon

This is OUR favorite part of the island, although we present you our road-trip from north to south, Sotavento was our first place of arrival and immediately captivated us by the beauty of this island. Imagine, a fine sandy beach as far as the eye can see that stretches for no less than 9 km, with a lagoon that appears after the high tides it is a paradise for kite-surfers and windsurfers.

A barrier of sand forms and creates a contrast between the lagoon and the heavenly ocean! To see the Sotavento lagoon, please consult the tide schedules of Sotavento here > Schedule Sotavento Lagoon.

Le meilleur point de vue il faut prendre la petite route de terre derrière l’hôtel puis grimper jusqu’au parking en terre dans les hauteurs. La vue est grandiose !

Hotel Sol beach house at Mélia Fuerteventura – Adultes seulement.

We spent a sumptuous night at the hotel Sol Beach house Mélia ClubA quiet and relaxing place with a view of the lagoon with our Deluxe room in the lower part of the hotel. Breakfast is gargantuan with waffles, eggs, cereals, fresh fruit, croissants.

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Culinary specialties of Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura est une île où le nombre d’espèces de poissons est tellement diversifié (plus de 700 espèces) qu’on pourrait manger chaque jour un plat de poissons différents. 

For festive dishes, parrot fish: the spicy Vieja with citrus fruits cooked in the oven or the tasty goat meat à l’étouffée.

As an appetizer, taste the papas arrugadas as on l’ile de Lanzarote des pommes de terre petites et ronde qu’on les fait bouillir dans du sel de mer sans les peler. Elles sont agrémentées de deux sauces typiques, le Mojo Rojo (garlic, chilli pepper vinegar and oil) or Mojo verde (coriander replaces chilli pepper) .

What to bring back from Fuerteventura

L’île regorge de petites boutiques de souvenirs avec des produits à base d’aloe-vera, de cactus, savon au lait de chèvre qu’on trouve dans toutes les îles des Canaries mais la concentration de chèvres est plus importante sur Fuerteventura.

When to go to Fuerteventura

Nous sommes partis à Fuerteventura fin septembre, début Octobre : le soleil et la chaleur étaient au rendez-vous. On peut rarement se tromper car le climat est idéal toute l’année. Voici notre détail par mois du weather forecast in Fuerteventura :

Mois	Jours de Pluie	Heures de soleil /jour	Température	Température Mer
January	3 jours	6 heures	20° C	18°C
Février	3 jours	7 heures	20° C	18° C
Mars	2 jours	7 heures	22° C	17 °C
Avril	2 jours	8 heures	22 °C	17 °C
Mai	0 jours	9 heures	24 °C	18 °C
Juin	0 jours	10 heures	26 °C	20 °C
Juillet	0 jours	11 heures	28 °C	20 °C
Août	0 jours	11 heures	29 °C	21 °C
Septembre	1 jour	8 heures	29 °C	22 °C
Octobre	2 jours	7 heures	26 °C	22 °C
Novembre	4 jours	6 heures	22 °C	20 °C
Décembre	5 jours	6 heures	20 °C	19 °C