Puerto de la Cruz in Fuerteventura is one of the places I enjoyed most during my time on the island. Unlike other towns, life here is simple, far from tourist crowds and large hotel chains.
There are many great things to do in Fuerteventura, but if you have enough time, I encourage you to dedicate at least half a day of your itinerary to discovering the true essence of Majorera and one of the most beautiful towns in Fuerteventura.
If you’re wondering what to see and visit around the famous Puertito de la Cruz, you’ll find all the information you need below.
What is so special about Puertito de la Cruz, Fuerteventura?
Puertito de la Cruz, Fuerteventura, is one of the few places where you can feel as though time has stood still. This town is actually a hamlet with just 30 families, preserving the authentic traditional architecture of a Majorero fishing village.
What is so special about Puertito de la Cruz, Fuerteventura?
Here, there’s no electricity or water supply, which creates a remote and isolated atmosphere. It’s the perfect retreat to disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in local culture. Instead, the residents use a generator to provide electricity to the small houses, and a tanker truck brings drinking water every week—rustic, but effective.
At first glance, you’ll notice the typical terraced houses, one or two stories high, offering spectacular panoramic views of the coast. Getting here is an adventure in itself, with nothing but a dusty road connecting the town to other parts of the island (which I’ll tell you about in detail later). Visiting Puerto de la Cruz is undoubtedly worth it if you’re seeking something different and truly special.
Where is Puerto de la Cruz and how to get there
To reach Puerto de la Cruz, you need to take the single-access path from the town of Morro Jable to Punta de Jandía, which will take you about an hour. While you can navigate this dirt track with no significant difficulty, I suggest driving at a moderate speed, as it’s in average condition.
Along the way, you’ll encounter a few forks leading to some of the most remote beaches on the island’s southern coast. If you’ve opted to rent a car in Fuerteventura, I encourage you to take the time to visit one of them and enjoy the most charming landscapes on the island.
Unfortunately, public transport connections in this area of the Jandía Peninsula are not ideal, so the only way to get there is by car. However, a good alternative is to join this organized tour, which I’ll discuss in the next section.
Buggy tour, the most fun way to reach Puerto de la Cruz, Fuerteventura
If you’re craving an adrenaline rush, I highly recommend taking this buggy tour to reach Puertito de la Cruz. It’s one of the most exciting ways to explore Fuerteventura.
Buggy tour, the most fun way to reach Puerto de la Cruz, Fuerteventura
The tour departs from the Port of Morro Jable, where you’ll receive a theoretical lesson on driving the buggy and interpreting its signals. Additionally, your guide will explain all the safety measures and provide you with dust goggles for a comfortable journey to Puertito de la Cruz.
As you pass through Jandía Natural Park, take in the impressive views and enjoy the local fauna. There’s a good chance you’ll also spot wild goats, sheep, and donkeys along the way. Without a doubt, this is one of the most thrilling excursions in Fuerteventura.
Best things to do in Puertito de la Cruz, Fuerteventura
Now that you know how to get to Puertito de la Cruz, it’s time to discover what to see on your way through this tiny town to make the most out of your time:
Visit the Punta Jandía Lighthouse and its viewpoint
Firstly, the Punta de Jandía Lighthouse is one of the main attractions in Puertito de la Cruz, Fuerteventura. Its most distinctive feature is its location at the southernmost tip of the island. In a way, you could say Fuerteventura “ends” here.
The lighthouse was built in 1864 to guide ships heading to the ports of West Africa. However, today, it has become one of the most famous tourist spots. To be honest, from here, the views are absolutely incredible, offering dreamy panoramas of large cliffs and ravines.
Visit the Punta Jandía Lighthouse and its viewpoint
Moreover, at the base of the lighthouse lies one of the most popular museums in Fuerteventura: the Interpretation Center of Jandía Natural Park. If you’re visiting with children or as a family, this museum is a must-see. It features exhibitions on the seabed and the species inhabiting the Majorera coast. It’s both fascinating and educational.
Personally, I’m passionate about night photography, so we always make sure to spend one night photographing the Milky Way, taking advantage of the perfect conditions Puertito de la Cruz offers, far from light pollution. If you want to capture the best shots of the Majorero sky, this is the place to go.
Enjoy the beach of Puerto de la Cruz, Fuerteventura
The beach of Puerto de la Cruz in Fuerteventura is one of the undisputed jewels of the island. With white sand and an almost untouched landscape, it’s a peaceful place where you can enjoy nature on one of the most beautiful beaches in Fuerteventura.
Enjoy the beach of Puerto de la Cruz, Fuerteventura
Of course, if you enjoy swimming or are traveling with children, be cautious, as the currents can be quite strong and potentially dangerous. Instead, I recommend taking long walks along the shore and letting the sea breeze ruffle your hair.
Try one of the restaurants in Puertito de la Cruz
Beyond its captivating landscapes, there is one main reason why many visitors head to Puertito de la Cruz: the famous fish broth. Although it is one of the typical Canarian dishes, the version here has an especially exquisite flavor that many want to experience (and honestly, I don’t blame them).
While the exact recipe remains a secret, it’s known that the broth is allowed to rest before being served directly from the cauldron in which the fish is cooked. It’s made with potatoes and a generous amount of garlic, which gives it a unique flavor and aroma.
Try one of the restaurants in Puertito de la Cruz
Personally, the experience transported me immediately to my grandmother’s kitchen, bringing back that comforting feeling of being at home. If you want to be part of this authentic ritual, there are several restaurants in Puertito de la Cruz to choose from.
El Caleton, situated right on the beach, offers dining tables on its terrace where you can enjoy the soothing sound of the waves. Meanwhile, Punta de Jandía Restaurant offers a more “formal” atmosphere, though all the local restaurants here are quite simple. Lastly, there’s El Tenderete, which is where we went and were completely enchanted. Regardless of your choice, the gastronomic offerings are quite similar. I encourage you to share in the comments which restaurant you opted for and how it went.
Best things to do near Puertito de la Cruz
By now, you’ve probably finished your fish broth and are ready for more adventures. It’s a great time to explore the surroundings of Puertito de la Cruz in Fuerteventura. Below, I’ve compiled a list of interesting places to see, catering to all tastes:
Visit Morro Jable
Morro Jable is one of the main tourist centers on the island, with a charming fishing atmosphere. It serves as the starting point for the only road leading to El Puertito, Fuerteventura, so you’ll inevitably pass through it. However, I recommend taking a closer look if you still haven’t decided where to stay in Fuerteventura.
Aside from beautiful beaches, Morro Jable boasts a wide range of hotels, shops, and restaurants. It’s also home to some of the most popular clubs in Fuerteventura, so there’s something for everyone. The lively atmosphere along the promenade invites you to take a stroll and immerse yourself in local life.
Morro Jable
Playa del Matorral is one of the busiest beaches on the island and the main beach of the town. It features fine white sand and turquoise waters. Behind it lies the Saladar de Jandía, a protected area with great scientific importance as it houses one of the most unique ecosystems in the world.
However, the star activity here is signing up for this boat tour to spot dolphins in Fuerteventura. Sailing on a boat accompanied by these friendly creatures is one of the most memorable experiences of my trip to the island, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Cofete Beach and Villa Winter
Cofete Beach is another destination you can visit from Puertito de la Cruz. If you want to connect with nature and witness one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Canary Islands, I highly recommend taking this 4×4 jeep tour to reach this remote beach.
Stretching over 7.5 miles, this beach boasts golden sands that are truly a feast for the eyes. If you prefer to admire its beauty from above, head to Mirador de los Canarios, one of the top-rated viewpoints in Fuerteventura, to enjoy its charm from a bird’s-eye perspective.
Cofete Beach and Villa Winter
However, you should keep in mind that the waves here can be quite strong, so it’s not ideal for swimming. Additionally, there are no services available in the area, so if you plan to spend the day at the beach, be sure to bring along all the essentials you’ll need. The largest settlement in the vicinity is Aldea Cofete, a collection of rustic century-old houses without electricity or drinking water.
A great plan is to combine your visit to Playa Cofete with a trip to Villa Winter, one of the most mysterious sites in Majorera culture. During our visit, we met Pedro Fumero, a hermit-like man who has inhabited the house for many years.
Jandia National Park
Jandía Natural Park is a must-visit natural space near Puertito de la Cruz, serving as a refuge for many species of endemic birds and plants. Covering almost 37,000 acres, the park offers a variety of landscapes, including mountains, sand dunes, lagoons, and some of the most spectacular beaches on the Jandía Peninsula.
Jandia National Park
We took this excursion to see the park’s highlights, and it was absolutely amazing. However, you can also plan an itinerary and visit it at your own pace. One of the best ways to explore it is on foot, using one of the many hiking routes in Fuerteventura.
I recommend the trail from Gran Valle to Cofete Beach, offering a combination of nature, history, and impressive landscapes. Another great option is the hike to Pico de la Zarza, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.
Best hotels near El Puertito, Fuerteventura
As you already know, Puerto de la Cruz is a very small town without hotels or accommodations for tourists. Therefore, a good alternative is opting for hotels in Morro Jable, which offer everything you need for a comfortable vacation. Plus, Morro Jable is the closest town to El Puertito. Here are some suggestions for different budgets:
- Luxury accommodation: Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace is one of the few 5-star hotels in Fuerteventura, making it an excellent option for a luxurious vacation. Not only does it have modern rooms and top-notch facilities, but guests can also use the spa for free. It’s also one of the best all-inclusive hotels in Fuerteventura, so you can enjoy a variety of fine restaurants without limitations.
- Mid-range accommodation: Matorral Apartments offer a more affordable alternative. The rooms are spacious enough for large groups, making them ideal for trips with family or friends. The complex has a swimming pool, restaurant, and shops, and the beach is right across the street. It’s no wonder these are the most popular apartments in Morro Jable.
- Budget-friendly accommodation: Palm Garden Apartments offer an affordable option with well-equipped units and comfortable rooms. They are among the best apartments in Jandía, featuring terraces with sea views.
And that wraps up our guide on Puertito de la Cruz, Fuerteventura. If you have any questions or want to share your experience visiting El Puertito, feel free to leave me a comment below. I’d love to hear from you.
Have a wonderful trip!
