Visiting the towns of Fuerteventura allowed me to discover the true spirit of this Canary Island. Beyond the famous beaches and more populated cities, there are other corners of the island where you can immerse yourself in nature, connect to local roots, and enjoy peace and quiet.
There are so many beautiful places to visit in Fuerteventura, particularly along the coast, which is why most tourists miss the charming inland villages of Fuerteventura. We’ve been fortunate enough to travel to the island many times, so we’ve had the chance to experience these lesser-known towns first-hand.
If you’re coming to the island soon and want to take some time to explore the smaller municipalities and villages, this list of the best towns in Fuerteventura is perfect for you. I encourage you to visit them all if you can!
1. El Cotillo, a must-see town in Fuerteventura
First, El Cotillo is one of the most picturesque villages in Fuerteventura, thanks to its fishing traditions and old-fashioned atmosphere. As one of the more popular towns among tourists, El Cotillo has managed to maintain its original essence, so you can enjoy a relaxing time here.
Among the main attractions in El Cotillo, I must mention the historic center, full of narrow streets and white houses reminiscent of the old style. Just a few miles away, you’ll find the Tostón Lighthouse, which has become a cultural icon of Fuerteventura.
1. El Cotillo, a must-see town in Fuerteventura
In addition, El Cotillo is home to some of the best beaches in Fuerteventura, with clear turquoise water, white sand, and mesmerizing sunsets. Some El Cotillo beaches I recommend are Playa de la Concha, which has a convenient central location, and Playa de los Charcos, which is only accessible by car, but has a serene environment.
You should know that the hotels in El Cotillo aren’t the typical complexes you’d find in other parts of the island. Instead, the town has small, apartment-style accommodation, which contributes to the welcoming ambiance. As for food, El Cotillo has some of the top-rated restaurants in Fuerteventura, particularly in the port area, so don’t miss out!
- Recommended accommodation: The Cotillo Ocean View apartments are the perfect home away from home. They’re just a few feet from the beach, although the property has a pool. You can choose between studio and 1- or 2-bedroom apartments, all at very affordable rates.
2. Betancuria, one of the most traditional villages in Fuerteventura
As the island’s former capital, Betancuria is an important town in Fuerteventura that I recommend visiting. Much of the island’s history was established here, so the municipality has a rich historical and cultural heritage.
Betancuria was founded in 1404 by Jean de Bethencourt, whom the town is named after. While escaping from pirate attacks, Bethencourt found refuge in Betancuria’s mountains and abundant vegetation.
2. Betancuria, one of the most traditional villages in Fuerteventura
The first things you’ll notice about this place are its rural architecture, stately atmosphere, and cobblestone streets. At the center of town stands the Church of Santa María de Betancuria, one of the most famous attractions in Betancuria. Over the years, the structure has suffered numerous attacks, so it has undergone several reconstructions, resulting in a unique mix of architectural styles.
Another thing that makes Betancuria one of the best towns in Fuerteventura to visit is its privileged location. Centered at the heart of the island, the town boasts some of the most scenic hiking routes in Fuerteventura, where you can explore the one-of-a-kind environment of Betancuria Natural Park. The Barranco de las Peñitas is the most popular trail, but there are plenty of other exciting routes to choose from.
I also encourage you to visit the Guise y Ayose Viewpoint, where you’ll get amazing panoramic views, especially at sunset.
- Recommended accommodation: Betancuria is one of the few places where you can camp in Fuerteventura, so if you want to immerse yourself in nature, this is where to go. Otherwise, Casa Milagrito is a comfortable and sophisticated accommodation with 2 bedrooms and a kitchen.
3. Puertito de la Cruz, another charming village in Fuerteventura
Puertito de la Cruz is among the prettiest villages in Fuerteventura, so I highly recommend it. This town is quite special, boasting an isolated location on the Jandía Peninsula, which has allowed it to stand the test of time.
As a testament to this, the village has no electricity or potable drinking water, and to get there, you must drive along a poorly maintained, unpaved road. However, it’s well worth it if you’re looking for an authentic island experience.
3. Puertito de la Cruz, another charming village in Fuerteventura
Here, you can visit the Jandía Lighthouse, one of the top attractions in Jandía, although there are lots of other cool things to do in Puertito de la Cruz. For example, you can enjoy the sea breeze while feasting on fresh fish or explore some of the best beaches in Jandía. The nearby area is full of pristine beaches surrounded by dramatic cliffs, creating a breathtaking color contrast. This environment lends itself well to watersports like kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Again, Puertito de la Cruz is an isolated village, so you can’t get there by public transportation. Rather, you’ll have to get a Fuerteventura rental car and navigate the area on your own. On the plus side, you can take advantage of your rental car to visit other attractive towns like Morro Jable or the incredible Cofete Beach, both of which are about 40 minutes away.
If you don’t want to drive, no worries. This buggy tour includes hotel pick-up in several towns and will let you discover Puertito de la Cruz in just a couple of hours.
- Recommended accommodation: There aren’t any hotels in Puertito de la Cruz, but the nearby villages have some of the best places to stay in Fuerteventura. In Morro Jable, the Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace is one of the few 5-star hotels in Fuerteventura. For something cheaper, check out the Apartamentos Matorral, also in Morro Jable.
4. Corralejo, another one of the best towns in Fuerteventura
Corralejo is one of the main towns in Fuerteventura, but it still maintains its old roots as a former fishing village. Located on the northeastern coast, Corralejo is where many tours depart from, as well as the ferry from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote or Isla de Lobos.
Of course, it’s worth getting to know the town itself, with its shoreline, town center, and various activities. You can’t visit this town without seeing the Grandes Playas or the Great Beaches of Corralejo. This is where you’ll find the best Corralejo beaches, like the family-friendly Bajo Negro Beach and El Pozo, where you can practice watersports.
4. Corralejo, another one of the best towns in Fuerteventura
Another can’t-miss attraction is the vast expanse of the Great Dunes of Corralejo, which you can explore on this buggy excursion.
Back in town, there are all kinds of fun things to do in Corralejo, from shopping and dining to partying at some of the most popular clubs in Fuerteventura. However, if you prefer something more laid-back, I suggest taking a stroll along the Bristol Promenade or checking out the town’s old windmills.
- Recommended accommodation: There are lots of hotel options in Corralejo, such as the Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort, one of the best all-inclusive hotels in Fuerteventura. Alternatively, the Apartamentos Hesperia Bristol Playa has some of the top-rated apartments in Fuerteventura. For large groups, consider renting a villa in Corralejo.
5. Ajuy, one of the most beautiful towns in Fuerteventura
Ajuy is another town to visit in Fuerteventura, especially if you’re looking for a more intimate location. This village has just 150 inhabitants and is home to one of the island’s most impressive natural wonders: the Ajuy Caves.
The caves are known as one of just 150 sites in the world with the greatest geological value, so I highly recommend checking them out. In addition to admiring the caves’ beauty, you can learn about the legends and stories surrounding this place. For example, the Ajuy Caves served as a hidden treasure spot and salt workers’ home in ancient times. We discovered all that and more on this excursion, which I highly recommend.
5. Ajuy, one of the most beautiful towns in Fuerteventura
On the other hand, walking to the caves is an experience in itself, as you’ll get up close to the 130-foot-tall cliffs and some of the most beautiful natural pools in Fuerteventura. My favorite is the Charcones de Ajuy, where you can cool off in the tranquil waters while the ocean surges against the lagoon’s rocky barrier.
If you’re a beach lover, you must go to Ajuy Beach to stroll on its black sands and swim in its calm waters. From the shore, you can see the residents’ white and blue houses; it’s a postcard-worthy scene!
- Recommended accommodation: Apartamento Ajuy is ideal for those who want to experience the true essence of the Majorera island. The property is in the heart of Ajuy and has a terrace with mountain views, a cozy living room, and a kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave.
6. Gran Tarajal, a Fuerteventura town by the sea
Gran Tarajal is the main town in the municipality of Tuineje, in the south-central area of Fuerteventura. In addition to being a commercial hub on the island, the area is known for having the best urban beach in Fuerteventura with Blue Flag distinction.
Gran Tarajal is a hidden gem, and its location off the beaten track means very few tourists come here. Yet, this is one of the most authentic villages in Fuerteventura, boasting stunning scenery, historic structures, and a lively fishing harbor.
6. Gran Tarajal, a Fuerteventura town by the sea
The town’s black sand beach is flanked by a mountain on one side and the harbor’s breakwater on the other, so the waves here are nice and calm. Over at the port, you can walk along the dock to admire the water, boats, and the painted walls of the Murales Di Grand Tarajal.
The town center is home to the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria church and a huge whale skeleton that serves as a designated stop on the Senda de los Cetáceos, an initiative dedicated to whale conservation. There is no shortage of restaurants here, so you’ll eat well, especially if you’re a fan of fresh fish and seafood.
Just outside Gran Tarajal, you’ll find other interesting sites, like El Cuchillete, a reconstruction of the 18th-century Battle of Gran Tarajal; La Entallada Lighthouse, which is perched on a 650-foot-tall cliff; and the coastal hamlet of Las Playitas.
- Recommended accommodation: Fuerteventura in Loft has clean and modern apartments with fully-equipped kitchens, so you can make yourself right at home. If you’re traveling as a family or larger group, consider the Playitas Hotel – Sports Resort. It has five pools, a spa, two restaurants, and facilities for basketball, badminton, and golf.
7. La Oliva, one of the most popular towns in Fuerteventura
Another interesting municipality on the island is La Oliva. This is the northern region and includes natural attractions like Lobos Island and Corralejo Natural Park. However, I want to focus on the town of La Oliva, which is located right in the heart of the municipality.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best towns to visit in Fuerteventura, thanks to its mountain scenery and wealth of dining options. Despite its small size, La Oliva has more cafes and restaurants than any other destination on the island, so it’s the ideal place for foodies.
7. La Oliva, one of the most popular towns in Fuerteventura
In addition, the town is surrounded by two of Fuerteventura’s most representative volcanoes: the mystical Tindaya Mountain and the Arena Volcano. If you’re looking for some excursions in Fuerteventura, I highly recommend taking a tour to discover these volcanoes’ craters, rock carvings, landscapes, flora, and fauna.
Back in town, don’t miss historic buildings like the Church of Our Lady of Candelaria, one of the largest churches on the island with a spectacular bell tower. There are other stately structures as well, some of which have been converted into important museums. You can visit the Casa de los Coroneles to see the beautiful 18th-century architecture or the Casa de la Cilla to learn about the island’s agricultural history and evolution.
- Recommended accommodation: Casa del Cuartel is a highly rated rural home where you can take some time to relax and unwind. It can accommodate up to 6 people, so you can come here with family or friends.
8. Puertito de Los Molinos, a village in Fuerteventura with a special charm
Puertito de Los Molinos is another small village in Fuerteventura, and if you thought Ajuy was tiny, you’re in for a surprise. Puertito de Los Molinos has about 20 inhabitants, so it’s one of the most charming and authentic places you can visit.
Despite being just a blip on the island, the town offers ample activities and attractions. For instance, the Mirador de los Molinos is the perfect spot to enjoy panoramic views of the coast, so bring your camera. The viewpoint is at the end of the beach, less than 1,000 feet from the town center. If you’re up for a longer walk, you can follow the path to Playa de Jarugo, which is about 6 miles long and winds past impressive cliffs.
8. Puertito de Los Molinos, a village in Fuerteventura with a special charm
The main attraction of Puertito de Los Molinos is the Herminia Cave, a fascinating geological formation that’s only accessible twice a year. If you want to see it, you must visit during the “Mareas del Pino” (Pino tides) in September, when the sea is calm enough to allow people inside without posing a risk. There are various caves along the way, but the Herminia Cave is the best of all since you can enter its interior and gaze out at the town and sea.
Finally, Puertito de Los Molinos only has two restaurants, but they’re both excellent establishments that uphold the village’s Canarian customs and fishing tradition. Both of them have delicious menus that will give you a taste of typical Canarian cuisine.
- Recommended accommodation: There aren’t any hotels in Puertito de Los Molinos, but you can stay in one of the nearby towns. Villa Cecilio is about 7 miles away in Tefía and is a lovely small hotel with rooms with private jacuzzis. About 12 miles away, in Tindaya, the Tindaya Nature Home Ocean View is a top-rated boutique hotel where every room has a private patio and mountain views.
9. Lajares, a Fuerteventura town surrounded by volcanoes
Lajares stands out from other inland villages in Fuerteventura thanks to its blend of tradition and modernity, giving it a livelier atmosphere. The coastal town has a surfer vibe with lots of bohemian bars, picturesque cafes, and even a skate park.
In addition, the village hosts various artisan workshops, and on weekends, locals and tourists come together for the Saturday morning market. Over in the main square, you can visit the Hermitage of San Antonio de Padua, a relic built back in the 18th century.
9. Lajares, a Fuerteventura town surrounded by volcanoes
That said, the mill and watermill are the most popular attractions in town. The mill features a circular construction with several floors, while the one-story watermill revolutionized the production process for making gofio, a type of grain flour. The mills are next to each other, just a 10-minute walk from the town center.
Now, if you enjoy hiking, you must visit the Calderón Hondo Volcano. This hiking route will take you to the crater of one of the Bayuyo volcanoes, which date back 50,000 years and are excellently preserved. The views from up there are amazing, and you can see the entire Fuerteventura coast. If you don’t feel confident enough to hike on your own, you can take this guided tour.
- Recommended accommodation: Stay in one of the best villas in Fuerteventura; it’s the perfect option if you want to rest after a long hike. I like the Villa Arriba, which has 3 bedrooms, a dining area, and a kitchen with a microwave, toaster, and coffee maker. There is also a pool surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas.
10. Pájara, another breathtaking town in Fuerteventura
Finally, Pájara is another beautiful village in Fuerteventura with a picturesque historic center. Here, you can appreciate traditional Canarian architecture up close, with several well-preserved white houses. The area’s cobblestone streets create a postcard-worthy scene you’ll remember forever.
You should also visit La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Regla. Built in 1687, the church is a town symbol with a façade adorned with animal silhouettes inspired by Aztec symbolism.
10. Pájara, another breathtaking town in Fuerteventura
In the surrounding area, you’ll find a variety of activities to keep you entertained, no matter your interests. For panoramic views of the volcanoes in the distance, head to the Mirador Risco de las Peñitas, just 5 miles away. About 7 miles away, the Centro de Interpretación de Los Molinos has interesting information about the windmills that dot the Majorero landscape.
Also nearby, the Gayría Volcano is a protected area where you can go birdwatching. I highly recommend it, especially if you like to hike. Just keep in mind that it’s only open from August to March.
- Recommended accommodation: Located just half a mile from the town center, Casa Rural Andresito is a modern vacation home where you can spend a few dreamy days enjoying the lovely landscape. Along with a terrace, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a luxurious living room, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Map of towns in Fuerteventura
Now that you know which Fuerteventura towns to visit, all that’s left to do is plan your itinerary. Here is a map to help you easily locate each village and plot your route.
That’s it from me, but I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment with your favorite villages in Fuerteventura or any questions you still have.
Have a nice time in Fuerteventura!
