Some Tips for First-Timer ~ Fuerteventura

by Tsvete Popp
Cloudy sky reflecting in tidal pools on a beach in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain.

Hello! Today I’ll share with you some of my tips for first-timer in Fuerteventura and my personal favourites to see. The most important thing to do when arriving in Fuerteventura is to rent a car. The second tip – rent a car online – best time 2-3 weeks before arriving, it is much cheaper! Without a car, you would be more or less “lost”. But if you want to stay in the hotel for the whole time of your visit – do not rent a car… Another important thing is the car insurance – make sure that you get an all-in insurance because many of the roads are unsecured and you probably won’t be happy to pay for the car damages from your own pocket! Let’s continue with my favourite places to visit:

Parque Rural de Betancuria

 

Overcast mountain landscape in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain.

Parque Rural de Betancuria, Morro Velosa Statues View

It is absolutely recommendable to drive through Parque Rural de Betancuria! With its 165 km², it covers around 10% of Fuerteventura and is the oldest landscape of the Canary Islands. The landscape park is less strict protected than a natural park, which is why a traditional settlement and agriculture are approved. The mountain area has a rare flora of mosses, lichens and shrubs.

Scenic valley in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain with rocky hills and green vegetation.

Parque Rural de Betancuria, Morro Velosa Statues View

 

There are many panoramic viewpoints and numerous parking lots along the FV-30 road – you can just stop and enjoy the view of the mountains and the Atlantic.  In the park’s north, you can probably find the most beautiful view over the former capital of Fuerteventura – Betancuria.

 

Betancuria

Bird of Paradise flower in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain, with lush vegetation.

Red hibiscus flower in lush greenery, Fuerteventura Canary Islands, Spain.

Betancuria is for me the most beautiful small town in Fuerteventura and it was the first capital in the past. With its population of ca 800 people, it is the smallest community in Fuerteventura and among all Canary Islands.

 

Pink hibiscus flowers and palm trees in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain.

Betancuria

 

Historic church with a palm tree in Betancuria, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain.

Betancuria

 

Tip: Visit “Casa Santa Maria”! My recommendation is to order their homemade apple strudel and one of the best cappuccinos I have ever had! Don’t forget to walk inside the restaurant – its interior is absolutely amazing and unique!

 

Charming village street with whitewashed buildings in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain.

Betancuria

 

Jamón legs hanging in a rustic restaurant in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands.

“Casa Santa Maria”

 

Elegant coffee cup with foam on a red tablecloth, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain.

“Casa Santa Maria”

Casa Santa María restaurant entrance in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain.

Elegant dining table with Moroccan decor in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain restaurant.

Cozy rustic restaurant interior in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain with stone walls.

Rustic dining room with stone walls and artistic decor in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands.

Punta Guadalupe

 

My personal favourite was the experience at Punta Guadalupe located at the end of La Pared. This is the best place to feel the power of the ocean and its wilderness. The dominating thunder sound of the waves makes oneself small and meaningless when facing our Mother Nature. Go and feel some overwhelming respect for the ocean mastery!

Rocky coastline with waves and blue sky in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain.

A person stands on a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands.

Hiker on a rocky coastal cliff in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands overlooking the ocean.

Scenic coastline of Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain with turquoise waves and cliffs.

Woman sitting on rocky coastline with ocean view in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain.

Rocky coastal beach in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain with cliffs and ocean waves.

La Pared Beach

Rugged sandstone cliffs under blue sky in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain.

La Pared Beach

 

Playa de Barca, Lagoon Beach

 

I was absolutely lucky to have a Hotel (Melia Gorriones) in Fuerteventura at Barca Beach in the week before and during the Full Moon Phase! Because of the fact that I haven’t seen something like this before, made the Full Moon Phase my personal highlight in Fuerteventura! The beach lagoon of Sotavento is ca 4km long area that looks absolutely different according to the different moon phases. The flux and reflux shape the landscape depending on the full moon and the new moon phase.

 

Palm trees and flowers frame a beach with kitesurfers in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands.

Lush tropical garden overlooking the beach in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain.

Vibrant pink bougainvillea and palm trees in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain.

Cloudy sky reflecting in tidal pools on a beach in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain.

The first time when I walked through Playa de Barca I couldn’t even imagine that the desert alike area may look absolutely different in only 4 days! But it happened – overnight the large sandy surface was transformed into a big lagoon filled with water! The unique wind and lagoon condition makes this beach just perfect for the wind and kite surfers. And probably, therefore, the Windsurfing and Kite Boarding World Cup takes place for more than 30 years here. Have you already seen something like this? I’m absolutely curious to learn more about these phenomena 🙂

 

Scenic lagoon reflecting clouds and sky in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain.

Enjoy the day!


Cloud reflections on water in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain under a bright sky.