Untouched nature, outrageously beautiful beaches, and heart-eyes little towns: the very best of Fuerte
Ah, home sweet home!
Fuerteventura is Sto Gran Tour’s home base, the place we work from every day to organize and lead the most incredible tours in every corner of the world. But with all the spectacular things we have here on our little island, there was no way we could miss the chance to put together a great 8-day itinerary right here in Fuerteventura.
After all, who better than us? We know this island inside out.
How about setting off for Fuerte with Sto Gran Tour too?
If your answer is a big yes, amazing! Book your spot on the island’s next tour. If, on the other hand, you need a little extra convincing, here’s an overview of the 7 things to see in Sto Gran Tour’s home.
Read also: A night in a real igloo + the northern lights: the unbeatable combo on our Lapland tour
Because when it comes to Fuerteventura, nature is more than just a word
A trip to Fuerteventura is, above all, about nature — lots of unspoiled nature — and it’s so spectacular it might make you cry your eyes out when you finally head back home.
There are tons of amazing places to explore, but if we really have to recommend just a few, here’s our top 4.
The Corralejo Dunes Reserve
The Corralejo Dunes Natural Park is absolutely stunning: kilometers of fine white sand dunes, constantly shaped and reshaped by the wind.
This reserve covers almost 27 square kilometers and is packed with gorgeous little beaches, some perhaps a bit more touristy (the ones in the northern part of the park), others much wilder, especially in the southern area. But they all share one thing in common: breathtakingly clear water.
Sotavento Lagoon
Then there’s Sotavento Lagoon, which looks like it came straight out of a dream. This incredible beach changes its face with the tides, turning into a series of natural pools, with strips of golden sand and turquoise water so beautiful it makes you wonder whether you’re still on Earth.
It’s all thanks to the tides, which continuously alter the sea level and constantly transform the look of the area. So when you’re standing there admiring the lagoon, you can proudly say you’re the first person — and the last — to have seen it in that exact state.
Calderón Hondo
Fuerte even has its very own volcano! Actually, it has quite a few, but the most famous of them all is Calderón Hondo.
No worries: today it’s no longer active, which means you can admire all its beauty, including from inside the crater, thanks to the viewing platform at the top. But the most spectacular sight from up here is something else entirely: the panorama over northern Fuerteventura and even, in the distance, the shores of Lanzarote, Fuerte’s little sister.
To enjoy this view, you’ll need to walk for about an hour from the foot of Calderón up to the summit, but it’s absolutely worth it, trust us!
The island of sea wolves
From Calderón Hondo — or even from the Corralejo Dunes Park — if you look toward the northeast, you can spot a tiny little island: Isla de Los Lobos, or the Island of Wolves.
And what do wolves have to do with the Canary Islands?
Well, the name refers to sea wolves, but not the kind you’re thinking of, like Christopher Columbus or James Cook...
In Spanish, though, “sea wolves” refers to sea lions, which were once extremely numerous on this small island. Later, local fishermen became convinced that these animals were eating too much fish and threatening the area’s fishing grounds, so they started wiping them out.
In short, one of those terrible things that humans are sadly so good at doing.
In any case, this island is absolutely incredible, stunningly beautiful. If you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to hop over and visit it.
Little towns unlike any you’ve ever seen before
Nature is Fuerte’s greatest strength, but the towns scattered across the island are no joke either — they’re seriously beautiful in their own right.
Here are the most beautiful ones to visit, the kind of places you really don’t want to miss.
Betancuria
Located in the central part of the island, Betancuria is, in every sense, the cultural capital of Fuerte, a tiny village of just over 700 inhabitants tucked away in the mountains that looks like it came straight from the mind of a truly gifted artist. It’s so spectacular that words hardly do it justice: you’ll understand when you come with us to visit this little gem.
In the past, it was the capital of the archipelago and, centuries ago, it was even the capital of a sort of independent state: the Bishopric of Betancuria. We won’t tell you the whole story, but it’s enough to know that this diocese was founded in the 14th century during the Great Schism, when there were two popes each claiming to be the one true pontiff.
Eventually, the whole mess ended, and the winner of the dispute decided to suppress the bishopric. End of story.
The capital of Fuerteventura
We’ll be honest: Puerto del Rosario, compared to the beauty of Betancuria, may not leave you speechless — but then again, Betancuria sets the bar very high. Because when all is said and done, Fuerte’s capital still has plenty to offer.
The city feels almost like an open-air museum, with around fifty sculptures scattered through the streets, turning every corner into an art gallery. And its lively markets and local craft shops help tell the story of Canarian culture.
History lovers, in particular, will find plenty to enjoy here: every building has a story to tell, another piece in the puzzle that makes up the unique identity of the heart of Fuerteventura.
Read also: Holi Festival in India: the wildest, most incredible chaos you’ll ever see!
El Cotillo and the Tostón Lighthouse
El Cotillo is a picturesque fishing village where time seems to have stood still.
The town’s biggest draw is the surrounding coastline, dotted with breathtaking beaches with crystal-clear waters and fine sand, perfect for surfing but also for a bit of pure relaxation.
A few kilometers from town stands El Tostón, a lighthouse that in itself isn’t anything wildly unusual: the classic white-and-red striped lighthouse you can easily picture. But the view from the coastline where it stands is absolutely incredible, which is why we always stop there during our Fuerte tours.
