The best of Fuerteventura: 8 things to see and do

Once a tiny fishing settlement, Corralejo is now a vibrant town with a plethora of activities to keep you entertained. Be it diving and scuba diving, mountain bike riding or dolphin-watching, there’s something for everyone. The narrow lanes that radiate from the harbour and the broad main street, Nuestra Señora del Carmen, are filled with cafés, bars and shops.

Part of the Parque Natural de Corralejo, the breathtaking El Jable Dunes sweep as far as the eye can see. With the dunes on one side and the crashing turquoise waves on the other, the route through this unforgettable landscape is an experience like no other.

An abandoned farming settlement, Ecomuseo La Alcogida allows visitors to step back in time and see how rural life was lived, and what farming methods were used, during the last century. You can watch people demonstrating pulled-thread embroidery, basket-work, leather-work and weaving and try their home-made aniseed bread.

Betancuria is a little jewel of a town, with scarcely a corner that is not picturesque. Founded in the 15th-century, visitors can still see the remains of the Franciscan Convento de San Buenaventura that was set up to introduce the natives to Christianity. Walk through the cobbled streets to the lovely Iglesia de Santa María and adjoining Museo de Arte Sacra, which house a wealth of treasures that illuminate the island’s rich cultural history. Visiting this amazing town is definitely one of the best things to do in Fuerteventura...

The pretty village of Pájara is an unmissable stop on your tour of the island. Palms and oleanders line the main street leading to the church of Nuestra Señora de la Regla, famous for its red sandstone doorway, carved with symbols that appear to be Aztec-influenced, including a figure with a plumed feather headdress.

The long white beaches of Costa Calma are among the best on the island. These are the sandy idylls that Fuerteventura are famed for and you’d be doing yourself a great disservice if you didn’t take a day or two to relax on them. The adjoining resort towns are bustling hubs with plenty of eating and drinking opportunities.

The Oasis Park Fuerteventura is an evergreen attraction and an enjoyable day out for all the family. The park features camels, giraffes, reptiles, sea lions, parrots and birds of prey, as well as an impressive botanical garden. The park also offers an unforgettable camel safari, where visitors can explore the amazing wildlife and from behind a hump.

If you’re a music lover, there’s no better way to while away the evening than with a cold drink and a live band. Corralejo and El Cotillo have the best reputation for rock, pop and jazz – posters and flyers in the resorts will tell you what’s on where. Corralejo’s best-known live music venue is the Rock Island Bar. El Almacén often has jazz, rock or guitar music on Friday nights.