Day Trips to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote

Among the islands of the archipelago, Fuerteventura is the closest to Africa. It is famous for its desert landscape, ravines and long beaches with a wild charm. If you stay at least 5 days in Lanzarote, it is worth booking an excursion to the southern island.

There is a lot to see and do in Lanzarote, but the trip is very short (about half an hour) and with a guided tour you won't waste time planning your itinerary.

A complete route that in little more than half a day touches the main attractions of the island.

Normally a bus will pick you up from your hotel in Lanzarote. Afterwards you cross the sea chute by ferry and get on another bus to continue the excursion, already in Fuerteventura. The main stops are:

• Finca de Aloe Vera, where this precious plant with thousands of beneficial effects is cultivated. It is very resistant, as it manages to grow in an environment that is hostile to most vegetation.

• Goat cheese farm. Although goats of the Majorero breed live on all the islands of the archipelago, they are native to Fuerteventura. Their milk is used to make a Denomination of Origin cheese that stands out for its acidic and slightly spicy flavour. You will visit a traditional farm and have the opportunity to taste some types (in some cases accompanied by a glass of white wine).

• Betancuria, the town founded by the Frenchman Jean de Bethencourt. Its origins date back to 1404, when a first expedition arrived in Fuerteventura from Normandy. One of the first buildings they erected was the Church of Santa María. Nowadays it is one of the most beautiful villages on the island.

• Mirador de los Reyes, a panoramic viewpoint with the statues of Ayose (King of Jandía) and Guise (King of Maxorata). Before the arrival of the Spaniards, power was divided in Fuerteventura.

• Pájara, a tiny village in the south of Fuerteventura. Its icon is the Church of the Virgen de la Regla, a temple decorated with iconographic elements apparently inspired by Aztec art. A real mystery...

• Antigua, perhaps the most beautiful town on the island. Apart from the perfectly preserved old town, it is known for the Castillo de Fuste on the coast.

• Puerto del Rosario. Before returning to Corralejo, the routes usually pass through this town, which is the largest on the island. It is also the capital and has a wide range of leisure activities.

After leaving Puerto del Rosario, the bus will take you to the Corralejo Dunes. As the name suggests, these are high sand dunes that characterise the landscape. The site is much appreciated by film directors as well as surfers. The swell and the wind are always intense. At the end of the stage, you take the ferry back to Playa Blanca.

Practical information

• Duration: between 9 and 10 hours
• Price: about 60 €.

In an environment as extreme as Fuerteventura, an off-road vehicle is the ideal means of transport. You'll be able to get off the beaten track to see the wild side of the island up close.

Normally, these routes start with a bus that picks you up from your hotel in Lanzarote (or a nearby point) and accompanies you to the port of Playa Blanca.

The groups are usually composed of a maximum of 8 people and the off-road vehicles go to the following points:

• Volcanoes. In the north of Fuerteventura are the craters of Bayuyo and Calderón Hondo.
• La Oliva, the old capital of the island. Its most emblematic buildings are the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria and the Casa del Inglés, what remains of a former residence of the agricultural bourgeoisie.
• Tindaya, the sacred mountain. In the past, magical-religious rituals and cave engravings known as podomorphs were performed here. The orientation of the mountain allows the growth of plant species such as the "cuernúa" or "dog's tooth". All-terrain vehicles drive up to the summit from the village of the same name, which is located at the foot of the mountain.
• El Cotillo, a fishing village that is becoming a new tourist destination on Fuerteventura. Its landmarks are the lighthouse and the Castillo del Tostón, both on the coast. A stop is planned near Los Charcos, a natural swimming pool in the northern part of the village.

The price includes lunch in a traditional restaurant. At the end of the experience, the driver will take you back to Corralejo, where you will take the ferry to Lanzarote.

Practical information

• Duration: between 3 and 4 hours
• Price: around 30 €.

The Islote de Lob os is located between Punta del Papagayo and the north coast of Fuerteventura. It occupies a small area (less than 5 square kilometres) and is a simply marvellous place.

Its most famous spot is La Concha beach, which is crescent-shaped and characterised by shallow, crystal-clear waters.

It's a perfect place if you're travelling with your children, as they can play in peace and quiet or take up snorkelling. By the way, in case you are looking for activities for the younger ones, I recommend you to read the post about the 10 things to do in Lanzarote with children.

To get here you will have to take a ferry from Playa Blanca to Corralejo and then a water taxi to the islet of Lobos.

Don't worry, all these journeys are included in the total cost (also a bus from your hotel to the port of Playa Blanca).

Practical information

• Duration: about 6 hours
• Price: between 50 € and 60 €.

The Natural Park of the Corralejo Dunes is a typical postcard of the desert: high hills of fine sand ending in the ocean.

The excursion starts in Playa Blanca in the south of Lanzarote. After disembarking at the port of Corralejo, an air-conditioned vehicle will take you to the park. Being a protected area, you are not allowed to climb the dunes, but you will have time to take some panoramic photos.

The buggy tours usually start a few kilometres further on and pass through rural areas and the volcanic area of Villaverde. This is a vehicle that gives its best in rough terrain: the lightweight chassis and large tyres are synonymous with fun and adrenaline-filled driving.

Before the end of the experience there is usually a final stage in the village of Parque Holandés. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy some tapas.

You can also do this kind of activity without having to go to Fuerteventura. In this case, I recommend you read the post about buggy excursions in Lanzarote.

Practical information

• Duration: 10 hours
• Price: just over 100 €.

In 2009 the island of Fuerteventura was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. In addition to surfing, Fuerteventura is famous for its extreme landscapes, with large areas of desert, whipped by the winds coming from the Sahara. An electric bike or e-bike is the perfect mode of transport to see it.

You don't have to be an expert mountain biker to do this tour - pedal-assist is a great ally, but you should be used to riding on dirt (and in some cases sandy) roads.

After taking a ferry from the south coast of Lanzarote you will arrive in Corralejo, a tourist destination known for its nightlife, water sports and dunes, a real desert that ends in the ocean.

From there you can take a guided route of about 45 kilometres that takes you to the following locations:

• Bayuyo Volcanoes, a set of volcanic cones that follow a straight line.
• Calderón Hondo, Fuerteventura's most famous volcano. Access to its crater is quite easy and once there you can enjoy a panorama that reaches as far as Lanzarote and the island of Lobos. By the way, if you love nature walks and volcanoes, I recommend you to read the article about the best tours in Timanfaya.
• El Cotillo, a typical fishing village. Here a stop is planned so you can enjoy a refreshing swim. If you are a bit hungry, you can have something to eat at the Chiringuito el Muellito (Calle Gran Canaria 86) or other bars nearby.

After the break you start your way back to Corralejo following the north coast. You will pass natural beaches such as Majanicho and Bajo de la Burra. Once in the harbour, the only thing left to do is to catch the ferry back to Lanzarote.

Practical information

• Duration: 10 hours or a little more
• Price: about 90 € (includes return ferry trip)

Yes, a regular ferry service connects the two islands. You can choose between three companies:

• Naviera Armas, a company with more than a century of history. It has two routes to the island of Fuerteventura: Arrecife - Puerto del Rosario (2 hours and a half sailing) and Playa Blanca - Corralejo (just over half an hour).
• Fred Olsen, a company that has opted for the latest generation of fast ferries. It connects Playa Blanca and Corralejo and the journey takes approximately half an hour.
• Líneas Romero, also focuses on the route between Playa Blanca and Corralejo. This company also offers regular trips from Lanzarote to the nearby island of La Graciosa (Caleta del Sebo). If you are interested, I recommend you to read the post about day trips to La Graciosa from Lanzarote.

As for the fares, they depend on your means of transport. The price goes up if you take your car, motorbike or caravan on board. On average, if you're travelling on foot you'll have to pay between €20 and €40.

Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are separated by a narrow stretch of sea. If your hotel, B&B or rental house is in the southern part of the island, getting to the other side is quite easy.

However, if you are staying in Arrecife or in the north of Lanzarote, it is more complicated and an organised excursion is a recommended option.

The bus usually picks you up at your accommodation and takes you to the port of Playa Blanca. There you take a ferry to Corralejo (the main destination). In addition, the economic factor is relevant. Packages guarantee low prices and often also lunch.

It depends. If your car is rented, in most cases you won't be able to do it. Normally, the agencies do not allow transfers from island to island.

There may be exceptions but I recommend that you check at the time of booking. However, if you travel with your own car, this is not a problem.

Corralejo is the main tourist destination in Fuerteventura and in many cases, the excursions include a little time to explore it on your own. For this reason, here are a few suggestions for you to enjoy this stage:

• Fish market: it has been recently renovated and has a bar that prepares recipes with very fresh fish. You will recognise it by the exterior drawings depicting turtles and other sea creatures (Avenida Marítima s/n).
• Beaches: since you can't go too far from the centre, you can enjoy the beaches of Vista Lobos, del Medio and Las Clavelinas.
• Tapeo: among the best bars I can mention Land of Freedom (Avenida Nuestra Señora del Carmen - Centro Comercial Las Palmeras), Kactus Café (Calle La Iglesia 16), 13 Bistrot & Tapas (Calle La Iglesia 13) and Tuxedo (Avenida Nuestra Señora del Carmen - Centro Comercial Las Palmeras).
• Aloe vera: it is produced in the archipelago and in Corralejo there are usually some stalls near the beaches. You can buy gels, soaps, creams and much more.