These hotels in Fuerteventura are made for living the island, not just visiting it. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this Canary Island has everything you could want for a slow, indulgent escape by the Atlantic. All you need is a week and a calm mindset. But what to do on the “Majorera” (a nickname derived from the majos, the island’s ancient aboriginal inhabitants) in seven days? Here are some ideas.
Day 1: arrival in Fuerteventura and first impressions
Welcome to the island of wind
Your journey begins upon arrival at El Matorral Airport. While a transfer could take you directly to your hotel, renting a car is the best way to move freely and at your own pace. Once settled, check in at one of the island’s finest beaches. Stay at Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace, a five-star hotel you’ll always want to return to, and start feeling the magic of the island of wind from Playa de Jandía.
Sunset at Playa de la Barca
In Fuerteventura, even the simplest plans become unforgettable. A walk along the shore at dusk, followed by a light dinner of local products, is enough to connect with the destination. The island greets visitors with a vibrant sky in every season. On the table, don’t miss queso majorero, papas arrugadas con mojo, and Canarian wine. Just twenty minutes from Jandía, in Costa Calma, Playa de la Barca is famed for its sunsets.
Day 2: Corralejo dunes and sea
A morning among dunes and ocean
Iberostar Waves Gaviotas Park is one of the best family hotels in Fuerteventura for exploring the island’s natural landscapes. With a water park on site and a prime location, it offers easy access for family excursions. Spend the morning at Corralejo Natural Park, where a barefoot walk across its astonishingly white sand leads to a swim at pristine beaches such as Bajo Negro or El Médano.
An afternoon in Corralejo: surf spirit and bohemian cafés
After a leisurely lunch with sea views, slow the pace even more by immersing yourself in Corralejo’s surfer atmosphere and bohemian cafés. A stroll through the town reveals artisan shops and the essence of coastal life. And at sunset? Punta Elena and Playa Bristol, each inspiring in its own way, are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Day 3: the rural north (La Oliva, Tindaya, and traditions)
Exploring the Majorera essence in La Oliva
Set out from the All-Inclusive hotels in Fuerteventura to experience the island’s true essence. Along the way, keep in mind a few tips to help reduce the carbon footprint of your holiday. Begin a day trip through the rural north in the village of La Oliva, stopping at the Casa de los Coroneles and, if your visit falls on the right day, the Saturday Market. Finish with an easy walk to the Vallebrón viewpoint, a trail accessible to all levels, where wide-open views reward the journey.
Tindaya Mountain: spirituality and landscape
Sacred since the days of the mahos or majoreros, Tindaya Mountain is steeped in spirituality, telluric energy, and legends. Once used as an astronomical observatory, it later became known as the “witches’ mountain” for the rituals held there after the arrival of the Spanish. While climbing to the summit requires permission, the circular trail around its base offers an easy hike. This mystical experience is especially well-suited to Fuerteventura’s calm autumn days.
Dinner at a local farm with kilometer-zero products
To further connect with the island’s authenticity, set aside one evening for a farm-to-table dinner featuring traditional Canarian dishes made with kilometer-zero products. Specialties such as sancocho canario, watercress stew, arepas, gofio escaldado, and tollos reflect the island’s identity. For dessert, indulge in bienmesabe, frangollo, or Príncipe Alberto.
Day 4: slow life in El Cotillo
Beach, reading, and calm in El Cotillo
Did you know Fuerteventura has been recognized as one of the world’s top LGBTQ+ destinations? Embrace its diversity while losing yourself in a book in El Cotillo, a small fishing village surrounded by lagoons, cliffs, and coves where freedom drifts with the wind. Beaches like La Concha, Los Charcos, and Los Lagos—ideal for practicing the slow-life philosophy—will become your personal haven of peace.
An afternoon of lighthouse views and volcanic rocks
Hotels in Fuerteventura open the way to dreamlike coastal scenery. Near El Cotillo stands the Tostón Lighthouse, an idyllic spot surrounded by black volcanic rock. Continue the day at a relaxed pace, strolling its surroundings and taking in sweeping Atlantic views from the lookout. While there, complement the visit with a stop at the Traditional Fishing Museum, located within the same complex.
Day 5: the volcanic heart
Betancuria, the former capital
Before La Oliva and Puerto del Rosario, Betancuria held the title of capital from 1405 to 1834. Today, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in both the Canary Islands and Spain. The best way to appreciate its essence? Wander through its streets and squares with eyes wide open. Pause to admire landmarks like the Church of Santa María, explore local museums that offer insights into community-based tourism, or sit at a charming terrace to savor a cup of café de puchero.
Inland nature: viewpoints and palm groves
The inland beauty of the island of wind reveals itself in viewpoints, palm groves, lunar landscapes stretching to the horizon, and fiery skies. Surrender to it all with a scenic drive through Betancuria Natural Park. Must-stops include the Morro Velosa viewpoint—designed by renowned Canarian architect César Manrique—and Barranco de las Peñitas, home to the Hermitage of Our Lady of La Peña. At day’s end, return to the best hotels in Jandía to relax by the beach.
Day 6: Lobos Island, a natural paradise off Corralejo
Boat excursion from Corralejo
Choosing beachfront hotels in Fuerteventura makes all the difference. Iberostar Waves Playa Gaviotas, a resort known for its leisure options and water sports, is designed for family comfort and fun. From here, head to Corralejo and board a boat that will take you to Lobos Island in under fifteen minutes. This protected paradise of turquoise, crystal-clear waters is perfect for swimming at El Puertito or Playa de la Concha. You can also join a guided walk along its marked trails.
Complete disconnection in a protected natural environment
In Fuerteventura’s resorts—and especially in this carefully preserved and controlled-access environment—disconnecting comes naturally. Gift yourself a mindful moment: stay fully present, setting aside every distraction while connecting with yourself and the nature surrounding you. And as a curious detail, Lobos Island is home to just one registered resident. Will you cross paths with him during your visit?
Day 7: the deep south and Cofete’s wild side
Scenic 4x4 route
Make the final day even more memorable by adding a touch of adventure. At Cofete Beach, a virgin stretch of coast in the island’s far south, the wildest face of “la Majorera” comes into view. Considered one of Europe’s most solitary beaches, it is a place of raw beauty. Extreme sports, including 4x4 routes, offer both adrenaline and cinematic landscapes. From Cofete viewpoint, the views are nothing short of spectacular.
Visit to the mysterious Villa Winter
Villa Winter is wrapped in literature. This enigmatic house, built in 1946 by German engineer Gustav Winter on the outskirts of Cofete, is said to have hosted clandestine gatherings attended by high-ranking Nazi officials. Folklore claims it hides secret tunnels leading directly to the sea for discreet access. Its current resident, Pedro Fumero, continues to study the structure in hopes of piecing together its unfinished story.
Farewell by the sea
What better way to close your holiday than with a sunset picnic at the beach? End the week facing the ocean, reflecting on seven days and nights that will stay with you forever. After such an experience, check-out feels less like goodbye and more like see you again, softening the return home.
Slow-travel tips for Fuerteventura
Stay with Iberostar
Staying with Iberostar not only means enjoying the best hotels in Fuerteventura, but it also ensures a slow-living experience to remember. Guided by a sustainable philosophy and privileged beachfront locations, these resorts provide the perfect atmosphere to unwind—whether traveling as a couple, with friends, or with family. Expect inspiring activities, attentive service, facilities designed for well-being and relaxation, endless entertainment options, and gastronomy deeply rooted in Canarian tradition.
Prioritize local restaurants
When it comes to gastronomy, choosing local restaurants is one of the best ways to savor the calm energy of the island of wind. In a land shaped by the Atlantic Ocean and the presence of six ancient volcanoes, every seasonal product and kilometer-zero ingredient is the result of an ancestral process tied to nature’s rhythms. This heritage is reflected in the island’s culinary culture—and you’ll soon taste the difference.
Avoid the rush: leave room for improvisation
Rushing and overplanning—the urge to do and see everything—are the greatest enemies of slow-travel happiness. Instead, embrace the calm that comes with improvisation. In other words, treat spontaneity as another form of relaxation. Let go of pressure and fixed schedules, opening yourself to wonder and the curiosity of not knowing what comes next.
Listen to the wind: make it part of the experience
If the element of air had a favorite place on Earth, it would be Fuerteventura. Known as “the island of wind” for the trade winds that sweep across it—gentle and steady most of the year, though stronger in July—your stay offers the chance to pause and listen to its rhythm at every turn. Combined with volcanic terrain and its location close to Africa, this free-spirited destination is also one of the world’s top spots for water sports such as surfing and windsurfing.
In Fuerteventura, less is more
On a holiday spent in hotels in Fuerteventura, less is more. Simple, unhurried activities help bring your biorhythms into harmony with those of the island. Try simplifying both your plans and your thoughts, setting aside moments for meditation, contemplation, and connection with the beauty that surrounds you. Gradually, you’ll find yourself fully present.
