Unlike its lairy neighbours (Tenerife and Lanzarote) Fuerteventura isn’t known for its Irish bars and tanked up Brits.

Nope Fuerteventura has a different rep altogether… the classic family package holiday 👶

But is that deserved?

What about the kitesurfing, arty bars and remote fishing villages? There’s a lot more to Fuerte than white sandy beaches (but there are at least 20…)

Fuerteventura is the closest Canary Island to Morocco, which means it gets the least rain, the Sahara breeze and you can almost smell the berber spices in the air (almost).

Make the most of its barren volcanic landscape by heading to the smaller fishing villages like El Cotillo at the north of the island. You’ll get the best sunsets going.

Surf Beaches

You’ll want to avoid the main ‘strip’ of Corralejo and the busier beaches of Jandia which are stunning but stuffed with buckets and spades and family hampers 🚫

Instead follow the surfers to Playa de Sotavento, Punta Blanca (aka Shark Bay) and El Hierro ‘The Bubble’. Errant Surf School will help you out.

Fuerteventura’s known as the Hawaii of Europe thanks to its gnarly waves and year round sunshine.

Bars and Cafes

Weirdly some of the best restaurants and bars aren’t found on the coast at all. Head inland to the towns of Lajares, Villaverde, and La Oliva for plates of fresh fish, local cocktails and arty cafes.

722° is a restaurant and gallery where the locals show off their best work. You’ll catch gigs and exhibitions here most weeks. Ask for an ‘Alexander’ at the bar.

Shout outs to Citrus Surf Café and Canela Café. They’ll do you gourmet food and nightlife without the tack.

Yoga

Where there’s surfing there’s yoga, and Fuerte's no different. There’s a bunch of studios in the north of the island that offer everything from relaxed meditation sessions to full blown yogi retreats. Azulfit is a good place to start.

Fuerteventura has more beaches than you can shake a budget family resort at… So it’s easy to avoid the Brady Bunch (and the nudist colonies) by claiming a quiet cove to yourself.