Fuerteventura in 5 Days ; Itinerary to Discover the Island

Fuerteventura in 5 days is a mix of golden beaches, white villages and dolphins offshore.

Fuerteventura in 5 Days ; Heading for the Canaries

The second largest island in the Canary archipelago, Fuerteventura lies about a hundred kilometres off the African coast. Its mild climate all year round makes it an ideal destination to escape the Swiss winter. Its landscapes surprise with their mineral character, between eroded volcanoes, desert plains and endless beaches. Five days are enough to discover its great contrasts, between road trip, relaxation and a boat trip.

A First Trip with Voyage Privé

For this stay, the booking goes through Voyage Privé for the first time. The principle is simple: club members access negotiated offers, sold for only a few days. Hotels, all-inclusive stays and flight + hotel packages appear with sometimes significant discounts. Registration is free, and a new selection arrives every week by email. For a first time, the experience proves simple and reassuring, from booking to departure.

Day 1 ; Arrival at the Fuerteventura Princess

After the flight, the road leads to the south of the island, on the Jandía peninsula. The journey from the airport runs along the east coast and offers a first glimpse of the island’s landscapes. The Fuerteventura Princess stands facing Esquinzo beach, one of the most beautiful in the south. Settling in happens right away, with a first view of the ocean. A walk on the sand and a buffet dinner gently open the stay.

Fuerteventura in 5 Days ; Day 2, Road Trip in the Heart of the Island

To get off the beaten track, nothing beats a rental car. The island’s roads are good and quiet, which makes driving pleasant. This first road trip heads west and to the centre of Fuerteventura, between wild coast and historic villages.

From Pájara to Ajuy Beach

The first stop leads to Pájara, a peaceful inland village that gave its name to the municipality. Its pretty church and quiet streets invite a short break. The road then reaches Playa de Ajuy and its black sand, pounded by Atlantic waves. The cliffs shelter spectacular caves, sculpted by the sea over millennia. Listed as a natural monument, the site has some of the oldest rocks in the archipelago. The Hornos de Cal viewpoint then offers a lovely view of the coast. Its old lime kilns recall an activity once essential on the island.

The Betancuria Rural Park

The Betancuria rural park reveals landscapes of ochre mountains and dry valleys. The road winds between the peaks and offers several dizzying viewpoints. These reliefs tell a long geological story. About 20 million years ago, a huge volcano more than 2,000 metres high covered the north of the island. Its collapse, some 16 million years ago, exposed the heart of the Betancuria massif.

Surprise of the day: wild squirrels approach visitors fearlessly. Native to North Africa, this species was introduced to the island in the 1960s. It has since adapted perfectly, to the point of becoming a small attraction at the viewpoints. Fuerteventura is also a Starlight Reserve, protected for the purity of its night sky. The Mahos, the island’s first inhabitants, already observed the stars to measure time. The sacred mountain of Tindaya preserves rock carvings in the shape of feet, the podomorfos.

Betancuria and Vega de Río Palmas

Founded in 1404 by the Norman conqueror Jean de Béthencourt, Betancuria was the island’s first capital. When the Normans arrived in 1402, Fuerteventura was divided between two kingdoms, ruled by kings Guise and Ayose. After their surrender, both were baptised under the names Luis and Alfonso. Betancuria then hosted the Cabildo, the island’s first council. Today it is among the most beautiful villages in Spain. Its cobbled lanes, white houses and the church of Santa María invite a quiet stroll.

A little further on, Vega de Río Palmas forms a small palm oasis amid the mountains. The village is home to the hermitage of the Virgen de la Peña, patron saint of Fuerteventura. In the past, its inhabitants, called the Mariantes, went down to the coast in summer. They stocked up on fish, seafood and salt for the winter. The day ends between mountain views and the sea horizon towards Corralejo.

Fuerteventura in 5 Days ; Day 3, Relaxing at the Hotel

A Resort by the Ocean

This day is entirely devoted to rest at the hotel. Rated four stars and renovated in 2020, the resort has 477 rooms. They are spread over several buildings, amid tropical gardens. Three large pools and a children’s pool set the pace of the outdoor areas, some of which are heated all year round. Adults also enjoy the Club Sotavento, an area reserved for over-18s, with its own pool. At the Food Market restaurant, the buffet offers live cooking and themed evenings. There is no shortage of sun loungers, and Esquinzo beach is just a few steps away. Enough to alternate swimming, reading and napping in the sun.

An Evening in Morro Jable

At the end of the day, Morro Jable beckons for a seaside stroll. The trip from the hotel is easy with bus number 5 of the Tiadhe network. A former fishing village, Morro Jable is now the main town in the south of the island. The promenade runs along a long beach of light sand to the lighthouse. Shops liven up the streets of the centre, ideal for a few souvenirs. The harbour terraces then invite you to enjoy the mild evening.

Fuerteventura in 5 Days ; Day 4, Meeting the Dolphins

A Sea Trip with Fuerteventura Full Experience

Booked directly at the hotel, a sea trip with Fuerteventura Full Experience promises whales and dolphins. The waters of the Canaries are among the richest in Europe for cetaceans. The boat leaves the Pájara coast for the open sea. The whales stay discreet that day. The dolphins, on the other hand, swim very close to the boat and offer a magical show. Their leaps and their passes under the hull amaze all the passengers. The organisation, from transfer to return, is impeccable.

Fuerteventura in 5 Days ; Day 5, Last Morning on the Island

The last day begins with an unhurried breakfast. The all-inclusive formula lets you make the most of it, down to the last coffee. Then come the bags and the return to Switzerland, with a head full of sunshine.

Fuerteventura in 5 Days ; The Verdict

This stay strikes the right balance between discovery and rest. The road trip reveals an island more varied than it seems, far from the mere image of a beach destination. The hotel offers an ideal setting to recover between outings. Finally, the dolphins leave an unforgettable memory. For another sunny island, the article on six days in Kos (in French) offers another itinerary.

Playa de Esquinzo, 35625 Pájara, Fuerteventura
Website
Official tourism website

Fuerteventura in 5 days