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 just over half a day touches the main attractions of the island.

Normally a bus will pass by your hotel in Lanzarote to pick you up. Then you cross the sea sleeve by ferry and get on another bus to continue the tour, already in Fuerteventura. The main stops are:

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

• Goat cheese farm. Although goats of the majorera breed live in all the islands of the archipelago, they are native to Fuerteventura. Their milk is used to produce a Denomination of Origin cheese that stands out for its acidulous and slightly spicy flavor. 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 Maria. Today it is one of the most beautiful villages of the island.

• Mirador de los Reyes, a panoramic viewpoint with the statues of Ayose (King of Jandia) and Guise (King of Maxorata). Before the arrival of the Spanish divided the power 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. In addition to 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 city 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, they are high sand dunes that characterize 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: more or less 60 €.

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

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

The groups are usually composed of a maximum of 8 people and SUVs touch the following points:

• Volcanoes. In the north of Fuerteventura are the craters of Bayuyo and Calderon Hondo.
• La Oliva, the ancient 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, here were performed magical-religious rituals and cave engravings called podomorphs. The orientation of the mountain allows the growth of plant species such as the "cuernúa" or "dog tooth". The all-terrain vehicles go up to the summit from the homonymous village that is located at the foot of the relief.
• El Cotillo, a fishing village that is becoming a new tourist destination in Fuerteventura. Its landmarks are the lighthouse and the Castillo del Tostón, both on the coast. A stop is planned near Los Charcos, natural pools 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 Lobos is located between Punta del Papagayo and the north coast of Fuerteventura. It occupies a small area (less than 5 square kilometers) and is a simply wonderful place.

Its most famous point is the beach of La Concha, which is crescent-shaped and is characterized by low, crystal clear waters.

It is a perfect place if you are traveling with your children, as they can play quietly or start snorkeling. 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 kids.

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

Don't worry, all these trips are included in the total amount (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 the typical postcard of the desert: high hills of fine sand that end 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 pictures.

The buggy tours usually start a few kilometers further and go 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 tires are synonymous with fun and adrenaline-filled driving.

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

You can also perform an activity of this type without having to go to Fuerteventura. In this case, I recommend you to read the post about buggy tours 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 desert areas whipped by the winds coming from the Sahara. An electric bike or e-bike is the perfect means of transport to see it.

To make this tour you do not have to be an expert mountain biker, pedal assist is a great ally, but it is advisable to be accustomed to ride dirt roads (and in some cases sand).

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

From there starts a guided route of about 45 kilometers that touches the following locations:

• Bayuyo Volcanoes, a set of volcanic cones that follow a straight line.
• Calderon Hondo, the most famous volcano of Fuerteventura. Access to its crater is quite simple and once there you can enjoy a panorama that reaches Lanzarote and Lobos Island. 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 nearby bars.

After the break you start your way back to Corralejo following the north coast. You will pass by natural beaches such as Majanicho and Bajo de la Burra. Once in the harbor, you just have to catch the ferry back to Lanzarote.

Practical information

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

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 lines to the island of Fuerteventura: Arrecife - Puerto del Rosario (2 hours and a half of navigation) and Playa Blanca - Corralejo (just over half an hour).
• Fred Olsen, a company that has opted for the latest generation fast ferries. It connects Playa Blanca and Corralejo and the trip takes about 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 rates, they depend on your means of transport. The price goes up if you board your car, motorcycle or caravan. On average, if you travel on foot you will have to pay between 20 € and 40 €.

Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are separated by a narrow arm of the sea. If your hotel, B&B or rental house is located in the southern area, getting to the other shore is quite easy.

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

The bus usually picks you up at your accommodation and to take 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 will not be able to do it. Normally, the agencies do not allow the transfer between island and island.

There may be exceptions but I recommend you check at the time of booking. On the other hand, if you travel with your car it is not a problem.

Corralejo is the main tourist destination of Fuerteventura and in many cases, the tours provide a little time to explore it on your own. For this reason, I leave you a few suggestions to enjoy this stage:

• Fish market: it has been recently renovated and has a bar that prepares recipes with very fresh fish. You will recognize it by the exterior drawings representing turtles and other sea creatures (Avenida Marítima s/n).
• Beaches: since you can't go too far from the center, 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.