Fuerteventura vs Tenerife and Gran Canaria: Which Island Is for You?

I have a simple goal: to visit all of the Canary Islands. I already fell in love with Gran Canaria and Tenerife, I love traveling there during cold winter time, so the last time I chose Fuerteventura - the island that many visitors describe with only two words: "beaches" and "wind".

But Fuerteventura in some ways it surprised me a lot. I was there in February. It’s my favourite time for the Canaries: you leave the grey, cold winter at home and a few hours later you are in a warm climate and with sun.

Fuerteventura vs Gran Canaria and Tenerife: what to visit first?

I wouldn't recommend Fuerteventura as the very first island as it is very different from Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

Tenerife and Gran Canaria are like small continents comparing with Fuerteventura. They have various climate-zones, weather difference between south and northern parts is significant. In addition the nature differs a lot.
In one day you can go from the dues to forests, green valleys and mountain villages.

On the other side is Fuerteventura. It is much calmer and more minimalistic. Its landscape is mostly desert with kilometres of sand. So my advice: if this is your first time in the Canaries, start with Tenerife or Gran Canaria. If you already know them, or if you simply want beaches and rest, Fuerteventura is a wonderful choice.

Best beaches in Fuerteventura (from my camera roll)

If you love beaches, this island is definitely for you. I never felt that beaches were crowded, because there is simply so much space for everyone. The island is definitely not over-crowded with tourists (at least in winter).

Sotavento and Risco del Paso: the lagoon of the south

In the south, near Costa Calma, there is a huge beach called Playa de Sotavento. During low tide the sea makes a lagoon and sand bars. I captured very nice color of ocean.

From the dunes above you can see the small white village of Risco del Paso and mountains of the Jandía peninsula behind.

Corralejo: dunes and beautiful yellow lifeguard towers

In the north, the beaches of Corralejo are next to the Corralejo Natural Park with its big white dunes. And here I firstly saw my favourite little detail of the island: the bright yellow lifeguard towers. Yellow box with flag and blue ocean - perfect match.

Popcorn Beach

Yes, the ground really looks like its strewn with popcorn! Playa del Bajo de la Burra is a few kilometres west of Corralejo. The white "popcorn" is rhodoliths, small pieces of red calcareous algae.

And BTW It's illegal to take them out. Wear shoes, because it's hard like stones.

A very photogenic island

Fuerteventura is maybe not the best for hiking, but for photography it's a gem. of the views along the road through

The island looks like a desert from the first look, but actually the ground y is full of small wildflowers.

And of course, sunsets. Take a jacket as the wind might be strong, go to the west and enjoy.

Getting Around on Fuerteventura

Renting a car is must-have of Canary islands. Compared to mainland Europe, prices for a small car are very friendly, especially if you book in advance. Local companies often include full insurance without deposit. Compare the prices, sometimes it is cheaper to rent a car from a chain company.

Buses exist, but the most beautiful places are quite far from each other. And driving there is a great pleasure: roads are of perfect quality and traffic is very little

Shopping in Fuerteventura: more choice than I expected

I love shopping and was a bit worried that there are limited options on Fuerteventura. Luckely I was wrong! Fuerteventura has more than enough! Puerto del Rosario has a big shopping centre and a nice choice of Spanish chains.

In addition markets in the tourist towns sell local things like aloe vera products and goat cheese. The famous cheese of the island is Majorero, don't miss that!

Low taxes in the Canaries mean that some things, like perfume and cosmetics are often cheaper than at home or in Duty Free.

My Canary Islands list goes on

Fuerteventura was not love from the first second, like Tenerife. It was a slower, quieter kind of love: yellow towers, golden sand, empty roads and those crazy clouds. Now one more island is on my list, and I'm already thinking about the next one. Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, La Graciosa are the next ones and I am happy to still have so many options.

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