With Fuerteventura in 5 days you have enough time to cover the island from north to south without rushing: the Corralejo Dunes, Isla de Lobos, El Cotillo, Betancuria, the Ajuy caves, Sotavento and Cofete. Here is the day-by-day itinerary we would put together for a friend, with driving times and where to sleep.
We lived on the island for five years, in Corralejo, El Cotillo, Costa Calma and Morro Jable, so this is the route we have recommended most often to the family and friends who came to visit us.
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Fuerteventura in 5 days: itinerary summary
| Day | Area | Must-sees | Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | North | Corralejo, the Dunes and the Grandes Playas | Corralejo |
| Day 2 | North | Isla de Lobos and sunset in El Cotillo | Corralejo |
| Day 3 | Center | Vallebrón, Betancuria and the Ajuy caves | Costa Calma |
| Day 4 | South | Cofete and Morro Jable | Costa Calma |
| Day 5 | South and return | Sotavento, Las Playitas and Gran Tarajal | Airport |
If you have more days, add a no-plans beach day at each base: in Fuerteventura, relaxing is part of the trip.
📑 In this guide · 10 sections
- Before you start
- Day 1: Corralejo, the Dunes and the Grandes Playas
- Day 2: Isla de Lobos and sunset in El Cotillo
- Day 3: the center, from Vallebrón to Ajuy
- Day 4: Cofete and Morro Jable
- Day 5: Sotavento, Las Playitas and the return
- If you have more days
- Tips to make the most of Fuerteventura in 5 days
- Travel insurance
- Frequently asked questions about Fuerteventura in 5 days
Before you start: car and where to sleep
The island is long and the key spots are far apart: from Corralejo to Morro Jable it is about 2.5 hours without stops. That is why we recommend splitting the trip into two bases: two nights in the north and the rest in the south. That way you avoid hours of back and forth.
A car is essential for this itinerary. The most practical option is to pick it up at the airport and, before signing, read the clause on dirt tracks, which affects the Cofete day. We tell you everything in renting a car in Fuerteventura (in Spanish), and the areas to stay in where to stay in Fuerteventura.
Day 1: Corralejo, the Dunes and the Grandes Playas
From the airport it is about 30-35 minutes to Corralejo, with a spectacular last stretch through the Dunes Natural Park. Drop your things and start with the Grandes Playas: white sand, turquoise water and Isla de Lobos right across. It is one of those landscapes that make you understand why we stayed to live here.
In the afternoon, stroll around the town, the port area and the seafront promenade, and stay to watch the sunset. You will find the details in what to see in Corralejo.
Day 2: Isla de Lobos and sunset in El Cotillo
Morning: Isla de Lobos
Take the boat from Corralejo port to Isla de Lobos, 15 minutes away. Remember to get the free permit beforehand, which is mandatory and has limited places. We went by speedboat, swam at Playa de la Concha, took photos at El Puertito and walked to the lighthouse: an unforgettable day. All the details in our guide to Isla de Lobos.
Afternoon: El Cotillo
On the way back, drive about 20 minutes to El Cotillo, the fishing village on the west coast. Stop by the calm-water lagoons and end the day near the castle, which has some of the best sunsets on the island. On the way you can make a stop at the Glass Beach (in Spanish). More in what to see in El Cotillo.
Day 3: the center, from Vallebrón to Ajuy
Today you cross the island heading south, so leave early with your luggage in the car. It is the most varied day of the trip.
- Vallebrón viewpoint: views of the northern volcanoes and Tindaya mountain. We tell you about it in this guide.
- Betancuria: the former capital, a village of white houses among mountains, with its Santa María church. A good lunch stop. More in Betancuria.
- Ajuy caves: the black-sand beach and the cliffside trail to the caves. For us it was an unforgettable day, and it is one of the most distinctive corners of the island.
After Ajuy, continue south to your second base in Costa Calma, in a little over an hour.
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Day 4: Cofete and Morro Jable
Morning: Cofete
This is the wildest day of the trip. Cofete is a beach over 12 km long at the foot of the Jandía mountains, without a single building in sight. You get there by a dirt track from Morro Jable: we went many times in our Fiat Panda, slowly and with the road dry, but if your car is a rental, check the contract, because almost all of them forbid it. The alternatives are bus 111 or a 4×4 excursion. Everything in the guide to Cofete beach.
Don’t miss the Cofete viewpoint, the view that leaves you speechless before you go down.
Afternoon: Morro Jable
On your way back, spend the afternoon in Morro Jable: its long beach, the seafront promenade and the lighthouse. It is a good place to have fish for dinner by the sea. More in what to see in Morro Jable.
Day 5: Sotavento, Las Playitas and the return
Start the last day at Sotavento beach, with its lagoon that appears at low tide and the Salmo viewpoint. It is one of the most famous postcards of Fuerteventura. You will find the tide times and everything else in Sotavento beach.
On the way to the airport, make a detour to Las Playitas and the Entallada lighthouse, and make one last stop at Gran Tarajal. From there, the airport is less than an hour away.
If you have more days
- Calderón Hondo volcano (in Spanish): a short climb near Lajares with views of the crater. We climbed it (in Spanish) and highly recommend it.
- Stand up paddle in Costa Calma: the calm waters of the area are ideal for trying it.
- Street markets: the ones in Caleta de Fuste, Costa Calma and Morro Jable make a nice morning plan. You will find days and times in Fuerteventura markets.
- More beaches: in our guide to the 20 best beaches in Fuerteventura.
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Tips to make the most of Fuerteventura in 5 days
- Split the trip into two bases so you don’t spend hours in the car.
- Check your fuel tank before heading to the south of Jandía: gas stations are scarce.
- Always bring water, sunscreen and a layer for the sunset: the wind cools things down.
- Respect the sea: many beaches have no lifeguards and the currents can be strong.
- Take care of the island: don’t take stones or sand, don’t build stone towers and take your trash with you.
- Check events and opening hours on the official Fuerteventura tourism website.
- Have mobile data for GPS. With Holafly you get 5% off your eSIM.
Travel insurance
If you are traveling from outside the European Union, it is wise to be covered: a medical emergency without insurance is expensive. You can see our comparison of the best travel insurance for Europe, and with IATI Seguros you get 5% off as a reader of the blog.
Frequently asked questions about Fuerteventura in 5 days
Is 5 days enough to see Fuerteventura?
Yes, for the essentials from north to south. The ideal is between 5 and 7 days, so you can add a beach day with no plans.
Where is the best place to stay for this itinerary?
Two nights in Corralejo, in the north, and the rest in Costa Calma or Morro Jable, in the south. That way you avoid long back and forth.
How long does it take to cross the island by car?
From Corralejo to Morro Jable, about 2.5 hours without stops.
Can it be done without a car?
Only partly. The bus connects the main towns, but it doesn’t reach most of the beaches and viewpoints on this route.
What is the best time of year for this route?
Any time of year is good. Spring and autumn usually have less wind and fewer tourists.
Can you go to Cofete with a rental car?
Many people do, but most contracts forbid dirt tracks and the insurance doesn’t cover damage there. The alternative is bus 111 or a 4×4 excursion.
Our final recommendation
Five days in Fuerteventura are enough to fall in love with the island: the Dunes, Lobos, the villages of the interior and the wild beaches of the south. Sleep in two bases, rent a car and always leave some time for the sunset, which here is part of the plan.
To expand on each stop, we have our complete guide to what to see in Fuerteventura. Any doubts about the route? Leave us a comment and we will help you.
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Thank you very much for being part of this adventure!— Nanu & Facu 🌎 | Recalculando Viajes 💜
