Guide – places

DISCOVER THE ISLAND,
DISCOVER YOURSELF!

Fuerteventura, one of the most stunning islands in the Canary archipelago, is a land of breathtaking landscapes, picturesque towns, and attractions that draw visitors from around the world. Famous for its wide, sandy beaches and perfect conditions for water sports, the island has so much more to offer. If you’re planning a holiday on Fuerteventura, explore its main towns, the most interesting attractions, and the must-see places across the island.

FUERTEVENTURA


Main towns and cities

OASIS
WILDLIFE

Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura is a fantastic destination for family outings, especially for the youngest travelers. It’s a magical place on the island — a unique zoo that is home to over 3,000 animals from around the world, from majestic giraffes (which you can feed by hand with treats bought on-site), to exotic parrots and adorable lemurs.

But that’s not all! Every Sunday, a local market is held in the park, where you can buy fresh produce, handicrafts, and soak in the authentic Canarian atmosphere with coffee and live music.

COFETE
BEACHES

Cofete is a true paradise for lovers of wild nature and breathtaking landscapes. Located in the south of Fuerteventura, this extraordinary beach stretches for several kilometers, surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Jandía Natural Park. It is one of the island’s most untouched and mysterious places, where nature reigns supreme.

No crowds, golden sand, powerful Atlantic waves, and the raw beauty of the scenery — that’s what defines Cofete.

From the beach, you can spot the legendary Villa Winter, a mysterious residence dating back to World War II. Cofete is Fuerteventura in its purest form — wild, raw, and absolutely stunning.

WILLA
WINTERA

A Mysterious Estate

Villa Winter is located near the picturesque Cofete Beach on the southwestern coast of Fuerteventura. It’s one of the most remote and wild places on the island — and still difficult to reach even today. The villa was built in the 1950s by German engineer Gustav Winter and is surrounded by numerous mysteries. Winter first arrived on the island in 1929, and in 1941 he signed a lease agreement for the entire peninsula. Interestingly, from 1939 onward, no local residents were allowed access to the peninsula, which was completely isolated from the rest of the island.

Initially, a three-story bunker was constructed, upon which the existing building was erected. There is only one winding mountain road leading to Cofete — carved meter by meter under grueling conditions by prisoners from the Tefía concentration camp, where opponents of Franco’s regime were held. The construction of the villa itself was shrouded in secrecy — and it’s believed that prisoners also worked on it. Even local workers were watched closely by guards and were forced to leave the site every evening despite returning early the next morning.

Although the villa’s true purpose remains unknown, theories abound. Some suggest it served military or research functions — possibly even involving occult practices. Speculations range from it being a secret military base or weapons testing facility to a place with mystical or religious significance. Thanks to its isolated location and unique architecture, Villa Winter has become one of the most fascinating spots on the island, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

PARADISE BEACHES
SOTAVENTO

Sotavento Beach is located on the eastern coast of southern Fuerteventura, starting near the town of Costa Calma, in the municipality of Pájara. In our opinion, it’s the most beautiful beach on the island — and possibly in all of the Canary Islands. Stretching for about 9 kilometers, it consists of several distinct sections: La Barca, Risco del Paso, Mirador,
Malnombre, and Los Canarios — each with its own unique charm.

It’s also worth noting that the beach lies within a protected nature reserve, which helps preserve its wild, natural beauty.

Every year, Sotavento Beach hosts the Kitesurfing and Windsurfing World Cup events — Fuerteventura Kiteboarding World Cup and Fuerteventura Windsurfing World Cup — attracting top athletes from around the globe.

Additionally, the beach is home to La Carpa, the largest event of its kind in the Canary Islands. This annual festival brings together water sports enthusiasts and music lovers. Spanning nearly three weeks, La Carpa offers shelter from the wind, entertainment for all ages, and a wide variety of food options. It has become the biggest music festival in the Canary Islands — not only because of its 17-night duration but also for its diverse musical lineup.

Thanks to its exceptional conditions, Sotavento Beach is one of the most important spots in the world for both professional and beginner water sports enthusiasts, offering unmatched opportunities for learning and progression in these disciplines.

 

 

MUSEO DE
LA SAL

The Museo del Sal, or Salt Museum, is located in the village of Las Salinas del Carmen on the eastern coast, in the central part of Fuerteventura. This unique site offers insight into the history of salt production on the island — an industry that was once vital to the local population. The museum is situated on the grounds of old salt flats, where salt has been extracted from seawater for centuries.

Inside, you can see old tools and machines once used to harvest salt and learn how salt production influenced daily life on the island. It’s also a chance to discover the traditional methods of salt making and see how the process continues today — as the salt flats are still operational and produce salt for the local community.

EKOMUSEUM LA ALCOGIDA

Ecomuseum La Alcogida is a unique place that transports visitors into the world of Fuerteventura’s traditions and culture. Located in a picturesque area in the central part of the island, the ecomuseum combines an open-air museum with an interactive experience where you can learn about the history of local crafts, agriculture, and the everyday life of the island’s inhabitants.

At La Alcogida, visitors can explore traditional structures such as harvest shelters and take part in workshops that let you truly feel the spirit of Fuerteventura.

ALOE VERA
PLANTATIONS

Fuerteventura is known for its picturesque aloe vera plantations, which you can visit to learn about the cultivation and processing of this skin-friendly plant. The island is home to an endemic species — Aloe vera var. Aloe vera — especially valued for its exceptional properties. The juice of this aloe has strong moisturizing effects, soothes skin irritations, and supports wound healing.

The plantations not only offer stunning views of aloe fields but also provide the opportunity to purchase natural aloe-based products — perfect souvenirs from your trip. The local range includes a wide variety of skincare items, from creams to beverages, all made using the plant’s natural benefits.