If you are on a tight budget having paid for your flights and accommodation, then maybe you are looking for free things to do, or cheap things to do, on Fuerteventura. This page will give you some ideas.
Visit the Corralejo Sand Dunes
The sand dunes just outside Corralejo are a National Park. The dunes are made up of white sand and are on both sides of the FV-1 road. The dunes have the wow factor. Parking is free at the sides of the road in selected areas, and you can then wander over the dunes and across to the beaches. As a warning, do not park on the sand itself as your car may get stuck.
The Beaches
Most people come to Fuerteventura to enjoy the beaches of the island. Parking next to the beaches is free and you can just put your towel down and sunbathe. Some beaches do have sunbeds and parasols for daily hire. Do be aware of the dangers of the sea and it’s only recommended to swim in areas where there are lifeguards, as there are several drownings each year.
Visit Betancuria
Betancuria is a small village in the middle of the island, and was the former capital of the island. It is hidden away between the mountains, and so requires a drive over the mountain roads to reach it. In the village there is the church, Archaeological Museum, old convent, some historic buildings, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. Free limited parking is available near the church, and a bigger free car park is at the southern end of the village.
Betancuria Viewpoints
To the north of Betancuria, up on the mountainside, there are two giant statues of Ayose and Guise who were two former rulers of Fuerteventura. There are two car lay-bys for parking and it’s an opportunity to take photos of the statues, the view to the north and south to Betancuria.
Close by there is a narrow road which leads up to the Mirador de Morro Velosa – a viewing point building designed by the famous architect, Caesar Manrique. The building now houses a museum dedicated to the arid landscape. There is also a small cafe. Car parking and entrance is free, and there are spectacular views of the middle and north of Fuerteventura which can be viewed from inside the building. It’s open Tuesday- Saturday 10am – 6pm.
South of Betancuria, on the road to Pajara, there are also viewpoints with parking spaces. These views are to the east and south of the island.
Goat Farm, Betancuria
Just outside Betancuria is Finca Pepe, a free visitor attraction, incorporating a working goat farm, with a goat’s cheese dairy and a souvenir shop. It’s an opportunity to visit a typical Canarian Farm with goats, donkeys, pigs, camels, peacocks etc.
Their website is: http://www.finPepe’scapepe.com/en
Antigua Craft Fair in May
The annual Craft Fair is being held at the Cheese Museum/Antigua Windmill site just north of Antigua, over the 2nd weekend in May. There are usually around 200 stalls from exhibitors from all over the Canary Islands
It’s open from 6-9pm onAn the Thursday evening, and from 10am – 9pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Parking and entrance is free. Friday morning will be busy with school visits, and Saturday and Sunday will be very popular too.
Free buses are run from Caleta de Fuste and Costa Antigua on Saturday and Sunday; and free buses are leaving Antigua every 10 mins every day.
Carnival Events in Feb/March
Carnival events are held in February or March every year. The main towns of Corralejo, Antigua, Caleta de Fuste, Puerto del Rosario, Gran Tarajal and Morro Jable have Carnival events which are held over several days, and these include dancers, singers, drumming bands, satirical singers (Murgas), drag shows, Carnival Queen and Princess shows, and culminating in a grand Carnival Parade. At the end of the Carnival a papier mache sardine is burnt to signify the end of Carnival.
All events are free, so it’s a great opportunity to dress up in a costume and either watch the parade pass by or to join in. Each Carnival has a theme, but any costume goes. Many events go on until the early hours.
International Kite Festival in November
The kites will be at La Concha Beach, El Cotillo on the Thursday and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday it takes place on the Corralejo dunes at the Playa del Burro.
FEAGA – the island’s agricultural show in April
The island´s agricultural fair (FEAGA), and the most visited event of the year, takes place in mid to late April at the Granja de Pozo Negro, between Caleta de Fuste and Gran Tarajal. It´s a free event with free car parking, and is attended by thousands of people over the 3 full days. There are hundreds of animals – cows,goats, bulls, camels,donkeys,hens, cockerels,sheep etc; demonstrations; exhibitions; stalls; cheese and wine tasting and a restaurant and food and drink stalls.
New Year’s Eve Party
A New Year’s Eve Party is held in the Caleta de Fuste Plaza, with groups and DJ’s from around 10pm until the early hours. There’s a firework display at midnight. Food and drink stalls are there.
A free event.
Free Summer Beach Activities for Children
Free beach activities for children are organised by the local council (Ayuntamiento de Antigua) during July and August.
In 2017 they will be held at La Guire beach in front of the Atlantico Center on Tuesdays from 10.30am – 1.30 pm; and on Fridays at the main beach in Caleta from 10.30am – 1.30pm.
There will be bouncy castles and workshops, followed by a foam party.
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing World championships in July/August
During the last week of July and the first week of August, a round of the Windsurfing and Kiteboarding World Championships is held at the Sotavento beach in southern Fuerteventura.
