Lanzarote or Fuerteventura? The Canary Islands are dream destinations for enjoying beaches, hiking, surfing, cycling, water sports, and so much more, all year round.

Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are located quite close to each other, but it doesn’t mean they are the same.

Not sure which island in the Canaries you should visit? I’ll help you to choose.

● 🏖 If you want to visit several Canary Islands during one trip, you can do it by ferry. Click here to book a discounted ferry ticket. 

● 📕 Read the latest version of the Canary Island Travel Guide for the best tips and tricks. 

● 🍕To get inspired for your trip, cook Canarian food at home with these authentic recipes. If you read this before your trip, you will be able to do adventurous meal choices at the local restaurants. 

● 🧰 Finalize your packing list and don't forget to pack a windproof jacket, a sun-protective long sleeve shirt for swimming and a pop-up beach tent for wind protection, in case you travel with your kids. 

The most amazing thing about the Canary Islands is that any time you come here, you will find the sunshine and eternal summer. In addition, there is no rainy season and high humidity like in the South East Asia that makes the climate there just perfect. 

I’ve been to the Canary Islands both in winter and in summer, and the temperature was very pleasant during all my visits: 22 °C (72 °F) - 28 °C (82 °F).

Visiting Fuerteventura and Lanzarote in winter is a very good idea, especially if you want to spend more time exploring the island and going on excursions, as the weather is pleasant and mild and you won't suffer from the scorching sun like in summer. 

If you need a dose of sun and you want to have fun time outdoors, the Canary Islands are the right place.

This article focuses on Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, but if you also want to learn about Tenerife, check out this blog.

Let’s have a look at these two beautiful islands:

What do you think? Fuerteventura looks gorgeous, right?  Are you already feeling the breeze? :)

And here is her neighbor, Lanzarote!

Which one is more beautiful?

When I heard about the Canary Islands first time, I imagined it as a paradisiacal place.

But when I was actually flying over it and watching in the window of the airplane, I saw something very different from the image of the paradise I had in my mind: there was almost no vegetation! (I must admit, in some places the islands looked rather post-apocalyptic than paradisiacal :))

On landing, I was keeping searching for the canary songbirds - I thought the Canary Islands were called this way because of the huge number of these cute yellow birds living there. Of course, I didn't find any of them because there were even no trees.

Despite this, I still managed to find a paradise there as it was a perfect escape from the noise and pollution of big cities into the pristine nature. The islands are spectacular and look totally surreal with their volcanic scenery! 

The reason number one for flying to the Canary Islands is, of course, the awesome beaches you will never forget!

 I was amazed by the wide sandy beaches in Morro Jable area of Fuerteventura.

In the beginning, I was very annoyed by the strong winds there, but after a couple of days, I got used to it and actually started to like it as it was so refreshing in the hot hours. Please just make sure, you put enough of sunscreen and wear a hat as the wind accelerates tanning. You have a chance to get a sunburn very quickly!

Every day I went to a different beach.

My favorites are Playa de la Barca, an incredibly long Playa de Sotavento, and beaches in the area of the Parque Natural de Corralejo. The Sotavento beach actually consists of five beaches, and it is 9 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide in some places. In this area, you can bath in the shallow warm water of spectacular lagoons that change the shape due to tides.

The golden dunes of Corralejo will leave you speechless if you stay here till the sunset. It's a must-visit place in Fuerteventura for the lovers of spellbinding views.

The beaches of Fuerteventura are the place where you will find peace, tranquility and where you can reconnect with yourself and with nature.

They are not less gorgeous than in Fuerteventura, but most of them are black. And this is what makes them to stand out and capture your heart.

I totally loved black volcanic sand beaches in Charco de los Clicos, Playa del Janubio and Playa El Paso. It's just magnificent! Black sand beaches are the first picture I see in my mind when I think of Lanzarote.

It's not all black, though.

White and golden sand beaches are waiting for you there, too. La Playa de Papagayo is a world famous beach with crystal clear turquoise water.

It is hidden in a protected area called the Monumento Natural de Los Ajaches, so don't expect any  service on the beach that stays stay untouched as Mother Nature created it. There are no umbrellas and sunbeds available for rent. You have to bring everything you need with you.

On both islands, you can find many small idyllic beaches where you will be alone and can do nude swimming and sunbathing. I must say that nudism is quite widespread among the tourists there, so don't be surprised to see Adam and Eve.However, the Canary Islands are much more than just two giant beaches! :)

There are also fun things to do and unique places to visit.

Keep reading :)

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What I enjoyed the most about the Canary Islands is renting a car and just going around the islands to explore stunning landscapes.

I loved the freedom to go where I liked, to stop when I wanted and to go off the road.

When you wander around the Fuerteventura, you will meet cute chipmunks, or Barbery Ground Squirrels, and goats - the only animals there.

The chipmunks (like those from the Chip and Dale cartoon) are not afraid of people, and they will come to you to get some tasty snacks.

To get a feeling of the local life, visit a Villaverde, a beautiful old village with two windmills, and El Cotillo, a small fishing village used as a harbor by local fishers. If you want to see the most beautiful places, lesser known and lesser accessible places, it's always a good idea to join a tour with a local. 

Don't like tourist buses? I've got you covered: there is an awesome Safari Day Tour with 4x4 Jeeps. 

Click here to get a discounted ticket for Fuerteventura Safari Day Tour with 4x4 Jeeps. 

In Lanzarote, we rented a car for 3 days and made the tour of the whole island.

I had an impression that it's more diverse than Fuerteventura and has more attractions. One of the most amazing stops were El Golfo and Lago Verde.

Don't miss Los Hervideros to witness the astonishing spectacle of nature. It represents rocks made of lava eruptions dating from the thirteenth century and falling into the water.

Solidified lava formed chaotic caves and balconies that you can walk on and listen to the thunderous roaring of the ocean. Moreover, you can enjoy a superb view on the red Montaña Bermeja, Pico Redondo and other volcanoes located just north of Los Hervideros. 

Another fantastic place to visit in Lanzarote is an underground cave Jameos Del Agua with a subterranean salt lake, restaurants, and a concert hall. 

If you are a wine-lover, I recommend visiting the Lanzarote vineyards and tasting unique local wines.    

In case you don't have the driving license, you can join private or small-groups authentic tours: Lanzarote Full-Day  Tour and Fuerteventura Full-Day Tour. Local guides will take you to the most scenic places of the islands and you don't need to think about organizational details - just relax and enjoy. 

You definitely can't leave Lanzarote without visiting Timanfaya National Park. I tell you, it's one of a kind!

Timanfaya is the kingdom of volcanoes with its unreal landscape typical of the moon or Mars. The locals even say that NASA showed the astronauts of the Apollo 17 pictures of Timanfaya's lunar landscape to prepare them for landing on the moon :-D

Here the scenes for the "Clash of the Titans," "One million years BC," and "When dinosaurs ruled the earth" were shot. You will see, it's a suitable place for a movie like "Star Wars."

Here you will realize that the wildest human imagination can not be compared with the exuberance of nature. The Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains) were created in the 18th century when more than 100 volcanoes (in the area of more than 50 square kilometers), erupted and devastated this part of the island including several villages. 

Still, now, the underground heat is very powerful, and the temperature just a few meters below the surface there reaches up to 600°C (!!!). You can witness there how a man pours water in a hole in the ground that in a couple of seconds erupts like a geyser.

You can see how something falling in this hole catches fire immediately. You can even have your lunch cooked by the heat of the volcano. 

The 'El Diablo' restaurant serves Canarian food cooked on a cast-iron grill placed over a large hole in the ground. Believe me: it's something unbelievable! :-D 

More information about the trip to Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote. 

In Fuerteventura, there is no shortage of volcanoes either. You can actually climb an extinct volcano.

The Gairia Volcano, the Sand Volcano (Volcan de la Arena), and Corralejo Volcanoes are the best volcanoes for an impressive trekking.

One of the joys you will find in the Canary Islands is the local food that combines traditional Spanish recipes with Latin American and African influences.

It’s a unique blend of flavors, a one-of-a-kind combination of freshness and aromas. Canarians like to eat well, a lot and healthy.

I was so happy to act like a local!

What have I found there? First of all, the abundance of seafood.

Of course, it’s the islands, so the main food comes from the ocean: fish, octopus, squid, mussels, prawns… It’s just a paradise for seafood lovers! 

Next, I’ve eaten here the most delicious potatoes in the world! I have never thought that the potatoes can taste like that.

When I was leaving, I even thought of bringing some potatoes with me. What makes the Canarian potatoes, or Papas Arrugadas so special?

They are tiny wrinkled potatoes that grow in volcanic soil, boiled with a generous amount of sea salt, and served with paprika, red or green chili pepper garlic spicy sauce, - Mojo Rojo, Mojo Picon, and Mojo Verde.

Another potato dish that you can try in the Canary Islands is Patatas Bravas, "brave potatoes." They are spicy, crispy, and taste like heaven. The Patatas Bravas' recipe secret is a special spicy tomato sauce that makes patatas bravas the king of all Spanish tapas. 

Did you know that there are more goats than people in the Canary Islands?

There is a reason for that. Actually, two: Baifo, a marinated goat in a mixture made with bay leaves, garlic, thyme, and oregano, and ridiculously tasty Majorero goat cheese. This cheese is a savory sensation, and it is best enjoyed grilled with a palm honey.

For a dessert, you can choose one of many fresh fruits such as cherimoya, dragon fruit, banana, papaya, or try a Bienmesabe, the most typical dessert made of honey, almond cream, eggs, cinnamon, and rum. According to the local traditions, all this delicious food must be eaten in a good and cheerful company :) 

If you want a deep dive into the Canary Islands food, join the Tapas & Culture tour in Fuerteventura. You will discover hidden places of the island, visit the farm and meet farmers, taste unusual fruits, handmade products and delicious local food. 

It’s a unique plant: you can eat it, drink it, use as a cosmetic, a drug and even cook it!

You can learn about the history, cultivation, production and uses of this miraculous plant at the visitor centers which are plantations, museum and a shop at the same time.

In Lanzarote, there are five such aloe Vera visitor centers that are located in the villages of Arrieta, Punta Mujeres, Yaiza, Teguise, and La Graciosa. Admission is free.

In Fuerteventura, the plantations are situated in Tiscamanita and Valles de Ortega, between Antigua and Pajara.

 I recommend visiting the Aloe Vera factory in Tiscamanita or Aloe Vera Information Centre in Jandia. More information about the visit to the Aloe Vera factory. 

In all these places you can buy aloe Vera based creams, soaps, shampoo, perfume, or even the plants that you can grow at home. I found Aloe Vera to be an excellent remedy for sunburns and tired feet, and I bought a bottle of pure aloe Vera gel for myself and as a gift.

In my trip to the Canary Islands I tried a real 100% aloe Vera juice and started drinking it regularly in the morning - diluted in water with honey, it has detoxifying, metabolism-regulating, lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, and immune system boosting benefits.

After visiting the Canary Islands, I fell in love with Aloe Vera cosmetics that became my true friend.

In Lanzarote, Famara beach in the Northwest part of the island is considered the best for surfing. It is famous for its big ocean waves, and it attracts surfers from all over the world. The top spot for windsurfing is Playa de las Cucharas, Costa Teguise.

Being windier, Fuerteventura is an ideal place for windsurfing and kitesurfing lovers. Check Playa de la Barca, a kiteboarding, kitesurfing and windsurfing paradise in Fuerteventura.

Located there the René Egli Windsurfing Centre hosts the windsurfing and kiteboarding World Cup every year. You can also attend kitesurfing camps there. 

Even if you never tried windsurfing and you are not sure if you want to try, head to Playa de la Barca, look at all these enthusiasts and happy people in the water, and in a couple of hours, you will see yourself on the board.

There are some good kitesurfing courses and stand up paddle courses in Fuerteventura with professional instructors who will teach you how to start.

Fuerteventura is also a perfect place to learn surfing. If you never did it but always wanted to try, you can take

a beginner course that will help you surf your first wave. 

Click here to get your discounted ticket for 1-Day pr 2-Day Surfing Course in Fuerteventura. 

ACCOMMODATION IN FUERTEVENTURA & LANZAROTE 

In Lanzarote, the areas with the most offer of accommodation are Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, Arrecife and Puerto Del Carmen. The choice is enormous. 

I had an enjoyable stay at the Occidental Lanzarote Mar hotel  in Costa Teguise. It has a small beach, and the hotel provides a free bus shuttle throughout the day to the main long beach of Costa Teguise and the town where there are lots of restaurants, bars, and shops.

But its main feature is a giant Olympic-sized pool!!! In the ocean, almost always, except for the three summer months, the water is quite cool for swimming. As I love swimming a lot, but came to Lanzarote in December, this hotel with such a huge pool was just a mega-find for me! 

The food and service were fantastic, and the animation team would not let me just lay near the pool. There were games, cooking classes, cocktail making shows, concerts, yoga, and other activities organized from the morning till the late night.

You can't get bored there! 

In Playa Blanca area, I recommend checking The Volcán Lanzarote Hotel with the stunning views over the marina, white romantic architecture and 5 swimming pools. It's Maldives-like style pools will make you feel like in paradise. 

It is located only eight minutes walk from the beach and just 10 kilometers to the magnificent  Timanfaya National Park.

To enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands, the Papagayo beach, check The Hotel Mirador Papagayo that is located nearby. 

If you prefer staying in the apartments, there are tons of rooms and flats for rent, as well as country houses and villas. 

The main resort areas in Fuerteventura are Corralejo in the north of the island, Morro Jable at the southernmost part, Costa Calma and Costa Caleta.

Corralejo is the most popular and the busiest place among visitors. There is something to do for any age group: couples on their honeymoon, elder people, or families with children.

As the sun goes down,  the bars, clubs, and discos are open ready for a party night.

Avanti Hotel Boutique Fuerteventura is incredibly stylish in design with white and turquoise décor and is located just 1 minute from the beach.

It offers rooms with the ocean view and a roof terrace with a hot tube.

This hotel is adults-only. 

Fascinating from an architectural point of view, the Hotel Rural Restaurante Mahoh is a small distinctive hotel in the northern part of the island, built of volcanic stones in the XIX century.

All rooms at the Mahoh feature stone walls and wooden beams.

If you search for tranquility,  check the secluded rural hotel Casa Tile located in a charming fishing village Roque, Cotillo. It's for those travelers who love authentic places off the beaten tourist path. 

Top hotels of Fuerteventura are located in Morro Jable, the area with the paradise white sand beaches, palm trees and blue waters. Hotels MAGIC LIFE  and Iberostar Playa Gaviotas are perfect places for ideal holidays on the Canary Islands. 

Another option is to get an apartment on Airbnb. There are attractive propositions on the market, like this apartment for 50 euros a night with the ocean view and a beach in seconds away from the bedroom. 

With this promo code, you will receive up to 35 dollars discount on your first booking! 

There are many options for flying into the Canary Islands.

Previously the connections from Europe were mostly operated by the charter flights, and to have holidays in the Canary Islands one had to buy an all inclusive package.

Since many low-cost airlines started flying here, too, the prices for flights became very democratic. For example, you can fly from London-Luton to Lanzarote for as little as 17 EUR with Ryanair. Lanzarote Airport is located close to Arrecife (the airport designator code ACE).

Fuerteventura Airport (FUE) is situated near the capital city Puerto del Rosario. The airlines serving Lanzarote and Fuerteventura include Ryanair, Wizzair, EasyJet, Iberia, British Airways, Air Berlin, Jetair,  Aer Lingus, and Jet2 among others.

There is a good network of public transportation thanks to which you can reach almost any part of the islands.If you want to travel between the Canary Islands, then check for two local companies Islas Airways and Binter Canarias. 

 Now, please have a look at these Fuerteventura and Lanzarote videos that will let you feel the mood of these Canary islands:

Conclusion

You can take a ferry between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura for only 29 Euros and fit both islands into your visit to the Canary Islands. Or even more ;-)

then, my dear sun worshippers, the decision is tough because both islands are spectacular.

If you are more into water and wind sports, and you like large sandy beaches, then windy Fuerteventura would be a better option for you.

If you dream of visiting Mars-like places on Earth, then don't miss Lanzarote with its Timanfaya National Park and black sand beaches. 

No matter where you choose to travel to the Canary Islands, you can’t go wrong: on both islands you will find beautiful beaches, pleasant glorious weather, and delicious food.

I am sure you will have a great time there!

Enjoy!!!!!

 With love,

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