My name is Jose Assima (full name Jose Assimakopoulos). I was born in Gran Canaria in 1989 but I grew up in the desert island of Fuerteventura. It’s here that I connect with the land and draw inspiration for my artistic side.
I studied Photography and Design in Sevilla and Barcelona. Later on, I moved to New York and Berlin to live for a while. But it was only when I came back to Fuerteventura (after 10 years living outside) that I started to create my own story. The landscapes of the island really inspired me.
Fuerteventura: A Desert Island with Epic Beaches
I have travelled around the world but nothing compares to Fuerteventura. It’s best described as a peaceful, relaxing, raw, pure, naked and natural place. Your eyes rest when they meet the horizon in all directions with light and air so pure. For me, this island has the best beaches in the world.
I’ve explored most of Fuerteventura but there are still more hidden gems to discover. The west side of the island is a different world and it’s extremely remote. This island is constantly evolving too. Tides change and there are beaches that appear and disappear. So you never know what you will find.
My favourite place is a beach located on the west side. It’s a beach close to my house and is only accessible during summer. In winter, there is actually no sand on the beach. I love it because not many people know about it. Most of the time I am alone – like having my own wild space to roam freely.
10 Best Things To Do in Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is similar in many ways to its neighbor Lanzarote. Although, there is more colour here and the beaches are indisputably better. The sun is always shining in Fuerteventura. So get outside and enjoy the natural beauty on offer. Below are my top 10 recommendations for your visit.
1. Take a Boat to the Incredible Lobos Island
There is only one way to get to Lobos Island and that’s by boat from Fuerteventura. This tiny island is home to beaches with crystal-clear water and an interior landscape that is mind-blowing. On the east side you can find black volcanic mounds which make for unique photos.
2. Explore the Epic Corralejo Sand Dunes
Parque Natural de Corralejo is always at the top of every travellers bucket-list when they visit Fuerteventura. Discover a natural paradise of large sand dunes and miles of white sand beaches with turquoise waters. It’s always a fun time running up and down the dunes and swimming in the sea.
3. Discover the Best Beach in Spain, Playa de Cofete
Playa de Cofete, located on the west side of the island, is arguably the best beach in all of Spain. The beach here is wild and rugged. Winds are often blowing and waves are large and choppy. There is no denying the beauty of this vast landscape. Go swimming in the sea and sunbathe on the sands.
4. Walk the Crater of Calderón Hondo Volcano
The volcanoes of Fuerteventura are incredible and Calderón Hondo is one of the best. This 278 metre tall volcano has trails that lead to a viewing platform along the crater. This walk is suitable for everyone. To get to the volcano follow the road to Lajares from the Parque Natural de Corralejo.
5. Marvel at the Golden Sands of Sotavento Beach
This 9-km long beach located on the east coast of Fuerteventura is made up of five different beaches which all merge together. Low tide is a spectacle as the sea goes out and the golden sands pop up with awesome little lagoons. Go swimming in the lagoons and marvel at the sand.
6. Visit the Oldest Town on the Island, Betancuria
Betancuria was founded in 1404 and is the oldest town in Fuerteventura. This quaint place is nestled in the hills of the island’s interior and is home to craft shops, cafes and restaurants. The most significant attraction of the town is the stunning Santa Maria de Betancuria church.
7. Day Trip to the Incredible Ajuy Caves
Ajuy is a small village on the west coast of Fuerteventura. Head along the beach of Ajuy to the north and follow the marked road. There are a couple of nice viewpoints along the way and then you reach two caves which are interconnected. Walk the stone staircase and discover these epic caves.
8. Relax at the Beautiful El Cotillo Beaches
El Cotillo is a quiet town that offers fantastic hotels, restaurants and beaches. Playa de la Concha is one of the most famous beaches in all of Fuerteventura. Not only this beach but the El Cotillo Lagoons are perfect places to relax on the sandy shores and swim in the calm waters.
9. Have Lunch at the Secret Puertito de los Molinos
Puertito de los Molinos is one of the best kept secrets in all of the Canary Islands. This tiny and charming town is home to only 20 permanent residents. It has a fantastic little beach and is the perfect place to visit for lunch. There are even a few hidden caves and natural pools to discover nearby!
10. Swim in the Natural Pools of Aguas Verdes
On the west coast of Fuerteventura you can find an incredible series of natural pools dotted along the coastline. Aguas Verdes is home to many unspoilt natural pools which are always fun to explore and go swimming in. They span across 6 kilometers, so it’s worth having a full day here.
Immersing in the Local Culture of Fuerteventura
The people of Fuerteventura are a mix of many different cultures. You can find people from all walks of life. Unfortunately, the culture of this island is slowly disappearing. The best thing visitors can do to help maintain the culture is to support local businesses and ask fishermen for fresh fish.
Food is a big part of the culture and seafood is always served fresh. Almost all of the food in Fuerteventura comes from the sea. From the land you can try goat meat or goat cheese – they are both delicious! My favourite restaurants are El Moral, El Roque de los Pescadores and Los Pinchitos.
Best Places to Stay in Fuerteventura
I never recommend hotels on the island. There are many beautiful houses in which you can stay. However, I do appreciate that sometimes visitors want an “all-inclusive” option and hotels can be more convenient.
For hotels I recommend looking in Corralejo and Morro Jable. Airbnbs can be found in El Cotillo as it’s less touristy. The best option in my opinion is to search for a house or apartment with Fuerte Lofts. Many people (including myself) offer beautiful places to rent. It’s the best local experience for sure!
Travel Tips for your Visit to Fuerteventura
Before you arrive, it’s important to know that the island is a little bit windy. The name “Fuerteventura” literally means “strong wind”. I recommend bringing some suitable clothes like a hoody or wind windbreaker.
The windiest months are July and August. For me the best months to come are September and December. At this time the winds have died down. No matter when you decide to come, however, the sun will always be shining. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy this beautiful island!
