Lanzarote or Fuerteventura: Which Canary Island Suits You Best?

As winter's chill sets in, affordable flights to the Canary Islands and their warmer shores call out to travelers. Choosing to fly is the easy part; deciding on the right island is the real challenge.

We’ve focused our comparison on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura – leaving it to two passionate experts to advocate for their ideal getaway.

The Allure of Lanzarote

Travel journalist Isabella Noble, who grew up in Spain, now divides her time between Barcelona and Andalucía. She has always cherished the breathtaking beauty of Lanzarote as her top destination in the Canary Islands.

Is Lanzarote just a bland beach getaway? Not at all. To me, Lanzarote embodies the enchanting and unexpected essence of the sunny Canaries, an island that challenges stereotypes at every turn while exuding its own unique and captivating energy.

While Fuerteventura is known for its stunning beaches, Lanzarote boasts the breathtaking Famara – a pristine 6km (3.75 miles) stretch of golden-white sand nestled beneath dramatic volcanic cliffs, making it one of Europe’s top surf spots. The southern Papagayo beaches, located near Playa Blanca, are part of a beautiful nature reserve, rewarding you with refreshing dips in the sparkling Atlantic after exhilarating hikes along scenic cliffside trails. For a more secluded experience, venture to the tranquil Playa del Risco (accessible via a one-hour hike) or the enchanting Isla Graciosa, which can only be reached by boat from northern Lanzarote. Like many lanzaroteños, I also cherish the shimmering natural sea pools in Punta Mujeres for a refreshing swim.

In contrast to many of Spain’s other islands, Lanzarote has largely preserved its natural beauty, with only one skyscraper gracing the entire island. The rugged volcanic terrain is dotted with charming whitewashed villages featuring traditional low-rise architecture, accented with ocean-blue or forest-green shutters. This aesthetic is largely thanks to the visionary 20th-century artist and environmentalist César Manrique, whose groundbreaking creations can be found throughout the island in lagoons, caves, and lookout points. Everyone has their favorite; mine is the Jameos del Agua, a captivating cave-lagoon transformed by Manrique in the 1960s into a cultural hub. The island is also rich in history, with centuries to explore, starting from the former capital, Teguise, which began as an Indigenous settlement.

Looking for some adventure? Lanzarote is a paradise for hikers and cyclists, attracting professional athletes from around the world for training. Ascending volcanic calderas on the edge of the stunning, lava-formed Timanfaya National Park to soak in breathtaking vistas is just the start – the expansive coastline is perfect for a variety of water sports including kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.

But that’s not all. Lanzarote’s culinary scene is among the most vibrant in the Canaries, featuring fresh local ingredients, time-honored recipes, and a dash of creativity. Each visit, I make sure to dine at innovative spots like Cantina Teguise, the sophisticated El Risco, the traditional Bodega de Santiago (housed in a beautiful old mansion), the rustic Casa de la Playa (famous for its grilled cheese with local jam), SeBE (known for its flavorful rice), and La Santa’s Alma Tapas & +. Let’s not forget the exquisite Lanzarote wines, cultivated in circular vineyards within mineral-rich volcanic soil, with each grape handpicked, quickly gaining recognition in Spain’s wine scene.

Alongside all this, there’s a subtle yet vibrant creative culture deeply rooted in traditional crafts. Engage in Lanzarote-style pottery with a local artisan, explore independent galleries and shops in Teguise, and delve into the art of cheesemaking with an expert quesero. The island’s creative spirit is also evident in its growing collection of exceptional independent hotels, from the serene Buenavista Lanzarote in La Geria to the eco-friendly Finca de Arrieta in the north, as well as the stylish Álava Suites in Costa Teguise – all inspired by the striking volcanic landscapes and rich artistic legacy.

This is just a glimpse of why I find myself escaping to Lanzarote nearly every year. Are you intrigued yet?

All the love for Fuerteventura

Helen Ochyra is a travel writer based in London, with a focus on Spain, particularly the Canary Islands. Fuerteventura was her first Canary Island experience, and she holds cherished memories from her childhood visits, as well as from returning with her own children.

When it came to deciding where to take my first child on her inaugural holiday, the choice was obvious: Fuerteventura.

Every Canary Island is fantastic – it's no surprise I've dedicated my writing to them – but there’s something uniquely enchanting about discovering Fuerteventura. It’s a place that lingered in my thoughts during those early months of motherhood, representing the essence of escape.

It might be the beaches. Even locals from other islands tend to agree that Fuerteventura has the finest, with plenty of sandy spots to enjoy. In the southernmost region, Parque Natural de Jandia features a blend of ochre and blonde dunes that resemble an artistic desert landscape, with mountains crumbling into endless stretches of golden, Atlantic-kissed beaches. I particularly enjoy Morro Jable for its soft, white sands and vibrant blue waters, but I also love the rugged charm of Playa de Cofete, perfect for a carefree day by the shore.

My absolute favorite beach has to be the Grandes Playas de Corralejo. Known as the “big beaches,” these expansive stretches of sand are protected within the Parque Natural de Corralejo and remain beautifully untouched. Here, escaping the hustle and bustle is a breeze: just park your car, dash down the dunes, and let the sand fly as you race toward the ocean. It's impossible not to have fun here; I always end up grinning from ear to ear.

Of course, hiking on Fuerteventura is also a delight. Well-marked trails crisscross the island like spaghetti, meandering between volcanoes and leading to ancient craters and surreal lava formations. La Oliva, situated in the north, is the perfect starting point for treks that wind through breathtaking landscapes, and I always make sure to visit the quaint village of Lajares, a favorite among surfers, known for its delightful cake shops and trendy cafes.

Speaking of surfing, the island's steady trade winds create ideal wave conditions, with numerous surf beaches lining the northern coast. A dirt-and-sand road connects the resort town of Corralejo to the fishing village of El Cotillo, passing by secluded coves perfect for riding the waves. In Corralejo, various surf schools are available, ready to help beginners and seasoned surfers alike.

Corralejo is my top choice for a base on the island. While it is a tourist hotspot, it maintains a genuine town atmosphere. I've witnessed local school kids engaged in phys-ed lessons by the quayside and longtime residents animatedly chatting over morning coffee at small kiosk bars. I love to sit on the waterside terrace at El Anzuelo, order the catch of the day, and soak in the ambiance.

Returning to my daydreams, they often lead me to El Cotillo, seated at a table overlooking the harbor at La Vaca Azul. There, a local cherne fish is being expertly filleted in front of me, accompanied by a bottle of crisp Malvasia volcanica white wine from Lanzarote, chilling beside me. The warm sun relaxes my shoulders as the gentle sound of the sea calms my breath. For me, this embodies the joy of Fuerteventura—a true escape and an effortless choice.