Fuerteventura’s cruise port is one of those places you instantly want to return to. I’ve been lucky enough to visit it twice on cruises—once before the pandemic aboard AIDAnova, and again afterward, when travel resumed, this time on Mein Schiff 4.

During my first visit, I rented a car and explored nearly the entire island, discovering endless beaches and volcanic landscapes. On my second trip, I decided to slow down and focus on the capital, Puerto del Rosario, strolling its streets and soaking in the relaxed island vibe.

In this article, I’ll share my personal tips on how to make the most of one cruise day in Fuerteventura—whether you want to explore the island or stay close to port.

Where the Cruise Port Is Located in Fuerteventura

Cruise ships dock in Puerto del Rosario, the capital of Fuerteventura. You can easily explore the town on foot—but to be honest, there isn’t much to see in the city itself. If you want to truly experience what the island has to offer, I highly recommend renting a car.

Buses and Local Tours

There are no Hop-On Hop-Off buses at the port. However, there was a small guided bus tour available that included stops in the north of the island, such as Corralejo and the village of La Oliva. It runs twice a day.

Public buses do connect Puerto del Rosario with other parts of the island, but if you're looking for flexibility and a fuller experience, renting a car is the better option.

Car Rental at the Port

Right outside the cruise terminal, you’ll find booths for several car rental companies. That said, don’t count on finding a car available on the day of your cruise—most travelers book online in advance and simply pick up the keys at the booth.

My top recommendation for renting in the Canary Islands is CiCar. I’ve used them several times, and they include full insurance in every rate, with no hidden fees. Prices are fair, and the process is easy. If you're planning to rent, book your car as soon as you book the cruise. On my second visit, there were no cars available at all—even a month in advance—so I opted to stay in town.

This is what the rental booths look like—quick and easy pickup. Returning the car was just a matter of dropping the keys in a box at the door. Here’s the car I rented with full coverage for €60 per day:

Fuerteventura Cruise Port: What to See by Car on a Self-Guided Tour

If you’ve rented a car, you can explore much more of Fuerteventura than you could on foot. Below is a suggested driving route with key stops worth visiting. You can copy and paste the Spanish names into Google Maps and save them to your bookmarks for easy navigation.

— La Alcogida – An open-air ethnographic museum showcasing traditional Canarian houses and rural life on the island. A great place to learn about the island’s past and culture.

— Mirador Corrales de Guize – A panoramic viewpoint on the way to Betancuria, featuring dramatic landscapes and massive statues of Fuerteventura’s ancient kings.

— Betancuria – The island’s former capital. This charming historic town is filled with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and beautiful colonial-style architecture.

— Mirador Las Peñitas – Another scenic overlook offering stunning views of volcanic terrain and the rolling hills of Fuerteventura.

— Pájara – A picturesque inland village with traditional Canarian architecture and a peaceful, authentic vibe.

— Ajuy – A small fishing village with striking black sand beaches and impressive sea caves. The name might sound unusual to Russian ears, but the place is absolutely worth a visit.

— Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre – This viewpoint is considered one of the best stargazing spots in the Canary Islands, thanks to its clear skies and low light pollution.

— Jardín Botánico Fuerteventura – A botanical garden featuring native plants, with a fantastic collection of cacti and succulents.

— Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura – A large zoo and nature park located next to the botanical garden in La Lajita (in the southern part of the island). Home to exotic animals like giraffes, lions, and camels, it’s a great stop if you’re traveling with kids or just love animals.

Fuerteventura Cruise Port: What to See on Foot

If you’re staying in Puerto del Rosario, the capital of Fuerteventura, here’s a suggested walking route with key sights along the way.

Start with a walk along the seafront. When you exit the port, turn right onto the promenade and enjoy views of the harbor and city. Along the way, you’ll pass Parque Escultórico, a small outdoor sculpture park. At the far end, you’ll find the tourist information office, where you can pick up a free city map.

Next, head uphill to the town’s main square, where you’ll see Nuestra Señora del Rosario Church—one of the oldest and most important religious buildings in Puerto del Rosario.

From the church, continue along Primero de Mayo, the city’s main pedestrian street. It runs through the heart of town and is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés—perfect for a coffee break. Just be aware that most shops close during siesta hours, so it’s best to explore this area in the morning or late afternoon.

If you want a more reliable shopping experience, head to the nearby Las Rotondas Shopping Center, home to around 100 stores and no siesta hours. To get there, walk to the end of Primero de Mayo and turn right.

Fuerteventura, like the rest of the Canary Islands, has a reduced VAT rate, which makes shopping especially attractive for certain items.

After shopping, head back down toward the sea and visit Playa Chica, a small, sheltered beach not far from the port. From the mall, walk downhill and turn right. Here you can take a swim or simply relax at a café overlooking the beach and your cruise ship, soaking in the island atmosphere.

Don’t Be Surprised If You Spot These Friendly Creatures on the Beach

Squirrels in Fuerteventura

The Barbary ground squirrel is a common and beloved part of the island’s wildlife—and even considered something of a local mascot. These squirrels are very used to people and often approach tourists looking for food.

You’ll encounter them all over the island. On my first visit, I saw them near mountain viewpoints, but not in the capital. On my second trip, to my surprise, I met them right on Playa Chica beach.

If you feel like feeding them, please avoid giving them chips or sweets. According to Google (and common sense), the best snacks for them are small amounts of vegetables like carrots or cucumbers, or some unsalted seeds.

You might also like:

— Cádiz Cruise Port: How to Spend One Day in One of Europe’s Oldest Cities

— Gibraltar Cruise Port: What to See in One Day