Fuerteventura

This former fishing village has more character than anywhere else on the island, marrying the windswept nature of an offbeat coastal town with the laid-back vibe that comes from being a popular surfing destination. El Cotillo has so far managed to avoid major construction and is an excellent place for foodies, water babes or those simply seeking relaxation and superb sea views. Calle Muelle Pescadroes, behind the old harbour, doubles as an open air gallery, with paintings and sculptures dotted around. This pedestrian strip has artisan shopping opportunities, lively tapas bars and gorgeous views of the sea. Do yourself a favour and spend a few days here, ease into a low gear and line up at least one seafood dinner to bask in the glow of a glorious Fuerteventura sunset.

This nature park of yellow dunes stretches along the east coast for about 10km south from Corralejo; it's also several kilometres wide, so covers a lot of territory and is excellent for hikes through sand. Breeziness also makes it popular with windsurfers and kiteboarders. The area is also known as Grandes Playas; sunloungers and umbrellas are available for hire in front of the two (eyesore) luxury hotels. The FV-1 runs through the park.

This is the main beach in far-flung Cofete, near the southern tip of the island and the main draw on the island for many. It's huge, quite beautiful and entirely undeveloped, with fine honey-coloured sand and a rumbling backdrop of relentless Atlantic rollers and the turquoise ocean. Think twice about swimming here: the waves and currents are more formidable than the generally calmer waters on the other side of the island. If you know what you're doing and have your own gear, it's a good spot for surfers.

The bare Isla de Lobos (4.7 sq km) takes its name from the lobos marinos (sea wolves) that once lived there. They were, in fact, focas monje (monk seals), which disappeared in the 15th century thanks to a series of hungry mariners landing on the barren island's shores. The good news is that attempts are being made to reintroduce the seals to the island.

It is well worth taking a trip to the islet from Corralejo. Once you’ve disembarked you can go for a short walk to explore the island, including the pleasant beach to the north of the pier, climb the island's mountain or visit the lighthouse. Hiking around the island takes around an hour – stick to the marked paths.

Wonderfully lush, the pretty village of Betancuria is tucked into the protective folds of the basalt hills, a patchwork of dry-stone walls, palm trees and simple, whitewashed cottages. Lording over it all is a magnificent 17th-century church and courtyard. As an escape from the predominantly arid landscape of Fuerteventura, the fine-looking settlement is one of the most popular destinations on the island and consequently attracts a large number of visitors, but Betancuria still manages to maintain a slow-moving and relaxed charm.

If you want just one place to put the island's primordial, barren geology and Martian features into wide-angle perspective, this mirador has breathtaking views of Fuerteventura's copper-coloured hills, valleys and ravines. At night-time, it's even more astonishing as a stargazing spot for deep views of the Milky Way. If going when dark, take a torch and check up front on the weather (usually clear, but not always). Not many people come here's so it's usually quiet.

At the end of the dirt road from Morro Jable, the asphalt returns for a smooth ride to this lighthouse positioned over thundering Atlantic waves. The setting is dramatic and the journey here is, of course, half the experience. There's a small information centre within the lighthouse with information on the flora, fauna and geology of the Parque Natural de Jandía, while hikes along the coast reward visitors with stupendous, full-on views.