Renting a Car in Fuerteventura

In November 2025, Finland was getting cold and grey, so when a good flight deal appeared just before our holiday week, we booked a last-minute flight from Helsinki to Fuerteventura by Finnair. We were looking for an easy week under the sun and had heard that Fuerteventura offers beautiful scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.

We usually prebook a car to the airport via Discover Cars. This time, we planned late, and by the time we arrived, airport rental prices had risen . We also wanted to start the holiday smoothly, without queues or terminal paperwork, so we travelled to the hotel by bus and taxi.

Later, we rented a car directly from the hotel for two days, and it turned out to be one of our best decisions. Fuerteventura is a large island, and the most interesting places are spread far apart. Without a rental car, seeing so many places in a short trip would have been challenging.

Renting a Car in Fuerteventura

Rental Car Friedly Hotel

We stayed at SBH Club Paraiso Playa in Esquinzo. It turned out to be a base for exploring, especially the island’s south.

One of the hotel’s advantage was simple: the hotel had its own free parking area. Knowing we could always return to a safe spot at night removed any parking stress. Traffic around the hotel was quiet and relaxed. On the downside, there were few services near the hotel, apart from the excellent nearby beach, so having a car was essential. The area felt safe, too. If you plan to explore Fuerteventura by car, this hotel is an excellent choice.

Hotel’s Car Rental Partner

Our hotel partnered with Omega Rental Cars, so we booked the car directly through the hotel. It wasn’t the cheapest option, but it was very convenient: the car was delivered to the hotel and could also be returned there. We usually plan these details well in advance, but a last-minute trip made that impossible.

We also liked that the rental included full insurance, which is reassuring on unfamiliar roads.

To save money, we recommend comparing rental cars early or using Discover Cars to find the best prices. Discover Cars also offers comprehensive coverage that is usually much cheaper than the “super insurance” sold directly by rental companies. Booking in advance gives you more choice and better value for the money.

Detailed Car Rental Guide

If you’re willing to pay a little more for convenience—as we did on this trip—renting a car through the hotel can be a good option. The process is simple and hassle-free, making it a practical choice for last-minute travel when airport prices are high or availability is limited. The decision ultimately depends on whether you prioritise price or flexibility.

You need a valid driver’s license and an ID to rent a car.

Our Rental Car – Volkswagen Polo

We paid for a Class A car and received a small Volkswagen Polo. It was ideal for the island: easy to park thanks to its compact size, comfortable enough for highway driving, and less stressful on narrow village roads.

The handover process was simple. We received the car keys and paperwork at the hotel, along with information about the car’s parking location. No one came to introduce the car, which was unnecessary. We familiarised ourselves with the vehicle in the hotel parking area and, for our own safety, took careful photos of it. Taking careful photos was less critical this time due to the no-excess insurance coverage

Returning the car a few days later was even easier. We parked it in the hotel’s lot, gave it a quick wipe, and handed the keys to the reception desk with a signature.

Driving in Spain

What Driving in Fuerteventura Is Like

Driving in Fuerteventura is mostly relaxed. Compared to driving in Gran Canaria or Madeira, it is easier to drive in Fuerteventura. The experience is more akin to that on El Hierro or La Palma. Fuerteventura is a good destination for first-time holiday drivers.

Traffic during our November visit was light, even when travelling between popular areas such as Costa Calma, Morro Jable, and the middle of the island. Urban areas are the most demanding due to slightly higher traffic volumes, pedestrians, more signage, and more complex intersections. Even so, the urban areas are not particularly difficult to navigate and feel like relaxed, small towns.

The island has only a small number of main highways, primarily running north to south, and they were in excellent condition. These roads felt safe, well-maintained, and easy to drive, even over longer distances. Secondary paved roads were also generally pleasant and added little stress to driving around the island.

The only situations where driving felt more demanding were on rougher or unpaved roads, which mainly led to more remote areas or beaches, and on open, exposed routes where the wind was strong. In windy conditions, especially on higher or coastal stretches, extra attention is needed; overall, the driving experience remained manageable.

Google Maps worked well for us, including for viewpoints and smaller roads.

First Day on the road: the South of the Island

On our first full day, we left the hotel in the mornings and headed south towards Faro de Punta Jandía, the iconic lighthouse at the southern tip of Fuerteventura. The destination was easy to reach and well signposted, even though the final stretches of road were bumpy. Driving there felt relaxed and straightforward, and the open landscape made the journey enjoyable rather than tiring. Reaching the lighthouse itself was rewarding, with sweeping views of the Atlantic and a real sense of being at the edge of the island.

After visiting the lighthouse, we decided to continue towards the remote beaches on the island’s western side. The road climbs steadily, and along the way there are a few scenic viewpoints, like Mirador de Cofete, where it is worth stopping to take in the dramatic scenery—rugged hills, wide valleys, and the ocean far below.

Beyond the Mirador de Cofete, the character of the drive changed noticeably. The road narrowed, grew more exposed, and in places became quite challenging. There were long sections without guardrails, strong crosswinds, and steep drops beside the road. The combination of wind, tight bends, and limited visibility demanded full concentration and careful driving. This was the most demanding part of the day and not a route to rush.

The effort was rewarded with stunning views of Playa de Cofete and the surrounding wild coastline. The beaches are vast, unspoilt, and dramatically beautiful, backed by mountains instead of resorts. Reaching them felt like an achievement in itself, and the sense of isolation and natural beauty made the challenging drive well worth it.

The Second Day of Driving: to the Central Mountains

On the second day, we headed north from our hotel, choosing a scenic inland route instead of the main roads. Our first stop was Ajuy, one of Fuerteventura’s most picturesque villages. The roads were winding but fully paved and in good condition, offering beautiful views over valleys and hills along the way.

The weather was not ideal, as an approaching storm brought stronger winds and changing light. Even so, the drive remained enjoyable, and the dramatic sky added atmosphere to the landscape. Ajuy itself felt calm and charming, with a beautiful beach, though some areas were closed due to the storm.

After leaving the village, we continued toward Antigua through the mountains, stopping at several viewpoints along the way. Highlights included Mirador de Guise y Ayose and Mirador Morro Velosa, both offering expansive views over Fuerteventura’s interior. These stops were easy to reach and well worth the short detours, especially for appreciating the rugged, varied landscape. In Antigua, we enjoyed a coffee break at Bakery Pastry Cafeteria Pulido Alonso.

We ended the day with a visit to the Museo del Queso Majorero, which offered a relaxed and visually engaging contrast to the mountain scenery earlier in the day. The museum grounds also include a cactus park, showcasing plants well-suited to Fuerteventura’s dry climate and traditional farming landscape. Cheese plays a central role on the island, shaped by its long history of goat farming, with Majorero cheese among Fuerteventura’s most distinctive local products.

By the time we decided to return to the hotel, the weather was changing constantly, shifting between fog, cold wind, rain, and brief bursts of sunshine. Despite the unsettled conditions, the varied route and mix of villages, viewpoints, and cultural stops made the drive one of the most memorable of the trip.

Where to Go by Car in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura offers plenty to see for a whole week of driving. The mountain viewpoints (miradors) are especially worth visiting, as they provide some of the island’s best panoramic views. The island is also known for its beautiful beaches, with the dunes of Parque Natural de Corralejo in the north being a highlight. Lighthouses at both ends of the island, such as Faro de Punta Jandía in the south and Faro del Tostón in the north, are also well worth a visit. Towns like Corralejo and Morro Jable offer a pleasant mix of local life, services, and coastal scenery.

Plan your route carefully, as driving times can be longer than expected once you leave the main roads and head into the mountains, even though the distances themselves are relatively short.

Driving Rules You Should Know

Licence

Fuerteventura follows Spanish traffic rules. Drivers need a valid licence.

EU and UK licences are accepted. If your licence is from outside the EU/UK, check whether you need an International Driving Permit (requirements vary by country and rental company).

Many companies require you to have held your licence for at least a year. Younger and older drivers may have extra fees, so always read the rental terms before paying.

Driving in Madeira

Right-Side Driving and Priority

Driving is on the right.

At unsigned intersections, priority is usually given to vehicles approaching from the right. At STOP and give-way signs, drivers must yield completely. STOP signs are common in Fuerteventura and help make driving more predictable and straightforward. Pedestrians always have priority at zebra crossings.

Traffic Signs and Lights

Traffic signs in Fuerteventura follow standard Spanish and European conventions. Anyone who has driven in Europe will find them familiar and easy to recognise. Priority, warning, and speed limit signs are clearly marked, helping make driving more predictable, even on rural roads.

There are relatively few traffic lights on the island, especially outside the main towns. Instead, traffic is mostly managed by roundabouts, STOP signs, and yield signs, which keep traffic flowing smoothly and contribute to a relaxed driving experience.

Speed Limits

Speed limits in Spain typically follow these defaults unless signs say otherwise:

Speed limits are typically 90 – 110 km/h on motorways, 70 – 90 km/h on roads outside towns, and 50 km/h in urban areas.

Watch for local signs because limits can change quickly near junctions, villages, and curves.

Police

The Police monitor traffic as in any other country. By following the rules, you are unlikely to encounter any problems. In an emergency or for assistance, call 112.

Practical Tips

Parking in Fuerteventura

Parking was one of the easiest parts of driving in Fuerteventura.

In our experience, parking was usually free, and finding a spot was rarely difficult, even near popular areas. In towns and cities, parking can be slightly more challenging. Most of our parking was at sightseeing locations, which was simple.

Still, we recommend choosing accommodation with parking—our hotel’s own parking area made everything easier at the end of each day.

Refueling

Fuel is generally a lot cheaper in the Canary Islands than in many parts of mainland Europe.

We recommend keeping the fuel tank well above empty when planning drives to more remote areas. Petrol stations are generally easy to find, though they can be farther apart in quieter parts of the island; Google Maps helps locate them. Car rental companies usually require the vehicle to be returned with the same fuel level as when it was collected.

Always double-check the fuel type before filling.

Safety Notes

Unpaved or Rough Roads

If the road surface changes suddenly, slow down and keep plenty of distance from other vehicles. Avoid sharp steering on gravel to reduce the risk of losing control or damaging your rental car. Make sure you have adequate insurance or protection before driving on less predictable roads.

Weather

The weather in Fuerteventura is often sunny, but storms are not uncommon. Conditions can change quickly, and winds can be powerful. Be especially careful during high winds, as they can affect your car. Heavy rain can also make roads slippery.

Buses

Tourist buses are large, and even if you have priority, it is better to give way to them—especially when you encounter them in the mountains.

Tourist Distraction

Some drivers focus more on scenery and navigation than on the road. Keep extra following distance and be prepared for sudden braking, especially near viewpoints and beach turnoffs. Vehicles may exit the road unexpectedly.

Driving in Azores

Bottom Line

Fuerteventura is a great choice for a relaxed and rewarding road trip. Traffic is light, roads are mostly in good condition, and parking is easy, even at popular sights. A small rental car is enough for most routes, although extra care is needed on unpaved roads and in strong winds.

If you enjoy peaceful driving through mountain landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and quiet roads, Fuerteventura is well worth visiting. Renting a car opens up the island and lets you experience its wild scenery, remote beaches, and changing landscapes at your own pace.

Tags: driving, car hire, Fuerteventura
Destinations: Spain