Buggy Day Trips in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is a desert island, forged by volcanoes and with the typical charm of extreme places. The sparse population and rocky landscapes are the ideal backdrop for buggy tours. Thanks to the lightweight chassis and a high-performance engine, this vehicle is perfect for an adrenalin-pumping experience.

For these reasons, a buggy tour is one of the best things to see and do in Fuerteventura, so get ready to step on the gas!

The most complete route. You will see volcanoes, the inland reliefs of Fuerteventura and a breathtaking coastline. The excursion departs from Corralejo and visits the following locations:

• Calderón Hondo volcano, the most beautiful volcano on the island. From its summit you can enjoy splendid views. If you like trekking, I recommend you to come back. The climb up to the summit is quite easy and the whole trip takes about 3 hours.
• Lajares, a village that in recent years has become quite an important tourist destination. It is located halfway between the Hondo Volcano and the coast. If you pass through on a Saturday, you will see a traditional market in the main square. Also worth mentioning is the Chapel of San Antonio, a typical example of traditional Canarian architecture. In case you're a bit peckish (and have time to spare), you can grab a tapas at the restaurant Los Pinchitos (Calle Coronel Glez del Yerro). Don't drink cañas, you'll have to drive back!
• El Cotillo, a fishing village known for its magnificent beaches. Don't expect to find big hotels and endless nightclubs. Here time seems to have stood still. It is mainly a destination for surfers and kitesurfers.

El Cotillo is the last stage on the east coast of Fuerteventura. At the end of the stage you will drive back to Parque Holandés, a small village not far from Corralejo.

Before leaving the buggy you can take some pictures in the park of the Corralejo Dunes. Remember that this is a protected area and you are not allowed to drive your buggy up there.

Important: on this and the following routes you will be driving the buggy and not a driver. Another thing to bear in mind is that the price includes both insurance and petrol.

• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours
• Price: more or less 90 €.
• Starting point: Corralejo

Costa Calma is a stretch of coastline in the south of Fuerteventura. The trade winds blow constantly, making the area one of the top destinations for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It's also perfect if you want to go to the best surf schools in Fuerteventura.

Back on topic, these buggy tours usually start near Playa de Sotavento, where the sand dunes brush against the Atlantic. You'll set off around 9.30am and make two stops at Ugán (a wild, horseshoe-shaped cove) and La Pared, a spectacular beach with strong waves.

The rocky and rugged terrain exalts the characteristics of the buggy and is a guarantee of a very enjoyable ride. If after the end of the experience you want to stay for lunch in Costa Calma, I recommend the following places:

• Posada San Borondón, a traditional place with very good reviews (Local 25, C. L.T.U., S/N, 35627 Costa Calma).
• Mediterranean, known for their simple but tasty recipes (Calle Playa de la Jaqueta 15).

In case you have a rental car, you will find parking quite easy. Costa Calma is an internationally renowned hotel area and has all the services you could need.

• Duration: between 3 and 4 hours
• Price: just over 100 €. The price includes bus transport from your hotel.
• Starting point: Costa Calma

Caleta de Fuste is located in the central part of the island, a short distance from the airport. It can be a good destination if you are travelling with your family, if you want to explore Fuerteventura (taking advantage of the privileged position) or if you want to play golf. By the way, if you have the latter passion you can check out the holes at Fuerteventura Golf Club or Playitas.

The buggy route starts in Caleta de Fuste and goes inland. Driving on dirt roads you will reach the local farms where the famous Majorero cheese is produced. It is characterised by a creamy paste with a soft or semi-hard consistency. In the younger forms there are hints of orange while the mature ones have a more decided and spicy flavour.

These excursions include a stop at a traditional cheese factory where you will have the opportunity to buy some gastronomic products. After this, you will resume driving, pass by some spectacular salt pans and finally return to Caleta de Fuste.

• Duration: about 3 hours
• Price: around 100 €.
• Starting point: Caleta de Fuste

In one word: for the adrenaline. The buggy is a vehicle designed for fun: the light chassis, the wide tyres and a shiny engine are synonymous with fun. At the same time, leaving the tarmac roads behind you will see the island from a different perspective. Stages on beaches, desert areas and historic villages are an added attraction.

If you like to be surrounded by nature, I recommend two more activities: an off-road tour or a kayak tour in Fuerteventura.

It depends on the agency you choose. As a general rule, some things are always included in the total amount:

• Expert guide who will introduce you to the world of dune buggies.
• Vehicle rental
• Fully comprehensiveinsurance
• Helmet, compulsory by the European Union safety standards
• Petrol

Goggles are not usually on the list. If you don't want to buy or rent them, I recommend you to bring at least sunglasses.

As you have seen, the tours usually last 4 hours at the most. This gives you plenty of time to do other activities as well.

If you are only staying 3 days in Fuerteventura and want to make the most of every minute, you can buggy up the hills in the morning and take a relaxing boat trip in the afternoon.

Yes, all the vehicles used on the excursions comply with European regulations. However, there are a few things to bear in mind when driving a buggy:

• If you are driving on a sandy surface, do not brake too hard or you could get stuck.
• In strong winds, you should be more careful. Vehicles are light and driving can be affected by gusts.
• If you are travelling at a good speed, don't turn suddenly or you could tip over.
• Typically, buggies used for dune climbing have a fairly high centre of gravity. Take your time to understand how to drive.
• If you are going up a hill or a small relief, look for the most linear route and get enough run-up. Always bear in mind that the resistance of sand and rocks is greater than that of tarmac.

In general, use common sense and do not exaggerate maximum speeds. In any case, the guide will give you some useful tips at the beginning of the tour.

A dune buggy is a real vehicle and a driving licence is required. The minimum age is therefore 18 years. However, minors are allowed to participate as passengers. In addition, child seats are available at most agencies.

If you are travelling with your family, there are dozens of outdoor activities to do with your children. You can spend a day at the Corralejo water park or the Oasis Park. For more ideas, you can read the post about 10 things to do in Fuerteventura with kids.

Of course there are! A fun way to explore the island is an off-road tour. The principle is the same: by leaving the main roads you will enjoy the scenery and the overall experience even more. The best routes usually pass through Playa de Cofete and Villa Winter.

The latter is a residence full of mystery. It is rumoured to have been a secret base and plastic surgery clinic for the Nazis after their defeat in World War II. Hitler himself may have set foot on this remote island in the middle of the Atlantic. You can find more information on the organiser's website: Discovery Safari.

Another worthwhile route runs in the north of Fuerteventura. Starting in Corralejo, you will travel through the volcanos of Villaverde until you reach the village of La Oliva and then Cotillo and its magnificent beach.