Sustainable and accessible tourism in Fuerteventura

Sustainable and accessible tourism in Fuerteventura : discover our editorial team’s tips for visiting the island while respecting the environment and making facilities accessible to all. 

Fuerteventura is emerging as a leading destination for sustainable and accessible tourism in the Canary Islands. 

The island, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2009, is actively committed to environmental conservation and tourism inclusiveness. 

This comprehensive guide will help you discover how to experience Fuerteventura responsibly, respecting the island’s fragile ecosystem.

The oldest island in the Canary Islands guarantees an accessible travel experience for all travelers, regardless of physical ability.

However, sustainable and accessible tourism in Fuerteventura doesn’t mean sacrificing pleasure or comfort, but rather enriching the travel experience with awareness and responsibility. 

Every choice, from the accommodation you stay in to the products you buy, from the activities you engage in to your daily behavior, contributes to preserving the island’s extraordinary beauty.

Fuerteventura, with its mild year-round climate, is proving that tourism, environmental conservation, and accessibility can coexist harmoniously.

In this regard, it is creating a model that can be replicated for other island destinations, to enjoy not only its wonderful beaches, the most beautiful in the Canary Islands.

But also the nature of Fuerteventura , which leaves you breathless, offering extraordinary landscapes and spectacular views at sunset and sunrise.

 

Fuerteventura Biosphere Reserve

The UNESCO recognition marked a turning point for Fuerteventura, committing the island to a development model that balances:

• tourism
• environmental conservation
• well-being of the local community

The Biosphere Reserve covers the entire island and the surrounding marine waters, protecting unique ecosystems that fascinate everyone.

The island’s protected ecosystems include over 13 natural spaces of interest, such as:

• Corralejo Dunes Natural Park
• Jandia Natural Park
• Lobos Island
• the seabed 
• the arid areas of the hinterland, villages where time seems to have stopped and monuments of interest 

This status does not mean that the island is an untouchable museum, to be admired only.

But rather that all tourism and production activities must be managed sustainably, preserving biodiversity for future generations.

The Biosphere Reserve Council coordinates conservation, environmental education, and sustainable development projects. 

Numerous initiatives actively involve visitors with:

• beach cleaning days organized by local associations
• environmental volunteering programs
• interpretation centers that educate about the value of island ecosystems

These extraordinary places can be visited by following marked trails and respecting regulations that limit human impact.

Some areas require special permits for visits, ensuring a controlled number of visitors.

Marine protection is particularly important in Fuerteventura, as the Atlantic waters are home to a rich underwater biodiversity. 

Several marine protected areas restrict activities such as fishing and require responsible behavior when diving and snorkeling. 

Respecting these areas ensures the survival of vulnerable species and maintains the balance of marine ecosystems.

The island also promotes sustainable rural tourism, valorising the small inland villages, local traditions and zero-mile agricultural products. 

Visiting villages like Betancuria, El Cotillo, or Tiscamanita and purchasing local products helps distribute the economic benefits of tourism.

 

Travel tips for sustainable tourism

Traveling responsibly and sustainably in Fuerteventura means adopting conscious behaviors that minimize environmental impact and respect the local culture.

Reducing plastic use is essential, as Fuerteventura, like many islands, faces the problem of marine plastic pollution. 

Bring a reusable water bottle with you, use cloth bags for shopping, and refuse disposable straws and cutlery. 

Many restaurants and bars are participating in plastic-free initiatives and appreciate customers who share these values.

Respect Fuerteventura’s beaches and natural spaces: don’t leave litter, don’t collect shells, stones, or sand, and don’t disturb the local wildlife. 

Dunes, in particular, are fragile ecosystems: walking off marked trails damages the vegetation that stabilizes them. 

Sea turtle nesting beaches have specific signage and limited access hours during the breeding season.

Choose responsible tourism: When booking excursions, opt for certified operators that comply with environmental regulations. 

When diving and snorkeling , do not touch coral or marine life, do not feed the fish, and use biodegradable sunscreens that do not harm marine ecosystems.

Save water and energy: In Fuerteventura, water is a precious resource, obtained mainly through desalination, an energy-intensive and expensive process. 

You too can contribute with small daily gestures, which, multiplied by thousands of tourists throughout the year, make a significant difference.

Support the local economy and commerce and take advantage of Fuerteventura’s sustainable mobility and its cycle paths in almost every town.

Although the island does not have a comprehensive public transportation system, consider more sustainable options whenever possible. 

Rent bicycles or e-bikes to explore the island, choose electric or hybrid vehicles when available, and some areas have hiking trails to explore on foot.

Educate yourself and respect the local culture by learning about the island’s traditions, history, culture, and environmental challenges. 

Fuerteventura has a rich and centuries-old tradition, which should not be underestimated by tourists.

Discover this wonderful island enriches the travel experience and respect it.

 

Accessibility in Fuerteventura: Beaches and facilities for everyone

Fuerteventura is actively working to become an accessible destination, offering services and infrastructure that allow people with reduced mobility to enjoy the island’s beauty.

Equipped and accessible beaches are a priority for the island’s municipalities, which are equipped with wooden walkways that allow direct access to the sand with wheelchairs. 

Amphibious chairs (beach chairs with special wheels that float) are available free of charge on many beaches during the summer season, upon reservation. 

This service often also includes assistance from staff trained to help people with disabilities enter the water safely.

Many tourist facilities offer accessible rooms with adapted bathrooms, wide doors, adjustable beds, and barrier-free access. 

It’s important to check the specific details when booking, specifying your needs, to ensure you enjoy a dream vacation.

Restaurants and bars in the main tourist areas are generally accessible, with street-level entrances or ramps. 

However, the shopping centres in various resorts such as Puerto del Rosario, Caleta de Fuste, Morro Jable and Corralejo are also fully accessible.

Likewise, public transport, although limited in some areas, is improving accessibility. 

The Tiadhe line buses that connect the main towns are equipped with low floors and wheelchair spaces. 

Accessible taxis can be booked in advance through local cooperatives, although availability is still limited compared to demand.

Several tourist attractions have implemented accessibility features: Oasis Park in La Lajita offers accessible trails and wheelchair rentals.

However, some nature trails, such as parts of the route to Loboa Island, have been adapted to allow access with reduced mobility.

Specialized diving centers and surf schools offer activities that allow people with various disabilities to discover the underwater world with specialized instructors. 

 

Green Initiatives 

There are many green initiatives in Fuerteventura, which are transforming the island into a model of sustainable tourism .

The renewable energy project is progressively increasing the share of energy produced from sustainable sources. 

However, the island has significant wind farms and solar installations that contribute to its energy needs. 

The long-term goal is to achieve energy self-sufficiency from renewable sources, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Organic producer cooperatives are growing on the island: farmers and ranchers are converting to certified organic practices.

This way, cheese, vegetables, aloe vera, and other products are produced without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and these products are available at farmers’ markets.

Reforestation and native vegetation recovery projects involve schools, associations, and volunteers. 

Endemic species are planted in degraded areas to restore native ecosystems and counteract soil erosion. 

 

Sustainable projects on the island 

Some sustainable projects in Fuerteventura allow tourists to actively participate in tree planting days.

The circular economy is finding application in various sectors and some hotels are implementing:

• composting systems
• reducing food waste 
• reuse of grey water for irrigation

In addition to sustainable tourism , environmental volunteering also offers opportunities to actively contribute to conservation with many associations present on the island.

These associations coordinate coastal cleanup activities, fauna and flora monitoring, trail maintenance, and environmental education. 

Participating in these activities during a holiday in Fuerteventura shows love and respect for this island and leaves a positive impact.

Several hotels have obtained environmental certifications that guarantee high standards of environmental sustainability. 

Choosing these properties supports the responsible tourism sector and encourages other operators to follow suit.

While educational projects in local schools are educating new generations about the importance of environmental conservation. 

Programs that engage students in caring for natural spaces and understanding local ecosystems, creating a culture of environmental respect.

All this with the aim of ensuring the future protection of Fuerteventura, a “Biosphere Reserve” , a title that the island proudly bears.