Looking for the best things to do in Lajares? Whether you’re planning a surf holiday, a weekend escape, or simply exploring northern Fuerteventura, this guide covers everything you need to know, from surfing and volcano hikes to the best cafés, restaurants, and the famous Saturday market.
Why Visit Lajares?
At first glance, Lajares doesn’t look like the place that has become the surf capital of northern Fuerteventura.
There are no beachfront hotels, no long promenades filled with souvenir shops, and no busy tourist attractions. Instead, you’ll find a small village surrounded by volcanic landscapes, quiet streets, independent cafés, surf shops, and people who seem to have figured out how to enjoy life at a slower pace.
That’s exactly why so many people fall in love with it.
Lajares sits between Corralejo and El Cotillo, making it the perfect base for exploring the north of the island. Every morning, surfers head towards whichever beach has the best conditions. Remote workers open their laptops in cafés before spending the afternoon in the ocean. Cyclists climb volcanic trails, and every Saturday the village fills with local artists and musicians for one of Fuerteventura’s best markets.
It’s not the biggest town on the island. It might just be the one with the most character.
1. Learn to Surf
If you’re visiting Lajares, surfing should be at the top of your list.
Although Lajares isn’t directly on the beach, it’s perfectly located between some of the best surf spots in northern Fuerteventura. Within a short drive, you’ll find everything from gentle beach breaks for beginners to more challenging waves for experienced surfers.
One of the advantages of taking lessons with a local surf school is that they choose the best beach for the conditions each day. The Atlantic is constantly changing, so the ideal surf spot depends on the swell, wind and tide. Rather than always going to the same beach, experienced instructors will check the forecast and take you where you’re most likely to have a fun and safe session.
At Kyuka, that’s exactly how we approach every surf day. After checking the conditions, we load the boards into the vans and head to the beach that offers the best waves for the group. It means every day is a little different, and every session feels like a new adventure.
Whether you’re standing up for the first time or looking to improve your technique, learning to surf around Lajares is one of the best ways to experience the island. Chances are, you’ll leave with more than just better surfing – you’ll also leave with a deeper appreciation for the ocean.
2. Hike Calderón Hondo
Just outside the village lies one of Fuerteventura’s most impressive volcanoes: Calderón Hondo.
The hike is relatively easy, making it suitable for most fitness levels, and rewards you with panoramic views across northern Fuerteventura.
On a clear day, the summit offers panoramic views across northern Fuerteventura, stretching from Corralejo and El Cotillo to Lanzarote and the Atlantic Ocean. The volcanic landscape extends in every direction, making it one of the island’s most rewarding viewpoints.
If possible, start early in the morning to avoid the heat, or visit shortly before sunset when the volcanic landscape glows in warm golden light. Comfortable shoes, plenty of water and a camera are all well worth bringing.
3. Visit the Saturday Artisan Market
Every Saturday morning, Lajares becomes one of the liveliest villages on the island.
The Lajares Market is famous across Fuerteventura and attracts both locals and visitors looking for handmade products rather than mass-produced souvenirs.
If possible, start early in the morning to avoid the heat, or visit shortly before sunset when the volcanic landscape glows in warm golden light. Comfortable shoes, plenty of water and a camera are all well worth bringing.
It feels much more authentic than many tourist markets elsewhere on the island.
4. Discover Lajares' Café Culture
One of the things that makes Lajares so special is its café culture. The village’s cafés are more than just places to grab a coffee—they’re where locals, surfers and visitors naturally come together throughout the day.
It’s not unusual to see surfers checking the morning forecast over a flat white, remote workers answering emails before heading to the beach, or cyclists stopping for breakfast while planning the next day’s ride. Everyone has their own reason for being there, but the atmosphere is always relaxed, welcoming and unhurried.
Whether you’re looking for speciality coffee, fresh pastries, smoothie bowls or a long brunch after a surf session, Lajares has plenty of cafés where you can slow down and enjoy the moment. It’s one of those places where nobody seems to be in a rush, and spending an extra half hour over a second coffee somehow feels completely normal.
After all, that’s part of the Lajares experience.
5. Enjoy the Local Food Scene
Lajares may be a small village, but it has an excellent selection of cafés and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for fresh pastries after an early surf, a relaxed lunch or dinner with friends, you’ll find plenty of great places to choose from.
If you’re staying at Kyuka, you don’t have to think about where to eat every day. We prepare fresh lunches and shared dinners as part of your stay, giving everyone the chance to relax together after surfing. Those meals often become one of the highlights of the week, as guests share stories from the day’s surf sessions and get to know people from all over the world.
Of course, we still recommend exploring the local restaurants during your stay—it’s a great way to experience the village—but it’s nice to know you’ll always come back to a good meal and great company.
6. Experience the Wednesday Night Jam at Canela
If you’re staying in Lajares on a Wednesday evening, make sure you keep your schedule free and head to Canela.
Every week, this small venue comes alive with its famous jam session, bringing together local musicians, travellers, surfers and residents for an evening of live music in one of the village’s most welcoming settings. No two nights are ever quite the same. Someone might start playing guitar, another musician joins in with percussion or vocals, and before long the entire venue is singing, dancing and enjoying the atmosphere together.
It’s this spontaneous energy that makes the Canela Jam Session so special. Rather than feeling like a performance, it feels like a community coming together, where everyone is welcome to join in or simply enjoy the music.
For many visitors, it’s one of those evenings that captures the spirit of Lajares perfectly. You arrive as someone discovering the village for the first time, but by the end of the night it’s easy to understand why so many people return year after year.
If you’d like to know what to expect, we’ve written a complete guide about the experience in our blog: Canela Jam Session in Lajares: Why Wednesday Night Is a Must During Your Stay in Fuerteventura.
7. Explore El Cotillo
Only a short drive from Lajares lies El Cotillo.
Depending on the conditions, you can spend the day watching experienced surfers tackle powerful Atlantic waves or relax in the calm turquoise lagoons on the other side of town.
The beaches here are among the most beautiful in Fuerteventura.
if you can, stay until sunset. Watching the sun disappear into the Atlantic behind the volcanic cliffs is one of those moments that stays with you long after your holiday has ended.
8. Visit Corralejo Natural Park
Another easy day trip from Lajares is the famous Corralejo Natural Park.
Its enormous white sand dunes look almost like a desert before suddenly meeting bright turquoise water.
It’s one of the island’s most photographed locations, but seeing it in person is something else entirely.
Spend some time walking through the dunes, cool off in the crystal-clear water or simply sit and take in the scenery. It’s one of those places that reminds you how varied Fuerteventura really is.
9. Slow Down and Enjoy Village Life
This may sound like an unusual recommendation, but slowing down is one of the best things you can do while staying in Lajares.
Unlike destinations where you’re constantly rushing from one attraction to the next, Lajares encourages a slower pace. Spend an extra hour in a café with a good book, enjoy a long lunch with friends or watch the sunset without feeling the need to check your phone every few minutes.
Many guests arrive expecting a surf holiday, but they leave talking about something else entirely. They remember the conversations they had, the people they met and how relaxed they felt after only a few days.
That’s the real magic of Lajares.
Where to Stay in Lajares
Lajares offers a variety of accommodation, from private villas and holiday apartments to boutique guesthouses and surf camps.
The right choice depends on the kind of holiday you’re looking for.
If you’re simply after a place to sleep, a holiday apartment or villa might be the perfect fit. You’ll have complete freedom to explore the island at your own pace.
If you’re looking for more than just accommodation, staying at a surf camp offers a completely different experience.
At Kyuka, your stay is about much more than having a room. Surf lessons, freshly prepared lunches, shared dinners, and activities are all part of the experience. You’ll spend your days in the water, your evenings around the table with new friends, and your free time exploring the island together.
For many guests, that’s what transforms a holiday into an unforgettable week—and why so many leave already planning their next visit.
Lajares or Corralejo?
One of the questions we hear most is:
Should I stay in Lajares or Corralejo?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for.
Choose Corralejo if you want nightlife, shopping, larger hotels and easy access to the beach.
Choose Lajares if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, independent cafés, a strong surf community and a more authentic local feel.
Many visitors spend time in both, but if your goal is to experience the lifestyle that has made northern Fuerteventura famous among surfers, Lajares is hard to beat.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is Lajares worth visiting?
Absolutely. Even if you don’t surf, Lajares offers excellent cafés, restaurants, hiking, local markets and easy access to some of the island’s best beaches.
Do you need a car in Lajares?
A car isn’t essential, but it gives you much more freedom to explore nearby beaches, volcanoes and villages at your own pace.
Is Lajares good for beginner surfers?
Yes. Many surf schools based in Lajares choose the most suitable beach each day, making it an excellent place to learn. Click here to read more
When is the Lajares Market?
The artisan market takes place every Saturday morning and is one of the most popular markets in Fuerteventura.
How many days should you spend in Lajares?
Three to five days is enough to experience the highlights, but many visitors stay for a full week or longer once they discover the relaxed atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
There are places that impress you with famous landmarks, and then there are places that stay with you because of how they make you feel.
Lajares belongs firmly in the second category. It’s the village where a quick coffee turns into a two-hour conversation, where a morning surf becomes the highlight of your holiday and where Wednesday night live music feels more like spending an evening with friends than attending an event.
Many visitors arrive planning to stay for a few days, only to find themselves wishing they had booked longer. It’s not because Lajares has the most attractions on the island, but because life here moves at a pace that’s easy to settle into and surprisingly difficult to leave behind.
