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 Surf Club, 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 you can see: Corralejo, El Cotillo, the Atlantic Ocean, the neighbouring island of Lanzarote, the island’s volcanic landscape stretching for miles
Go early in the morning to avoid the heat, or visit shortly before sunset when the light turns the volcanic landscape golden.
Bring water, comfortable shoes and your camera.
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.
You’ll find: handmade jewellery, ceramics, local artwork, leather goods, natural cosmetics, clothing, artisan food, live music
Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth wandering around for an hour while listening to the musicians and chatting with local artists.
It feels much more authentic than many tourist markets elsewhere on the island.
4. Discover Lajares' Café Culture
Coffee is almost a daily ritual here.
One of the nicest things about Lajares is how its cafés bring together completely different people.
On one table you’ll see surfers checking the forecast.
Next to them, someone is answering emails before heading to the beach.
Another table is occupied by cyclists planning tomorrow’s route.
The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming and unhurried.
Whether you’re looking for speciality coffee, fresh pastries, smoothie bowls or a long brunch after surfing, you’ll find plenty of excellent options throughout the village.
Don’t rush.
Order another coffee.
That’s part of the 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 Surf Club, 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 in Lajares on a Wednesday evening, don’t make other plans.
Head to Canela.
Every week the small venue transforms into a lively jam session where musicians, locals, travellers and surf instructors gather for an evening of live music.
Nobody really knows how the night will unfold.
Someone picks up a guitar.
Another person joins with percussion.
Before long, the whole place is singing along.
It’s one of those experiences that perfectly captures what makes Lajares feel different from many holiday destinations.
You arrive as a visitor.
You leave feeling like you’ve been welcomed into the community.
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.
Stay for sunset if you can.
Watching the sun disappear into the Atlantic with volcanic cliffs behind you is something you’ll remember long after your holiday.
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.
Walk through the dunes.
Swim in the crystal-clear water.
Or simply sit down for a while and appreciate how different every part of Fuerteventura feels.
9. Slow Down and Enjoy Village Life
This may sound like an unusual recommendation.
But it’s probably our favourite.
Lajares isn’t a place that rewards rushing from attraction to attraction.
It’s somewhere that encourages you to slow down.
Read your book.
Talk to the person sitting next to you in the café.
Take a longer lunch than you normally would.
Watch the sunset without checking your phone.
Many guests arrive expecting a surf holiday.
They leave talking about the people they met, the conversations they had and how relaxed they felt after just 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 Surf Club, 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.
Foire aux questions
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.
Lajares isn’t one of them.
Instead, it wins people over in quieter ways.
It’s the coffee that turns into a two-hour conversation.
The surf session you can’t stop talking about.
The live music on a Wednesday night.
The volcano you climbed at sunrise.
The people you expected to meet for a week but still message months later.
That’s why so many travellers come back.
Not because Lajares has the most attractions.
