Fuerteventura, the second-largest of the Canary Islands, is famous for its vast desert landscapes, pristine beaches, and dramatic volcanic terrain. Its distinctive natural beauty and variety of landscapes make it an attractive destination for filmmakers and photographers. Fuerteventura’s rugged, arid environment and year-round sunny weather provide an ideal backdrop for outdoor shoots, especially those that require a desert-like setting or coastal scenes.

Key Attractions for Shooting in Fuerteventura:

Corralejo Dunes Natural Park: This park is known for its extensive sand dunes that stretch for miles, offering a desert-like landscape with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The stark contrast between the golden dunes and the deep blue sea creates visually stunning imagery, ideal for adventure, sci-fi, or surreal scenes.

Cofete Beach: One of the most remote and dramatic beaches in the Canary Islands, Cofete is framed by towering mountains and features an expansive, untouched coastline. Its wild and rugged beauty makes it perfect for filming scenes set in isolated or natural environments.

Ajuy Caves: Located on the western coast, these ancient volcanic caves provide a visually striking location with dark cliffs and natural rock formations. The surrounding black sand beaches and rough Atlantic waters add to the dramatic atmosphere, making it a great spot for adventurous or action-oriented shoots.

La Pared: This area features rugged cliffs and powerful ocean waves crashing against the rocks. It’s an ideal location for dramatic coastal scenes or surf-related shoots, offering a wild and untamed natural environment.

Betancuria: The oldest town on Fuerteventura, Betancuria, offers a glimpse of traditional Canarian architecture with its whitewashed buildings and cobbled streets. Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by arid mountains, this town is perfect for period films, historical documentaries, or capturing authentic local culture.

Mount Tindaya: A sacred mountain for the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, Mount Tindaya rises out of the desert landscape. Its isolated and mysterious presence is ideal for projects involving historical, cultural, or mystical themes.

El Cotillo: A picturesque fishing village with white sandy beaches and dramatic volcanic cliffs. The calm lagoons and rugged coastline offer a diverse range of settings for both serene and action-packed scenes.

Volcanic Landscapes: Fuerteventura has a rich volcanic history, and the island’s many extinct craters and lava fields create a rugged, otherworldly terrain. These locations are perfect for sci-fi, fantasy, or post-apocalyptic scenes, giving filmmakers the opportunity to create visuals that feel both desolate and dramatic.

Popular Productions Shot in Fuerteventura:

Fuerteventura has been used in several high-profile international productions. Films like Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) have taken advantage of the island’s vast, desert-like landscapes to recreate ancient Egypt and distant planets, respectively. The island’s resemblance to desert and otherworldly settings makes it a go-to location for historical epics, adventure films, and science fiction.

Permits: Filming in Fuerteventura’s protected areas, like Corralejo Dunes or Jandía Natural Park, requires permits, which can be obtained through local authorities , fixercanaryislands assist you with this process and provide support for productions.

Climate: Fuerteventura has a dry, desert-like climate, with warm temperatures and little rainfall throughout the year. This predictable weather makes it ideal for outdoor shoots, ensuring minimal disruption from weather-related issues.

Accessibility: The island is served by Fuerteventura Airport (FUE), which has connections to many European cities. The island’s road network is well-developed, making it relatively easy to transport equipment and crews between shooting locations.

Fuerteventura offers a wide range of settings, from sprawling sand dunes and volcanic landscapes to tranquil beaches and traditional towns. This versatility allows it to stand in for various global locations, such as deserts, tropical islands, or even extraterrestrial planets, making it a popular choice for diverse types of productions.

Fuerteventura provides a relaxed and quiet shooting environment due to its relatively low population density and undeveloped landscapes. The island’s unique terrain offers great creative potential, especially for projects that need large, open spaces and untouched natural settings. However, the arid environment and remote locations can present logistical challenges, such as limited access to amenities in some areas, so careful planning is essential.

Like the other Canary Islands, Fuerteventura benefits from Spain’s attractive tax incentives for film productions. Productions can take advantage of up to 50% tax rebates, making the island an appealing and cost-effective location for international filmmakers.

Fuerteventura’s stunning, desert-like landscapes, combined with its pristine beaches and dramatic volcanic features, make it a highly versatile and visually striking location for film and photography. Its unique combination of natural beauty, favorable weather, and cost-effective filming options has made it a popular destination for filmmakers seeking extraordinary settings for their productions. Whether you’re shooting a sci-fi epic, a historical drama, or a serene beach scene, Fuerteventura provides a wide range of opportunities for creative storytelling.