THE Canary Islands are popular with Brits wanting winter sun, so it can be hard to know where to find the lesser known hidden spots.
So we’ve spoken to a local who was born on the island of for everything from the best beaches to cool neighbourhoods.
Discover the best hidden gems on Fuerteventura from an expertCredit: Alamy
Betancuria was once the capital of the Canary IslandsCredit: Alamy
rep Samuel Gonzalez was born and raised in Fuerteventura – here are his best kept secrets.
Island Towns
When it comes to beautiful towns – there are plenty scattered all over the island.
But some of Samuel’s favourite include El Cotillo which he loves for its fantastic beaches and little lagoons.
Betancuria was historically the capital of the and then the capital of Fuerteventura for over 500 years.
So it’s no surprise that the town is steeped in – Samuel even says you can “travel back in time” while strolling through.
He also calls it one of the “most beautiful places in ” as it has white-washed buildings with terracotta roof tiles.
Gran Tarajal is a main town with pitch black sand where locals live a slow lifestyle and there aren’t many tourists around.
There’s also a marina and lots of local where you’ll find classic dishes.
Beaches
You’re pretty spoiled for choice with beaches thanks to Fuerteventura being an island, of course.
Majanicho is a small, off-the-beaten-track village known for surfing, a calm lagoon, and it even has a unique beach made of coral – often called “Popcorn Beach”.
Las Playitas is a postcard perfect village on the islandCredit: Alamy
Corralejo is a lively resort but also has some incredible and sometimes quiet beachesCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Samuel called Majanicho an “untouched coastal area” that’s a “surfer’s paradise” thanks to its shape.
When it comes to beach day fun, look no further than Corralejo .
The lively resort has plenty of beaches including the Grandes Playas which has golden sands and bright blue waters.
Villages
There are villages scattered throughout the island, but these are the ones Samuel said needs to be on your hit list.
Ajuy on the west coast is a remote fishing village where pirates used to hide – and there are plenty of secret spots to explore like the volcanic caves.
Plus, you’ll be able to see some fantastic sunsets here.
Also on the west coast of the island is Los Molinos, a secluded village with sea caves and as Samuel points out – the only place where you can see ducks.
Tiscamanita is a farming village where Samuel revealed they make the best matured goat cheese of the island.
It’s also home to a traditional Canarian windmill.
The island of Isla de Lobos is just north of Fuerteventura with crystal clear waterCredit: Alamy
Traditional windmills are still scattered about the island – like this one in LajaresCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Exploring
There’s plenty of exploring to be done around the island too, and Samuel said that Lajares, a small inland town, is “as indie as it gets” with “plenty of artisan shops”.
The town that’s popular with surfers is known for having a chilled out vibe.
Tindaya is a sacred mountain on the island for the aboriginal people of the island.
It’s a site worth seeing but visitors can only drive by or walk around a small part of the mountain.
Punta de la Entallada is an active lighthouse on the island and from there you get some incredible views – it’s also the nearest point to mainland Africa.
Samuel also recommended Jandia which has white sand beaches and it has even been used in a few films like and Wonder Woman.
He also added that Antigua is worth a visit for its historical windmill and Cheese Museum with a guided tasting.
Another is Isla de Lobos, an island to the north of Fuerteventura – a natural park only reachable by boat with an archaeological site and incredibly clear water.
For more on Fuerteventura, read more on what .
Plus, one man has .
One local reveals the best places to visit from FuerteventuraCredit: Alamy Stock Photo 
