Squirrels are part of those small surprises many travellers do not expect to find in Fuerteventura. Although the island is mainly known for its large beaches and volcanic landscapes, it is not unusual to see these animals moving quickly between the rocks or approaching busy visitor areas with curiosity. Their presence is now so common that many tourists end up talking about the “squirrel beach in Fuerteventura”, as if there were one specific place to find them.
In reality, there is no beach with that name. Squirrels appear in different parts of the island, especially in natural areas close to the coast, where they find shelter among stones and dry vegetation. That is why you may come across them on several beaches in Fuerteventura while walking along the shoreline or stopping at a viewpoint by the sea.
In this article, we look at some of the beaches and coastal areas where you are most likely to see squirrels and explain why these small animals have become one of the most talked-about curiosities among those visiting the island. Fuerteventura has many very different beaches, and some of them hide unexpected details. If you are interested in discovering other unusual spots along the coast, you can also read about the most curious beaches in Fuerteventura.
Why are there so many squirrels in Fuerteventura?
Squirrels are one of the most visible animals in Fuerteventura’s natural landscape. Over time, they have spread across much of the island, to the point that it is common to find them in ravines, rocky areas and even in some spots close to the beaches. If you are planning your holiday in Fuerteventura, be ready to see them appearing between the stones or darting across the paths, as they are not an animal you would usually expect to find in an island setting like this. In some parts of the island, their presence has even become a curiosity for those looking for photography spots in Fuerteventura.
The Barbary ground squirrel, an introduced species
The squirrels seen in Fuerteventura belong to the species known as the Barbary ground squirrel (Atlantoxerus getulus), which is native to North Africa. Their presence on the island is not natural. They were introduced in the mid-20th century and, over time, adapted very easily to Fuerteventura’s arid, volcanic environment.
The absence of natural predators and the species’ strong ability to adapt encouraged their rapid expansion. Today, they are spread across much of the island, especially in rocky areas and ravines where they can shelter in cracks and small cavities in the ground.
Why they approach areas visited by tourists
As well as adapting to the natural environment, Fuerteventura’s squirrels have developed a very confident attitude towards people. In many parts of the island, they have become used to human presence and do not hesitate to approach paths, viewpoints or beach access areas where visitors often pass through.
That is why they are also seen near the sea. Rocky areas close to the coast, paths leading to coves and the surroundings of beach car parks offer shelter and, at times, food left behind by visitors.
Is it normal to see squirrels near the beaches of Fuerteventura?
Yes, it is quite common. Although squirrels are not coastal animals by nature, in Fuerteventura they have adapted to many types of environment and can also appear in areas close to the sea, which has led many visitors to talk about “the squirrel beaches in Fuerteventura”. Their presence mainly depends on whether there are places where they can shelter and some human activity nearby. That is why it is not unusual to find them at beach access points, coastal viewpoints or paths running along the shoreline.
For many visitors, this unexpected encounter becomes one of the curiosities of the trip. Seeing these small animals move between stones or cross a path near the beach has become part of the island’s everyday landscape.
Where they usually appear
Squirrels prefer areas where they can hide easily. Along the coast of Fuerteventura, this usually means rocky zones, small ravines that reach the shore or volcanic slopes close to the sea. They are also often seen near beach car parks or on paths leading to coves, places where they find both shelter and the presence of people.
When you are most likely to see them
These animals are more active early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when temperatures are milder. At those times, you are more likely to see them moving between rocks or coming out of their hiding places in search of food. During the middle of the day, especially in very hot weather, they tend to stay under cover for longer.
Beaches in Fuerteventura where you may see squirrels
Squirrels are part of Fuerteventura’s natural landscape and can also appear in areas close to the coast. There is no single “squirrel beach”, but there are many points along the coast where it is relatively normal to find them. They usually move across rocky ground, paths or natural areas near the beaches, especially in places where they can shelter among the stones.
Beaches in the north of the island
In northern Fuerteventura, especially around Corralejo, it is possible to find them in volcanic areas close to the coast. Coves and beaches where sand meets rocky terrain provide natural hiding places among the stones, making it easier for these animals to move around without straying too far from their shelters.
As well as the best-known beaches, small coves found between stretches of volcanic coastline or near coastal paths are often places where some visitors report seeing squirrels while walking or heading down to the sea.
Beaches in the centre and along the east coast
Along the eastern side of the island, where several accessible beaches attract regular visitor traffic, it is also possible to find them around access points to the coast. Paths leading to the beach, car parking areas and rocky zones close to the sea can all become occasional places where they appear.
In these places, squirrels move quickly between stones or low vegetation, using both the natural shelter and the presence of people passing through the area.
Beaches in southern Fuerteventura
The south of the island is home to some of Fuerteventura’s longest and most open beaches. Although it is less common to see them on large sandy stretches, they can appear nearby where the terrain becomes rocky or volcanic again, such as paths, slopes or natural access routes towards the coast.
In these quieter spaces, where sand, rock and sparse vegetation alternate, squirrels find conditions similar to those in other parts of the island, so it is not unusual to come across them in areas close to these beaches too.
How to watch squirrels without disturbing them
Coming across a squirrel during a walk along the coast can be a curious experience for many visitors. These small animals often approach people with quite a lot of confidence, especially in places where they are used to human presence. However, that closeness does not mean they should interact with tourists. Keeping a certain distance and watching them respectfully lets you enjoy the moment without altering their natural behaviour.
Why feeding them is not recommended
Feeding squirrels may seem harmless, but it alters their habits and makes them increasingly likely to approach people in search of easy food. Over time, this practice changes their natural behaviour and makes them depend on leftovers instead of finding their own resources.
Many foods eaten by visitors are also not part of their diet and can affect their health. For that reason, in different natural areas of the island, visitors are advised to avoid feeding these animals directly in any way.
Tips for watching them without altering their behaviour
The best way to watch squirrels is calmly and without trying to get too close. If they detect sudden movement or noise, they usually hide quickly among the rocks or vegetation.
Keeping your distance, not chasing them and avoiding leaving food on the ground helps them continue to behave naturally. With a little patience, you may see them moving between stones or crossing coastal paths while they continue with their usual activity.
Visiting the beaches of Fuerteventura gives you the chance to discover some of the island’s most characteristic landscapes, as well as small details that surprise many visitors, such as the presence of squirrels near the coast. To take your time visiting the south of the island and enjoying its large sandy beaches, Lopesan Hotel Group offers accommodation such as IFA Altamarena Hotel and Villas Altamarena, located next to Jandía beach and well connected to other points along the coast.
