Fuerteventura

The 'peaceful isle' with golden beaches, volcanic scenery and seafood

The second largest of the Canary Islands, and the one nearest to Africa, Fuerteventura is one of the least populated and developed in the Canarian Archipelago. Most visitors to Fuerteventura are attracted by the golden sandy coastline with miles of idyllic beaches which never get crowded and can be enjoyed throughout the year. Inland Fuerteventura is volcanic and much of it barren, the dramatic scenery has jagged mountain peaks and valleys of lichen-covered lava broken up by the occasional oasis of palm trees and tiny hamlets of little whitewashed Canarian houses.

Fuerteventura - Beaches:

Generally Fuerteventura is so sparsely populated that most of the landscape is left to nature with little human intrusion. The miles of golden sandy beaches are the greatest attraction of Fuerteventura (especially with naturists) and they rate amongst the best in the world. The two biggest beaches on Fuerteventura, which are also designated 'Natural Parks', are the dunes of Corralejo in the north of the island, and along the south east coast of the Jandia Peninsular at Sotavento. Both areas are popular for wind surfing.

Fuerteventura also excellent beaches around the fishing village of El Cotillo in the north (where naturism is widely practised) and surfing beaches along the north west coast. It is also here in El Cotillo where you will see Fuerteventura's most stunning sunsets.

Located in the south of Fuerteventura, on the way to the Jandia Penninsular, the sophisticated resort of Costa Calma has some of the most tranquil beaches on the island, with a 21km stretch of golden sand. Also the remote sands of Barlovento beach are further down the Jandia Penninsular.

There are so many quiet beaches on Fuerteventura that naturism is popular and is practiced on most beaches outside resort and hotel areas.

Fuerteventura - Activities:

Due to its abundance of fabulous beaches, watersports are the most popular activities on Fuerteventura. Equipment hire and lessons can be booked at various surf centres. SCUBA diving is also popular and can be organised in Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste and Morro Jable.

Fuerteventura - Climate:

Being the most easterly of the Canary Islands, and not as mountainous as the rest, Fuerteventura has a dry and sunny climate with excellent year round temperatures (making it an ideal winter sun destination). Fuerteventura can be windy which, although a blessing for wind surfing, can make it uncomfortable on unsheltered beaches. As a result of this, many 'bunkers' are dotted around the beaches; these have been built by holidaymakers over the years using lava stones and provide areas where you can sunbathe in sheltered comfort.

Fuerteventura - Sightseeing:

The volcanic scenery is varied and there are plenty of walking and cycling routes on Fuerteventura, although most of these are along the coast.

Inland there is the pilgrims' walk from Antigua to Betancuria where you will discover the only lush landscape on Fuerteventura. You can also go on a camel or jeep safari and mountain bikes are available to hire at most resorts.

A good excursion from Fuerteventura is a day trip to the uninhabited Lobos Island, taking the morning boat from Corralejo harbour and returning late in the afternoon.

Fuerteventura - Gastronomy:

There is not much agriculture on Fuerteventura so no special cuisine has developed, although you will find goat on the menu in most of the restaurants in inland villages.

There are excellent fresh fish restaurants throughout the island and plenty of international choice in the main towns.

Fuerteventura - Getting there:

Charter flights from the UK normally fly to Fuerteventura on Wednesdays. There is not such a great choice of regional UK airports, as to the neighbouring Canary islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, and most flights depart from Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham.

Fuerteventura is linked to Gran Canaria and Tenerife by local inter-island flights. It is also linked to Lanzarote by ferry, between Corralejo and Playa Blanca.

To enhance the enjoyment of your holiday in Fuerteventura, and to give you the freedom to explore all this fascinating island has to offer, we recommend you hire a holiday car.

Fuerteventura - Our Secret Destinations:

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