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Fuerteventura

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The Canary Islands archipelago is home to some of Spain's most popular tourist destinations; Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Fuerteventura. Fuerteventura was recognized as a great spot for tourism in the 1960s when the very first hotel and airport were built on the island.

Fuerteventura translates to 'strong winds' from Spanish to English, and while this might start alarm bells ringing in your head, the winds on this island are fantastic for water sports such as paragliding, wind surfing and also kite flying. The land here is fertile due to Fuerteventura being a volcanic island. It is precisely this close proximity between land and sea which explains why the main economies before the 1960s tourist boom were agriculture and fishing.

The views over Fuerteventura are stunning and are exactly what you imagine when you think of a holiday in the Canary Islands. The soft sandy beaches and lush palm trees are offset by the striking clear blue seas and clear skies. Some of the land in Fuerteventura is largely untouched and protected yet visitors are allowed to explore. Who wouldn't want to spend a day hiking around the volcanic landscapes or swimming with dolphins and turtles in the Atlantic Ocean?

Areas

While the island of Fuerteventura is made up of six separate municipalities, there are three main areas which stand out as being culturally or geographically different.

The Southern Peninsula

Also known as 'Jandia', the peninsula at the southern end of Fuerteventura also encompasses the resorts of Morro Jable and Costa Calma. With recent developments in the motorway links on the island, getting to Jandia has recently become a lot easier and as a result things are hotting up quickly. This is the place for lounging on spectacularly attractive beaches, as over the years sand deposits have linked Jandia to the rest of the island and merged them as one.

Corralejo

This city in northern Fuerteventura is where visitors come to sunbathe on the sands of the beaches or take a hiking trail amongst the island's mountain ranges. Visiting here will give you a good view of Fuerteventura's landscapes, views and general beauty.

Puerto Del Rosario

This is Fuerteventura's capital, which includes a harbor, port, promenade and beaches. There are parties held here, known as 'fiestas' all year round, and a spring carnival held in February. The beaches here provide some of Fuerteventura's best surf for those who are keen; although it'd important to remember that sometimes the currents are strong and the flag warnings should always be obeyed.

Weather

Fuerteventura has a unique climate, in that the temperature never falls below double figures the whole year round. This means that taking a holiday in this part of Spain at any time of year will be a pleasurable experience. The best time to travel, however, is between May and July when the maximum temperatures reach between 25ºC and 28ºC but fall no lower than 16ºC.

Average Temperatures

F/C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
F	60	60	62	62	66	68	73	73	71	69	66	62
C	16	16	17	17	19	20	23	23	22	21	19	17

Average Precipitation/Rain

In./CM	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
In.	0.6	0.5	0.5	0.1	0	0	0	0	0.2	0.4	0.8	1.3
CM	1.5	1.3	1.3	0.3	0	0	0	0	0.5	1	2	3.3

Getting There

This island is an incredibly popular tourist resort so traveling here from other countries via plane or boat should never be problem and these are the quickest and easiest ways to arrive.

By Plane

Flights from Europe and Spain come directly to Fuerteventura airport in Puerto Del Rosario, and they come very regularly. If you're planning to fly from somewhere further a field then you will fly via Madrid or Barcelona. Once you arrive at the airport there are buses, taxis or hire cars which will take you to your accommodation.

By Boat

An alternative to arriving at Fuerteventura by plane is to arrive by boat or ferry. Cruise ships often dock at Puerto Del Rosario and ferries provide transport links with the other Canary Islands and the mainland. Arriving at your destination by boat or ferry is usually the most relaxing and picturesque ways of travel as you see the shores and mountainous landscape drawing closer and closer.

Getting Around

By Car

Driving in Fuerteventura has actually been made into a tourist attraction, with visitors being able to hire jeeps and other 4x4s to explore the volcanic mountain land. Apart from this, the island's regions are very well linked by motorways which have recently been improved and there are several car hire companies dotted all over Fuerteventura.

On foot

Much of Fuerteventura's land is preserved and used for hiking trails and tours. If you want to take advantage of these walking routes then simply visit a tourist office (there is one in Puerto Del Rosario) for guides and brochures on where to go to see the most spectacular views.

By Taxi

There are taxis operating in and around the larger towns and cities, but this can prove to end up being an expensive way to get around. If you're holidaying on a budget then hire a car instead.

By Bus

Buses leave several times a day from Puerto Del Rosario, Costa Calma, Gran Tarajal and Corralejo and leave for a variety of destinations. Traveling by bus is incredibly cost effective as you get to visit an area with like-minded people and without needing to find a place to park.

Beaches

Costa Calma (Sand beach) Location: North of the Jandia region This beach is located right within a resort so you know that you'll be pleased and pampered here. Offering just about any kind of good or service that you could imagine, you can also just spend a day taking in the waves and looking out to the Atlantic Ocean where there will be windsurfers, divers, water skiers, boaters, and people enjoying just about any other kind of water activity you can imagine! Because it's an official resort beach, it is kept extremely clean and is close to restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Cofete Beach (Sand beach) Location: South of the Jandia region If you want to escape the crowds and the noise of the more popular beaches, Cofete Beach is the perfect place to come to see high sand dunes, lots of exotic plants and flowers and a stretch of water that extremely clear and refreshing. It's a bit of an adventure getting to this beach so either take a four-wheel drive or hire one of the Jeep safaris that will be glad to take you down this way. You'll be rewarded for the challenging route with a fantastic view and peace and quiet!

Beaches of Corralejo (Sand beach) Location: In the city of Corralejo These beaches are a must-see for those that want to truly be amazed by nature. Huge sand dunes made of the whitest sand line these beaches and one could spend a lifetime touring around them and finding all of the hidden locations that make perfectly private coves for sunbathing or simply playing around in the sand. Take lots of pictures as there is nothing like this in the entire world!

Caleta De Fuste (Sand beach) Location: Near the El Castillo fort Those vacationing with their families will find that this beach is the most perfect. It too is located right within a resort and so there are lots of restaurants, shopping opportunities and many other amenities that are sure to make the beach even more enjoyable and accessible. The beach is sheltered and fairly private and doesn't see too many wild crowds or very much noise. This is also a good beach to visit if you don't want an isolated setting but don't want to be fighting through people as you walk along the beach either.

El Cotillo (Sand beach) Location: To the northwest of Fuerteventura El Cotillo could be best described as a sport enthusiast beach as there are many opportunities for water activities on this beach. However, flying kites, windsurfing, and parasailing are some of the most popular because of the high winds that this beach sees. Along a backdrop of mountains, there is also a small village that is wonderful for visiting and getting a taste of local life as well as a number of small, white sandy beaches. Find one that's just for you!

Sights & Activities

Betancuria

Once upon a time this city was Fuerteventura's capital, which is located in the center of the island near Antigua. Today it remains a huge draw for tourism, with the botanical gardens, idyllic cafés and restaurants, an archaeology and paleontology museum and a 15th century church.

Water Sports

Water skiing, sailing, jet skiing, surfing and more can be found on almost any beach on the island of Fuerteventura. The waters on the coasts here stay between 19ºC and 22ºC all year round so there's no time like the present to get on a board or boat and learn a new skill.

The Pubs and Clubs

Fuerteventura is known for its great nightlife, most of which can be found in the bars, pubs and clubs of Corralejo and Jandia. Many visitors to the island will relax on the beach and go for a swim by day, and hit the town at night.

La Lajita

This attraction is especially relevant to visitors who have come as a family with young children as it is a zoo with a difference. Due to the warm climate on Fuerteventura La Lajita is a tropical zoo, full of exotic mammals, birds, reptiles, plants, trees and vegetation. Ticket prices are 17 euros per adult, with a discount for children.

Gran Circo Mundial

If you are a family with young children then the circus which visits the island of Fuerteventura during June and July each year could be the perfect day or night out for you. There are animals involved in this circus but they are treated very well.