Fuerteventura, an island in the Atlantic Ocean, is considered the easternmost and second largest of the Canary Islands. It is attractive because of its mild climate, and it is also loved by fans of sports activities, be it surfing or kite-surfing. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, the best waves or party resorts, Fuerteventura has it all.
Fuerteventura has earned the title "African" due to the red color of the layers, the beaches, the turquoise sea and the arid landscape. The oldest island in the Canary archipelago is of volcanic origin, which is reflected in the landscape itself. Although it is becoming more and more popular among tourists, it still only ranks fourth. This means that it is considerably less crowded than its neighbors, either Lanzarote or Gran Canaria, and it also has the longest beaches, which are truly beautiful to top it off. If beaches aren't your thing, don't worry. Inland and along the coasts, you can see many natural attractions, such as volcanoes, caves, natural pools, sand dunes, mountains,…
When to Fuerteventura?
Although the best time for "Fuerta", as the locals affectionately call it, is from May to November, it seems that you could enjoy it more in the winter months. Although the water is colder at that time, after sunbathing on the sandy beaches, it is still tempting enough. Plus, there is no tourist crowd that floods the island in the summer.
Photo: Unsplash/Sebastian MittermeierWhat should I see in Fuerteventura?
Um, what can we say?! The beaches are undoubtedly the first attraction of the island. Fuerteventura boasts as many as 150 km of beautiful sandy beaches that merge with the crystal clear sea. The most family-friendly beaches are located in the north of the island: El Pozo, El Viejo and Bajo Negro. If you are near El Cotillo, do not miss the crescent-shaped La Concha beach, home to the rarest fish species of this sea. Playa del Cofete, on the other hand, offers the most authentic experience, without crowds and noise, as it stretches for as much as 12 km. Be sure to check it out when visiting Fuerte Corralejo Nature Reserve, where the white sand descends towards the crystal clear turquoise sea.
The nature reserve boasts the largest dunes in the Canary Islands: they stretch about 10 km from Puerto Remedia to La Salina and are home to a range of protected local animal and plant species. The dunes were created by the disintegration of the shells of molluscs and other marine organisms, and the beaches in the reserve are among the most popular on the island for surfing due to the strong wind. And we're already talking about water sports. There is really no shortage of these in Fuerta. The most widespread sports in the Canary Islands are surfing and windsurfing, as the island is a real paradise for fans of these two sports activities due to the strong waves. You will find the best surfing conditions on the west and north coast of the island, with the most suitable areas near the Corralejo Reserve and the Sotavento Beach.
Photo: Unsplash/Maxime GilbertFuerta also offers a range of hiking opportunities. You can climb all the way up to the beautiful volcano Calderón Hondo, and see its crater and admire the entire northern part of the island. The best time to visit is just before sunset, as it turns into the most beautiful range of colors. If you're more drawn to museums and culture, check out Salinas del Carmen or Museo de la Sal, which showcase the process of salt production. Or go to Antigua Windmill Craft Centre, where you can admire local artists and craftsmen, while visiting a real windmill and learning about how it works. During your visit to Fuerteventura, you can also try the local goat cheese, which you can learn more about at the Majorero Cheese Museum.
If you prefer outdoor activities, visit the sculpture park in Puerto del Rosario, where there are as many as 100 statues of a wide variety of local artists. Do you have an extra day? Isla de Lobos is a wonderful destination for day trips. This islet is located just two kilometers from Fuerteventura and is easily accessible by ferry that departs daily from Corralejo. The picturesque islet is a paradise for fishermen, sun lovers and adventurers. The last inhabitant of the island was a lighthouse keeper who moved away in the 60s of the last century, when the lighthouse became automated. Today, the Punta Martino Lighthouse remains an important landmark for those visiting the island. The island is also a good place for surfing. Many surfers will take a day trip to catch some of the best waves in the Canary Islands.
Photo: Unsplash/Erwin DoornHow to explore Fuerteventura?
The best way to explore the island is by car rental. The island is 100 km long and just under 30 km wide, so you can drive to any destination in a single day. Parking is easy to find in most cities and is often free. There is also a bus service with about 10 lines that run between major cities, but it is sometimes slow and will not take you to many natural attractions.
How much is a plane ticket to Fuerteventura?
You can catch tickets from Venice with Wizz Air for just a few tens of euros. You can search for flight tickets according to your vacation date HERE.
Photo: Unsplash/Eddy BillardCovid-19 restrictions in Fuerteventura
At the time of writing, there were no specific travel restrictions. Check all current information about Covid-19 restrictions HERE.
Accommodation in Fuerteventura
Shambhala Fuerteventura
In Parque Holandes there is an accommodation that has its doors open all year round. It boasts a luxurious garden and a large outdoor pool, as well as comfortably and tastefully furnished rooms. These have balconies with pool views.
Hotel Rural Era de la Corte
The hotel in the interior of the island is intended only for adults who are looking for an escape from the whirlwind of everyday life. The family-run hotel, furnished in a classic style, is perfect for an island break, and instead of going into the sea, you can jump into the pleasant outdoor pool.
