From its vast golden sand dunes to its mountainous interior, Fuerteventura, meaning 'strong winds', is one of the more peaceful Canary Islands. Ideal for those in search of relaxation and leisure, Fuerteventura is situated just 60 miles from the African coast and shares the same latitude as Florida and Mexico. The island is relatively undiscovered with more than 150 beaches that remain sparsely populated despite the warm weather all year round. With an average flight time of just over four hours from UK airports, the sweeping beaches, beautiful climate and roaring surf draw visitors back year on year.
A quieter island ideal for family holidays and a favourite with watersports enthusiasts and sun-lovers...
Fuerteventura is a quiet island that places the emphasis on relaxation rather than partying with its nightlife limited to traditional bars and restaurants as well as time-honoured entertainment such as authentic folk dancing. Consequently this is a year round sun destination for families and couples, particularly those with young children thanks to the friendly village atmosphere throughout the island, with temperatures peaking at 30°C in the summer and rarely dropping below 20°C in the winter. It is also a hotspot for watersport enthusiasts as the home of the world speedsurfing championships and many centres for windsurfing.
There are three main tourist resorts in Fuerteventura each with its own unique atmosphere and scenery.
Costa Caleta (formerly known as Caleta de Fuste) is the closest resort to the airport and is particularly appealing for families due to its sheltered location and family friendly cafes, bars and eateries. Indeed Costa Caleta is a fantastic place to dine with restaurants of all kinds including English, Indian, Spanish, tapas and seafood. It's ideal to indulge in the local delicacies such as Mojo, a spicy pepper salsa, and Puchero Canario, a hearty casserole. The bay at Costa Caleta is horseshoe shaped with crystal clear waters.
Watersport lovers flock to the resort of Jandia each July for the Windsurfing and Kiteboarding World Cup. The area is the perfect setting to capitalise on the guaranteed winds with numerous freestyle and speedsurfing events. Jandia isn't just for sporting types though with its 20km sandy beach incorporating dunes and a lighthouse. The area is also popular among tax-free shoppers with numerous tourist shops and malls and many unique gifts to be bought at Jandia's market, while there is a small selection of restaurants and bars along the waterfront.
Perhaps no resort on Fuerteventura is livelier than Corralejo. The majority of the island's nightlife is situated in the area with a lot of seafood restaurants and plenty of music bars and clubs. There are numerous facilities for surfers, an attractive harbour and a local market to explore. However, the main shopping area in Fuerteventura is Puerto del Rosario, which has a number of souvenir shops along the main street. The old harbour is also very attractive if you fancy a leisurely stroll.
There are an array of excursions running throughout the day including trips to the tiny Los Lobos island with its striking scenery. A ferry runs regularly to neighbouring island Lanzarote, while those staying in Jandia might wish to try a camel safari. There is historic beauty to discover too, particularly at Betancuria with the restored Santa Maria church and the Casa Museo Arquebiologico, which recounts the history of the island. Casa Santa Maria is also popular for shoppers with lots of local handcrafts available and artists often performing in the streets, while La Lajita Zoo makes an enjoyable family day out.
