Fuerteventura hotels

Shaped like a leg in old-fashioned plus-fours, the eastern Canary Island of Fuerteventura is anything but anachronistic with its modern emphasis on hedonism. With more beaches than any of its siblings, this low-lying island sunbathing off the African coast is like the Sahara with watersports.

Two main resorts lure visitors. At the hip joint is Corralejo, tucked into a fleet of sand dunes. At the heel lies Morro Jable, less boisterous and distinctly German in flavour. In between are windswept communities and fishing villages hiding sandy coves and rocky inlets. Along the 340km of coastline are over 100 beaches, more than any other Canary Island.

Swap the gold-lined coast for greenery on the pilgrims' walk from Antigua to Betancuria. Visit the lace-making village of Lajares, or the dramatic lavascape of Malpaís de la Arena, the site of volcanic eruptions on the island 10,000 years ago.

Escape to the barren solitude of the interior or, further still, to the island of Lobos, facing Corralejo. Slip and slide among the dunes in Corralejo Natural Park. Sandy retreats fill the many coves and bays.

Exploit the warm trade winds and go surfing, windsurfing or kitesurfing. See if you can spot any remains of the shipwrecked American Star, which ran aground during a storm on the west coast Playa de Garcey in 1994.

Tuck into goat, a local delicacy usually fried or roasted and served with the ubiquitous spicy mojo sauce and wrinkled potatoes. Seafood is prevalent. Try swordfish, sea bass or octopus. The island is also famous for its goats' cheese. Queso majorero is revered way beyond the archipelago, having amassed numerous awards at international festivals.

Check out the action in Corralejo around the Centro Comercial Atlántico. Catch a live band at Rock Island, then move on to the Hawaii-inspired Waikiki Beach Club. In Morro Jable, you'll find cocktail bars and discotecas in the Centro Comercial de Jandía complex and around Plazoleta de Cirilo Lopez.

Take advantage of the Canary Islands' duty-free status and stock up on drink, cigarettes and perfume.