The Canary Islands attract millions of tourists each year and it’s not difficult to see why. Their warm climate ensures that you can enjoy year-round sunshine. If you crave relaxation, the plethora of sandy beaches will surely tempt you. If, however you just can’t decide which Canary Island to visit, we are taking a closer look at the oldest one, Fuerteventura. Let us guide you through our list of nine things you can discover on the island of Fuerteventura.
Marro Jable beach. Photo by: wjarek/Adobe Stock
Getting to know Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is the second largest island after Tenerife. It’s the closest to the African coast, laying 60 miles from Morocco. Formed by volcanic eruptions, Fuerteventura’s 152 beaches are either pure white sand or black volcanic shingle. Home to the longest beaches in the Canaries, you’ll easily be able to find a sunbathing spot.
Top tip: Nude sunbathing is popular on the beaches here. If you’d rather not indulge, stay closer to the resorts. It’s easier to find a discreet spot that way.
In 2009, UNESCO declared the island a biosphere reserve. This was designed to help promote sustainable living and preserve the natural environment.
On average, temperatures stay around 18°C – 32°C, so pack light. At most, you’ll need a thin sweater for cool evenings and windy days. Shorts and t-shirts are standard attire.
Quick resort guide – Fuerteventura
- Best for water sports: Corralejo
- Suitable for families: Caleta de Fuste
- Great beaches: Marro Jable
- Island capital: Puerto del Rosario
1. Try water sports
Fuerteventura is a haven for water sports enthusiasts due to the warm climate and water conditions. Around the coast, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of surfing activities, diving and fishing.
In July, the World Windsurfing Tour takes place. Watch surfers freestyling or slaloming among the waves.
If being active on the water isn’t your cup of tea, try whale or dolphin-spotting.
Punto Martiño Lighthouse on Lobos Island. Photo by: peresanz/Adobe Stock
2. Visit Lobos Island
Last inhabited in the 1960s, Lobos Island is 2km from the northern point of Fuerteventura. The keeper (and family) of the Punta Martiño Lighthouse were the last residents of this stunning nature reserve. Reach the island by hopping on a ferry from Corralejo. A visit here is a must if you have an interest in flora, fauna and natural history.
Facilities here include an information centre and restaurant. They are staffed by locals who travel across from the main island daily. Stick to the marked footpaths to help preserve the island when exploring.
For the best views, climb to the highest point of the island, Montaña La Caldera (Cauldron Mountain).
3. Attend Carnival
Carnival season is the most vibrant period here, taking place annually from February to March. The whole island comes to life with open-air parties. Starting around midnight, dressing up is the order of the day. There are usually funfairs to keep children entertained too.
In 2017, Corralejo will hold its carnival from 9th-19th March. On the final Saturday, celebrations culminate with a big parade and fireworks. The theme for the 2017 carnival is science and inventions.
4. Discover art in Puerto del Rosario
Whilst the capital city may not be your first port of call, if you’re passing through, take a walk around. The area is an open-air sculpture park. Artists came together to create over 100 sculptures. There are also over 400 mural paintings to discover.
5. Fly a kite
Fuerteventura’s Kite Festival has been taking place every year since 1987. It usually lasts for 3 days each November. Hundreds of people from all over the world take to the dunes of Corralejo Nature Reserve to fly kites. Local people, students, professionals and visitors fly 700 kites, filling the sky with colour. 150 kites are also given to children to fly. Parachuting teddy bears drop sweets for them (and adults!) to catch. The event ends with combat between two kites. A battle to the finish where only one will survive.
6. Learn the history of Fuerteventura
Learn about the history of the island at the Betancuria Archaeological Museum. Set in a traditional local home, there are 5 exhibition rooms to discover. The museum covers archaeological, ethnographical and paleontological material. See historical artefacts and even some human remains. Information boards cover topics such as the aboriginal people and pirates.
View from Mount Tindaya. Photo by: Tamara Kulikova/Adobe Stock
7. Climb Mount Tindaya
Fuerteventura is home to this 400m mountain, once considered sacred. Over 400 carvings of feet have been discovered at the base and peak. On a clear day, you can see Mount Teide on Tenerife, which Aboriginals believed was the residence of the devil. All carvings face Mount Teide, and it’s believed that the feet ward off evil.
The mountain is the subject of late sculptor’s Eduardo Chillida’s project ‘Monument to Tolerance’ which sees a large cave being formed inside the mountain.
You can hike up the mountain, starting from the village at the base of the same name.
8. Sample local produce
Fuerteventura’s award-winning majorero cheese is made from goat’s milk. Sample some during your visit, for example from Finca Pepe. See the cheese being made and learn more about the process. There are three main different kinds of this cheese. Fresco is the plainest tasting. Semi-curado has been cured for 20-60 days, and curado, the most flavoursome, has been cured for over 60 days.
Aloe vera, or Lily of the Desert, is also a product of Fuerteventura. In fact, the largest producer of the aloe vera plant is on Fuerteventura. You can visit farms in Tiscamanita and Valles de Ortega. Aloe Vera Information Centres or shops, such as L’Aloe Vera Fresca, around the island will be happy to tell you more.
9. Visit the zoo
There is only one zoo in Fuerteventura; Oasis Park. There are over 3000 animals of 250 different species. There are various experiences on offer such as swimming with sea lions, feeding giraffes, and camel safaris. Live shows are also hosted with parrots, seals and birds of prey. Visit the botanical garden in the zoo to learn more about varying flora and conservation efforts.
Explore Fuerteventura your way
Hiring a car on Fuerteventura is the easiest way to make sure you get the most out of your visit. Explore hidden areas whenever you want with your own hire car.
At Fuerteventura Airport, we work with the suppliers Cicar, Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz and Orlando.
Cars can also be hired from Caleta De Fuste, Corralejo, Costa Calma, Jandia, Puerto De Corralejo, and Puerto De Jandia.
Check out our previous blog on food and drink of the Canary Islands.
Have you visited Fuerteventura? Let us know of your experience in the comments below- what attractions did you enjoy the most?
Written by Jessica Juby.
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