Travel guide – fuerteventura
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Overview
Only 60 miles (100km) separates the island of Fuerteventura, second largest in the Canary archipelago, from the continent of Africa, and this sunny island shares the same latitude (and therefore weather conditions) with the renowned holiday destinations of Florida and Mexico. Unlike those bustling resort-ridden vacation stations, though, Fuerteventura is relatively undiscovered, its more than 150 idyllic sandy beaches only sparsely populated and many seldom visited at all. The island has an arid volcanic landscape, and apart from the beaches, not much to recommend it in the way of tourist amenities or attractions. This has kept the mega resorts and mass summer package holiday trade at bay, but it does have a fair share of day-trippers from the resorts of Lanzarote and Gran Canaria who come seeking a respite from the crowds. The island’s own two main resort towns are Corralejo and Caleta del Fuste. Fuerteventura is easily accessible from the other islands in the archipelago by ferry or air. The airport is situated close to the island’s capital of Puerto del Rosario.
Fuerteventura’s busiest holiday resort has been built up around the town of Caleta de Fuste, also known as Castillo, about six miles (10km) south of the island’s airport. The resort’s horseshoe-shaped gently-shelving beach is man-made, covered with imported golden sand. The resort is steadily growing in facilities and popularity, the latest addition being a golf course. The town consists of a long main street lined with low-rise buildings containing several restaurants and bars. Nightlife is fairly lively and there are numerous watersports on offer, boat trips and even undersea excursions on a submarine. Accommodation is mainly in apartment blocks. Caleta de Fuste’s central location makes it a good base from which to explore the rest of the island, although there is little public transport and hiring a car is necessary for most excursions.
Things to do and see in or around Caleta de Fuste
Betancuria
The original capital of the island, Betancuria was founded in 1405 by Norman conqueror, Jean de Bethencourt, but suffered repeated raids by pirates who eventually totally sacked the city and caused its citizens to move elsewhere. Today it has a small population of a few hundred, and relies mainly on day visitors who come to admire the restored Santa Maria church and explore the Casa Museo Arquebiologico, an interesting museum documenting the history of the island. Visitors can also watch local artists at work at the Casa Santa Maria, and pick up some local handcrafts at a quaint shop. There is a good restaurant beside the church, and cheese and wine tasting is offered nearby.
The church is open from 10am to 6pm. The museum opens Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 2pm, and is closed Mondays
Once just a tiny fishing village on the north coast of Fuerteventura, Corralejo’s harbour now receives ferries full of day-trippers from Playa Blanca in Lanzarote every day and the town plays host to hundreds of visitors who are drawn to spend a sunny, sandy holiday in the island’s tourist Mecca. Although tourism is booming and development is keeping pace, the little port still retains its charm. The waterfront promenade flanking the small, sheltered town beach boasts numerous restaurants and cafes, most in converted historic houses. Corralejo’s restaurants offer a wide choice, from good old English fish and chips to Mexican tacos or Indian curry. There is even a smattering of eateries serving up Canarian cuisine and fresh seafood. The main street, Calle General Franco, is flanked with shops selling everything from radios to surfboards, and suntan oil to luxury watches. Just outside the town is a protected nature reserve festooned with miles of sand dunes, and the surrounding beaches are more than inviting. Among the activities to keep holidaymakers busy are a variety of watersports, tennis, glass-bottom boat trips, ferry trips to Lanzarote, jeep safaris, island tours, mountain biking and motorcycle tours.
Things to do and see in or around Corralejo
Puerto del Rosario
The main town of Fuerteventura, Puerto del Rosario on the western side of the island was once called Puerto de Cabras (goat harbour), and even today it is said that goats outnumber people in this whitewashed town, which has only recently made attempts to capitalise on the tourist trade. The main street provides some good souvenir shops, the streets have been resurfaced and the harbour promenade rebuilt. The old harbour area features some attractive examples of Canarian architecture and the home of exiled poet Miguel de Unamuno, which has been turned into a museum.
La Lajita Zoo
The little fishing village on the east coast of Fuerteventura has been put on the tourist map because it offers one of the island’s main attractions, the ‘Oasis de Los Camellos’ zoo. The zoo is home to a small selection of animals, but the main activities offered are parrot shows, horse rides and camel safaris. While waiting their turn visitors can relax under the palm trees at the zoo’s bar, or try out one of a few seafood restaurants that have sprung up in the village.
9am to 7.30pm
La Oliva
The village of La Oliva was formerly the home of the military governors of the island between the 17th and mid-19th centuries. The Governor’s townhouse has been restored and is open to the public. Also in the centre of the village is the pretty church of Parroquiade Nuestra Seiiora de Candelaria, with a square bell tower and finely carved wooden door. The interior of the church features a painting of the Last Judgment, a baroque altar painting by Juan de Miranda and some wonderful trompe l’oeil work. The village also has an art centre exhibiting the work of Canarian artists.
Beaches on Fuerteventura
One does not need to go far on Fuerteventura to find a perfect beach, even if you are intent on seeking out solitude away from other holidaymakers. The best can be found around Jandia, on the southern tip of the island. Juan Gomez is one of these, with a stretch of golden sand, reached by turning off of the Morro Jable-Punta de Jandia road. In the same section of the island is the pebbly black volcanic beach of La Pared, with right next door the beach of Viejo Rey, a long stretch of golden sand flanked by dunes. For real peace and quiet the black volcanic sand of Giniginamar is recommended, surrounded by palm trees and other indigenous plants. For true remote beaches tourists can hire a 4WD and explore the tracks leading to the sea on the west coast. Nudism is tolerated on all the island's beaches.
Climate
Fuerteventura has a glorious climate all year with temperatures rarely dropping below 63°F (17°C) and more often above 82°F (28°C) during the day, and gentle sea breezes keep the island from baking. Rainfall in the summer months is almost non-existent, but showers are likely between October and April. Over the winter months travellers will need a sweater and light trousers for evenings, and possibly the odd rare cloudy day, but any other time of year will only need the bare essentials such as shorts and T-shirts.
Health
There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing free emergency health care at State run hospitals. UK travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that private clinics are not covered, and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised.
The basics
Getting Around
A cheap and reliable bus service connects the main towns and resorts in Fuerteventura and they are a good option for those that fancy seeing the island without booking an organised excursion. Taxis can also be taken but hiring a car is the best option for those who really want to explore the island. Drivers must be over 21 and hold a full driving license. Drink driving is illegal and seatbelts must be worn. The national speed limit is 90kmh, though the taxi drivers don't seem aware of this.
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