Highlights of Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura island lies just 100 kilometres from Morocco’s Cape Juby. In many ways, the landscape of this Canary island feels more African, than Hispanic. Its lunar landscapes are dotted with bright coloured volcano cones and whitewashed flat-roofed houses, serving as just one example of the island’s exotic characteristics.

Often referred to as ‘the island of magnificent beaches’, Fuerteventura has long been a perennial favourite amongst beachcombers and surfers alike. You can also indulge in its dramatic coastlines, trek across the crimson scrublands of its interior, or live la vida loca at the resorts of Corralejo and Morro Jable, which lie at opposite ends of the island. The former also boasts the famous sand dune beaches at the Natural Park of Corralejo along the northeastern coast. If seeking charming fishing village feel, fresh seafood and wild beaches, make sure to visit El Cotillo.

With much of its eastern coast standing in the face of Atlantic trade winds, Fuerteventura is arguably the most popular island in the archipelago for wind sports. For any wind junkies, Playa Sotavento de Jandía, found along the Jandía Peninsula, is the pick of the bunch and also hosts the Windsurf & PKRA Kiteboard World Cup each year.

The coast also contains a smattering of harbour towns which still contribute heavily to the island’s traditional fishing economy. If you want to try some of the local cuisine, be sure to visit the historic seaside town of Gran Tarajal, which lays claim to being the last ‘Spanish’ town on the island.

Culture and history enthusiasts are also spoilt for choice. If looking for the authentic Canarian experience, you only need to venture inland to find picturesque villages and towns. Often agricultural, these abodes embody a traditional and unequivocally Mediterranean lifestyle. The two former capitals of Fuerteventura, Betancuria and La Oliva, are highly recommended.

For the more intrepid traveller, the dramatic hamlet Cofete, found on the western part of the Jandía peninsula, is a must. It can only be reached by car, through a rocky drive across the cliff trails from Morro Jable. If you do muster up the courage, you will be rewarded with breathtaking coastal panoramas, and the chance to witness the eerie Villa Winter. The villa is the former home of a mysterious German engineer. To this day the house is the at the centre of many conspiracy theories. These range from the idea that there were secret alliances with Franco there, to the suggestion that it was once a halfway house for fleeing Nazi war criminals.

If you choose to island hop during your holiday in Fuerteventura, Isla de los Lobos with its bird species and surfing hot spots, is only 15 minutes boat ride away from the port of Corralejo. Alternatively, regular ferries take you to Playa Blanca of Lanzarote island in about half an hour.

Whatever you choose to do, you will almost certainly be greeted warmly by the island’s inhabitants (the Majoreros), countless windmills and believe it or not, roundabouts!