Fuerteventura

A Romantic Paradise

Fuerteventura is the aradisesecond largest of the Canary Islands – only 84km from the African Coast and dates back to a volcanic eruption some 20 million years ago. The last volcanic activity in Fuerteventura was around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. The Island has the lowest populous of all the Canary Islands. Mount Jandia in the south-western part of the Island is the highest point in Fuerteventura at 807m. Fuerteventura means ‘strong wind’, as the island is in the path of the trade winds, which makes it an ideal location for water sports. Golden sand which is blown in from the Western Sahara Desert offers some 150 un-crowded sandy beaches. Fuerteventura Airport (FUE) is located in El Matorral, around 5km from Puerto del Rosario the Capital of the Island.

The climate on Fuerteventura is agreeable all through the year. During the winter months, temperatures average a high of 21°C and a low of around 15°C, while during the summer a high of 27°C and a low of 20°C can be expected. Rainfall is around 147 mm per year, which generally falls in the winter. There is comparatively little tourist development on Fuerteventura, it does not have the typical water parks, zoos and theme parks that most other holiday destinations have, but it does have around 125 miles of glorious beaches on the Island. There are superb sandy coves and longer beaches in undeveloped areas, mostly along the east coast.

The Island is divided into two halves:

Maxorata - The northern part of the peninsula features a five-kilometre isthmus called Istmo de la Pared and this forms the narrowest part of the Island. The western coast has some of the most glorious and sandiest beaches in Fuerteventura and these are very popular with surfers.

Jandia peninsula - is an area and a peninsula covering the whole south-western part of the island forming the westernmost and the southernmost points on the Island. It is mostly mountainous and rocky and has less vegetation than some areas of the Island, including palm trees and some plants. The peninsula is home to Pico de la Zarza that rises to a height of 807m, which is the highest Mountain on Fuerteventura.

With its miles of coastline, Fuerteventura has a lot to offer where water sports are concerned, favourable climate and trade winds make it an ideal holiday destination for all water sports aficionados. 

Scuba Diving is just one of the main attractions, fairly constant sea temperatures draw the marine life, so enhances any diving experiences. There are around twelve dive centres on the Island that offer courses for divers of all levels. Snorkelling excursions that take you to the best sites are available too.

Sailing and fishing trips can be arranged from some of the marinas and harbours around the Island. Sail boats and catamarans are available for hire and there are a few larger catamarans that offer day trips, generally with the assurance of seeing dolphins.

If Surfing, Windsurfing and Kite boarding interests you, then you won’t go far wrong with the coastline of Fuerteventura. The consistent winds and a range of water conditions will cater the needs of wind and kite surfers of any level of skill. There is surf to suit all levels of surfer from the novice to the more experienced surfer. Lessons are available at a variety of centres around the Island.

There are various routes for walking on Fuerteventura, but most serious walkers tend to do so during the winter- when temperatures are a bit lower. One of the walks from Lajares to Corralejo takes in the remarkable crater of the extinct volcano Calderon Hondo. There are various routes to suit all abilities of walkers.

Cycling around the larger tourist resorts in Fuerteventura is made easier due to cycle paths. The asphalted roads are generally in good condition, for those that like to cycle off-road there are miles of tracks.