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Fuerteventura is the
second largest of the Canary Islands and the least sparsely
populated. The island has some fantastic white sand beaches and
is the fourth most developed of the Canary Islands after Gran
Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote.
The surface area of
the island measures 1,658 km2 including the tiny
island of Lobos which is situated just off the north east coast
and which is only about 6 km2 wide. Unlike the other
islands in the Canaries, Fuerteventura has vast plains and is
relatively flat with the highest point being the Pico de la
Zarza which stands at 810m, but as with all the other islands it
is also of volcanic origin and this is evident from the lava
encrusted landscapes that can be seen both in the north and
south of the island. Parts of the island are covered by rough
lava left over from the past eruptions and other parts are
covered by miles and miles of fine golden sand that not only
covers the coastlines but can also be seen deeper inland.
The Capital is
Puerto Rosario. The airport is located a few miles to the south.
The main British areas of tourism are Corralejo, and Caleta de
Fuste but other areas are developing quickly. This is a
beautiful and relaxed island with a lot to offer especially for
beach lovers and watersports enthusiasts. There are some of the
best surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing facilities available
in Europe plus great diving, and clear blue waters.
Over 70 kilometers
of pristine white beaches; an unbeatable climate; friendly
people and sugar cube villages. These are some of the reasons
why the Canaries' second largest island is becoming a Mecca for
those seeking a picture postcard lifestyle.
From the air,
Fuerteventura appears to be a gigantic sand dune emerging from
the ocean. Its proximity to the coast of the western Sahara
might explain the large deposits of sand that blow over and
settle themselves on Fuerteventura helping to create some of the
most beautiful beaches in the world.
The beauty of
Fuerteventura is complemented by the neighbouring island of
Lobos which is a boat ride away. Lobos gets its name from the
sea-lions that used to live there five hundred years ago. It is
almost uninhabited but is administered by Fuerteventura and the
lighthouse at El Faro guides the fishermen working off its
coasts. It has also been declared a Marine National Park as the
seas are teeming with all kinds of marine life not found any
where else.
The climate on
Fuerteventura is ideal as it is gentle and consistent due to the
high pressure area of the Azores, the sea temperature and the
topography. Its mild temperatures with little variations
throughout the year and little rainfall make it an excellent
place for tourists and tourism. The most attractive features are
the sea and the beaches of which there are some 152, mainly
consisting of golden sand..This together with a naturally
peaceful environment and a feeling of the closeness to nature
are an invitation to visitors to enjoy Fuerteventura for all the
beauty and tranquillity it has to offer.
It is a paradise for
water sports including windsurfing, water skiing, sailing and
diving. The World Professional Windsurfing Championship Finals
are held here as the location is ideal thanks to the consistent
winds particularly on the east coast. Due to the volcanic
formations in some areas, there are tunnels, crevices and caves
which make diving an unforgettable experience and a popular
diving area which is visited and well known by many people.
Fuerteventura was once a favourite haunt for pirates and they
have left their legacy for divers with some great wreaks to
explore.
With virtually the
same climate as Florida and Mexico, Fuerteventura is like an all
over tonic where you can't help but feel the stresses and
strains of a North European winter disappearing over the horizon
with the setting sun. For clouds and rain imagine a seamless
stretch of sapphire blue with 360 days of sunshine per year; for
the fumes of traffic torment think clean ocean breeze from a
coastline never far away; for industrial hi-rise cities picture
sugar cube villages and tiny fishing hamlets. It's not hard to
understand why the local Majoreros (inhabitants of Fuerteventura)
are welcoming so many second home-owners and new residents.
The most popular
areas for visitors are the capital - Corralejo in the north,
Caleta de Fuste on the east coast and Morro Jable at the
Fuerteventura’s southernmost point.
Corralejo
Corralejo is a
picturesque fishing village in the north of the island whose
beach is one of the most beautiful of the archipelago. It is
separated by a narrow inlet from the small attractive Isla de
Lobos and has become a favourite holiday destination and
consequently it has grown into a busy resort but it still
retains the charm of the simple fishing village it once was.
Nearby is the Corralejo Nature Reserve which comprises a large
area of dunes, a lava landscape and a volcanic cone.
The old town of
Correlejo is centred around a traditional fishing harbor, the
town has expanded in line with its popularity providing full
amenities for visitors and residents alike. Excellent fish
restaurants and quay side tapas bars satisfy the hunger whilst
the fine white sand and clear turquoise waters of Corralejo
Nature Park provide dreamlike beaches. The recently constructed
water park (Baku is also located here), as is the new La Oliva
golf complex.
The island of Los
Lobos just a few kilometres off the coast offers a perfect
picnic location in protected surroundings.
Isla de Lobos
Isla de
Lobos is a tiny islet lying just a few kilometres off the coast
of Corrolejos in the north of the island. It can be reached by
boat from this resort and it has a "Robinson Crusoe" feel about
it. It is now a Nature Park with a light house to guide the
fishermen working around the coastal waters. During the 15th
century the island was teeming with large numbers of
Mediterranean monk seals but there are none left today. However
the plant and animal species which live and thrive here, are now
protected.
Caleta de Fuste
Caleta de Fuste in
the municipality of Antigua is the fastest developing resort on
the island and a safe water sports haven. Diving, snorkeling,
windsurfing are popular in this protected bay and dolphins and
pilot whales are common sights a little further out to sea. The
island's first golf course is situated just south of the
village, an 18-hole, par 70 studded with palm trees and
surrounding three stream-linked lakes.
Jandia
Jandia is an
enormous area in the south of the island which is renowned for
its sand dunes and solitude. With its almost virgin beaches, you
can still discover the remotest of spots where there are no
crowds to disturb your peace. It is also a favourite place for
nude sunbathing. The main towns along the peninsula of Jandi are
Costa Calma and Moro Jable.
Costa Calma
This resort is based
around the spectacular Sottovente beach. It is a haven for water
sports fanatics and in particular wind surfers and divers. The
beach stretches for miles. It is a predominately German and
Scandinavian resort although British tourists are slowly
starting to appreciate the beauty of the area. The beautiful La
Lajita animal park is located here with its array of camel
rides, exotic birds, zebra, giraffes etc. If you travel a little
further down the beach you will reach Morro Jable.
Morro Jable
The sophistication
of Fuerteventura's original resort is apparent in the array of
international restaurants and shops along its promenade.
Visitors of all nationalities come to Morro Jable year after
year to enjoy the quaint harbor, old village and stunning
35-kilometre stretch of sand including the famous Sotavento,
home of the World Windsurfing Championships.
Betancuria
Betancuria was the
capital of Fuerteventura until 1834. It was founded in 1405 by
the Norman conqueror Jean de Bethencourt. The central attraction
of Betancuria is the 17th century Santa Maria cathedral. The
original Gothic church was built in the early 15th century but
was destroyed by pirates in 1593. Betancuria is located in the
very centre of the island and nestles in the Betancurian
mountain range. Its location make it a very enchanting little
village and as the land in the area is particularly fertile, the
island's original population, the Guanches founded their first
important settlement here. In the town's Archaeological Museum
you can see highly interesting remains of this original
civilization.
La Oliva
La Oliva in the
north of Fuerteventura was also once the capital of the island.
In 1860 this status was appointed to Puerto del Rosario.
Although nowadays La Oliva is a small and quiet little place,
there are still traces of it's noble past. One of the village's
charming attractions is the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la
Candelaria which was built in the 1700's. Other old buildings
include the lovely Casa De Los Coroneles which is a grand manor
with wooden balconies and a spacious inner courtyard and Casa
del Capellan which was once the home of the priest.
Puerto del Rosario
Puerto Rosario is
the lovely small town capital of Fuerteventura and was built in
the late 18th century. It has typical architecture of the Canary
Islands. It is mainly an industrial town and is off the tourist
track so to speak. |
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