Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canary Islands and is not quite as busy as the other islands. As it is positioned only 100km from the African coast it boasts a warm, dry climate all year round. The island has some of the best beaches in the whole of the Canaries, with more than 150 stretched over 340km of coastline. Although Fuerteventura attracts those seeking relaxation and a slower pace, it also is perfect for windsurfing and hosts the annual World Windsurfing Championships. Climate
Fuerteventura enjoys spring-like weather all year round, with the temperature rarely below 21˚C during the winter and average around 28˚ C in July and August. The trade winds arriving from the north convey some welcome breezes, and help to keep the temperatures down.
Fuerteventura is closer to Africa than any of the other Canaries Islands and receives hotter trade winds from the North and less precipitation. The little rainfall it does get, usually between October and March, are inclined to be short showers and normally only affect the north and the higher parts of the island.
Water sports are the most popular activities on Fuerteventura due to its wealth of magnificent beaches. Equipment hire and lessons can be arranged at assorted surf centers. SCUBA diving is also popular and can be organized in Corralejo,Caleta de Fuste and Morro Jable.
Popular Resorts
Corralejo
Corralejo is located in the north of the island and is one of the livelier resorts on Fuerteventura - once just a sleepy fishing town the “old” town is based around the harbor. Playa la Clavellina is a small but sheltered beach and located at the harbor providing safe bathing. Corralejo is home to a plethora of shops, with the main street offering an extensive array of goods.
Several restaurants and cafes can be found on the waterfront promenade along this small beach. Boat trips can be arranged at the harbor and it is also here that a ferry to the neighboring island of Lanzarote departs – around a 45 minute journey.
Fishing is another favorite pastime here and you can hire fishing equipment from various places in the old town. Many people fish at the harbor wall where fish are as abundant as in the local waters.
A boat trip to the Los Lobos Island is also available from the harbor and only takes around 15 minutes to get there. Los Lobos is separated from Fuerteventura by a narrow 2km strait that is known as El Rio. This is a perfect day out for just relaxing on the beautiful beach and crystal clear water, there are a couple of restaurants on the island.
This little island forms part of the Parque Natural de Las Dunas de Corralejo and it is home to more than 130 types of plants. A number of species of birds go to Los Lobos to nest on the high crags of La Caldera.
As Los Lobos is part of the nature reserve, it means that you must follow a series of distinct paths that allows the entire island to be explored. The views from the top of The Caldera de la Montana are especially worthwhile, though the climb to the summit at 127m could be too demanding for some. You should ensure that you are wearing suitable footwear as the path is made up of hard rock.
Beaches & Sand Dunes
Corralejo town is surrounded by sand dunes and miles of sandy beaches that form a nature reserve. The beaches between Punta de Tivas and the Tres Islas hotels, named Playa del Pozo, Playa del Medano and Playa de Viejo blend into one another and this sandy shore is also known as “Flag Beach”. You will find circular stone igloo like structures that act as a windbreak along here.
Naturism
Naturist's, to some extent use almost all of the beaches on the island of Fuerteventura. The only beaches, which are likely to be considered as non-naturist, are those in busy towns. Naturist's tend to go to the more secluded out-of-town beaches which lie at the lagoon waters - north of the fishing village of El Cotillo and the dune backed beaches - south of the town of Corralejo.
Nightlife
There are a myriad of bars and restaurants throughout the town to suit anyone. Nightlife is extensive and varied with entertainment venues ranging from night clubs and karaoke bars to cabarets and shows.
Accommodation
There is an extensive range of accommodation in Corralejo from apartments and villas for rental and budget to luxury hotels.
Jandia/Morro Jable
In contrast to Corralejo being at the northern end of Fuerteventura, the Jandia Peninsula – which includes Jandia, Costa Calma and the port of Morro Jable, is the furthest southern tip of the island.
The old village still retains its charm and there is a picturesque harbor in the west of the town which is used by local fishermen and yachtsmen and you can still enjoy a leisurely walk along the promenade or relax on one of the local beaches. Shops, bars and cafes lined along the promenade makes up the main part of town. Morro Jable is also the departure point for the jet foil destined for Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Beaches
Absolutely stunning white sandy beaches stretching for more than 20km are to be found here in the Jandia Peninsula and they are bordered by rolling sand dunes and lagoons which are home to an assortment of protected wildlife and plants.
Playa del Matorral - the beach at Morro Jable is a long stretch of white sands with a lighthouse, which divides the beach into naturist and non naturist sections and the naturist's seem to favor the beach in the north. Smaller beaches along the coastline are much wilder and are not so easily reached without the use of a 4 wheel drive car or jeep.
Jandia is calm and relaxing and attracts those seeking peace and serenity. There are a number of bars and restaurants in each resort, with the nightlife revolving around the hotels.
Jandia is an ideal spot for windsurfing, water-skiing, kite-surfing and scuba-diving, It is also the venue for the World Windsurfing Championships every year.
Cofete
Cofete is located on the Barlovento (windward) coast of Jandia and you have to travel more than 20km of winding and in places very narrow track to get there. In places en-route to Cofete there are sheer drops at the side which could jangle your nerves a little! So, for obvious reasons an all terrain vehicle should be used.
The beach here is around 3km in length, and is also one of the wider beaches on Fuerteventura. However, with its high waves and strong currents – swimming is not recommended here and totally unsuitable for children.
Cofete is home to the famous “Villa Winter” which was owned by the mystifying German - Gustav Winter. There are many stories concerning the villa and its uses. Behind the villa, dramatic sweeping views of Mount Jandia can be seen.
There is an old cemetery several hundred meters from the villa which is also shrouded in mystery as to whom is buried there.
Caleta de Fuste
The town of Caleta de Fuste is located in the center of the island and not far from the airport. The town is positioned around a horseshoe shaped man-made sandy beach which shelves gently with clear waters and the bay is protected by a breakwater making it suitable for children.
For the more adventurous activities such as diving, jet ski-ing or the facilities to learn to windsurf at the water center on the beach are available. The harbor houses numerous yachts, catamarans and boats which offer local excursions.
Caleta de Fuste offers an excellent variety of shops and restaurants all within close vicinity and there is a Saturday market. A mini train runs from the harbor up Chipmunk Mountain to the Montecastillo Centre where there are more bars and restaurants.
The Atlantico Shopping Centre
The Atlantico shopping center offers a cinema (films are in Spanish) and an amusement arcade with a bowling alley. There are a number of restaurants including Chinese and Indian and some other shops. The shopping center is positioned in beautiful gardens and around a lake.
Pamper Yourself
The Thalassotherapy center is located within the Barceló Fuerteventura Hotel which is situated next to the beach in Caleta de Fuste. It offers several types of treatments and baths, including sauna, Jacuzzi and Turkish bath.
Golf Courses
Fuerteventura Golf
This course was opened in 2002 and is an 18-hole par 70 course designed by Juan Catarimeau. The Spanish Open was held here in 2004. Fuerteventura golf is situated around some spectacular villas and apartments. The five star clubhouse of the Elba Palace Golf Resort Hotel is located at the back of the course.
The Salinas de Antigua Golf Club
This is another 18-hole; par 70 golf course set amidst hills and dunes – that act as a wind breaker, desert areas and some gorgeous lakes. This challenging course was designed by two times world champion Manuel Pinero.
Accommodation
There is an extensive range of accommodation in Caleta de Fuste from apartments and villas for rental and budget to luxury hotels.
Costa Calma
The resort of Costa Calma (part of the Jandia Peninsula) is quiet and is perfect for beach lovers and those looking for a more laid back setting.
Costa Calma is also home to a stretch of magnificent white sandy beaches, said to be the best in the Canaries and never seem to get crowded - even during high season. The gently shelving sands of Playa de Sotavento - the main beach in Costa Calma where sun beds and parasols are available.
There is an excellent variety of hotels and apartments dotted around the resort, with the more upmarket ones enjoying key locations near the beach, and a choice of handy shopping centers for those holiday requisites and souvenirs. A lively vibrant market is held on Sunday mornings in Costa Calma and a variety of goods are on offer, it goes on until early afternoon.
As Costa Calma is a quiet resort, it is mostly the hotels that provide evening entertainment; however, there are a number of bars in the resort with some offering live music and karaoke. On the whole though, nightlife is low key here. The restaurants in Costa Calma offer traditional and international cuisine.
Accommodation
There is an extensive range of accommodation in Costa Calma from apartments and villas for rental and budget to luxury hotels.
