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Fuerteventura Introduction
Fuerteventura is not just about sun, sea and sand. It is an Archipelago island which has plenty to offer, whatever your choice is for a holiday retreat.
Fuerteventura is the most easterly Canary Island and lies in the Atlantic Ocean, only about 65 miles away from the coast of Africa. Like the other Canarian Islands, Fuerteventura was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, evidence of which you can see today.
Its ideal location means that it benefits from good weather at any time of the year, so a winter holiday is a possibility as well as in the summer. The average winter temperature is around 20 degrees and in summer, excess of around 25.
The island is small being just 780 sq miles in size. It has some magnificent beaches and clear blue seas. It also has some magnificent wind surfing, sailing and scuba diving opportunities to be had.
You will find no better place than Fuerteventura if you are looking for traditional festivals, as throughout the year there are many different fiestas all over the Island. These festivals and fiestas vary from religious to custom and perhaps a bit of both. You will be entertained by folklore music, the traditional music of the Islands with traditional dances will usually take place at fiestas so you can enjoy a taste of Canarian entertainment, of which they are so proud and in which you can even take part as you will be encouraged by the locals to participate.
Each part of the island has its own micro-climate, which means that the sun can shine on the East, but not on the West or vice versa which makes it quite an extraordinary place to be.
In our opinion, Fuerteventura will give you a holiday full of magic, plenty of tranquility so you can recharge your batteries for your return to normal life
Fuerteventura Location
Fuerteventura is the most easterly Canary Island and lies in the Atlantic Ocean, only about 65 miles away from the coast of Africa. Like the other Canarian Islands, Fuerteventura was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, evidence of which you can see today.
Its ideal location means that it benefits from good weather at any time of the year, so a winter holiday is a possibility as well as in the summer. The average winter temperature is around 20 degrees and in summer, excess of around 25.
The island is small being just 780 sq miles in size. It has some magnificent beaches and clear blue seas.
Weather in Fuerteventura
If you miss out on the chance to grab a summer holiday, you have no need to worry about the weather if you holiday on Fuerteventura.
Fuerteventura, an archipelago, is the most easterly Canary Island and lies in the Atlantic Ocean, only about 65 miles away from the coast of Africa. Like the other Canarian Islands, Fuerteventura was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, evidence of which you can see today.
Its ideal location means that it benefits from good weather at any time of the year, so a winter holiday is a possibility as well as in the summer. The average winter temperature is around 20 degrees and in summer, excess of around 25.
Each part of the island has its own micro-climate, which means that the sun can shine on the East, but not on the West or vice versa. Sometimes, particularly in winter months you can experience rather a strong wind, even though temperatures are mild it will feel colder because of the wind.
Transfers from the Fuerteventura airport
Arriving at a foreign airport can often be a strenuous affair and with most customers traveling independently these days having a pre-booked airport transfer is an essential part of your holiday package. Local taxis at the airport can sometimes be limited or with long queues, by booking a pre-booked you can not only make a fantastic saving on your transfer but also avoid all the stress of queues and haggling with taxi drivers. Book your airport transfer service here now >>
Airport Shuttle Bus Service from Fuerteventura airport
In most of our gateway airports you can pre-book an Airport Shuttle Service. This is a pre-booked only service that operates between the relevant airport and holiday resort. In normal times you can expect to wait up to 30 minutes for your shuttle bus to arrive however as this is a pre-negotiated service and only available to participating travel companies then expect to pay far less to get from the airport to your destination accommodation than other traditional forms or transport such as local taxis. Book your airport shuttle service here now>>
Fuerteventura Car Hire
Although you will find that you have everything you need close to your resort, hiring a car can be a good way of exploring Fuerteventura and getting to places that are perhaps a little off the beaten track.
It is easy to hire a car from the local agencies. There are a good selection of both cars, jeeps, 4x4s to hire and most usually offer child booster/car seats if you request it at the time of booking. Cars can be delivered/collected from your resort or a pick up point of your choosing.
With a car you will be able to go to some of the beaches a little out of the way and visit some of those shops away from the bigger towns. Supermarkets out of town are usually cheaper than those in the more well known resorts.
There are many attractions that you will be able to visit in your own time rather than an organisedexcursion, such as the idyllic nature reserve at Corralejo and the lighthouse and ancient fort at Cotilo to name but a few.
In Fuerteventura you drive on the right hand side with the road signs being international and modern. Always carry your driving license, passport and car rental agreement because if you are unlucky enough to be stopped by the police, you could face a fine for not having one of these documents. Only the person insured to drive the vehicle is allowed to drive it, but if you specify more than 1 driver it doesn't usually cost any more money to have additional names.
The wearing of seat belts is compulsory and drink driving, like the UK is zero tolerance.
Off Road Motorbike Hire in Fuerteventura
You can always try touring around Fuerteventura on 2 wheeled transport. You much have a valid full motorbike license in order to benefit from this mode of transport. It is also possible to hire a moped for as little as about 10€ a day.
Shopping in Fuerteventura
All the Canary Islands including Fuerteventura are duty free, so therefore you will not pay any tax on anything you buy on the island. However, you must remember that on your return to the UK, you will be treated the same as a traveler from outside the EEC, so please remember to check on your allowances.
For shopping, each May or June in Antigua, groups of local craftsmen and artisans gather in the centre to display their wares and show their skills, of which they are very proud. There is a weekly market which is also a grand affair.
At Corralejo in the main street you will find a daily market which sells most things, including souvenirs and gifts. It is nice to come here in the evenings because there is a children's play area, with some small rides and bouncy castles. The atmosphere is wonderful, lively and very enchanting.
Eating Out in Fuerteventura
Eating out on Fuerteventura is a sheer delight, where you can enjoy some traditional dishes, particularly fish carefully prepared. Dining out in Fuerteventura will not break your budget. You can easily find a wide variety of choice from English fish and chips to nouveau cuisine. There is an abundance of good restaurants which provide the opportunity for you to enjoy authentic Canarian food, usually in a setting of ambiance and atmosphere.
If you see the word typicothis normally means a local restaurant serving traditional, good value fresh food so look out for this sign on many of the eateries.
There are plenty of good fish restaurants where the daily catch from the Atlantic Ocean is served, to your choice by grilling or frying the beautiful, fresh fish. Bass, tuna, cod, snapper fish, and parrot fish are the most popular types of fish. A typical local dish is vieja, or more commonly known as widow fish. Fish soup or stew is often a choice.
There are menus with steak to cater for tourists but local specialities are soups and stews with local goat, rabbit or pork.
Of course, because of Spanish links, Fuerteventura restaurants usually have paella and gazpacho on their menus, as well as its own speciality dish called gofio. This is a course roasted wholemeal flour, usually put into bread, cakes and puddings but is often used to increase the texture of soups and stews.
Goat cheese is popular, 'queso majorero' a local goats milk cheese that comes in many different flavours and textures and is quite simply delicious, especially served with gofio.
There are a few tapas bars placed around the island, these will serve a variety of hot and cold food such as olives, mushrooms, cured ham, squid salad, garlic prawns (delicious if you like garlic) and chorizo sausage. Don't get confused about what to ask for if you feel hungry: una racionmeans half a small plateful and una porcionis a much greater helping.
Other typical Canarian meals, if you feel adventurous, are:
Puchero - a casserole with meat, vegetables and beans
Ropa vieja - a chick pea stew
Sancocho - salted fish, sweet potatoes and vegetables
Cazuela canaria - a casserole made with fish and octopus
Papas arragudas - (wrinkled potatoes) jacket potatoes cooked with rock salt and a hot paprika and chilli sauce called mojo picon
Mojo Verde - a sauce with parsley and coriander
The Canaries produces some excellent local wines particularly El Grifo which is the oldest producer of wine. Canarian wine is more expensive than imported wines, but the quality is excellent. There are a variety of white, red and rosé wines to choose from. There is also another locally produced wine which is excellent called Malvasia.
There are two types of Canarian beer Dorada and Tropical. Rum is a local drink, and at Gomera their speciality is a sweet liquer called ronmiel, made from the sap of palm trees. There are many fruity liquers available which are also made by the local distilleries.
Coffee is usually served black but if you ask for cortadoyou will have a splash of milk added. Ask for con lecheif you would like more milk.
Fuerteventura Nightlife
Nightlife on Fuerteventura is nothing like you would expect from some other Spanish holiday resorts, so if you are looking for a holiday which is more sartorial, you will find it on Fuerteventura.
Having said that you can find some late night bars and clubs if you want them. There is live music to be found, as well as cabarets and folk music but these are more likely to take place at some of the hotels.
Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste are the liveliest spots where you will be able to dance and listen to music well into the early hours. You will often find guestD.J.'s hosting specific music evenings, such as R & B, Pop, Dance etc.
Most of the restaurants on Fuerteventura are very child friendly where your children will be welcomed at any time of the day or night. There is even a designated children's play area in The Slap n Tickle bar at Caleta de Fuste so the children will be kept happy giving you some time to relax and enjoy your evening.
There is also some nightlife at Puerto del Rosario which is a little more chic than the busier Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste.
Fuerteventura Beaches
Caleta Beach
Shaped like a horseshoe, this lovely cove has a very gentle shelving shore which means it is very safe for children, there are no big waves so the sea is always calm. The beach is man made with imported sand but don't let this spoil your fun, it is a super beach. There are quite a few water sports available so if you feel like something to do there is enough to keep you going. You could always combine some golf with a day at the beach as there is the new golf centre just outside of the town. Naturism is ok on some parts of this beach, so choose your spot carefully.
Cofete Beaches
The beach of Cofete is calm and relaxing, there are never too many people to make it over crowded. The beach is white, soft sand and is a little off the beaten track so not so easily found as some of the beaches on Fuerteventura. The surf can be quite rough at times, so perhaps this beach is suited to experienced swimmers only. This beach is popular with naturists.
Corralejo Beaches
In the Nature Park are the beaches of Corralejo. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and landscaping you will find peace and serenity here. There are some water sports facilities such as surfing, windsurfing and kite boarding. You can find some sheltered rocky constructions which offer privacy, therefore it is a popular beach with naturists. When tide is low you will find some rock pools, something to offer some entertainment as you watch the small creatures that come to the pools to feed. Playa Blanca beach is a short walking distance from the centre of Puerto del Rosario on the Northern coast and like most of Fuerteventura it has bleached, white sand and blue waters. There are lifeguards that mann the beach during high season and there is also a safety flag system.
Corralejo Town Beach
Within the town there are several small beaches which have good facilities, they are safe and well designed for families. The good thing is that the town centre is within easy walking distance.
Costa Calma Beach
This is a calmbeach (as the name suggests), particularly popular with naturists. There are some dunes just off the beach before where the resort starts, and this section is good for isolated sunbathing. The beach is cleaned each day, and the sea is nice and crystal clear. There are a variety of water sports available and facilities include beach bars, sun beds and parasols.
Sotavento Beach
This is a popular beach with windsurfers where they can take part in their sport. There are two different aspects with this beach, because when the tide is high there is a wonderful expanse of water, where you can swim and splash in the sea, but when the tide is low you just have beach, very little water and quite a strong breeze blowing at you.
El Cotillo Beach
The beaches in this part of the island are a little more rugged, but there is plenty of fine golden sand to laze on. The waves are quite spectacular here, and the prospect of fishing, wind surfing or surfing is an advantage. There are also many small lagoons in this stretch of island which are serene and peaceful, but beware that at times there are some strong under currents. Some sections of the beach are popular with naturists.
Jandia Beaches
These beaches make up some of the best on the island. You can stop off at one of the many lagoons, which are paradise for wind surfers. There is usually a speed and slalom competition each year in August which brings flocks of people to take part in the event. These stretches of beaches are long, and well equipped with facilities for water sports and sunbathing. There are many bars and beach restaurants along with little resorts and the entire souvenir shopping you could wish for.
Tindaya Beach
Tindaya itself is inland so doesn't have a beach, but there are beaches along this western coast and Tindaya is the closest village to the beaches. Access is not particularly easy, even for 4x4's!
It should be said that the only access to these beaches are via very rough tracks. So if you've hired a car bear in mind that most of the hire companies' insurance agreements won't cover you for off road travel - even for 4WDs !
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