Listly by Luke Durden
Fuerteventura is a destination that you can travel to all year round. It boasts perfect weather conditions for practicing sports, relaxing and enjoying your holiday outside in the open air. Known as the “windy island”, Fuerteventura is one of the most well-known points of references for surfing and beautiful sandy beaches that offer special stays of relaxation for all the family.
The tourism zones are distributed between the north and the south. The south is more popular amongst those seeking peace and quiet. Areas like Costa Calma, Esquinzo and the hotels in Playa Jandia are where you’ll find the famous hotels: IBEROSTAR Fuerteventura Palace, IBEROSTAR Playa Gaviotas and its twin, IBEROSTAR Playa Gaviotas Park. These resorts are the most recommendable for organising family holidays as they specifically cater for children. Some also offer adult-only zones, the purpose of which is to give parents some well-deserved time to relax.
To get to Fuerteventura you can go via ferry or plane. Taking a plane is the most comfortable way and most useful for those coming from abroad or mainland Spain. Fuerteventura Airport is only 5 kms away from the capital: Puerto del Rosario and from there you can catch a bus to practically any tourist zone or village on the island. However, the best way to get around, as well as enjoy the island to the maximum, is by renting a car.
The Puerto del Rosario is not exactly the zone with the largest amount of mass tourism because those who travel to Fuerteventura normally only seek beach and sun stays and so this area is better for relaxing and surfing the incredible waves of the Atlantic Ocean. However, this coastal city is a place that deserves to be seen at least once during your stay. Here you can visit the Insular Auditorium of Fuerteventura that offers a programme of interesting events, musicals and theatre productions for children. You can also visit the museums like Unamuno’s House Museum, the ecomuseum La Acogida and the Sculpture Park.
Windsurfing is the most-recognised sport in Fuerteventura. In fact, it’s one of the places most visited by surfing and windsurfing enthusiasts every year. One of the most important events for this sport takes place here: the Fuerteventura Windsurfing & Kiteboarding World Cup. This event takes place in mid-July in Playa Blanca. The best beaches in the north of the island are Puerto Lajas, El Burro (Glass Beach), Punta Prieta, Lobos and La Caleta.
Fuerteventura is one of the oldest islands of the Canaries and this can be seen in its wondrous aspects. Its highest point is the Pico de Zarza (at 870 m) which you can climb if you’re an avid hiker. It is also known as the Pico de Jandia as it is located in the same location of the same name in the south of the island. The main attraction of the peak is the vast amount of greenery and the stunning views of the surrounding zone (2 and a half hours worth of it). One of the most beautiful scenes to lay your eyes on are the salt marshes of Jandia and the cliffs that appear all along the trail like that of Vinamar.
This is one of the best places to stay on the island. This zone boasts excellent services for tourists, with everything within easy reach which is ideal for families. Amongst the best zones is the fishing village: Morro Jable with fantastic restaurants that offer holidaymakers the opportunity to try the delicious dishes made of freshly-caught fish brought everyday to the port; and Cofete beach, which is one of the most stunning natural delights in Fuerteventura. Although it isn’t the best beach for bringing children, it’s certainly worth a visit. You can get there by walking, a bit of hiking (from various points that allow stunning views of the Atlantic) and you can go for a swim if the currents aren’t too strong, but remember to be careful.
The most impressive zone in the north of Fuerteventura is Corralejo for both its charming villages and grand park where you can discover the most impressive dunes. Here, you’ll find the famous long beaches, residential areas and the best hotels. Facing them, you’ll appreciate the small island of Lobos and Lanzarote. The entire municipality of La Oliva (to which Corralejo belongs) is a precious jewel of nature and tradition. It’s a spectacular zone for hiking enthusiasts or adventure-seekers as well as for those who love gourmet dining.