Fuerteventura: 5 Things Everyone Visiting Must Do

Fuerteventura is not only the second-largest of the Canary Islands, but it is also the windiest.  Each year, windsurfers and kiteboarders flock to the Island to ride the waves whilst others head out to cycle or hike the mountain passes.  This particular island is ideal for sports lovers and adventure enthusiasts. 

Lying less than 100km off the coast of Africa, this particular Canary Island is definitely not your stereotypical, larger-swilling, tacky, Brits-on-tour type holiday Island.  Fuerteventura is the island of small Spanish white-washed towns, little tapas bars, and gorgeous beaches.  It is not a Canary Island to necessarily visit if you are after a break reminiscence of an 18-30’s style holiday full of bar crawls, crazy cocktails and hangovers.

Fuerteventura offers a relaxed environment where the emphasis is on the great outdoors.

5 Things You Must Do When You Visit Fuerteventura

#1 Visit Corralejo

Located in the north of Fuerteventura, Corralejo is perhaps the most built-up part of the island.  Here you can wander the streets, popping into a designer shop or two before exploring the local market stalls.  Not a shopper, then perhaps one of the many cafes, bars or restaurants will entice you through the door to shelter from the heat or the wind, depending on the time of year you choose to visit.

Corralejo is the ideal place for families to visit because, unlike other parts of the island, the waters here are calm. It is also home to scenic sand dunes where, should you wish to channel your inner adventurer you can hop on the back of a camel for a trek across the desert, hire a dune buggy or race across the peaks in an air-conditioned 4×4.

#2 Take a Walk Along the Black Beaches of Ajuy

The beaches of Fuerteventura are all spectacular. From vast expanses of deserted white sand and bright blue waters to sheltered little coves, each beach on the island is unique.  However, if there is one beach that is a must when visiting Fuerteventura it is Ajuy.  Nowhere else on the island can boast about the contrasting black sands against the crystal clear waters, surrounded by numerous caves all worth exploring.

After wandering along the coastal path head back into the village to try some typical foods of the region, which no doubt will include locally caught fish of the day.

#3 Hire a Car and Go Inland to the Old Capital

To get a true sense of the landscape, hiring a car and heading into the undulating countryside will highlight just how underpopulated this particular Canary Island is.  Unlike some of the other Islands, Fuerteventura has not as yet, succumbed to the widespread development and has remained relatively untouched therefore by mass tourism.

Betancuria, the original capital of the Island demonstrates just how peaceful this island is, with just a church, a few restaurants and several traditional white-washed Spanish homes within its boundaries.  To reach Betancuria you do need to drive the inland roads of Fuerteventura.  Our best advice, make sure you stop off at each of the viewpoints  (miradors) along the way, where you can park up and wander up some of the hilltops to enjoy the views out across the area, stretching all the way to the coastline.

#4 Head to Oasis Park for a Day With the Local Wildlife

When you have had enough of the stunning beaches and mountainous landscapes consider heading to Oasis Park for a day of fun-packed animal adventures. 

With a free shuttle bus running from all of the major resorts, you don’t even need to worry about not having a car.  With more than 3000 animals, a continuously growing botanical garden filled with over 1500 species of tropical plants and cactus plus the largest camel reserve in Europe, there is plenty to keep the entire family entertained for a day.

Oasis Park is also dedicated to educating all on the conservation of local habitats, highlighting why green tourism is so beneficial.  From supporting breeding programmes for endangered species to rehabilitating animals that have been mistreated, the welfare of animals is at the heart of their welfare programme.

#5 Try the Tradition Cuisine

Unsurprisingly, being surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean does have its benefits when it comes to freshly caught fish and seafood, which there is an abundance of on this island.  As appetizer specialties, you will find limpets, octopus or sardines cooked in a Mojo Verde (Canarian green sauce). 

Soups and stews are nearly always to be found on a traditional food menu, with rabbit and goat being the traditional meats used.  With majorero cheese also featuring heavily on most menus accompanied with sweet jams.  For those who are a little more daring with their foods, the morcilla sausage is said to be extremely tasty, albeit an acquired taste.

And Finally…

For those that are a little less prudish, it should be noted that Fuerteventura offers the most nudist beaches in the Canaries, so should you have an aversion to suntan lines created by bathing suits you no longer need to worry. 

Fuerteventura is a place to visit if you want to unwind and relax.   Being one of the less populated islands, this really is somewhere you can visit to get away from it all.  It isn’t just an island for those that love the outdoors lifestyle but it is an island that will most certainly appeal to those with an adventurous mindset.

Have you visited Fuerteventura?  Perhaps you are a lover of the Canary Islands and would like to highlight the benefits of the other islands to others.  If so, we look forward to reading your comments below.

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