Located east of Gran Canaria is the Canary Island of Fuerteventura. Since the late 1960s, when the first tourist hotel in Fuerteventura was built, tourists have been flocking to Fuerteventura, yet some areas of this island still remain virtually untouched by human development. Thanks to its strong winds and agreeable climate, the black sand beaches are popular with surfers, kitesurfers, and beachgoers, and thanks to the rugged volcanic interior, Fuerteventura is also popular with more adventurous backpackers and hikers.
Places to Visit and Stay in Fuerteventura
On the northern tip of Fuerteventura is the town of Corralejo. Although at its heart it remains a traditional fishing village, the waterfront is lined with cafes, restaurants, and resort hotels aimed at attracting tourists. These establishments tend to be newer than the rest of Corralejo, and many of them are quite classy.
The main attractions in Corralejo are the beach and the nearby sand dunes. With fine sand and small bays, the water here is not as rough as it is in other parts of Fuerteventura. In other words, if what you're looking for is surfing, Corralejo might not be your first choice. However, if what you're looking for is a quiet spot to lounge in the sun, Corralejo might just be perfect. Not far from Corralejo are several miles of sand dunes, designated as a nature reserve. For eco-tourists and lovers of the outdoors, the sand dunes provide an interesting excursion unlike any you'll see in Britain or mainland Europe.
In the middle of Fuerteventura is Puerto del Rosario, the capital of Fuerteventura and home to the island's airport. Puerto del Rosario itself does not have much to offer to visitors except for shopping a few odd museums, but not far from Puerto del Rosario is the resort town of Caleta de Fuste.
Also known as Castillo, Caleta de Fuste is the main tourist attraction in Fuerteventura. The long main street has a high density of bars and restaurants geared towards European tourists, especially British and German tourists. With a new golf course, bowling alley, and plenty of nightlife, Caleta de Fuste is the area where most visitors end up. The beaches are excellent for watersports, both on the water and under it, and you can even enjoy a submarine ride. An inexpensive bus line makes it easy to get from Caleta de Fuste to Corralejo, Morro del Jable, Cotillo, and Puerto del Rosario, making Caleta de Fuste an excellent 'base of operations' for exploring the rest of Fuerteventura.
Outdoor Adventures
Fuerteventura is a volcanic island, and many visitors come for the chance to backpack through still-rugged wilderness areas. You can take a mountain bike trek , hire a jeep for a mini-safari, or just use your own two feet to walk the gorgeous, always warm outdoors. Described by some as a moon-like landscape, the huge volcanic hills of Fuerteventura are nearly otherworldly. Those with an adventurous spirit will definitely enjoy exploring this island that seems to be outside of time.
In short, Fuerteventura has much to offer the average holidaymaker. Although it might not be as ritzy as other parts of the Canary Islands, the surfing, black sand beaches, and other outdoor adventures make it a great spot for anyone who wishes to spend their holiday outside in the sun.
