Fuerteventura Travel Guide

Fuerteventura Travel guide

Its sheltered east coast boasts some of the best beaches and water sports facilities in the Canaries, whilst the dramatic volcanic scenery of the dry interior is dotted with little whitewashed villages, windmills and clusters of palm trees.

Originally split into two tribal kingdoms, Fuerteventura was a prime target for pirates and invaders across the centuries. In 1405 it was taken over by Jean de Bethencourt from Normandy but was assigned to the Spanish in 1479.

Today it is one of the least inhabited of the Canary Islands with a population of only 50,000 with more than half living in the capital, Puerto di Rosario. But this magical island is becoming increasingly popular with visitors who come to enjoy its warm, dry climate all year round.

The modern resorts offer all the ingredients for a relaxing holiday, but Fuerteventura has a great deal to offer the traveller prepared to explore independently.

Choose from the following resorts in Fuerteventura:

Corralejo

Fuerteventura's liveliest resort, Corralejo offers a wide selection of restaurants and bars along with lots of water sports including scuba diving and windsurfing. Just outside town you'll find a seven mile stretch of sand, while a small sandy beach serves the resort centre. Most of the shops, bars and restaurants are situated along the main street which leads right down through music square and on to the harbour which looks across to a stunning desert-like landscape of sand dunes. Spreading east along the coast the dunes are a protected natural habitat.

Costa Caleta

A safe, sheltered beach skirting a wide horseshoe bay is the focal point of this modern, expanding resort. Costa Caleta has quiet-tree lined streets with low-rise buildings. Numerous shops and a selection of cafes and restaurants make it a popular choice with families. The nightlife is varied too with plenty of bars hosting live music evenings, karaoke and a wide variety of restaurants including Chinese, Italian and authentic Spanish.

Costa Calma

Costa Calma, or the calm coast as it is known, lies on the edge of the stunning Jandia National Park. Beautiful sandy beaches skirting a long, unspoilt coastline are the attraction of Costa Calma. This growing resort has a European flavour, along with a good selection of restaurants, bars and shops dotted along palm-tree lined promenades. Beach lovers look no further!

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Beaches

Corralejo Main beach is the 10Km stretch of sand dunes just south of the town. No trouble finding a quiet spot here. If you're driving, be careful where you pull off the road, or you could spend more than the hire cost in towing charges! There's hard standing parking beside the main road as you approach the town from the south, but if in doubt, make sure you keep two wheels on the tarmac.

South of El Cotillo lies the surfers beach but don't leave without taking the road north past sandy coves to the Punto De Ballena lighthouse. It's unmissable for the surf and Atlantic spray.

Costa Caleta Safe bathing for children but windsurfing too for the more adventurous. Thalaventura marine spa opened in March as part of the Barcelo Club complex but is open to anyone - two hours use of sauna, Hammam and spa pools, E14 for adults (8 pounds 96 pence), children E9 (5 pounds 76 pence), beauty treatments and hairdressing extra.

Jandia Peninsula and Morro Jable The Jandia peninsula at the southern end of the island is a protected nature park supporting a variety of different ecosystems between the coast and central highlands. But for thousands of holiday makers it is famous for having the best beaches in the Canary Islands - miles of fine white sand starting at Costa Calma and running down the east coast to the up-and-coming resort of Morro Jable. This is an area of major tourist development with resorts growing by the week. The west coast, however, is undeveloped owing to the prevailing winds and strong seas, and many roads are negotiable only by four-wheel drive.

There's no mistaking you've arrived at Morro Jable. The east coast road crosses a roundabout and turns into the smart tree-lined Avenida del Saladar, lined with souvenir shops and cafes. It's a short walk across the salt marsh opposite the shops to the Jandia lighthouse and fabulous white sands. Free parking along the roadside, if you can find a space.

West of the lighthouse, the open beach acquires a stylish paved promenade, which separates it from some elegant hotels. Level at first, it rises steeply over the dunes and down into the rocky cove of Morro Jable at the end of the beach. (Watch for the striped ground squirrels who live in holes in the high stone wall below the hotels). A clutch of promenade cafes and small restaurants make this a great place to relax and refuel.

Top Tip: Pack plenty of sunscreen because the breeze is deceptive and you'll burn quicker than you think.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Child Friendly

On Canarian Arts Centre, La Oliva (open daily except Sunday from 10am). The brainchild of local art lover Manuel Delgado Camino, it's a mixture of galleries - above and below ground - and formal gardens showing a wide variety of artwork from watercolour landscapes to a flock of delightful iron goats. Entry costs just E3 (1 pound 92 pence) and there's an extensive shop selling mounted prints for as little as E3.01 (1 pounds 19 pence). Great for authentic and tasteful souvenirs.

Once the island's capital, La Oliva is a neat, if sleepy little town. The Casa des Coroneles (House of the Colonels) was home to the island's military officers in the 18th century but is still awaiting restoration.

La Rosita Just north of La Oliva on the road into Corralejo is La Rosita, a former tobacco farm which is now an agricultural museum. Cactus garden, small collection of farm animals, and camel rides. Open 10-6, closed Sundays. Entry E5 (3 pounds 70 pence) or E11 (6 pounds 73 pence) with camel ride.

Artesania Lajares North west from La Oliva, Lajares is home to this extensive craft shop/gallery on the main street where you can see local lace and embroidery being made and buy authentic products. Prices start at around E9 (5 pounds 76 pence) for a circular mat. Children may enjoy the Camel Safaris through the volcanic landscape - turn right at the sign just before the village.

West from Puerto del Rosario, the village of Tefia boasts La Alcogida Ecomuseum, a settlement of seven traditional peasant dwellings including houses, farm buildings and craft workshops. Not much for children but worth a look if you want a feel for Fuerteventura's agricultural past. Closed Mondays, entry E4.21 (2 pounds 83 pence).

South of Tefia, just outside Antigua is the Molino Di Antigua, an environmental and interpretation centre dominated by a restored windmill. Artefacts from 3rd and 4th century BC, though no English explanation, but visit for the beautifully restored buildings, great cactus garden and rooftop views over the countryside. Good souvenirs all with local authentication: windmills from E5.40 (3 pounds 45 pence); costume dolls E6 (3 pounds 84 pence); terracotta; carvings; and linen. Small cafe plus restaurant with good reputation. Entry E1.80 (1 pound 15 pence) main through road, Hipo Park El Castillo has trampolines, carousel, inflatable slide and other child friendly activities from E2 (1 pounds 28 pence) a go or buy a combined activity ticket for E15 (1 pounds 28 pence), which includes 1 hour in the Fun House. Family restaurant open daily 8am-11pm for hamburgers, hot dogs, and pastries - children's set menu E4.2 (2 pounds 69 pence); adults E7.2 (4 pounds 61 pence).

La Lajita Zoo Black sand fishing village between Tarajalejo and Costa Calma at the start of the Jandia peninsula beaches. Much publicised tourist attractions of zoo with camel safari and separate cactus garden.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Eat and Drink

It isn't usually necessary to book restaurants, but arrive in good time if you want a window seat or other prime table. Most restaurants serve international food, but if you want to try some Canarian specialities, go for Majorero goat's cheese as a starter, roast or fried kid, and any kind of fresh fish.

You may get two bowls of mojo sauce, one red, one green, for dunking your bread or potatoes. But go easy to start with, the red variety can pack quite a punch! Try the traditional dish of gofio amasado - this is made from a doughy mixture of flour, water, milk, broth, potatoes, honey and wine. This is then served in a leather or fabric bag called a 'zurron'. Papas arrugadas is another local dish consisting of small unpeeled potatoes steamed with salt and served with a hot 'mojo' sauce. Try Pejines - tiny fish dried in the sun then baked, grilled or cooked in alcohol. These are generally served as a tapas snack in typical Canarian bars. Last but not least is queso majorero, a local goat's milk cheese that comes in many different flavours and textures and is simply delicious.

La Ola (The Wave, Corralejo). Wonderful bakery and cafe looking across the water to Lanzarote just round the waterfront to the west of the harbour. Fresh baked pastries from E2 (1 pounds 28 pence). Stop there before you go island hopping.

La Sirena, Corralejo Great views across water to Isla de Lobos, eat inside or out, lunchtime and evening, closed Wed. English spoken but international and Canarian food - paella, E9.63 per person, min 2 people (6 pounds 16 pence); sirloin steak E7.53 (4 pounds 82 pence); seafood mixed grill, E10.84 (6 pounds 94 pence) Friendly service.

Pasta A Go Go. Calle La Nina between main street and waterfront, Corralejo. Homemade pasta from E7 (4 pounds 48 pence) and pizza from E6.50 (4 pounds 16 pence). Eat inside or at tables in pedestrian street.

Restaurante Meston Tio Bernabe. Calle la Iglesia, Corralejo. Whitewashed interior, check tablecloths. Canarian specialities including fresh fish and goat meat, plus international, vegetarian and children's menu. Entrecote steak E8.26 (5 pounds 30 pence); soups from E5.25 (3 pounds 36 pence).

Restaurante La Terraza, Calle Aristides Hernandez, Corralejo. Open 9am for breakfast till midnight. Steak and grills at good prices.

Restaurante China, Centro Comercial, Costa Caleta Attractive and popular Chinese restaurant, eat in or take away. Open noon-midnight. Tel: 928 547 504. Takeaway menus start at E21.64 for two (13 pounds 85 pence).

El Antojito, Costa Caleta. Fast food Merican style in Centro Comercial. Cheerful interior with painted walls, sepia photos, and colourful Mexican pots and ponchos. Or eat on terrace with views towards harbour. Fajitas and Burritos from E7.21 (4 pounds 61 pence); children's menu, E5.26 (3 pounds 37 pence). Two courses with wine around E16 (10 pounds 24 pence) per person.

La Bodeguita, Costa Caleta. Large Italian restaurant on corner site in Centro Comercial. Blue and yellow tablecloths, covered terrace. Open daily 4pm-11pm. Pasta dishes from E6 (3 pounds 84 pence); pizzas from E5.50; fish from E12 (7 pounds 68 pence); meat from E10 (6 pounds 40 pence). Tel: 928 163 277.

Restaurante Frasquita, Costa Caleta. Unprepossessing white building with simple interior, on beach opposite castle. Great fish (no meat). Day's catch is brought to the table - just point to what you want. Fish course with bread and mojos sauces, plus carafe of wine, E17.13 (10 pounds 96 pence). Tel: 928 163657. Open 1pm-4pm, 6pm-10pm. Closed Mondays.

Barcelo Club, Restaurante La Paella, Costa Caleta. Overlooking the bay near the castle, great place to watch the sunset. Elegant restaurant with inside tables, covered terrace and liveried waiters, but welcoming atmosphere. Arrive hungry - portions are substantial and food excellent, especially fish. Two courses with half bottle of wine, E22.81 (14 pounds 60 pence).

Just outside the town are two small restaurants, recommended by locals, which will collect customers from local hotels: Los Caracolitos (fish) tucked away behind the salt beds in the coastal hamlet of Las Salinas and La Guancha (grills) near the airport at El Matorral.

El Velero, Morro Jable just back from the cove. Many Spanish specialities including goats' cheese omelette E4.85 (3 pounds 10 pence) and Mexican style beef fillet E9.05 (5 pounds 79 pence).

El Bucanero De Jandia, Avenida del Saladar, Morro Jable,. Watch the world go by over a cocktail or a full meal, inside or on the covered terrace.

La Casa Vieja, Avenida del Saladar, Morro Jable. Good selection of fish, meat and pizza. Flambes a speciality (from E11.27 - 7 pounds 21 pence). Eat inside or out.

Posada San Borodon, Morro Jable just behind the rocky cove. Can't miss it because it's decorated like a ship. Wooden tables with glazed tiles. Spanish dishes include fried kid E11.45, (7 pounds 33 pence) but international too. Live guitar music from 8pm.

Restaurant Laja, Morro Jable end of promenade overlooking cove. Great fish. Grilled mussels with garlic E7.20 (4 pounds 60 pence); fish stew, E9 (5 pounds 76 pence). Window tables look up the beach; service leisurely, but what's the rush?

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Excursions

Lanzarote It takes just 45 minutes by ferry to cross from Corralejo to Playa Blanca. Boats leave Fuerteventura every two hours from 9am, returning from Lanzarote two-hourly from 10am (adults, E12.26/7 pounds 84 pence; under-11s, E6.13/3 pounds 92 pence). Or take one of the many organised excursions which include ferry and round island tour (expect to pay around 48 pounds per adult, including lunch).

Top of the attractions in Lanzarote is the drive through Timanfaya National Park, the world's largest geological park. Touch hot rocks, see solidified lava flows and imagine what the last eruption must have been like - less than 200 years ago. Also unique are the Canarian vineyards, planted in holes and sheltered by stone walls, and the Jameos del Agua, an underground lagoon, swimming pool and concert hall in a volcanic tube.

Los Lobos Small volcanic island 2 miles offshore from Corralejo, named after the 'sea wolves'- the seals that no longer live there. Uninhabited, no roads, no vehicles, but small cafe. Peaceful and ideal for sunbathing and snorkelling. Ferry leaves Corralejo every morning at 10 and returns at 4pm, so don't miss the boat.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Getting Around

Buses are operated by the Tiadhe bus company. Travel is inexpensive but do check return times before you set out because some lines only run until early evening. And if the bus is full, you could wait an hour for the next one.

Car Hire For those who prefer to explore independently, car hire costs around E42 a day (26 pounds 88 pence) for a Group B car, with discounts for longer periods. Petrol is substantially cheaper than in the UK at around E0.60 (38 pence) a litre for unleaded.

It's worth paying a little extra for full insurance to avoid any excess in case of an accident, but motoring is hugely enjoyable, even for novice Continental drivers. Main roads are well surfaced, often straight and largely uncrowded and you can go several minutes on inland roads without meeting another car.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Impressive Sites

Colours of the Interior. At first sight, the volcanic landscape of Fuerteventura seems barren and uninviting, but this moonscape scenery changes from pale yellow to vibrant orange, russet red to rich brown and black in just a few kilometres. Colours also change with the time of day and cloud shadows.

Historic villages.

Antigua One of the bigger villages of Fuerteventura's dramatic interior is Antigua. Visit the whitewashed church with its high wooden ceiling and altar screen painted in simple patterns of pink and green.

Betancuria And don't miss Betancuria which takes its name from Norman invader Jean de Bethencourt who made his headquarters here in 1405. Centrepiece is the striking Santa Maria church overlooking hilltop square. Open daily from 11am, alternating every half hour until 5pm with nearby museum of religious art and relics - E1.20 (77 pence) for both buildings. Ornate carved wooden altar screen painted red and gold and painted pulpit. Don't miss ceiling in room to right of altar but watch your step on the uneven stone floor of the nave.

The adjacent craft centre is small and inevitably touristy with resident potter and weavers, plus souvenir shops, but 20-minute Multivision show of island scenery is atmospheric.

Stunning views The road from Betancuria to Pajara winds uphill in long loops with spectacular views of mountains and coast at every turn. There are several spacious parking for photo stops. More prosperous than many other inland villages Pajara has a public swimming pool, riverside walk (no water in river bed), and some sparkling new public toilets - a very useful stopping place! The carved wooden door of the church shows Aztec symbols and the simple interior is worth a look too.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Museums and Galleries

Canarian Arts Centre, La Oliva (open daily except Sunday from 10am). The brainchild of local art lover Manuel Delgado Camino, it's a mixture of galleries - above and below ground - and formal gardens showing a wide variety of artwork from watercolour landscapes to a flock of delightful iron goats. Entry costs just E3 (1 pound 92 pence) and there's an extensive shop selling mounted prints for as little as E3.01 (1 pounds 19 pence). Great for authentic and tasteful souvenirs.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Nightlife & Entertainment

If it's clubs you're after, Fuerteventura is probably not for you. Corralejo has several live music bars which open till the early hours, but the island is more geared to family entertainment, with many hotels organising their own activities.

Corralejo has many English and Irish pubs, all well advertised and signposted. There's live music until the early hours at nightspots like Waikiki Beach on the waterfront (bistro 10 till 6, then Latino club); Bar Rumba in the pedestrian square (themed music nights including jazz and flamenco); and Rock Island (live acoustic music).

If you don't mind driving, check out the Italian Jazz Cafe at Parque Holandes, midway between Corralejo and Puerto del Rosario; jazz posters, pool table, and good pasta served till late.

Costa Caleta has a fairly quiet nightlife, but try Piero's Music Cafe, Centro Commercial, a disco pub with six different shows and entertainment programmes rotating throughout the week, including hypnosis, karaoke and cabaret. Accompanied children welcome. Sit inside or at pavement tables.

The Cavern 60s Bar by the harbour has live music from Frank Young, former singer and guitarist with Herman's Hermits. Open 8pm, couples and adults only.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Shopping

Best Buys include alcohol, cigarettes, watches and cameras at prices substantially cheaper than the UK. Traditional take-home gifts include glazed pottery, straw bags and hats, embroidered table linen, Aloe Vera products and toy camels - farmers once used camels to work the arid interior. Prices for consumables tend to be cheaper in the island's uninspiring capital, Puerto di Rosario, than in the resorts. Look for the Hyperdino and Supermercado Rita supermarkets.

Markets Market lovers will want to check out the stalls which visit Correlejo on Monday and Friday Canarian Arts Centre, La Oliva (open daily except Sunday from 10am). The brainchild of local art lover Manuel Delgado Camino, it's a mixture of galleries - above and below ground - and formal gardens showing a wide variety of artwork from watercolour landscapes to a flock of delightful iron goats. Entry costs just E3 (1 pound 92 pence) and there's an extensive shop selling mounted prints for as little as E3.01 (1 pounds 19 pence). Great for authentic and tasteful souvenirs.

on Tuesday, and Morro Jable (Jandia) on Thursday. Goods on offer include African masks and wood carvings, fabric wall-hangings, homemade sarongs, embroidered table linen and Aloe Vera products. Expect to barter, but be warned prices may well reflect the quality of the goods. Designer T-shirts, for instance, cost just E5 (3 pounds 20 pence) or two for E8 (4 pounds 91 pence). But don't expect them to keep their colour any longer than you keep your tan!

Shops The main approach road in Corralejo, the Calle General Franco, is packed with small shops. The Piscis Lladro shop by Minitrain stop No 1 sells Lladro figures considerably cheaper than in the UK - single ballerina, E158 (101 pounds 12 pence); squirrel. E152 (97 pounds 28 pence); small polar bear, E88 (56 pounds 32 pence).

Visit Galerie La Fuentita in Calle Almirante Carrero Blanco at the end of the main street for an excellent range of well priced, quality gifts including jewellery, prints, stoneware and carvings. For good value handmade jewellery, many from local stones, try Mandarin in the pedestrian area.

Centro Comercial El Castillo in Caleta de Fuste is a pleasant, pedestrian area of boutiques, restaurants and bars just behind the beach. Two supermarkets, kiosk selling English and international newspapers and magazines, large pharmacy and perfumery.

Morro Jable Shops on Avenida del Saladar offer usual tourist souvenirs and requisites. For some more original gifts, try Que Pasa opposite the Restaurante Posada San Borondin. The black and white 'Fuerte' goat symbol appears on everything from T-shirts (Adults, E16.90 - 10 pounds 80 pence) to sweatshirts (Adults, E34.95 - 22 pounds 37 pence) and socks (E8.95 - 5 pounds 72 pence).

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Sports and Activities

Water Sports The waves off the southern Jandia peninsula are the scene of the World Windsurfing Championship every July but the island is a popular water sports destination all the year round.

All the major east coast resorts have windsurfing, surfing and scuba diving centres catering for everyone from beginners upwards, but unless you're a real expert, don't venture out along the west coast where currents and winds are strongest. Those who prefer gentler pursuits can try a trip by catamaran or glass bottom boat.

Golf Fuerteventura's first 18-hole golf course - palm fringed with views of mountains and sea - is in Costa Caleta. On a smaller scale, Mini Golf Fantasy near the beach has 18 green baize fairways in attractive landscaped water gardens. Open 10am-10.30pm, E3.90 per round (2 pounds 50 pence); under-fives, free.

Spa Thalaventura marine spa opened in March as part of the Barcelo Club complex in Costa Caletabut is open to anyone - two hours' use of sauna, Hammam and spa pools, E14 for adults (8 pounds 96 pence), children E9 (5 pounds 76 pence), beauty treatments and hairdressing extra.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Important Information

Currency The Spanish peseta has now been phased out and the Euro is now legal tender. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.

Tipping It is customary to tip waiters and other service personnel 5-10 per cent.

Changing Money It is easy to change your money at your hotel but you can also use banks, main post office branches or exchange offices. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm Monday to Friday. Banks in popular resorts are open longer and on Saturday in high season. Please remember to have your passport ready when changing travellers' cheques.

Newspapers and Magazines Most major British newspapers are available on sale the same day as publication.

Television Most hotels have television lounges where Spanish and satellite channels are broadcast. English language programmes and films are subtitled rather than dubbed.

Electricity The electricity supply is 220 volts so adaptors must be used. If you forget to bring one from the UK they are readily available in supermarkets.