Fuerteventura Destination Guide

Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canary Islands

Introduction

Imagine the Sahara turned into a beach resort and you will be pretty close to picturing the Canaries' second largest island. With pale golden sand at every turn you would think this was simply a bucket and spade brigade nirvana, but its 152 beaches (more than any other Canary Island) also draw a more serious ocean-goer.

Windsurfing is a serious business on the island, with many international competitions held annually. Where there's wind and sand, it's no surprise to find dunes, one of the few topographical features that poke above this simmering sand pit and water sports Mecca.

Some of the original inhabitants lived in semi-subterranean dwellings

Sightseeing

Beach-weary visitors can satisfy Laurence of Arabia fantasies in the Corralejo Natural Dunes Park, scaling the sandy heights aboard a hump-backed beast in a camel train or by using simple sandal power. Robinson Crusoe wannabees can take in the solitude of Isla de los Lobos, a three kilometre ferry ride from Corralejo.

For a stark reminder of Mother Nature's aquatic power, head to Playa de Garcey where the remains of the grounded ocean liner, the SS American Star, soar from the shallow waters. For more intricate pleasures, the sleepy ex-capital, La Oliva, is a living showcase of fine Canarian architecture, while the village of Lajares is the place to go for local lace making and embroidery demonstrations.

Corralejo and El Jable to the north are made up of fine sand dunes

Shopping

Cheap alcohol, tobacco and perfume are the most popular 'souvenirs' carried back to Blighty but there are more emblematic items worthy of suitcase space. Majorero is a regular recipient in the Oscar awards of the cheese world. A wheel or a wedge should be a compulsory purchase. Frilly tableware can be picked up at Artisenia Linares, an exhibition shop in Linares.

Corralejo's Avenida General Franco is the main retail thoroughfare in Corralejo, offering an admirable array of apparel for surf dudes.

The island 'enjoys' almost constant breezes

After dark

Naturally, the resort areas of Corralejo, Caleta de Fustes and Morro Jable are where the nocturnal decibels are to be found, particularly in the former, though bear in mind this isn't Tenerife.

Night-time distractions tend to be of a more laid back nature, catering for the surf set rather than the professional clubber. Several venues feature live performances by good local musicians, others have chosen to spotlight dubious sound-alike cabaret acts. Either way, there's always a good choice to be had all year round.

Betancuria dates back to the early 1400s

Day trips

Watery day trips include a visit to Los Lobos (10-minute ferry ride) or neighbouring Lanzarote (35-minute ferry ride). Alternatively, you can take a whale and dolphin watching excursion from Corralejo or Caleta de Fustes.

On land, a village exploration tour should take in La Oliva, Betancuria, Lajares, Antigua and the capital, Puerto del Rosario. A day spent on the broad swathes of the Jandia Peninusla, home to arguably southern Europe's finest beaches, would not be a day wasted.

Getting there, getting around

With only three major resorts to aim for Corralejo in the north, Morro Jable in the south, and Caleta de Fustes in the middle hiring a car and navigating the simple network of roads from the airport is reasonably straightforward. It is obviously easier still by taxi.

For more adventuring, bear in mind that the island is only 100 kilometres long and 30 kilometres wide so trips can easily be done in day. Although there is a bus service, its routes are limited and the frequency slow, so it is better to rent a car to get from A to B.

Etiquette

Despite the shirt-lifting antics seen on Tenerife Uncovered type shows, the vast majority of the Tenerife population adhere to Catholic morals, thus sunbathing topless or nude is generally frowned upon on the smaller village beaches and should only be practised on the 'resort' beaches of the south.