Fuerteventura: The second largest Canary Island
Fuerteventura, the second largest island in the Canary archipelago, attracts travellers all year round thanks to its mild climate and diverse holiday options. Located just 100 kilometres from the African coast, the island combines picturesque beaches, volcanic landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.
Fuerteventura is an island that is very different from the rest of the Canaries. There are no dense forests or high mountains, as in Tenerife or La Palma, but thanks to this the island offers endless horizons and a feeling of total freedom. The landscape of the island is striking in its contrasts: volcanic plains are replaced by hills and ancient lava fields by sand dunes that have been formed over thousands of years. Due to its proximity to Africa, the climate is more arid, making it ideal for travelling all year round.
The island has become popular not only with beach holidaymakers, but also with those looking for active entertainment. Fuerteventura is widely regarded as one of the best places in the world for wind and kite surfing. The constant winds create ideal conditions for these sports, especially in the Sotavento area, where the world championships are held every year. The island also offers excellent diving opportunities, thanks to its clear waters and rich underwater world. Popular dive sites are off the coast of Los Lobos, where you can see shipwrecks and clusters of exotic fish.
Hiking is no less interesting. Fuerteventura has an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through volcanic valleys and ancient settlements. One of the most popular routes is the Montaña de Tindaya, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire island. Also worth a visit is the Parque Rural de Betancuria, where you can see the remains of the first capital of the Canary Islands, founded in the 15th century.
The island’s historical heritage is preserved in small colonial towns such as La Oliva and Betancuria. Here, old mansions, churches and monasteries have been preserved, reflecting the culture and traditions of past centuries. In the Casa de los Coroneles, the former governor’s residence, you can see displays on the history of Fuerteventura and its people.
Fuerteventura is thus a place where you can not only enjoy the beauty of unspoilt nature, but also discover new facets of the Canary Islands’ outdoor activities and cultural heritage.
Transport accessibility
Fuerteventura International Airport (Aeropuerto de Fuerteventura) receives direct flights from major European cities. From the airport, the main resort areas can be reached by bus or hire car. A well-developed network of bus routes (guaguas) connects all major population centres of the island.
Resort regions
South Coast
Morro Jable and Costa Calma offer well-developed tourist infrastructure and long beaches. Morro Jable, located 80 kilometres from the airport, is famous for its 4 kilometre long white sandy beach Playa de Jandía.
North Coast
The resort of Corralejo attracts lovers of water sports and nightlife. There is a famous natural dune park (Parque Natural de Corralejo) 10 kilometres long. The town of El Cotillo is famous for its lagoons with crystal clear water.
Natural attractions
The island boasts unique natural sites:
- Tindaya Volcano (Tindaya), a sacred mountain of the ancient inhabitants of the island
- The Parque Rural de Betancuria (Betancuria Natural Park) is the largest nature reserve on the island with an area of 16,544 hectares.
- Cuevas de Ajuy (Caves of Ajuy) – geological monument more than 70 million years old.
Beach holidays
Fuerteventura’s 150 kilometres of coastline includes more than 150 beaches. The most notable ones are:
- Playa del Matorral – a protected natural area with a historic lighthouse
- Playa de Sotavento, a 9 kilometre beach ideal for kitesurfing.
- Playa de la Concha is a sheltered cove with calm waters.
Active holidays
The island offers ample opportunities for:
- Surfing at La Pared beach.
- Windsurfing in Sotavento Bay
- Diving off the coast of Los Lobos
- Hiking trails on ancient volcanoes
Cultural Heritage
The island’s history is reflected in numerous monuments:
- Casa de los Coroneles (Casa de los Coroneles) – a 17th century mansion
- Church of Nuestra Señora de Regla (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Regla) – the oldest church on the island.
- Museo de la Sal in Las Salinas.
Gastronomic highlights
The local cuisine is famous for:
- Fresh seafood
- Queso Majorero (goat cheese with protected appellation of origin).
- Traditional mojo potato sauce.
- Local wines from the La Oliva region