Are you endlessly scouring the internet for your next holiday destination? Fancy, somewhere hot, blue seas and sandy beaches? Why don’t you give Fuerteventura a go? A great destination with something to suit everyone. Whether you are a family with young children or a couple looking for a relaxing break, Fuerteventura ticks all of the boxes. We have recently visited Fuerteventura, which is the second largest Canary Island after Tenerife. Our holiday party consisted of myself, my husband and our 5-year-old son and we stayed at a hotel in Corralejo which is the liveliest part of the island and has beaches perfect for both families with young children and also ones great for water sports.
Fuerteventura has a vast array of varied landscapes from beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters to far spread hills and sand dunes. There are built up areas for the people who want to be in the hustle and bustle of island life and there are national parks which you can go for a stroll and be at one with nature. The weather in Fuerteventura is generally hot all year round due to it being close to the African coast. Most days you are met by a pleasant breeze which helps to cool your skin on the hottest of days.
If shopping is your thing there’s a stunning shopping village called El Campanario, filled with Spanish style cafes, shops and filled with live music where you can get a real feel for village life. Pick up your travel gifts here and treat yourself to some delicious treats to escape the sun for a few hours. The village also hosts its very own mother statue, which you can climb into her arms and feel as though you are back in your mother’s arms again. The colours of the statue represent the colours of Fuerteventura with the sea, sand, volcanoes and the earth.
One of the most recommended activities for tourists visiting Fuerteventura is to take a day trip to Lobos Island. Lobos Island is uninhabited by people. However, it is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Lobos is surrounded by clear waters ideal for snorkeling and moving further in land you will be greeted by a wide variety of birds and reptiles native to Lobos. The island is also home to a museum, restaurant and old lighthouse.
We thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of our trip, the locals were incredibly friendly and welcoming, the food was outstanding and the surroundings were beautiful. I would definitely consider going back to Fuerteventura and exploring more of the island.
My top 10 things to do in Fuerteventura are:
1) Go snorkeling the water is so clear you can see right through it.
2) Check out Waikiki Bar for their gorgeous cocktails and even better burgers!
3) Pop across to Lobos Island and take in the breath-taking scenery.
4) Have a wander to the old harbor village at Corralejo for traditional restaurants and narrowed streets.
5) Jump on a quad bike and explore the island and its dunes.
6) Go out to sea with one of the local tours and see Dolphins and Whales in their natural habitat.
7) Try Mojo Potatoes, which are a Canary island favourite of wrinkly potatoes cooked in super salty water and served with two delectable sauces.
8) Treat yourself to some Aloe Vera gifts, Fuerteventura houses the largest Aloe factory in Europe!
9) Sample the nightlife and party all night.
10) Give an adrenaline sport a go and make use of the breeze, firm island favourites are surfing and parasailing.
I would like to add (if you allow me, of course) that there is also a recently expanded tourist activity: Birding. The island is receiving in recent years tourists who come specifically to see the native birds. It is a type of tourism that respects the environment, especially on an island that received the 2009 Biosphere Reserve award and, more recently, Starlight Reserve