Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Spain / Canary Islands - Canaries / Fuerteventura
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| | | | Unspoilt beaches
I have just got back from Fuerteventura and have already booked to return in September this year.
This will be my sixth visit to Correlejo, a wonderful place. It has a beautiful harbour, unspoilt beaches, nice weather all year round and it's very quiet if you like peace.
But there is also plenty of pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants. It's a good location if nude sunbathing is for you.
I have been most months of the year - Christmas, New Year but June-November weather has always been fantastic.
Travel Guide: Fuerteventura
A good winter sun break
I have been to the island many times over the last 30 years. Unfortunately, the development here has not been as sympathetic as Lanzarote.
The northern village of Coralajo still has a bit of a feel of a village but over the last decade it seems to have grown out of control. There used to be some very good privately-owned restaurants, but they have been taken over by a company from Grand Canaria and have been ruined.
There is only one hotel worth staying at - Tres Islas, but it is expensive. The beaches south of the village are the reason for being there.
Keep away from Nuevo Horizontes. It is a relatively new development right under the flight path for the airport - a real disaster.
The west coast of the island is attractive. In the south, the beaches are wonderful - long expanses of sand, with very little in the way of shade.
Moro Jable is an attractive village, but the giant hotels built in the 80's are overpowering.
It's well worthwhile hiring a car for at least three days to get out and explore the island.
Eating out is not cheap. A great shortage of fish means that it is expensive and there's not much in the way of local dishes unless you are lucky enough to find a small family-run place in a village.
For anyone who loves beach holidays with winter sun, this is the place.
Travel Guide: Fuerteventura
Warm weather and good food
My partner and I went to Caleta de Fuste last year for a week on a Thomsons package holiday. The town was being rapidly expanded but the building work did not have any great effect on us.
It was not overcrowded and there were no nightclubs which was exactly what we were looking for - a quiet, relaxing, slob about kind of holiday.
The Blues Bar is not to be missed and became a regular stop on our wanders around.
All the food we had was superb, especially the fish in the restaurant on the sea front and the steaks in the Fado Rock. II also tried ostrich in there which was lovely. There are places where you can get traditional English grub but I don't see why anyone would want to when the local food is so lovely.
The area will soon be built up to the extent that it won't have the same charm of being quiet and free from clubbers but at the moment it is a great place for a relaxing trip.
The only point of caution is security in the apartments. Make sure you go somewhere with locked gates or some kind of decent security system to stop people getting into your complex. Our complex was not locked. Anybody could walk in and out without anyone suspecting a thing. This resulted in our apartment and the one next to us being broken into and several items being stolen - all the kind of things it would be very easy to sell on a market stall or in a bar. We were told afterwards that this happened regularly.
Caleta de Fuste is a really lovely place for a holiday if you like warm weather and good food - just be sure to go somewhere secure and use your safe.
Travel Guide: Fuerteventura
A cosmopolitan Canarian island
Corralejo is wonderful, growing town at the northern tip of the island of Fuerteventura. Over the past 20 years, it has seen many changes and all for the better. It has very traditional Canarian life along with the more traditional Spanish way of life.
It's very cosmopolitan catering for everybody form single young clubbers, families with young children and teenagers as well as the older more sedate genearations.
Restaurants are plentiful, with a wide selection. Everything you'd expect from any town centre in Britain - Chinese, Indian, English and traditional Spanish. Paella, of course, then there's grilled baby goat and suckling pig, which are specialities of the island.
The town itself is beautiful during the day and comes alive with colour and smells at night.
You can stay a short distance from your hotel or apartment, on the glorious small beaches in Corralejo itself. But a short bus journey takes you to the Las Hotelas or the dunes. The bus cost is about 60p.
The dunes and beaches from there on are sensational. The whole of this area is dedicated as a national park and no building are allowed.
Unfortunately two big hotels got there first. However they are two sensational hotels.
The beaches are glorious, miles and miles of golden sand. Just walk along the sea front and stop when you feel like it at one of the many 'shack' style cafes. Its puts England to shame. The cuisine available from these little self-generated shacks is astounding!
I first went to Corralejo in January 1983, and have been back every January since. It has wonderful warm weather. Although sunshine is not always guaranteed, it's a superb way to shake off winter and get ready for summer.
This island is the windiest of the Canaries ,hence its name meaning fire-winds. I recomend suncreams first thing every morning whether you intend to sunbathe or not. You'll still catch the sun.
Travel Guide: Fuerteventura
The best place to be this summer
I live on the island of Fuerteventura but I study in England. My Dads family is Spanish and I was brought up there. All I can say about this place apart from it being home to me, is that it has a range of things to do for all different types of people.
For the animal types, go to La Lajita's zoo, or maybe for the shopping type, there are markets held in Castillo every Friday, OR even for the energetic type go to Go Karts near Tarajalejo.
Even for all the nightclubbers, it may not be Ibiza but in Corralejo the nightlife is very much live!!
All in all it's wonderful weather, beaches, and culture and the best place to be this summer!!
Travel Guide: Fuerteventura
Get away from it all
We stayed in apartments directly by the beach. Fantastic beaches, just like the Caribbean. Plenty of good restaurants and nightlife is good too.
I would definitely recommend this for a relaxing get-away-from-it-all holiday with no bother from touts etc. Brilliant!
Travel Guide: Fuerteventura
Safe for families
Lovely beaches, perfect weather, torquoise seas and a safe family enviroment. Definitely going again.
Travel Guide: Fuerteventura
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| | Destination Guide : Fuerteventura |
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| | | Great sailboarding |  | Why go on holiday to Fuerteventura?
To laze on long, wide sweeps of golden sand. To enjoy some of the best sailboarding to be found anywhere. To get a suntan in the middle of winter.
How much does it cost?
The seasons have a big impact on costs but as an indication, one week's self-catering costs from £300 in summer. A week's half-board in a hotel is around £600 in August. Flights only are from £130.
When should I go?
Fuerteventura is a year-round destination with negligible rainfall. Even in December, the island has an average of five hours' sunshine a day. Temperatures top 80F (26C) in summer and 70F (21C) in winter.
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| | | Fabulous beaches |  | What should I do when I'm there?
There are no major sights and Fuerteventura's main attraction is undoubtedly the coast. Much of the island could easily be part of Africa. The countryside is parched, with dunes, scrub and arid plains. It is also fairly flat.
Any good for a holiday then?
What Fuerteventura lacks in scenery, it more than makes up for in beaches. Just 60 miles by 12 miles, it has 150 fabulous beaches - with the best being off the beaten track. Main resorts are Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste.
Is it overrun by tourists?
Not at all. Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canary Islands yet is the least developed, tourism-wise. Caleta de Fuste, in particular, is excellent for families - with shallow waters and a large, horseshoe-shaped beach.
What activities are there?
Fuerteventura is one of THE places for sailboarding. The sheltered bay of Caleta de Fuste is a good place to learn. The experts head for Corralejo and El Cotillo. Other activities include deep-sea fishing for marlin and tuna.
Diving at Caleta de Fuste and Morro Jable is also popular.
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| | | Low-key nightlife | | Where's good for nightlife?
Entertainment is fairly low-key, with none of the noisy resorts found on other Canary islands. Corralejo has a good selection of bars and restaurants and a couple of discos. Caleta de Fuste is a bit quieter.
What's the food like?
Fish is plentiful - many restaurants will bring a tray of the catch of the day for you to choose from. Try Fuerteventura's goat's milk cheese, majorero. Other local Canarian specialities include mojo - a spicy chilli sauce.
Two regional soups are potaje de berros (watercress) and the hearty noodle, meat and potato-based ranchos canario.
What should I buy?
Look for a small ukelele-style musical instrument called a timple - to hang on your wall rather than play. Woodcarving from beech, pine, chestnut and mulberry trees is used to make a wide range of objects from kitchen items to castanets.
What is there for children to do?
For theme parks, go to Gran Canaria or Tenerife, but a glass-bottomed boat ride on a day cruise to the Isla de Lobos is fun. You could also take them on the mini-train in Corralejo, or to the little zoo, and camel-trekking at Zoo Parque de los Camellos.
Tourist office
Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London, W1M 5AP. Tel: 020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 09063 640630 (60p per minute).
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| | Fact File : Fuerteventura |
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| | | Fuerteventura | | Did you know?
Fuerteventura's sand was originally blown in from the Sahara.
Language
Spanish
Visas
Not needed, but it is useful to have a photocopy of your passport on you at all times.
Getting there
Holiday flights from most UK airports.
Flying time from London
Four hours
Getting around
Public transport is sparse, so car hire and coach excursions are the best ways of seeing the island.
Currency
Euro
Costs
Bottle of beer from 65p, camera film £2.50, moderate meal with wine for two £20-£25, litre of petrol 31p, short taxi ride £1.50 Costs will vary.
Weather
The Canary Islands are spring-like for most of the year, and even on the hottest days (mid-30Cs) it can be pleasantly cool higher up. Rainfall is slight. Summer: 68-90F/20C-32C; winter: 60-70F/16C-21C.
Time difference
Same as GMT
International dialling code from the UK
0034 928
Voltage
220V, 50Hz. Like mainland Spain and the rest of continental Europe, the plugs have two round pins.
Opening hours
Shops and travel agencies Monday-Friday 9am-2pm and 4.30pm/5pm-8pm; Saturdays 9am-2pm. Banks: Monday-Friday 8.30am-2pm, some open Saturday 9am-1pm. Many government offices don't open in the afternoons.
Health — before you go
No vaccinations required. Remember to take an EHIC form (available from UK post offices) so that you can claim back any medical costs.
Health — when you are there
The most important advice is to wear adequate sunscreen. The domestic tap water is safe to drink throughout the Canaries.
Warnings
Not for nothing is the island called Fuerteventura. The name means "strong winds". The wind can get up at any time — particularly on the west coast — making swimming dangerous in exposed places.
Emergency
Police, tel 092; Medical, tel 061; British Consulate, Plaza Weyler 8-1, Santa Cruz de Tenerife 38003. Tel (922) 28 68 63.
Customs
As with the rest of Spain, many shops and offices close from about 2pm to 5pm. In the evening, locals eat late, rarely before 10pm.
Pets
Provided you have the correct documentation from a vet, your pet may travel between Fuerteventura and the UK under the pilot Pet Travel Scheme. Ask your vet for details, as this takes some time to arrange.
Tipping
Service charge is included in all menu prices, but leave small change if happy with service. Also leave small change in bars and cafes.
Tourist office
Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London W1M 5AP. Tel 020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 09063 640630 (60p per minute).
Did you know?
Fuerteventura's sand was originally blown in from the Sahara.
Language
Spanish.
Visas
Not needed, but it is useful to have a photocopy of your passport on you at all times.
Getting there
Holiday flights from most UK airports.
Flying time from London
Four hours.
Getting around
Public transport is sparse, so car hire and coach excursions are the best ways of seeing the island.
Currency
Euro.
Costs
Prices vary hugely, but as a rough guide: three-course meal without wine £11, bottle of beer £1, litre of petrol 40p, 36-exposure camera film £2.50, short taxi ride £6.
Weather
The Canary Islands are spring-like for most of the year, and even on the hottest days (mid-30sC) it can be pleasantly cool higher up. Rainfall is slight. Summer: 68-90F/20C-32C; winter: 60-70F/16C-21C.
Time difference
Same as UK.
International dialling code from the UK
0034 928.
Voltage
220V, 50Hz. Like mainland Spain the plugs have two round pins.
Opening hours
Shops and travel agencies Monday-Friday 9am-2pm and 4.30/5pm-8pm; Saturdays 9am-2pm. Banks: Monday-Friday 8.30am-2pm, some open Saturday 9am-1pm. Many government offices don't open in the afternoons.
Health — before you go
No vaccinations required. Remember to take an EHIC form (available from UK post offices) so that you can claim back any medical costs.
Health — when you are there
The most important advice is to wear adequate sunscreen. The domestic tap water is safe to drink throughout the Canaries.
Warnings
Not for nothing is the island called Fuerteventura. The name means "strong winds". The wind can get up at any time — particularly on the west coast — making swimming dangerous in exposed places.
Emergency
Police, tel 092; medical, tel 061; British Consulate, Plaza Weyler 8-1, Santa Cruz de Tenerife 38003. Tel (922) 28 68 63.
Customs
As with the rest of Spain, many shops and offices close from about 2pm to 5pm. In the evening, locals eat late, rarely before 10pm.
Pets
Provided you have the correct documentation from a vet, your pet may travel between Fuerteventura and the UK under the pilot Pet Travel Scheme. Ask your vet for details, as this takes some time to arrange.
Tipping
Service charge is included in all menu prices, but leave small change if happy with service. Also leave small change in bars and cafes.
Tourist office
Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London W1M 5AP. Tel 020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 09063 640630 (60p per minute).
Did you know?
Fuerteventura's sand was originally blown in from the Sahara.
Language
Spanish.
Visas
Not needed, but it is useful to have a photocopy of your passport on you at all times.
Getting there
Holiday flights from most UK airports.
Flying time from London
Four hours.
Getting around
Public transport is sparse, so car hire and coach excursions are the best ways of seeing the island.
Currency
Euro.
Costs
Prices vary but as a guide: 36-exposure film £2.50; moderate restaurant meal £7; bottle of beer £1; litre of petrol 40p; four-mile taxi ride £6.
Weather
The Canary Islands are spring-like for most of the year, and even on the hottest days (mid-30Cs) it can be pleasantly cool higher up. Rainfall is slight. Summer: 68-90F/20-32C; winter: 60-70F/16-21C.
Time difference
Same as UK.
International dialling code from the UK
0034 928.
Voltage
220V, 50Hz. Like mainland Spain and the rest of continental Europe, the plugs have two round pins.
Opening hours
Shops and travel agencies Monday-Friday 9am-2pm and 4.30pm/5pm-8pm; Saturdays 9am-2pm. Banks: Monday-Friday 8.30am-2pm, some open Saturday 9am-1pm. Many government offices don't open in the afternoons.
Health — before you go
No vaccinations required. Remember to take an EHIC form (available from UK post offices) so that you can claim back any medical costs.
Health — when you are there
The most important advice is to wear adequate sunscreen. The domestic tap water is safe to drink throughout the Canaries.
Warnings
Not for nothing is the island called Fuerteventura. The name means "strong winds". The wind can get up at any time, particularly on the west coast, making swimming dangerous in exposed places.
Emergency
Police tel 092; Medical tel 061; British Consulate, Plaza Weyler 8-1, Santa Cruz de Tenerife 38003. Tel (922) 28 68 63.
Customs
As with the rest of Spain, many shops and offices close from about 2pm to 5pm. In the evening, locals eat late, rarely before 10pm.
Pets
Provided you have the correct documentation from a vet, your pet may travel between Fuerteventura and the UK under the pilot Pet Travel Scheme. Ask your vet for details, as this takes some time to arrange.
Tipping
Service charge is included in all menu prices, but leave small change if happy with service. Also leave small change in bars and cafes.
Tourist office
Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London W1M 5AP. Tel 020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 09063 640630 (60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Fuerteventura |
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| |  | | Villa Bugambilla
Luxury Villa, 3 en-suite Bedrooms, Private Jacuzzi and pool. Roof terrace with views over sand dunes and sea. Gated community.
|  | | Villa Bocaina , Majanicho
Superbly appointed two bedroomed villa set in prestigious development with extensive views over the 'Straits de la Bocaina' and beaches of north Fuerteventura.
|  | | Villa Lolas
Luxury villa part of the "Bahiazul" complex, 3 en-suite Bedrooms, Private pool and jacuzzi. Enjoy the views over sand dunes and sea. Closed to the Dunes beaches in Corralejo. Perfect to relax.
|  | | Villa Gecko, Majanicho
Two bed roomed villa set in stunning location with memorable views of extinct volcanoes and Lanzarote on the horizon.
|  | | Villa Golf y Mar
A lovely villa just a stone's throw from the 18th tee at Fuerteventura's golf course, and enjoying superb sea and golf views. Superbly equipped truly a home from home
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Holiday Rentals in Fuerteventura |
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 |  | Family and kids (2) | | | Unspoilt and charming (1) | | | Beach (1) |
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