Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Spain / Canary Islands - Canaries / Fuerteventura
 |  | 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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| | Available rental properties in Fuerteventura |
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| |  | | Casa Jacob
Luxury quality villa located in beautiful surroundings
|  | | Villa Margareta, Corralejo
Luxury 3 Bedroom private villa with heated swimming pool and roof terrace, very close to the beach & Corralejo Town
|  | | Atlantic Gardens - Fuerteventura
1 bedroom apartment located in Atlantic Gardens, Corralejo. All the amenities of Corralejo and the beach are within walking distance of the complex.
|  | | 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.
|  | | 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.
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