Overview of Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is one of the most easterly Canary islands, literally just off the coast of North West Africa. It is the second largest of the Islands (after Tenerife). Despite the steady increase in tourism since the 1960s, Fuerteventura has fought to keep it's unspoilt charm, and seems to be succeeding.

It's closest neighbour is Lanzarote, with just Isla de Lobos nestled in between. There is a regular ferry service between the two islands from Corralejo, on the north tip.

Fuerteventura's residents are still affectionately known as Majoreros, which comes from the word mahos, a type of goatskin shoe worn by the original settlers. These days, Fuerteventura's residents are of a more eclectic mix, with plenty of British Irish, German, and Northern European neighbours all rubbing shoulders nicely.

Corralejo is the busiest tourist resort on the Island, and is right on the northern coast. Pastel coloured homes sprinkled aaround the town give Corralejo a quaint almost toy-town feel to the place. But don't be deceived. The bustling harbour, many water activities, and hopping nightlife means that this town shouldn't be underestimated. To the northeast - are the famous sand dunes. Miles and miles of white sands along the coast, providing a stunning collar to the beautiful volcanoes behind them.

Speaking of sand and beaches - Fuerteventura has more than 150 of them… and also boasts some of the longest beaches in the Canaries. Either fine white sand, or the breathtaking black volcanic lava shingle. With the weather in Fuerteventura being stable all year round, it is no surprise that it is popular with travellers seeking warmer climes.

Puerto del Rosario is the administrative capital of the Island, and home to many thriving businesses. There is also a large shopping centre, containing High Street brands that you will recognise from the UK.

But Fuerteventura is not just about sun and beaches. In this island, declared a Biosphere Reserve, you can also appreciate other surprising landscapes, such as the extensive plains, produced by years of erosion, which contrast with volcanoes and lava flows, or the impressive sand dunes through which you can glimpse, a few kilometres away, an uninhabited desert islet, classed as a Special Bird Protection Zoneby European regulations.

If you are lucky, you might get to see the flight of the guirre or Canarian Egyptian Vulture: the only species of vulture that lives in the Canary Islands.

Let your imagination fly to the remote past, and discover the Sacred Mountain, considered by the aboriginal people to have magical significance. In the charming villages of the interior you will also be able to breathe the history of the island, thanks to its well preserved traditional architecture, while the tiny, hidden fishing villages will reveal the secrets of their special flavours.

In Fuerteventura you will see the oldest rocks of the archipelago, marine remains belonging to the period before the formation of the Canary Islands.