This is a collaborative post: One of the more tranquil and pristine of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is an idyllic vacation spot. If you’re tired of a gloomy winter and can’t wait to soak up the sun, Fuerteventura should be at the top of your list of places to visit.
Situated just 10 miles from Lanzarote, this sun-drenched isle offers plenty of attractions for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. These include seemingly endless stretches of golden beach, sleepy Canarian villages, and an abundance of fun-filled activities to enjoy in the sun.
If you have never been to the Canary Islands before, or if you have explored the other islands but are yet to experience Fuerteventura’s charms, then read on for some top tips on when to go and what to do when you get there.
The Best Time To Head To Fuerteventura
When it comes to choosing an ideal time to vacation on Fuerteventura, the truth is that you could quite happily visit this sub-tropical island all year round. As a result, the time of year during which you book your trip can be entirely up to you and your personal preference.
If you relish the heat, then July through September is the ideal time to visit the island, as these months experience the hottest temperatures. However, this also happens to be the height of the tourist season, so you should prepare yourself for busy beaches and higher prices. If you don’t mind it a little cooler, you may want to head over there any time between April and June. Even during the winter months, you can still enjoy six hours of sunbathing in the warmth If you are eager to escape the freezing temperatures, Fuerteventura can be your next stop.
Of course, if you want more specific guidance on the Fuerteventura weather shortly before you’re due to visit, you can check out World Weather Online for 7, 10, and 14-day forecasts that will give you a great idea of what kind of clothes you need to pack.
Places To Stay
Finding the ideal accommodation on Fuerteventura won’t be a challenge, as the island offers an abundance of options, including family beach resorts, self-catering apartments, adults-only spa hotels, and villas for rent. All you need to do is choose the right place to suit your taste and budget.
You may also want to choose your accommodation according to location, as some parts of the island are more touristy than others, so if you want to stay off the beaten track, then those areas are best avoided.
For example, the seaside resorts of Caleta de Fuste and Corralejo are more likely to be filled with hustle and bustle, whereas the quieter towns of Morro Jable, Gran Tarajal and El Cotillo are more sedate.
Things To Do On Fuerteventura
When it comes to filling your days on Fuerteventura, it’s likely that you will want to spend a significant portion of your time swimming, sunbathing and generally enjoying the island’s 150 kilometres of sun-baked beaches. There is truly a beach to suit everyone’s tastes on the isle, from tranquil spots such as Playa Blanca, to the stunning golden stretch of Sotavento (named one of the best beaches in Europe), and the black-pebble shores of Puerto Lajas. However, there is much more to Fuerteventura than its picture-postcard coastline.
If you’re visiting with your family, then your children are sure to be keen to explore the sizeable Oasis Park, also called La Lajita Zoo. This sprawling animal attraction is home to a variety of birds and beasts, including marmosets, meerkats, porcupines, giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, and much more. There are also live shows and ‘experiences’ held throughout the day, giving you a chance to get up close and personal with some of the park’s lovable inhabitants, including different species of birds, camels, and sea lions.
Speaking of camels, if your kids are keen to see the world from a different perspective, you can make your way to Corralejo’s National Park and savour a scenic camel ride through the volcanic landscape. While you’re there, you should also do some exploring, although you will need to bring appropriate footwear if you want to climb the Red Mountain volcano. Don’t forget a camera, as you will surely want to take plenty of holiday snaps of this dramatic landscape with its pristine beaches.
Also affording you the opportunity to wander through an unspoilt volcanic landscape is Isla de Lobos, which translates as the Island of the Wolves. Just a short boat trip from Corralejo, this small volcanic isle has been designated a natural preserve, so no cars are allowed here. During your boat ride over, you may be lucky enough to spot some wild dolphins or even whales splashing in the waves, and once you reach the island, its tranquil beauty is sure to leave you enthralled. If you’re a keen surfer, don’t forget to bring your board, as the Isla de Lobos is a surfer’s paradise, offering some of the finest waves in the Canaries.
Of course, the island is also home to a number of cultural sights that history buffs and dedicated Instagrammers will surely want to visit. These include the centuries-old palace of Casa de los Coroneles, situated just outside La Oliva; and the awe-inspiring windmills of Villaverde, just a short drive away.
Food And Drink On Fuerteventura
As you can imagine, eating and drinking while on holiday in Fuerteventura is going to be a tastebud-tantalising experience. The island is certainly not short on fresh seafood, such as various kinds of fish, octopus, squid and various shellfish; in addition, you can sample a variety of piquant local delicacies, including goat’s cheese, serrano ham, roasted kid, and honey rum.
With such tempting delicacies to feast on – not to mention all those miles of golden beaches, dramatic landscapes, and a plethora of cultural and natural attractions – it’s easy to see why Fuerteventura has a special place in the hearts of many visitors from far-off lands.