Fuerteventura Holidays

The weather in Fuerteventura is tropical, though the temperatures tend to be cooler than other tropical islands, which makes it ideal for year-round visiting. The hottest month is August, with an average daytime temperature of 28°C. The coolest month is January, where daytime highs reach 21°C. December sees the most rain, but it is hardly a deterrent if you choose to visit during that month. Fuerteventura has activities that occur throughout the year, but the most popular events include Carnival and the Blues Festival, which occur in March, the kiteboarding and windsurfing world and speed championships, which are held in July, and the International Jazz Festival, which is held in September.

Go with the wind

With its strong Atlantic winds, Fuerteventura is a hotspot for windsurfing enthusiasts and beginners alike. Playa de Sotavento is the real mecca for the sport, with international events attracting the world's top windsurfers.

If you are not quite up to that level yet, there are plenty of schools scattered around the island at places like Playa de Esquinzo, El Cotillo and Calete de Fuste, all offering training and equipment. Surfing and kite surfing facilities are also available.

Relax at one of the best beaches in the world

Accessible only via a snaking mountain road that is best navigated in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, your first glimpse of this 1.5-mile stretch of golden sandy beach will make you think you are the first human to set foot here.

Its remote location has left it largely unspoilt by tourist development, making it a wonderfully tranquil spot. The Jandia Mountains in the background frame the scene perfectly. Sadly, the high waves make swimming dangerous.

Ward off evil spirits at Mount Tindaya

The 400-metre tall Mount Tindaya was once a sacred place on Fuerteventura. The more than 100 carvings on its summit appear to resemble feet, or podomorphs, and are believed to ward off evil spirits. Many islanders would regularly make the pilgrimage here.

The mountaintop boasts great views, including Tenerife's volcano, Mount Teide. At the foot of the mountain is the small farming village of Tindaya, perfect for a refreshment stop once you have got rid of your evil spirits.

Make some underwater friends

With water temperatures hovering around the 20 degrees C mark, Fuerteventura’s coast supports a vast array of marine life, providing a home for more species than any of the other Canary Islands. And with almost transparent seas, it is no wonder that scuba diving is so popular. There are over a dozen diving centres on the island, with courses and equipment available.

Villa Winter

With its history shrouded in myth, rumour, and conspiracy theories, Villa Winter is definitely the most peculiar spot on the island. German engineer Gustav Winter set out a plot of land marked out in the exact shape of Fuerteventura in miniature in the 1930s, where he built a grand two-storey villa, the position of which exactly mirrors its location on the island.

Remote and only accessible by a dirt track, the villa was at one point watched over by armed guards, giving birth to stories that Winter was using the villa for sinister purposes. Rumours abounded that it was a safe house for Nazis fleeing mainland Europe after the War, but no evidence was ever found to support this. Check out the slightly eerie nearby village of Cofete as well.

Oasis Park

The largest animal park on the Canary Islands, Oasis Park is home to thousands of species of plants and animals. From the spectacular flamingo lake, to giraffes, hippopotamus and cheetahs, the park offers natural wonders from around the world, including the rare Fuerteventura vulture, which appears in numerous folk tales.

Isla de Lobos

Just off the coast of Corralejo lies the Isla de Lobos. Just 500 acres, you can walk the whole thing in a matter of hours, but as it is a protected nature reserve you must follow the marked paths.

A testing climb up the Caldera de la Montana rewards you with a great view of the island itself, as well as Fuerteventura and nearby Lanzarote. Enjoy the beaches, swimming coves, and island restaurant.

Unamuno Museum

A great Spanish writer and intellectual, Miguel de Unamuno came to Fuerteventura in less than ideal circumstances. Whilst rector of the University of Salamanca in 1924, Unamuno was removed from his post and exiled here from mainland Spain. The island nonetheless captivated him. He lived in a house in the capital, Puerto de Rosario, which is now a museum.

Tip * Booking your Tours, Transfers & Airport Parking before you go will save your money & time and ensure a stress free start to your holiday

7 Island Surf School

Professional surfers are on hand to give surfing lessons to beginners and experienced surfers alike.

Fish Spa Boutique

Enjoy a day of pampering and relaxation at this all-day spa and boutique.

EEE Bikers

Rent an all-terrain bicycle and explore the roads and trails of the island.

Parque Natural de Corralejo

Spend the day exploring the dunes and beaches of Corralejo.

Mirador de Lobos Golf

Enjoy a morning or afternoon on the links at this 9-hole, Par 3 golf course in Corralejo.

Playa de Ajuy

Spend some time viewing ancient ruins, observing wildlife in its natural habitat, enjoying the white beaches and exploring caves.

Deep Blue Diving Base

Learn to scuba dive or gain an additional diving certification while exploring one of the business' exclusive diving locations.

Cueva del Llano

Take a 300-foot journey into a one-million-year-old volcano cavern. There is also a museum that explains how the cavern was formed, as well as the history of volcanoes on the islands.

Oceanarium Explorer

View marine life in the Atlantic Ocean through the glass-bottom boat, and enjoy Debbie and Donna's sea lion show.

Iglesia Catedral de Santa Maria de Betancuria

Make the trek up the mountainside to experience a cathedral with Baroque pulpit and altarpieces. The sacristy also has an exquisitely painted ceiling.

By Boat

With the Canary Islands so close together, it is easy to hop between them using ferry services. From the capital, Puerto del Rosario, there are five crossings a week to Las Palmas on Gran Canaria. There are also hydrofoil services from Morro Jable.

You can get to Lanzarote from the capital, with ferries going to Arrecife. However, the easiest way to get to Lanzarote is from Corralejo, where regular boats leave for Playa Blanca, a journey of less than half an hour.

By Car

Fuerteventura is an island of isolated villages and uninhabited corners, so hiring a car is the best way to see all it has to offer. Some of the more remote attractions can only be reached by dirt road and the terrain can be quite rugged, so if you do hire a car, a four-wheel-drive vehicle could be a wise investment.

Check out our Fuerteventura car hire offers for a more independent way to get around the island.

Buses

Buses link Fuerteventura's main towns and the airport. The main bus company is Tiadhe, which runs 17 routes. Frequency of service varies by route and at best is once every 40 minutes.

For regular bus travel, pick up a Tarjeta Dinero. This card will give you a 30% discount on bus fares when you show it to the driver. Buses are a cost effective way of getting around the island and good for one-way trips.

Taxis

All resorts of a decent size are well-served by a fleet of white taxis. Usually old Mercedes saloons, they are a comfortable and convenient way of getting around. Although reasonably-priced for short journeys, rides between distant towns and other areas of the island can be expensive.

Hidden beaches in Jandia

Rent a jeep and explore the beaches on the southern-most point of the island. The jeep is required because a regular car cannot handle the terrain. You will also have to trek down a hillside, but the destination is worth the journey.

Antigua

Visit this mountainside city and feed the friendly chipmunks, explore the oldest locations on the island and enjoy a meal at El Molino del Antigua, a restaurant located inside the island's last remaining windmill.

Moro Jable Harbour

Book a tour on a catamaran and enjoy a tour of the island from the Atlantic Ocean.

La Marquesina

Enjoy a fabulous meal at this small, intimate local restaurant that serves fish, seafood and chicken dishes.

Rent a Car, Jeep or Driver

To get the most out of Fuerteventura, renting a car or jeep is advised so you can visit the more out-of-the-way places on the island. You can also hire a driver to take you around the island and serve as an unofficial tour guide.

Found on the Jandia peninsula, the Iberostar Gaviotas Park Hotel is the ideal place for the beach-loving family. Located on the oceanfront, a couple of steps will take you onto the fine golden sands of Jandia beach. A short drive along the coast is the marina town of Morro Jable, where you can catch the ferry to Gran Canaria. Check out the hotel’s swimming pools and Thai Zen Space spa.

If you are a sports fanatic, the Playitas Villas Fuerteventura Island Hotel is for you. The villas themselves are built into a hill with great views of the bay and the impressive resort; each boasts two double beds, a bathroom and a full kitchen, as well as Internet and cable. The resort also features a full 18-hole golf course, Olympic swimming pool, three tennis courts, and a mountain biking centre, as well as facilities for scuba diving, windsurfing and sailing.

The Atlantis Fuerteventura Resort by Be Live Suite Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the giant sand dunes of Corralejo. Close to the hotel lies the National Park of the Dunes of Corralejo, which includes mountains of sand that rise up to 50 metres high. The hotel is within easy reach of the capital, Puerto del Rosario. Check out the charming central courtyard, swimming pool and spa, and a restaurant.

The Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach, Golf & Spa Resort Hotel does exactly what it says on the tin. If you want to be pampered, feel like working on your tan, or just fancy improving your golf handicap, this top-notch resort has it all. There are also tennis courts, a fitness room and four restaurants on site.

So book your hotel in Fuerteventura today!

Casa Isaitas (Guize, 7, Pajara) is a refreshingly homespun restaurant in the centre of the island, set in a house that was renovated in classical Canarian style in 2001, with parts of the building dating back to the 18th century. Located in the village of Pajara, the house is also a hotel. When it comes to the menu, the emphasis is on fresh local ingredients, cooked simply but well. Recommended dishes include the roasted local cheese served with spicy sauces and potato croquettes. The owners also make their own cakes and preserves.

A barbecue hotspot, El Horno (Carretera General, 191, La Oliva) is the place to go for meat lovers. Set in the northern village of Villaverde, the restaurant's main feature is the big open charcoal grill, used to cook meat. Fish dishes are on offer as well. If you are organised, ring in advance to order the roasted goat.

To sample all the delights the Atlantic Ocean has to offer, pay a visit to Gregorio, el Pescador (Calle Iglesia, 11, La Oliva). With a name that translates to “Gregory, the Fisherman”, it is no surprise what the big draw is at this Corralejo restaurant. Suso, the owner, is a fisherman himself and personally catches most of what ends up on diners’ plates. For something special, try the grilled octopus, which the waiters finish preparing at your table. As well as the wide range of fish and seafood, the menu features meat dishes and pasta as well.

Vaccinations and Hygiene

There are no obligatory vaccinations for a trip to Fuerteventura.

Recommended vaccinations include boosters in the vaccination schedule, including polio, tetanus, diphtheria (a reduced amount of diphtheria toxoid in adults), pertussis, measles (one dose of trivalent vaccine suffices), hepatitis A (only for risky journeys), and rabies (just for stays in the rural and forested areas from spring to autumn).

Water is potable, however for infants, bottled water is preferable.

The Canary Islands have a good level of health infrastructure. Before leaving, request a local Social Security centre for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC – be aware this only covers emergencies).

Safety

Petty crime does exist on Fuerteventura. To be safe, bear the following advice in mind:

- Only carry small amounts of cash on your person
- Be discreet with valuable items like electronics or jewellery
- Do not leave any important documents or valuables (like mobile phones) in vehicles
- Refrain from walking unaccompanied at night or in darkened areas
- Refrain from accepting drinks or food offered in bars

Tip: It is highly recommended that you make photocopies of all your travel documents and keep the copies on you so you are prepared if the originals are stolen or lost. Keep the original documents in a safe place (such as the hotel safe) with a little money.

When you travel, take a mobile phone with you and ensure you know the emergency telephone numbers. If you are assaulted, keep calm and do not resist or retaliate.