Fuerteventura

Introduction

Lighthouse in Morro Jable

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Each of the Canary islands (and their satellite isles) are very different in feel. Some people love one island, but hate another. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder and your island experiences may be totally different to the experiences of another.

Fuerteventura is part of seven islands in the archipelago making up the Canary Islands. They are situated in the Atlantic Ocean off the north-western coast of mainland Africa (Morocco and the Western Sahara).

The Canary Islands, although technically coming under Spain and part of the EU, are autonomous with their own government and taxation systems. The Canaries are split into 2 different communities - the islands of La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and Tenerife come under the legislation of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The islands of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria coming under Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Fuerteventura is the second largest Canary Island, 100km long by 31km at its widest, and is closest to the African coast. It is regarded as the oldest of the Canaries, and has the highest number of sand dunes and long sandy beaches of all the islands. Fuerteventura is relatively uncommercialised, retaining much of its unspoilt original beauty and calm with a landscape of contrasting volcanic contours, sandy beaches and rocky coves. It is the driest island, with little rainfall and over 3000 hours of sunshine per year.

If you are looking for a place to get-away-from-it-all, then Fuerteventura would be a good choice.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

Cities

Sights and Activities

Events and Festivals

Weather

The island of Fuerteventura enjoys a mild, dry climate with average daytime temperatures from around 21 °C in January to 29 °C in August. The weather is very similar to Florida and Mexico with over 3000 hours of sunshine a year, making them your ideal choice as a holiday destination.

Although only 15km apart, Fuerteventura's most northerly point Corralejo, is usually about 2 °C warmer than Playa Blanca, in the south of Lanzarote.

Getting There

By Plane

Fuerteventura Airport has flights arrive from most major destinations within Europe on a daily basis. Some of the airlines flying into this airport include Air Berlin, Air Europa, Condor Airlines, MyTravel Airways, Ryanair, Thomas Cook Airlines and TUIfly. The airport is situated just outside the islands capital of Puerto del Rosario, half way down the island on the east coast.

By Boat

Ferries connect all the Canary Islands and passenger liners regularly dock in Fuerteventura's main ferry port and capital city Puerto del Rosario.

Fuerteventura is connected to Lanzarote from Corralejo in the North, which is served by regular daily ferries. Several pleasure cruises also sail between the 2 islands from Corralejo, either docking at Playa Blanca in the south, Puerto del Carmen, or Arrecife, Lanzarote's capital.

Puerto del Rosario's ferries travel to all the other Canary Islands, as well as the new service to Morocco.

Morro Jable in the south of Fuerteventura is served by ferries to Gran Canaria.

Getting Around

By Car

Car hire is fairly cheap on the island, with several different companies to choose from. There really is no need to book before you leave unless you are travelling at peak times.

Please remember that drivers must possess a FULL LICENCE and be over 25 years of age to hire a car in any of the Canary Islands.

The main roads on Fuerteventura are good, but there are several unmade roads, for example Cofete in the south of the island, so it may be worth considering a 4-wheel drive model. Most hire companies are aware of the condition of the roads and accept that their cars will inevitably be taken "off road" although there are terms in their hire agreements which forbid this use. Another term in their contracts is that their cars cannot be taken to another island - Fuerteventura to Lanzarote, although this regularly takes place without penalties! If in doubt, ask!

A word of warning: Fuerteventura has only recently introduced traffic lights. Roundabouts are also a fairly new phenomenon which the older generation of Spanish drivers seem to find completely baffling! Most cars travel round in the outside lane, no matter which exit they are taking - be careful as you may well find cars cutting across your exit route!

By Bus

A bus in the Canaries is called a "guagua" (pronounced: waa-waa)
Local buses are run by Tiadhe and connect most of the villages throughout the island, albeit some routes may not be as frequently served or regular as others! Fares are cheap and "season tickets" can be purchased, so make sure to ask for them to get your discounted rate.

Depending on the resort you have booked with, it may be able to get a free bus to your chosen destination - check this out with your hotel or tour company.

By Boat

See section above for commercial ferry details. There are several pleasure cruises and tours available from all tourist resorts.

Red Tape

Money

The euro is used, although you may well find receipts showing both euros and peseta figures! Banks and bureau de change are found throughout the island, with most speaking English.

Goods purchased within the islands are duty free, but are limited to specific personal allowances - check your country's regulations.

Work

Study

Language

Spanish is the native language, but with a distinctive Canarian twist! True Spanish as spoken in the peninsula pronounces the letter "s" as a "th". People from South America pronounce the "s" and an "s" ...... but the Canarians sometimes don't pronounce it at all - it becomes a silent letter, which can make the word sound completely alien and unrecognisable. Example "Dos cañas" (2 beers), becomes "Do caña" The good thing is, whatever style of Spanish YOU speak, you will be understood by the Canarians - but you may not understand their replies!

English is widely spoken in the resort areas, as is German and Italian.

Most people appreciate the fact that you try to speak their language, even if you get it wrong, so have a go and add a new dimension to your holiday!

Eat

There are many good international restaurants throughout the island, and there are also some fast-food names which you will recognise.

Locally caught fish is abundant and delicious and definitely has to be tried. Most of the small bars in even the remotest parts of the island will serve food of some sort where you can receive a true taste of Canarian cooking.

Sleep

Your choice of where to stay is just as varied as anywhere else in the world. There are many hotels with different star ratings, throughout the island. Property rentals are abundant and varied and suit all budgets. There are a few "casas rural" - small countryside hotels located outside the main resort areas which are a good option for those wanting to get away from it all.

Drink

Spanish culture includes drinking, but as people live with it from cradle to grave, there are not the same problems with alcohol abuse and hooliganism as other parts of the world. In truth, any trouble say, outside a nightclub in the early hours of the morning, is usually caused by rowdy holiday makers.

Fuerteventura does not produce its own wines etc, so all alcohol is imported. However, Spanish wines are still cheap and varied, and most international wines and spirits are readily available from local supermarkets.

If you intend buying alcohol to take home as duty free, your cheapest option is to buy from a supermarket, not from the airport where the prices are generally higher.

Health

There are health centres and dentists in the main resort areas, with the main hospital being in the capital Puerto del Rosario.

Safety

Common sense prevails - don't go out alone late at night in any of the barrios (housing estates) in Puerto del Rosario.

Keep all valuables safe and be sure to close windows and lock doors when leaving your apartment, even for a short time as most theft is opportunistic.

Suncreams are a MUST. Fuerteventura benefits from a breeze all year which can feel cool in the winter, but lovely in the summer - DON'T BE FOOLED - you are still being pounded by UV rays even though you feel totally comfortable! We have seen many "lobsters" walking around after the first few days of their arrival.

If you do need an aftersun treatment, Fuerteventura produces aloe vera plants and manufactures various products to help with skin irritation of all sorts.

Bottled water should be used for drinking although tap water is perfectly safe for cooking or using to boil for tea or coffee.

Keep Connected

Internet

Internet cafes are everywhere so you can always pick up your emails or stay in touch with the outside world!

Phone

You can obtain cheap phone cards everywhere. The dialing code into Fuerteventura is the same as the rest of Spain (Country code: ++34)

Post

The Correos (Post Office) service has offices throughout the island and sells postcards etc so you can keep in touch with your friends back home. Hours generally are 08:30 - 14:00 Monday - Saturday