Fuerteventura, with a total area of 1.660 km², is the second largest island of the Canaries and, with its beginnings dating back 20.6 million years, the oldest in the archipelago.
Its highest elevation reaches 807 meters above sea level, on the summit of Pico de la Zarza.
Above all, it’s Fuerteventura’s sand dunes that ally it most closely with North Africa.
At its narrowest point, the island measures just 5 km wide, a natural waistline that divides the island into the northern section of “Maxorata” and the southern area “Jandía”.
Nature & Outdoor
On the island’s north, south of Corralejo, lies the gigantic, more than 11-kilometer long range of dunes known as the “Parque Natural de las Dunas Corralejo.” The combination of fine, buff-coloured sand and the turquoise sea beyond lends the landscape a Caribbean feel. Behind the small hills of sand and stone are sheltered spots where visitors can while away an afternoon at the beach. There’s a separate section for sports enthusiasts, like wind- and kite-surfers. That’s where things get kicked into high gear!
Barca Beach in the southern section of the island is Fuerteventura’s most beautiful beach. High tide sculpts the beach into an even expanse of fantasy lagoon. Low tide, by contrast, invites beachgoers on a little adventure over the mud flat.
At 397 m high, "Tindaya" mountain lies at the foot of the town of "La Oliva" and has been a natural conservation site since 1994. Due to its high component of iron oxide, "Tindaya" has a distinctive red coloration.
In the southern section of the island is the Oasis theme park, home to more than 3,000 animals that can be closely observed and even touched. There are a variety of animal shows for an entertaining and experiential daytrip.
The aloe vera plants found on the Canary Islands are the best in the world! The organic aloe vera plantation "Finca Canarlas" in La Fuentita demonstrates just how this "king of medicinal plants" functions and is used correctly. There’s also the opportunity to test out numerous products.
Cities & Nightlife
The historic town of Betancuria, nestled in a landscape of mountains and valleys, was once the capital of Fuerteventura. The city centre has been a designated landmark since 1988 because of its historical and cultural significance.
Puerto del Rosario is the island’s present-day capital and offers numerous shopping opportunities, lively promenades, and historical structures and plazas. The harbour district has been carefully restored and, like the open spaces of the city centre, beckons the curious to explore.
Corralejo is at the heart of this island’s nightlife! Along the "Avenida del General Franco" you’ll find a variety of ways to light up the night. Morre Jable, a popular vacation spot, offers up enticing nightlife at its Centro Comercial de Jandia.
Culture & Sports
Tefía, not far from the island’s capital city of Puerto del Rosario, is the site of the "Ecomuseo La Alcogida" museum. This cultural centre features historically faithful constructions of homes typical of both average and wealthy families on Fuerteventura. There is detailed documentation of history and previous ways of life on the island.
Fuerteventura offers a host of opportunities for thrill-seekers and sporty types. Buggy and quad-bike tours offer the chance to experience nature in a whole new way.
"Playa Barca" is a true paradise for wind- and kite-surfers. There’s definitely a reason that this is the site of the annual wind- and kite-surfing world championships!
The new and increasingly popular sport of paddle boarding (a combination of surfing and paddling) can be practiced year-round or learned for the very first time here. The best spots for paddle boarding are along the island’s north shore.
