History and Location of the Island of Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is located close to the coast of North Africa and is just a hundred kilometers away from Morocco. It is the second largest island of the Canary Islands, which is known for its long, golden, warm sandy beaches and soft sand dunes. It is a paradise for both beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Fuerteventura is also the oldest of all islands in the archipelago. Long stretches of white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and sand dunes – this is Fuerteventura. The island, which is a Biosphere Reserve, is a wonderful destination, where everyone can combine a relaxed, laid-back way of life with excellent attractions and facilities.
Although the island’s origin dates back around 23 million years, the first recorded people of the island were the Phoenicians, who inhabited Fuerteventura in the 10th century BC. Later, Berber groups from north African settled here. Over 500 years ago, they were conquered by the Spanish over. When Christopher Columbus stopped in the Canary Islands on his way to America, he put Canaries on the map as a strategic stop-off point for many centuries to come.
Fuerteventura is a designated biosphere reserve with considerable natural treasures, such as volcanic landscapes, sand dunes, the sacred mountain of Tindaya, and ancient fishing villages. Everybody would be missing out if they visited the island and just sat on the beach for their holiday because there is so much more to explore and see.
Popular Resorts of Fuerteventura
The popular Fuerteventura’s resort of Corralejo is located on the northern coast of the island with its white sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. Thanks to the active tourism, the once small fishing villages has grown into a colorful town, which is extremely popular with water sports enthusiasts, who come for the kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Despite its growth and growing popularity, Corralejo retains its atmosphere and original charm and is an attractive destination for those tourists, who are looking for a sunny beach holiday with a fun, upbeat atmosphere.
Caleta de Fuste is a specially built holiday resort located on the east coast of Fuerteventura, about ten minutes drive from the airport. Those who are looking for a beach holiday combined with lots of family orientated activities, should visit Caleta de Fuste, which is the perfect destination for them.
Costa de Antigua known as Nuevo Horizonte, is situated on the eastern coast of the island, just next to Caleta de Fuste. It is a relatively new resort, which offers an attractive, peaceful destination for those, who are going to have a really relaxing holiday. Like the rest of the island, Costa de Antigua boasts a wonderful stretch of crystal clear waters and white sand beaches.
Another resort, which is a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, is El Cotillo. It is a small fishing village located 45 kilometers from the airport in the north west of Fuerteventura, which life is centered around the small working harbor, where a selection of picturesque bars and restaurants are located. This Fuerteventura’s resort is fast gaining in popularity, mainly due to its beautiful lagoons and beaches, which are located on the south of the village.
Jandia Playa is situated on the peninsula of Jandia, which covers the whole southwestern region of the island. The entire territory of the mountainous peninsula is a nature reserve with a coastline of white sandy beaches. Being an important ecological region, it has been officially recognized as a site of scientific interest. The highest point on the island found on the Jandia Peninsula is the Pico de Zarza. The region incorporates the resorts of Playas de Jandia, Costa Calma, and the charming village of Morro Jable, which are located close to Jandia Playa.
Attractions & Outdoor Activities in Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is world-wide known for its picturesque beaches. Featuring long stretches of white, soft, untouched sands, beautiful blue lagoons, and nature reserve sand dunes, the island of Fuerteventura is a paradise for beach lovers. As well as being a natural paradise, the island also offers a wide variety of cultural attractions, such as religious architecture, museums, local crafts, and historic monuments. The people are proud of their music and traditions, and local festivities play an important part in the culture of Fuerteventura.
A place of special interest is La Alcogida EcoMuseum, which is a group of seven houses depicting the traditional habitat of the island. Close to the Pozo Negro Valley, there is an archeological site, Atalayita Interpretation Centre. The largest volcanic caves on the island, The Llano Caves, are located very close to the Villaverde village. Diving, kite surfing, deep sea fishing, mountain biking, jeep safari, golf, and much more. There are many things to do for active tourists, who do not want to just sunbath on the beach all day long.
Much of the Fuerteventura’s cuisine combines traditional Spanish fayre, with South American and African gastronomy. The dishes also reflect the volcanic roots of the island. Seafood obviously plays an extremely important role in the gastronomy of Fuerteventura and especially popular are locally caught Mussels, Langoustines, Atlantic Mackerel, Octopus, and Sardines.
Meat dishes are popular, especially stews and steaks, but most meat is imported in, as there is no much livestock on the island.. The Fuerteventura’s grape growing culture dates back many centuries and the unique flavor that comes from the volcanic lands is very special. On Fuerteventura, there are lots of wine routes that can be explored throughout the island. Discover the different vineyards and their denominations on your holiday in Fuerteventura.
As with other islands of the archipelago, the weather of Fuerteventura, is generally pleasant all year round. Because the island is prone to high winds, its name literally means Strong Wind, or Strong Fortune. During the summer months the average temperatures can reach up to 35 degrees, while during winter they rarely drop below 18 degrees.