Cheap Fuerteventura Holidays

Fuerteventura – A Sporty Place for a Holiday

2011-02-02T15:17:00.002Z

Fuerteventura tends to bring certain things to mind. Family holidays are probably one of the foremost things you’ll think about. But in addition to this the island is also a very sporty one, offering lots of different activities to do during your time there. You may not want to be active all the time, but it’s definitely good to know you have a wide range of things you could get up to.

Water sports are obviously a big draw since the waters around Fuerteventura tempt lots of people to get wet. Swimming is one of the best activities that the whole family can do, although you should always take note of the conditions in the area you are staying in. Not all beaches are blessed with perfect conditions, so it is wise to be cautious until you know what to expect, especially if you have young children.

Diving is another popular activity and since the waters are very clear you can expect to see a lot while you are there. In contrast the often breezy nature of some parts of Fuerteventura means you can stay on top of the water too (hopefully) and take part in windsurfing and other similar activities.

Elsewhere you can take the opportunity to explore by getting familiar with some walking and cycling. In fact some people come here with the express desire to have this kind of active holiday, instead of lounging on the beach or by the pool all the time. Fuerteventura also has its mountainous spots, and while mountain biking might be beyond you it might be possible to enjoy a more challenging walk there instead. In fact some places can only be visited on Fuerteventura if you opt to get there on foot or by bike. This gives you access to otherwise unseen delights in the area.

As you can see it is definitely worth preparing for a more active holiday if you can. There is nothing wrong with a bit of sunbathing but it would be a shame to miss out on some of the best parts of Fuerteventura by missing out on the sports.

Is Gran Tarajal Ideal For The Tourists?

2011-01-03T17:40:00.002Z

Most countries have areas that are more suited than other locations to people who are visiting for a holiday. But does this mean you should automatically go to one of these locations on holiday? Would it mean missing out on numerous other locations that give you a more honest view of a country or island?

Fuerteventura has a large town called Gran Tarajal and it is not one of the main calling points for people looking for a holiday on the island. Indeed it is one of the least known locations on the island as far as the holidaymakers are concerned, and that tells us a lot about what people look for.

However with that said we can learn a lot about what Fuerteventura is all about simply by going to a place like Gran Tarajal. This is a more realistic view of what the non-touristy places in Fuerteventura are like. You can expect to see a rough and ready version of the island here, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t good experiences to be had.

It is a coastal area so you will find a beach here, although the sands are not of the golden type you would expect from a top location for holidaymakers. Here they are darker, almost black in fact, and it gives the area a darker feel that is not in keeping with many other coastal locations on Fuerteventura.

There is a charming promenade though, where you can wander along and take in every aspect of Gran Tarajal and how it progresses day by day. This is a solid town that you could imagine living in every day – it has all the amenities you could possibly want, and that includes banks and shops of all kinds.

You probably wouldn’t elect to stay in Gran Tarajal for the whole of your holiday in Fuerteventura unless you want something a bit more rough and ready. But it is ideal for staying in for a day or two, simply to experience another side of the island. This is certainly worth doing as it will give you a different perspective altogether.

Visiting And Staying In Morro Jable

2010-12-03T15:01:00.002Z

Some places in Fuerteventura are better known than others. If you hail from anywhere other than Germany you may not be too familiar with Morro Jable. This is because the area tends to attract a lot of German visitors. However that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit it yourself, because it has a lot to offer.

It used to be more challenging to visit Morro Jable than it is today. This is mainly because of the road conditions that you came up against to get there. Luckily they created a new road about five years ago, and since then it has become a much more pleasant drive to reach Morro Jable itself.

It might seem hard to believe today but Morro Jable wasn’t a very popular or a very crowded place in years gone by. It is only since the Eighties that things started to change. In fact there was a time when the region was fairly difficult to access. But a small number of people soon grew into thousands, and now the area is one of the most popular ones to visit for many people coming to Fuerteventura, especially from Germany.

Morro Jable may not be somewhere you want to spend the whole of your holiday in Fuerteventura, but it is certainly somewhere you would want to visit for a day or two. The main attraction here is definitely the beach, along with all the associated water sports you would expect to find in such an area. It is also referred to as Jandia so if you see signs for this as you approach the area you will know you are getting closer.

Morro Jable is decidedly modern today, but if you look hard enough you will still find signs of some of its past. The old town is nice to look around for a couple of hours and the harbour is not far away. This still plays host to lots of fishermen who go out to bring back all kinds of fish every day. There are definitely relaxing things to do in Morro Jable, even if all you come for is a day’s exploration.

Costa Calma – As Calm As It Sounds?

2010-11-03T14:48:00.002Z

What a delightful name for a location in Fuerteventura. It pretty much lives up to it too, although other suggestions such as Costa Delightful or Costa Marvellous would be just as good.

You’ve only got to take one good sweeping look at the beaches here to see why so many people choose this as their destination for a great summer holiday. Unbelievably it remained something of a secret until the mid Eighties, but since then more and more people have been flocking to the whiter than white sands to enjoy a break here.

The good thing about the size of the beach is that even when it is busy you can still relax in your own corner of paradise. The drop into the sea isn’t at all severe either, and that makes it ideal for families and those with young children.

Despite this feature the beach is still a remarkably popular one with people who love to windsurf. The conditions can be very favourable for this sport at times, so if water sports are your thing it gives you yet another good reason to see what Costa Calma is all about.

Another good thing to remember with Costa Calma is that it links up with other beach resorts further down the coast. If you get tired of your little bit of the beach you can travel a bit further along to find other possible locations to relax in for the day. There are miles of beaches all linking up together in a big long and very desirable belt all along the coast, so you won’t go without.

If you needed any more reasons to visit Costa Calma in Fuerteventura, how about this one – the area has not succumbed to becoming extremely built up and touristy. It caters for tourists in every way you could imagine, but it hasn’t lost its charm in the process. Instead it has become a memorable and attractive resort that the discerning holidaymaker can enjoy every day of the week. If you want to have a nice time in Fuerteventura, perhaps Costa Calma could be the perfect answer.

Cuevo de Llanos – Well Worth a Visit

2010-10-05T08:30:00.002Z

It’s good to know you are spoilt for choice on things to do and places to go when you go anywhere on holiday. Fuerteventura certainly has lots to show you while you are there. But no matter what kind of holiday you want to go on, you should include Cuevo de Llanos in any itinerary.

So what exactly is Cuevo le Llanos?

Well it’s a lava cave and the name translates into Cave of the Plain. It is very far from being plain though, as it has been created over the course of a million years or so. You will find it in La Oliva which is towards the north end of the island. You won’t be able to see the whole of the cave since not every part of it is accessible, but you will see enough to give you a whole new view of Fuerteventura.

Indeed there are several surprises awaiting you when you get there. There is an outstanding guided tour of the cave so you won’t be wandering around on your own wondering what you are looking at. Instead you can explore the surroundings and learn about where you are. In addition to this there is a good visitor centre that once again tells you much about the caves and what you will find within. It may sound like a more adult excursion but kids will enjoy it too if they are old enough to understand what it is all about. This is a slice of history that everyone should be fascinated by on the island.

But perhaps best of all is the knowledge that Cuevo de Llanos is the home of a creature that has not been found to exist anywhere else on earth. This is an invertebrate that is much like a spider, and it is completely blind. Presumably eye sight is not that necessary which is why it lives happily in the cave.

You may think you know quite a bit about Fuerteventura and what to expect when you get there. But as you can see, there is more to the island than meets the eye.

Why Are Fuerteventura’s Beaches So Popular?

2010-09-03T07:52:00.002Z

If you want to have a holiday on an island that has lots of beaches to choose from, you couldn’t do much better than to pick Fuerteventura. The fact that it has lots of beaches to start with is one good reason why it is such a popular spot. But there is more to it than that.

For starters there are beaches dotted all over the island. It’s true that many of them are concentrated around the southern end of the island, but even the northern end has El Cotillo and the Corralejo dunes to explore.

Down at the south eastern end of the island there are four or five beaches all in quick succession. These include Costa Calma, Sotavento and Esquinzo. Most of Fuerteventura’s beaches benefit from having the light sand you would expect, but there are a couple – one to the west and one to the east – with darker sand.

So we can see that when it comes to beaches on Fuerteventura, there are lots to choose from. But this isn’t the only reason they are immensely popular. The quality of the beaches is also exceptional. The Blue Flag award is not given to beaches that don’t deserve it, and Fuerteventura’s beaches have won this award several times now. If you want a beach you can be impressed with and feel comfortable visiting, Fuerteventura can give you just that.

Whenever you are on holiday there is always the question of how crowded the beaches will be too. Do you really want to have the stress of getting up early each day to race down to the beach and stake out your spot? It doesn’t sound very relaxing does it?

Fuerteventura has so many beaches that this doesn’t really come into the equation. There are certainly some spots that will be quieter than others, but despite the popularity of the island you don’t really have to worry about finding yourself squashed in with everyone else. There is more than enough sand for everyone to enjoy, so make sure you settle for a nice spot and a superb view, and enjoy everything these beaches have to offer.

The Benefits Of Frequenting Cofete Beach In Fuerteventura

2010-08-05T12:06:00.001Z

Let’s face it, when you go to Fuerteventura on holiday you’ve got any number of sensational beaches to choose from. That’s why it pays to figure out which ones might appeal to you the most before you book your trip. The last thing you want is to book your stay on the northern tip of the island, only to discover once you get there that you’re missing out on something down south.

You’ll find a place called Cofete down to the south of the island for instance, and Cofete Beach is one of the best that Fuerteventura has to offer. The thing is that the beach is not that easy to get to, since there are demanding tracks that need to be driven down to reach it. This leads to a lot of people simply not being bothered to do it, particularly if they have children in tow as well. Why go to all that trouble when they can stay in a resort right on another beach on the island instead?

And this is exactly why it is worth exploring what Cofete Beach has to offer you. Once you are there you will be greeted by an amazing stretch of sand that goes on for some five kilometres. This is a wide beach as well, offering plenty of space for everyone who puts in the work to visit it in the first place.

If you love beaches that are not overrun by tourists – or indeed the tourism industry – this one will certainly appeal to you. Don’t expect to have the whole place to yourself but you shouldn’t find yourself elbow to elbow with various other people either.

You can also take a refreshing dip in the sea, which doesn’t tend to be too choppy here. When you are sitting on the sand and looking out at the waves it is easy to feel that civilisation has dropped away completely, especially if you get here early in the day. It’s good to see another side to Fuerteventura in this way, and you can certainly see it when you visit Cofete Beach.

Sun, Sea, Sand - And Kitesurfing?

2010-07-06T15:45:00.002Z

We have spoken about the first three items when focusing on the benefits of going to Fuerteventura before. But what about kitesurfing? Surely that must be a misprint or a mistake?

But no – you might be surprised to learn that kitesurfing really does exist. Kitesurfing is also sometimes known as kiteboarding, but the idea is the same. Think of a cross between windsurfing and normal surfing and you’ve got the picture. You have a surfboard that you aim to stay upright on, and the kite flies in the air and makes it possible to surf the waves. Needless to say it takes a bit of experience and perseverance to get it right, but you will certainly enjoy trying!

The good news is that kitesurfing has quite a large following on Fuerteventura, so you will be able to make the most of giving it a try for the first time. There are some notable locations that are best for this activity. These include Playa de Esquinzo and Corralejo, although there are others as well. Wherever you are staying in Fuerteventura you should find you are pretty close to a location that is ideal for trying out this sport.

The kite you use to go kitesurfing with is not your normal kite either. It has a rigid bar at the bottom that you hold onto, and you’ll also be attached to the kite by a cable which attaches to your belt. Thus you cannot lose the kite even if you are unlucky enough to take a surprise dip in the drink.

The thing to remember is that while you are enjoying trying out this sport in wonderful surroundings, you should pay proper attention to what you are doing. Ideally you should have some instruction on how to do it, so you can get off to the best possible start. Otherwise you could end up spending more time in the water than you would like.

All in all this is a water sports activity for the fittest and strongest to try while on holiday in Fuerteventura. And needless to say, it pays to be confident in the water as well.

Experience The Joy Of Pedal Power In Fuerteventura

2010-06-07T15:12:00.000Z

To my mind, cycling is one of the best ways to get out and about, get some fresh air and cover a lot of ground while you are on holiday. Pedal power in Fuerteventura is no different in this respect, as it offers some truly wonderful views and attractions to pedal to if you want to enjoy a rather more active holiday.

Let’s face it there is nothing wrong with relaxing on the beach and catching some sun. But we’ve all had days where we want to get up and out and do something a bit more active.

The beauty of cycling in Fuerteventura is that it has a lot to show you. You could book a dedicated cycling holiday there if you wish, but why not just go at your own pace instead? You can enjoy the idea of getting to know the island in a different way, and you’ll love what it has to show you if you are a beginner to cycling. Fuerteventura is pretty much on the flat side, so you won’t have to worry about trying to haul it up a hill to reach a particular destination.

And as far as cycling in another country is concerned, Fuerteventura is a pretty safe place to do it too. Cyclist after cyclist has come back from their holiday and said what a great place it is to start pedalling on a day to day basis. Of course you’ll need to go prepared each day – make sure you have food, water, a pump and a puncture repair kit just in case.

Caleta de Fuste is a popular place to begin a cycling holiday on the island. You’ll find a cycle shop here that hires out bikes and they will even take you on a guided tour if you wish. There are three lengths of guided tours you can try out if you don’t feel confident to try out a route on your own.

Be prepared though – once you have tried pedalling around the island the chances are quite high that you’ll want to come back and do it all again next year.

Go Up In The World In Fuerteventura

2010-05-06T10:32:00.002Z

Fuerteventura is packed with things to see and do, no matter whether you are visiting with friends or family, or just your partner. But one activity that not everyone knows about gives you an eagle eye view of part of the island during an experience that lasts for around twenty minutes.

Welcome to the idea of going up in a gyrocopter. This is similar to a helicopter but much smaller, and it also doesn’t rely on an engine to make the rotors turn. It is quite a bizarre looking contraption to be honest, but with this said it provides a safe and hugely enjoyable flight. Indeed the gyrocopter is one of the safest ways to get off the ground.

You won’t be flying it yourself anyway – this job is left to the experienced pilot who will come with you to show you what Fuerteventura looks like from the air. There are two main locations where you can arrange to go on a flight in a gyrocopter in Fuerteventura – one is in Corralejo and the other is in Caleta. In both cases you will be treated to a great view of the coastline. Who knows, you might even be able to spot the beach you were sunbathing on just a day or two earlier.

Prices for these flights vary but you might be surprised at how reasonable they are. Typically speaking, recent examples came in at between 65 and 75 Euros, depending on which location you choose to take off from. While the flight only lasts twenty minutes you will be surprised at how much you can see during this time. For many people, taking a flight in a gyrocopter is undoubtedly the highlight of their holiday in Fuerteventura.

If you are on holiday with your family and children you will be pleased to know that kids can go on this trip as well. It might make a good way to celebrate a birthday, or simply to enjoy a new experience. The prices for kids are the same as those for adults, and anyone from the age of two upwards can enjoy the trip.

Walks In Fuerteventura

2010-04-07T10:37:00.002Z

Hang on – isn’t Fuerteventura one of those holiday destinations that is purely designed for families with children?

It might be promoted like this by many travel agents and indeed it is a great place to go with the whole family. But don’t discount a visit to Fuerteventura if you happen to have other ideas in mind for your annual holiday.

Take walking for example. Fuerteventura is a great place to head for if you love walking, and there are some wonderful coastal paths in particular that many people enjoy exploring. The area which lies around Caleta de Fuste is a good one for you to try out, as it is a big tourist area. If you are staying in this part of Fuerteventura you can enjoy going out for a walk without having to venture too far from where you are staying.

Not all walks have to take you around the coastal paths however. It is possible to go inland as well, and in some cases it can pay dividends to do so. You can go into a valley around the area of Vega de Rio Palmas and explore the site of a reservoir, not to mention seeing an old chapel as well. It definitely shows you another side of Fuerteventura and it proves there is a lot more to this island than water parks and beaches.

It is certainly not the kind of day out you would plan if you had children with you. But if you are looking for a more active holiday where you can explore at your own pace, a walking break on Fuerteventura could be just what you are looking for.

Wherever you decide to explore you should always make sure you go prepared. Not all the terrain you will encounter is pleasant and easy to walk on, so wear proper footwear that is comfortable and robust. Take lots of water as well, plus enough food to last you the day. Don’t underestimate the heat of the sun and take shade when and where you need to.

If you respect the weather you can enjoy seeing a lot of Fuerteventura on foot.

Watersport Excitement In Fuerteventura

2010-03-08T10:04:00.003Z

Sun, sea and sand – those are the three prerequisites to a great beach holiday pretty much anywhere in the world. But you could also add watersports to that description to make it even more memorable.

If you are thinking about heading out to Fuerteventura in the near future, bear in mind they have lots in the way of watersports to tempt you with. Some people will already have experience in this area. But whether you are good at watersports or you have never tried them before, you’ll find Fuerteventura to be a great spot to visit for this purpose.

One great advantage of watersports in Fuerteventura is that the area benefits from nice sea temperatures. This is particularly good for beginners because you’ll probably spend more time in the sea than anything else – especially if you try surfboarding or water skiing for the first time!

If this sounds like a great way to get into the water on holiday, have a think about what kind of watersports you would like to try. Diving and snorkelling are ideal to get started with, particularly snorkelling as you can stay on the surface of the water and you only need the snorkel to get you started. These can easily be bought from local shops and you’ll be glad you gave it a try. There are plenty of fish to be seen here.

Sailing can also be enjoyed if you would prefer to stay dry while enjoying the water. Find the nearest harbour to where you are staying and explore the possibilities and boat trips offered from there. Day trips are possible as well as shorter excursions that enable you to see Fuerteventura from a different angle and position altogether.

Some people find that once they try one or two watersports they want to try the rest as well. You will probably end up with a favourite but make sure you always try everything you can. This is part of the fun of going on holiday to somewhere like Fuerteventura – you’ll love every minute of trying out all the water based activities they have in store for you.

Villas In Fuerteventura

2010-02-04T08:02:00.004Z

Fuerteventura is a very popular place to go on holiday for many people. The wide range of activities and beaches available in the area means it is an understandably popular destination for those who have young children and families.

That’s why it always pays to take a look at the many villas that are available for rent in Fuerteventura. Not only are they capable of sleeping large families, they also give you the freedom to stick by whatever hours you want. If you have a large family it can be awkward going somewhere that has set meal times on a full board holiday. But you don’t get that issue when you hire a villa.

Corralejo, El Cotillo and many more venues besides all have a good choice of villas you can book for your holiday in Fuerteventura. Once you figure out where you would like to stay you can find a villa that is suitable for your needs.

You should certainly think about the beaches in the area because if you are going to be heading for those you won’t necessarily want a villa with a pool. Although there is nothing better than getting up and taking a dip before you even reach the beach!

Of course if you have young children a villa with a pool may not be the safest option. This is why you need to consider all your options before booking your holiday.

You also have the other two significant resorts to think about other than Corralejo, which are Jandia and Caleta de Fuste. If you book a villa in one of these areas you can be sure there will be plenty to see and do locally, even though you are staying in your own unique accommodation.

As you can see, holiday accommodation in Fuerteventura is essential to think about. If you really want to enjoy your holiday without staying under the feet of all the other families visiting at the same time, your very own villa could be the answer you are looking for. It gives you the best of both worlds and that is something to be enjoyed.

Can You Picture An Oasis In Fuerteventura?

2010-01-05T12:10:00.003Z

This isn’t the kind of oasis you’d find in a desert though. It’s known as Oasis Park and occasionally also by the name Fuerteventura Zoo. And that should give you a great idea of what to expect.

Fuerteventura itself is a top destination for lots of people with children of all ages. And that puts this zoo at the top of the list for visitor attractions too. There is something here for everyone to enjoy, and all ages are catered for as you navigate the park itself.

They do their best to make the surroundings exactly as they would be in the wild for all the animals there. This means you can enjoy exploring a tropical garden atmosphere and surroundings that have surprises around every corner.

So what kinds of animals can you expect to see here?

Well Oasis Park is a zoo so you’ll see just as wide a variety of animals, mammals, birds and reptiles as you would at any other zoo you might visit at home. The crocodile nursery is well worth a look, particularly if there happens to be baby ones about. They might look sweet but there is a reason why you cannot get too close!

If the kids – or you – do want to get a bit closer to the action you can always grab a seat at one of the shows that are a regular feature of life at Oasis Park. For starters there is the sea lion show, and they are always very eager to impress the crowds.

You can also try out the camel safari and enjoy fabulous views of Fuerteventura from the back of a camel. It might take a bit of getting used to but you’ll love it when you are finally on board and the camel is in the standing position. When it gets up you might find it a bit of a ride!

It’s not hard to see why Oasis Park is a top visitor attraction for many people who come to Fuerteventura on holiday each year. If you’ve never been before, make sure you add it to your list of things to see and do.

Head For The Water Park In Fuerteventura

2009-10-26T07:22:00.004Z

One of the key activities we all love when we’re abroad is making the most of swimming in the sea. Whether you enjoy snorkelling or just swimming lazily along you’ll certainly be able to explore foreign waters throughout your break.

But in Fuerteventura you get another water based opportunity to enjoy yourself as well. So grab your swimming costume or trunks and dive straight into the Baku Water Park. You’ll find it in Corralejo, and once you’re in through the door you won’t want to leave until closing time. This is a real day long experience and you’ll love every minute of it.

So what can you expect when you arrive? The park has lots of different water slides to try your hand at, with some offering more in the way of a hair raising ride than others. If you are up for a real challenge, try the Kamikaze slide – one huge long slide that will leave you gasping for breath when you reach the bottom. And that could be sooner than you think!

The park even has a castle set at the water’s edge, featuring slides and much more besides to keep you and the kids occupied all day long. The Rio Rapido is another popular slide, with a long journey down and plenty of twists and turns to keep you entertained until you finally splash down at the bottom.

And if all that gets a bit much you can always head to the Jacuzzi to cool off and chill out before getting back into the action again.

As you can see the Baku Water Park is packed with opportunities to get into the water and try out some of Fuerteventura’s biggest and best water rides. You can’t visit the area without giving it a try – but if you are visiting with the family you should be prepared for the kids to request a repeat trip before you head back home again.

In short, the Baku Water Park has something for the kids and the adults, and it makes the perfect day out for every family. Are you ready for it?

El Cotillo

2006-11-09T12:47:00.001Z

If you stay in Corralejo then a trip to El Cotillo is a must!! If you have a hire car I suggest you head South out of Corralejo and then turn inland and head North West towards El Cotillo. If you have a four wheel drive then you can follow the bumpy track heading North West out of Corralejo. Basically follow the coastal track round past the lighthouse till you come to El Cotillo. The track is far too bumpy for an ordinary hire car. I have seen many hire cars abandoned all over this track as the road is very windy and there are unsuspecting boulders everywhere just waiting to give you a puncture or break your cross members. (painful!)

Once in El Cotillo take your choice of beaches! North of the small fishing harbour are the soft white sands and shallow lagoons, ideal for kids with crystal clear water! South of the harbour it is a very different story. High cliffs with narrow pathways go down to raging surf and sweeping almost deserted beaches. Great for bodyboarding this is the area where the world kite surfing championships take place. However the wind is so strong here you have to beware the grains of sand stinging your legs as you walk on the beach! There are lots of shelters made from boulders to get out of wind and protect you from the stinging sand.

In the harbour itself there are sea food restaurants and a few bars. There is self catering accomodation here too if you fancy a quiet spot for a pure beach holiday.

If you dont drive there are companies on the island that do Jeep Safaris. These are great fun and usually they can take you to El Cotillo and other places on the west of the island. This part of the island is becoming more and more developed so if you wnat to see it before it gets spoiled you had better be quick.

Submitted by William

Fuerteventura's Sober Cuisine

2006-10-30T12:35:00.000Z

The island's volcanic origin, its almost desertic vegetation, the warm weather, the near absence of trees and in spite of it all, the great beauty of the unusual surroundings have had an influence in the local cuisine, which is sober yet delicious; not very diverse, but absolutely natural.

In the book Practical Recipes from the Canary Islands' Cuisine, Alma Hernandez includes three traditional recipes of Fuerteventura: the guanchinerfe salad, made with onions and chili; the Franciscan pulse stew, with chickpeas and hard-boiled egg yolks mashed in a mortar; and Priest's hen, which is roasted hen, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.

The simplicity of the fare shows through in the extraordinary, yet sober dressing that this anonymous priest would allow himself to have. In the island of Fuerteventura fish is the staple food, particularly parrot fish, which is usually boiled. Also traditional is the fish casserole with roast maize broth, to which some simple molluscs are added like limpets, mussels and burgados plus small shellfish.

Corralejo Overview

2006-09-12T15:06:00.001Z

Once just a tiny fishing village on the north coast of Fuerteventura, the harbour in Corralejo harbour now receives ferries full of day-trippers from Playa Blanca in Lanzarote every day and the town plays host to hundreds of visitors who are drawn to spend a sunny, sandy holiday in the island's tourist Mecca.

Although tourism is booming and development is keeping pace, the little port still retains its authentic charm. The waterfront promenade flanking the small, sheltered town beach boasts many restaurants and cafes, most in converted historic houses. Corralejo's restaurants offer a wide choice, from good old English fish and chips to Mexican tacos or Indian curry. There is even a smattering of eateries serving up Canarian cuisine and fresh seafood.

The main street, Calle General Franco, is flanked with shops selling everything from radios to surfboards, and suntan oil to luxury watches. Just outside the town is a protected nature reserve festooned with miles of sand dunes, and the surrounding beaches are more than inviting. Among the activities to keep holidaymakers busy are a variety of watersports, tennis, glass-bottom boat trips, ferry trips to Lanzarote, jeep safaris, island tours, mountain biking and motorcycle tours.

Fuerteventura Information Fact File

2006-07-10T11:48:00.000Z

Fuerteventura location: Southeastern Canary Islands

Fuerteventura population: 30,000

Fuerteventura population density: 11 inhabitants per square kilometre

Fuerteventura time difference: GMT

Fuerteventura international dialling code: + 34

Fuerteventura language: Spanish

Spanish currency: Euro

Beaches on Fuerteventura

2006-05-14T14:50:00.000Z

You don't need to go far on Fuerteventura to find a perfect beach, even if you are intent on seeking out solitude away from other holidaymakers. The best can be found around Jandia, on the southern tip of the island. Juan Gomez is one of these, with a stretch of golden sand, reached by turning off of the Morro Jable-Punta de Jandia road. In the same section of the island is the pebbly black volcanic beach of La Pared, with right next door the beach of Viejo Rey, a long stretch of golden sand flanked by dunes. For real peace and quiet the black volcanic sand of Giniginamar is recommended, surrounded by palm trees and other indigenous plants. For true remote beaches tourists can hire a 4WD and explore the tracks leading to the sea on the west coast. Nudism is tolerated on all the island's beaches.

Better Rights for Prospective Holiday Club Members

2006-04-30T13:34:00.001Z

30 March 2005

Prospective members of a leading supplier of holiday clubs have clearer and better consumer rights following action by the OFT.

Designer Way Vacation Club SA (DWVC), a Spanish company forming part of the Timelinx Group, and all its European based authorised marketing agents have agreed undertakings with the OFT that require use of clearer contracts including the introduction of a seven day cooling-off period during which prospective members may cancel the contract. DWVC has 25,000 members and eight authorised marketing agents operating from 15 'sales decks' mainly in the Spanish Costas, the Canary Islands and the UK.

The OFT sought undertakings from DWVC after it found that the company's contracts contained a number of unclear or potentially unfair terms, such as a clause disclaiming liability for verbal sales representations and a clause cancelling the consumers' life time membership rights altogether upon failure to pay an additional annual 75 pound fee which could result in the loss of upfront membership payments of several thousand pounds.

The contractual relations between the consumer and DWVC are now made clear and the companies have agreed to recognise the consumer's right to a seven day cooling-off period under the legislation on contracts concluded away from business premises.

DWVC has undertaken to:

* use best endeavours to ensure that all its authorised marketers use only DWVC standard forms of contract which now give the consumer a right to cancel any contract for DWVC membership club services within seven days

* circulate revised forms of contract documentation including cancellation notices to all authorised marketers within one month of signing the undertakings

* require all authorised marketers to abide by a revised code of conduct which includes obligations not to make any misleading or inaccurate representations about the benefits of DWVC membership services; to use only up to date standard contractual documents issued by DWVC; and to explain to consumers that they have a right to cancel the contract

* accept written cancellation within seven days of the consumer receiving notice of their right to cancel, whether it is given to them or to the marketer, whether or not the standard notice of cancellation is used.

Each independent marketing company has undertaken to:

* use only DWVC standard forms of contract which give the consumer a right to cancel any contract for membership services within 7 days

* abide by the revised code of conduct for sales of Timelinx products and services provided by DWVC

* not to make any misleading or inaccurate representations about the benefits of DWVC membership.

If any of the companies breaches the undertakings the OFT could seek an injunction to enforce compliance with the relevant legislation.

Welcoming the undertakings, Sir John Vickers, OFT Chairman, said:

'The OFT receives a large number of complaints about the holiday club sector. Prospective members of one of the largest holiday clubs will now benefit from clearer contracts, and recognition of their rights to cancel.'

Windsurfing- Fuerteventura PWA Grand Prix

2006-04-07T11:00:00.002Z

Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canaries although one of the least developed. It is now becoming more popular as sunbathers discover the delight of its endless un-spoilt and quiet sandy beaches. The main spots are Corralejo in the North and Sotavento in the south. Facing Lanzarote, Corralejo was once a small fishing village, now it is a thriving holiday town. The town is on one side of the large bay with apartments and hotels spreading round to the other.

Sotavento is a stunning spot, with huge sandy beaches, located at one of the windiest spots in the Canary Islands. The fantastic wind stats here are the result of the trade winds (from March to October) being funneled between two mountain ranges, accelerating the wind and forcing it directly out over Sotavento. This means offshore wind so beginners are advised to use the large lagoon whilst the more advanced can enjoy the open Atlantic. All levels of windsurfers have a great time here, not just the pros. The waist deep lagoon is absolutely perfect for learning to windsurf, and the main beach is huge giving more than enough space for a lot of windsurfers at the same time.

Getting around Fuerteventura

2006-03-31T09:24:00.001Z

Corralejo is a great resort from which to explore. There are many excursions that you can pre book either from the UK prior to departure or when you arrive in resort. However, for large families, these can work out quite expensive so a good way for seeing the sights at your leisure and if you break down the price over the duration of your holiday, hiring a car is one of the best ways.
Not only do you get to explore at your own pace you can beat the queues and often if you arrive at tourist attractions such as waterparks and zoos later on in the afternoon, the admission costs can be reduced.

History of Fuerteventura

2006-03-25T14:36:00.001Z

Fuerteventura, like the rest of the Canary islands, was inhabited by a primitive pagan people prior to its invasion by Europeans, although what to call this ancient people still remains a contentious issue.
Most Canarians call their ancestors 'Guanches' although strictly speaking this refers to a specific tribe from Tenerife. 'Mahorero' is still used today to describe the people of Fuerteventura and comes from the ancient word 'mahos' meaning a type of goatskin shoe worn by the original inhabitants.
Analysis of prehistoric remains seem to indicate that this people arrived from North Africa, and this is borne out by many linguistic similarities between pre-hispanic place names, words and the language of the Berbers in North Africa.
Fuerteventura was known as Herbania, possibly a reference to its abundant plant-life in ancient times (hard though it is to believe now looking at its barren thirsty landscape) but more likely from the Berber word 'bani' meaning wall. A low wall spanned the narrowest width of the island, from La Pared (which means wall in Spanish) over to the east coast, dividing it into two kingdoms.
The North, Maxorata was ruled by Guize and Jandia in the South, by Ayoze. Although ostensibly ruled by these two kings, they in turn took advice and guidance from a mother and daughter team of two priestesses, Tibiabin and Tamonante.
It is thought that it was a polygamous society, with each woman having on average three husbands.
Their people lived on fish and shellfish, goats meat, milk and cheese, and gofio, a finely ground toasted barley flour, all of which you will still find on the supermarket shelves today.
They lived in caves or semi-subterranean dwellings a few of which have been discovered and excavated, uncovering some examples of early tools and pottery. They were a spiritual people. The highest mountains provided the setting for pagan rituals and ceremonies. Engravings and religious symbols found on Mount Tindaya indicate this was one such sacred mountain.

Overview of Fuerteventura

2006-03-25T14:34:00.001Z

With an average of almost 3,000 hours of sunshine Fuerteventura has the best climate of all the Canary Islands when it comes to spending time on the beach. Whether it's on the famous Corralejo sand dunes, or one of the many quiet secluded bays, the choice is up to you. A trip inland to the lunar like landscape of volcanoes and mountains, where even the "beaten tracks" contrive to slow the pace of living, is well worth the visit. For those who want a more active holiday a selection of water sports from kite surfing to scuba diving are available at nearby locations.

Food and Nightlife in Corralejo

2006-03-25T14:29:00.001Z

The town of Corralejo has a wide variety of places to eat, including English, Italian, Chinese, Indian as well as some superb Spanish restaurants who offer typical Canarian dishes, often prepared with fish caught that day. The night life is generally low key with a selection of bars, 4 discos. Do not miss the popular main square where you can watch some excellent local entertainment while enjoying your meal or just an evening cocktail. Despite the development in the last few years, Corralejo maintains a village atmosphere where you can enjoy the slow pace of Canarian life.

Climate in Fuerteventura

2006-03-25T14:24:00.001Z

The climate on the island throughout the year is pleasant. The island is also called the island of eternal springs. The sea adjusts the temperature making the hot Sahara winds blow away from the island of Fuerteventura. During the winter months, temperatures average a high of 21C and a low of around 15C, whereas during the summer a mean high of 27C and a low of 20C can be expected. Precipitation is about 147 mm per annum, most of which falls in the winter. The sandstorm known as the scirocco, Leveche in Spain blows to the southwest from the Sahara desert causing high temperatures and low visibility and drying air. Temperatures during this phenomena rise by 10 degrees Celsius. The wind brings in fine white sand, visibility drops to about 100 to 200 m or lower, and also African locusts. The local inhabitants call this phenomena the "Calima".

Corralejo Old Town

2006-03-25T14:23:00.001Z

The original part of the town is based around the old harbour, which was used by local fishermen. Here the small sheltered beach, playa la Clavellina, provides safe bathing for all. Fishing from the harbour wall is a popular pastime, and it is not usually as busy as the photograph suggests. On this particular day there was a competitive swim from Lobos back to Corralejo.

Corralejo Marina

2006-03-25T14:21:00.001Z

The more modern facility consists of a marina for pleasure craft and room for the ferry services to Lanzarote and Lobos, a small island that is a 15 minute ferry ride from Fuerteventura. There are various trips that run from the harbour, and bookings for these can be made at one of the booths dotted about the area.

Corralejo's Beaches and Dunes

2006-03-25T14:17:00.002Z

A short distance south of the old port are a couple of more spacious sandy beaches that have fine views of the Island of Lobos. Whereas the small beach by the old harbour in Corralejo seems to making use of the space, these larger beaches are aimed at holidaymakers and have everything needed for a day at the beach on Fuerteventura.
The town is surrounded by sand dunes and miles of sandy beaches that form a nature reserve. The beaches between Punta de Tivas and the Tres Islas hotels, called Playa del Pozo, Playa del Medano and Playa de Viejo run in tou each other and this sandy shore is sometimes called Flag Beach. These beaches are exposed to the wind and this makes these beaches ideal places to pursue those activities that require a little more life to the water. Circular stone structures provide a windbreak for those that just want to take advantage of Fuerteventura's sunny climate.
Some of these beaches, though it is really one long beach, are used by naturists. The attitude to naturism on Fuerteventura is relaxed and as such there are no designated naturist beaches. Naturists generally prefer to be on beaches that are away from the resort centres, so that they don't offend other bathers. The beach ay Playa de Pozo seems to be the most popular with naturists.

Sports in and around Corralejo

2006-03-25T14:16:00.001Z

The location of Corralejo on Fuerteventura means that it is well positioned for many sports activities. The are north and east facing beaches close by and this allows those who enjoy surfing, windsurfing or kiteboarding to move to spend their days in different locations depending upon how the wind is affecting the waves or blowing in relation to the shore.
Those that are into hiking or mountain biking have a choice of off road tracks and the distances travelled can be adjusted to suit the time available.

Getting to Corralejo

2006-03-25T14:13:00.001Z

Transfer times from Fuerteventura airport to the resort of Corralejo is about 40 minutes. You could also travel by bus, guagua, as they are known in Spanish. This would involve taking a ten minute journey into Puerto del Rosario on the number 3, then the number 6 bus to Corralejo. The journey is quite pleasant, going through some interesting villages. As you get close to Corralejo to your left you will see the Caderilla de Roja, which is one of the extinct volcanoes that created these islands, and to the right some lovely sandy beaches that stretch up most of the coast to Corralejo. If you are staying in El Cotillo, you can catch the number 8 bus from Corralejo, or the number 7 from Puerto del Rosario.