Fuerteventura is the second largest island after Tenerife, and with only 60 miles separating the Punta de la Entallada on its east coast from Cape Juby in Morocco it enjoys something like three thousand hours of sunshine a year.
As we already know, the Saharan sand is responsible for the magnificent beaches and enormous sand dunes on Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, but because Fuerteventura is the closest to Africa its dunes and beaches are bigger than any of the other Canarian islands. UNESCO has also been busy here with 13 protected areas, and on the western coast, there are over one hundred kilometers of cliffs and beaches virtually untouched by man.
Corralejo has the liveliest nightlife on the island on Avenida del General Franco where you’ll find plenty of bars, clubs and live music venues. You’ll also find some authentic Spanish and Latin music at the quieter northern end of the Avenida. There’s also a distinctive old town too around the harbour where local fishermen still go about their business. Be aware though that its proximity to Playa Blanca on Lanzarote means that there will be many day trippers. If you’re a lover of water sports this is the place to be. Fuerteventura is the ideal location for diving, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing and kite boarding.
For a unusual day out, go to the wreck of the luxury liner The American Star at Playa de Garcey on the west coast. At one time there was practically all of the huge liner still visible but these days just the bow is left pointing out of the water.
There are two theme parks, The Baku Water Park in Corralejo and the Oasis Park Zoo in La Lajita (near Costa Calma).
You must take a whale and dolphin watching cruise and also visit the small island of Lobos just off the coast at Corralejo. It’s a protected natural area, and has excellent beaches, walking and cycling paths and some good snorkeling in its rocky hidden coves.
