Holidays to Fuerteventura

Located a mere 100km off the North African coast, Fuerteventura is the second-largest of the Spanish Canary Islands, after Tenerife. The island's earliest settlers, the Phoenicians, lived here as far back as 10 BC, but it wasn't until the passage of Christopher Columbus that these islands made it onto every voyager's map.

Today a designated biosphere, Fuerteventura shares similarities with parts of Africa, as can be seen in its flat-roofed houses and rustic landscapes. Gentle sea breezes blow across the isle's powdery white beaches and volcanic landscapes. Package holidays to Fuerteventura are manifold, and your flight to Fuerteventura awaits.

The island is served by the Fuerteventura Airport (FUE), also known as El Matorral Airport. Visitors can avail themselves of flight connections to over 80 destinations worldwide. A flight from London to Fuerteventura or a flight from Manchester to Fuerteventura is easy to book. Car hire and currency exchange is available at the airport itself. That said, package holidays in Fuerteventura are a great way to discover the region at leisure.

No visa is required for British nationals visiting the Canary Islands, as they are part of Spain. Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your stay. The Euro is accepted as the official currency. There is no time difference between the United Kingdom and Fuerteventura. The official language spoken is Spanish, however, many locals working in tourism speak English or German. A flight and hotel for Fuerteventura awaits the discerning traveller.

The island reports an excess of 3000 hours of annual sunshine, and an average temperature of 22°C. North-east trade winds ensure that summers very rarely get uncomfortably hot. Those who prefer cooler weather should visit in April, May, or October. July to September, the summer months, rarely report temperatures exceeding 28°C. It's a great time to enjoy a sunny weekend in Fuerteventura.

Autumn is celebrated in a big way in capital city Puerto del Rosario. Two weeks of celebrations lead up to the early October Fiestas del Rosario. You can enjoy fairground rides, live DJs, singing, dancing, music, prayers, and even Canarian wrestling. This is followed by the Puerto del Rosario car rally. Surfing competitions are also a common affair.

• A veritable windsurfer's paradise, Fuerteventura offers intense sun, wind, and waves for an exhilarating windsurfing experience, with Playa Barca Sotavento beach on the Jandia Peninsula being a favourite spot. You can also simply enjoy the scenic sight of the surfers, out on the water until night descends.
• Costa Calma and Morro Jable boast a number of schools that teach windsurfing and scuba diving. Strap on those fins and come over!
• Once night falls, Corralejo's Centro Comercial Atlantico on Avenida del General Franco takes on a life of its own. Choose from cosy British pubs and live music venues, to nightclubs and open air bars where Spanish and Latin beats echo in the still night air. Plazoleta de Cirilo Lopez in Morro Jable is a particularly great stop for acoustic live music and cocktails. A fun weekend in Fuerteventura entails!

A great start to city breaks in Fuerteventura would be the capital, Puerto del Rosario, laid out against the deep blue waters of the Atlantic. Its whitewashed streets and historic quarter are bound to please the culture-minded traveller. Don't miss the church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, and the Miguel de Unamuno House Museum, which exhibits photos and interesting memorabilia belonging to the famous Spanish writer. The La Alcogida Eco-Museum, meanwhile, recreates traditional rural life through interesting artefacts and workshops. While on the Promenade, watch out for the quirky snail sculptures by the Canarian sculptor Juan Bordes.

Set on the island's northern coast, the former fishing village of Corralejo beguiles with its endless white sands and turquoise waters. There's also the award-winning Sand Dune National Park, whose dunes rise to fifty metres before they meet the sea. Go dune-bashing, deep sea fishing, or jet-skiing, and stroll down the breezy harbour on your city breaks in Fuerteventura. Naturists will enjoy the clothing-optional Lobos Island, also a hot spot with snorkellers for its clear waters and golden sand. It is just a ten minute ferry ride away.

If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Fuerteventura.

What To Eat In Fuerteventura?

Gastronomy in Fuerteventura is a big affair, as you'll discover. Eat fish that's freshly caught right by the seaside restaurants: timeless favourites include vieja, mussels, octopus, and horse mackerel (generally roasted or fried). Meat eaters should't miss the roast baifo and spicy marinated pork. Other local specialities include paella, Canary Islands stew, and papas arrugadas (boiled potatoes in their jackets). Fuerteventura cheese made from goat's milk enjoys a Designation of Origin standard.

The village of Corralejo is the go-to destination for its traditional Canarian bars that serve excellent tapas, seafood, and cold beers. Stunning sea views are a bonus, but culinary escapes are quintessential to a weekend in Fuerteventura.

What to Shop For in Fuerteventura

León y Castillo is the main shopping street in Puerto del Rosario. Shop to your heart's content on this charming street, which caters to all tastes and budgets. Popular souvenirs to take home include perfumes, jewellery, and local art. Raise the quirky quotient with back scratchers, plastic bulls, and novelty bottle openers.

The Canarian knives (locally known as nifes) can be purchased at the state-run FEDAC shops or from local craftsmen. Also worth considering are pottery items made from volcanic ash, the heady Arehucas and Artemi local rums, and hand-rolled cigars.