Puerto del Rosario
Only recently capitalising on the tourist trade, the streets in
charming Puerto del Rosario have been resurfaced and the harbour
promenade rebuilt. The main street provides some good souvenir
shops and the old harbour area features some attractive examples of
Canarian architecture. The home of exiled poet Miguel de Unamuno,
which has been turned into a museum, is situated in the harbour
area. There are two beaches in Puerto del Rosario: Playa Blancal,
to the south, has Blue Flag status and is home to some surf
schools, but the currents can get dangerously strong; and Playa
Chica, right in town, is a small but popular beach with good
facilities. A great excursion from the town is a trip inland to
Tefia, where the Ecomuseo La Alcogida can be found: an open-air
'village' made of restored, abandoned buildings, which give
visitors an idea of the hard life the locals used to live, scraping
out an existence from the land. Some traditionally clad artisans
work in the village, making handicrafts.
Puerto del Rosario
Gerd Fahrenhorst
Betancuria
The old town of Betancuria was founded in 1405 and was the first
capital of Fuerteventura. The town enjoys a fantastic location,
offering attractive views of the hilly terrain and winding river
below. In the town are several beautiful buildings and churches
worth visiting, including the Church of Iglesia de Santa Maria de
Betancuria and the convent of San Buenaventura. The Casa Museo
Arquebiologico has some interesting artefacts including fertility
idols and farming tools that reflect the earliest history of the
island. The town was built primarily to defend against pirate
attacks and in 1593 it was all but destroyed by pirates and then
slowly rebuilt. There are various shops and stalls in Betancuria
that sell some of the best handcrafts and local produce on
Fuerteventura. One of the best places to get a feel for the folk
culture and handicrafts of the region is the Centro Insular de
Artesania, located next to the museum on the main road. The
peaceful and sleepy old town seldom hosts tourists and
accommodation is limited, but it makes for a very popular and
worthwhile excursion, providing insight into the history and
culture of the Canary Islands.
Betancuria
Bilal11
Fuerteventura Oasis Park
On the east coast of Fuerteventura, the little fishing village
of La Lajita has been put on the tourist map because it offers one
of the island's main attractions: the Oasis de Los Cammelos.
Usually called the Fuerteventura Oasis Park, the zoo is home to
more than 3,000 animals, including giraffes, camels, hippos,
elephants, flamingos, lemurs, and more. The park is big and
features nature trails winding around the enclosures. The only
botanical garden in Fuerteventura, it showcases indigenous and
tropical flora. There are parrot shows, birds of prey shows, sea
lion shows, and reptile shows, as well as horse rides and camel
safaris. The lemurs are a highlight and, for a little extra,
visitors can stroll through their enclosure and interact with the
friendly animals. It is possible to buy food to give the various
animals at the entrance. There is a petting zoo and playground area
designed for small children too. Visitors can relax under the palm
trees at the zoo's bar or try out one of the restaurants. Every
Sunday there is a fresh produce and craft market at the park.
Address:
Ctra. General de Jardia s/n Lalita Pajara.
Transport:
Buses 1, 5 and 25 run from Tarajejo, and buses 1, 6 and
10 run from Corralejo.
Opening time:
Open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Parrot doing puzzles
Mphung
La Oliva
Historic buildings from between the 17th and mid-19th centuries
remain in the village of La Oliva, which people can still visit.
The Governor's townhouse (Casa de los Coroneles) has been restored
and is open to the public, boasting some intricate woodwork. Also
in the centre of the village is the pretty church of Parroquiade
Nuestra Seiiora de Candelaria, with a square bell tower and finely
carved wooden door. The interior of the church features a painting
of the Last Judgement, a Baroque altar painting by Juan de Miranda,
and some wonderful trompe l'oeil work. The village also has an art
centre exhibiting the work of Canarian artists (Centro de Arte
Canario Casa Mane). The somewhat desolate and barren natural
landscape of the interior gives way dramatically to the bright
turquoise water of the sea, and the beaches around La Oliva are
very pretty. The water tends to be calm, making it a good swimming
destination. Many tourists find it worth their while to spend some
time in La Oliva and a number of fun outdoor activities are
available, including sailing and mountain biking jaunts, and
excursions into the Parque Natural de Corralejo.
La Oliva windmill
Edub
Beaches on Fuerteventura
You won't need to go far on Fuerteventura to find a perfect
beach, even if you are intent on seeking out solitude from
holidaymakers. The best are found around Jandia on the southern tip
of the island. Juan Gomez is one of these, with an enticing stretch
of golden sand and reached by turning off the Morro Jable-Punta de
Jandia Road. In the same section of the island is the pebbly black
volcanic beach of La Pared, while right next door is the beach of
Viejo Rey, a long stretch of golden sand flanked by dunes.
Giniginamar is recommended for peace and quiet, surrounded by palm
trees and other indigenous plants. If you're looking for a
family-friendly beach, the southern Costa Calma is a great option
because the conditions are ideal for safe swimming and the
facilities are good. For remote beaches tourists can hire a 4x4 and
explore the tracks leading to the sea on the west coast. Nudism is
tolerated on all the island's beaches.
Beach on Fuerteventura
Yoshi
Baku Water Park
A perfect day out for the whole family, Baku contains a water
park with gentle slides, animal features, and shallow pools for
young children. The Parque Europa opens in the evening, offering a
range of entertainment. Attractions like the Big Jacuzzi, the lazy
river, and the wave pool will appeal to those who shy away from the
more thrilling rides. As well as an infant play area, there is also
a mini golf course if the family needs a break from the water for
an hour or two as well as a food kiosk. On week days, between 9am
and 2pm, there is a craft market set up in this area where visitors
can browse for souvenirs from the Canary Islands and even the
nearby shores of Africa. For simple fun in the sun, the Baku Water
Park is a great attraction. Check out the website for details on
the free bus to the park which services Castillo, Jandia, and Costa
Calma on certain days.
Address:
Corralejo
Opening time:
Open Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
from 17 May to 20 June and 20 September to 30 November from 10am to
5pm. Open Daily from 10am to 6pm from 21 June to 19
September.
Baku Water Park
monstermunch99
El Cotillo
This rustic little village has plenty of charm and character for
those looking for a quiet getaway and gorgeous beaches. El Cotillo
has a rich history, and was previously a smuggler's harbour used by
Fuerteventurans shipping goods off to Gran Canaria where the prices
were better. The 18th century tower of Fortaleza del Tostón
overlooks the town from the cliffs to the south of the harbour,
while the Museum of Traditional Fishing is housed in the old
lighthouse. The main attraction of a visit to El Cotillo is
indisputably the coastline, which boasts spectacular beaches and
lagoons, providing calm, sheltered swimming spots and long sandy
stretches for walking and sunbathing. As there are rock pools and
the water stays shallow for a few metres, the beaches are great for
kids. Some nudity is common on the beaches, but there are so many
secluded coves and so much space that it should be easy to find
some privacy. It is also a good destination for surfers, with some
decent waves and even a surf school. There are some pleasant bars
and restaurants close to the shore, but no sun loungers or
umbrellas to hire.
El Cotillo beach
Alberto Perdomo
Fuerteventura has a glorious climate all year with
temperatures rarely dropping below 63°F (17°C) and often rising
above 82°F (28°C) during the day. Gentle sea breezes keep the
island from being too hot and extreme temperatures are rare.
During the winter months, December to February,
average temperatures range between 59°F (15°C) and 72°F (22°C). In
the peak summer months, from June to August, average temperatures
range between 68°F (20°C) and 82°F (28°C).
Rainfall in the summer months is almost non-existent,
but showers are possible between October and April. Over the winter
months, travellers will need a sweater and light trousers for
evenings and possibly the odd rare cloudy day. Any other time of
year, visitors will only need the bare essentials such as shorts
and T-shirts.
Occasionally, sand-laden winds blow across
Fuerteventura from the Sahara and can cause a rise in temperature
and poor visibility. The best and most popular time to visit
Fuerteventura is between May and September, but the mild climate
makes the island a wonderful holiday destination all year.
Fuerteventura Airport
Location: The airport is situated about three miles (5km) from the
capital of Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to the last
Sunday in October).
Getting to the city:
There are public buses running between Fuerteventura Airport and
downtown. Bus No. 3 leaves twice an hour on weekdays (slightly less
frequently on weekends), while Bus No. 10 departs multiple times
daily on the weekend and during the week.
Car Rental:
There are several car hire companies at Fuerteventura, including
Hertz, Avis, Payless, Cicar, and Top Car Auto Reisen.
Airport Taxis:
There are metered taxis available outside the arrivals area.
Fares into town vary according to destination.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include ATMs, baggage trolleys, children's
play areas, tourist information, a pharmacy, as well as a number of
shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Parking
Parking is available outside the airport.
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There are very few transport options available on the island of
Fuerteventura. Public transport is limited to buses, which operate
across the island. Buses serving Nuevo Horizonte, Corralejo, Caleta
de Fuste, Morro Jable, and Costa Calma run most frequently. For
other routes, passengers should consult a timetable. Those who plan
on using buses regularly during their stay should invest in a 'BTF
Bono' card.
Taxis are available on the island and can be found at most busy
locations or pre-booked ahead of time. As taxi travel can become
quite expensive, travellers should consider the option of hiring a
car in Fuerteventura, as this will not only save money but gives
one the freedom to explore the island at a more leisurely pace.
There are lots of car hire companies with offices at the
airport.
Fuerteventura is famous for its gorgeous beaches,
ranging from stretches of white sands in the south, to the odd
black sand beaches in the north. There are also charming little
villages and harbours to enjoy, and a laidback ambiance that
characterises the entire island.
Fuerteventura does not have the glamorous nightlife
or high-end attractions of some other Balearic destinations, but
those coming here to enjoy its wholesome charms will not be
disappointed.
Puerto del Rosario is the main town of Fuerteventura,
and the most popular resorts are Correlejo and Caleta del Fuste.
But to really experience local charm travellers should head to
rustic little villages like El Cotillo and La Oliva, or the
historic old town of Betancuria.
The island's regular winds make it a good destination
for water sports like windsurfing and kite surfing, and other fun
activities include glass-bottomed boat adventures and camel rides
on the beach. Families travelling with kids should try out the Baku
Water Park and Fuerteventura Oasis Park.
Car hire is good value and most visitors tend to rent
a vehicle by the week to get around Fuerteventura at their leisure.
Public transport is decent though, with reliable and cheap buses,
and ferries which are useful for getting from one side of the
island to the other. If you are going to use buses regularly during
your visit invest in a Tarjeta Dinero, a bus discount card.
Puerto del Rosario
Gerd Fahrenhorst
Betancuria
Bilal11
Parrot doing puzzles
Mphung
La Oliva windmill
Edub
Beach on Fuerteventura
Yoshi
Baku Water Park
monstermunch99
El Cotillo beach
Alberto Perdomo
