The most accepted theory regarding the origin of the name of the island refers to “great fortune”. And it truly is. It is fortunate due its marvelous beaches, many of which are perfect for starting or perfecting your surfing and windsurfing technique.
Bathing at the beach of Costa Calma
Sometimes you feel like being on a beach without much company, where you only hear the gentle murmuring of the waves. Costa Calma, which lives up to its name, does not disappoint. There are more than 10 kilometers of beach to walk on, where the wind is discreet and its waters hardly move.
Walking on the wild beach of Cofete
Located in the heart of Jandía Natural Park, the wild beach of Cofete opens up to the splendid Atlantic. Along its 12 kilometers of shore, the sand changes from pale blond to ochre and the rough waters crash in with its turquoise. Beyond lie the mountains of Jandia, with a perfect viewpoint to contemplate the immensity of the sea.
Discover the first capital of Fuerteventura: Betancuria
The Norman knight Jean de Bethancourt founded the first capital of Fuerteventura and the Canary Islands at this site around 1404. Away from the sea to better defend itself from pirates, Betancuria was unlucky: it was razed two centuries later and had to be completely rebuilt. Today, the cobbled streets and white colonial-style houses still survive. Enter their churches and chapels and discover the art that awaits you in their museums.
Enjoy a sand sea beside the Atlantic
You must have heard that the natural diversity of the Canary Islands is amazing. During your trip, you will see how the landscapes change radically every few kilometers. What contrasts! Something like this occurs when you go to Corralejo Natural Park. Little by little, you leave behind the reddish mountains to enter a sea of immeasurable white sand: the Corrajejo Dunes. And at the end, a beach specially indicated for kitesurfing and windsurf lovers.
A dip in the best beach for children
Yes, it is the third of the beaches we recommend, but the coasts of Fuerteventura are full of special places. La Concha Beach, in El Cotillo, is protected from the waves by a natural reef. Kids can splash around in the calm turquoise waters and play on the white sand. This town in the north of Fuerteventura is also famous for its offer of restaurants, where you can eat exquisite, fresh seafood.
Your palate will appreciate it
Visit some of the cheese factories, which know how to lend the best flavor to the milk of the native goat breed. The exquisite Majorero cheese (“majo” or “maho” is the name of the island’s ancient inhabitants), the first Designation of Origin in Spain granted to a goat cheese, has an exceptional taste, internationally recognized through the numerous awards obtained in different contests worldwide for several years.
Visit the sacred mountain
Tindaya is a lonely mountain, a landmark in the predominantly flat landscape of Fuerteventura. At 6 kilometres from the sea, in La Oliva, 400 metres of ochre stone rise up and have a special significance: Tindaya was a sacred mountain for the island’s aboriginal people. There are more than 300 engravings in the shape of feet, similar to those found in the Berber areas of North Africa. Do you dare contemplate this magical place?
Learning the origin of salt
You consume it every day of your life and this is a good time to learn how it is made. At the Salinas del Carmen and the Salt Museum you will learn all this and much more, walking through the different phases of a salt operation that is more than 400 years old.
A perfect day at the beach on Lobos Island
One final beach recommendation. If you are searching for spectacular beaches, you cannot miss the Puertito de Lobos and La Concha beaches. Both are incredible. And although the island is uninhabited, you can enjoy a nice meal in its sole restaurant. But remember make a reservation, as the number of visitors is restricted to better preserve its nature.
Looking and breathing
Visit the “Mirador de los Canarios: in the south of the island, to enjoy the panoramic grandeur of Cofete Beach and the island’s highest mountains.
