The driving laws in the Canary Islands are similar to mainland Spain. You'll drive on the right, seat belts are mandatory and you should always take your passport and driving licence with you. The car should also carry two EU red warning triangles and a reflective jacket at all times in case of an unexpected issue means you have to stop at the roadside.

Speed signs are in kilometres per hour and vary between built-up areas and motorways. Apart from one 7km stretch which has a limit of 110kph, the maximum speed limit on the island is 90kph, and 50 or 30 in built-up areas.

Driving around Fuerteventura not only lets you access all parts of the island, it's an undeniably pleasant experience. Roads are quiet and well-maintained, and while you could tour the island in a day, a better way is to take your time and explore properly.

From Fuerteventura Airport, drive north up the FV-1 motorway to get to Corralejo Natural Park, while striking out north-west on the FV-10 takes you to the resort of El Cotillo and its stunning beaches, complete with surfing opportunities.

Heading south on the FV-2 leads to Costa de Antigua and the extremely popular Caleta de Fuste with its beaches, restaurants and excellent watersports.

Following the FV-2 even further south, you swing inland just past Salinas del Carmen (home to salt pans which you can visit) and then goes straight through Malpais Grande, the vast volcanic plane with a unique ecosystem and some challenging guided walks.

The FV-2 winds its way all the way to the south of the island. Part of the pleasure of driving in Fuerteventura is enjoying the many unexpected places, pretty towns and deserted beaches you may happen upon during the course your journey.

With the constant glow of the sun and over 150 beaches on offer, it would be easy just to settle down on a sun lounger with a good book and top up your tan during your time on the island. But if you can tear yourself away from the white sand there is a lot more on offer in terms of things to do and see in Fuerteventura.

Go wild on the water

Long beaches, clear water, hot weather, good waves – it's no surprise that Fuerteventura is hugely popular with watersport enthusiasts. Tourists can find good surfing all around the island, but Sotavento in the south is a particular draw.

It boasts unique wind and lagoon conditions that make kite and windsurfing here great fun – so much so that the PWA hold their World Cup event there each year. Just a 10-minute drive away is Risco del Paso, which is more suited to beginners.

At the opposite end of the island, El Cotillo also lures experienced surfers, with waves that occasionally get so fierce they damage the local fishing boats.

Island history

Tourism didn't come to Fuerteventura until the 1960s, and while some areas are built up, much of the island is unspoilt and charming. Betancuria, the former capital of the island, was founded by the Normans in 1405 as a defence against pirate raids.

It lost its status as capital as people moved away to farm and live elsewhere, and today is a small but perfectly formed village known for its handicrafts, fragrant flowers and restored church. There are memories of long-distant pirate attacks on other parts of the island, including the round fort – Fortaleza del Toston - built in El Cotillo in the 1790s.

From goats to squirrels

A lot of sunshine, a lot of beaches and a lot of... goats. Fuerteventura has more goats than it has people, and puts them to excellent use with their mouth-watering and award-winning local cheese, Majorejo.

If you like your cheese pungent, go for the curado, while semi-curado or fresco are for those who prefer a milder taste. The history of goats goes back so far on the island that Puerte del Rosario, the capital, was formerly known as Puerto des Cabras, which translates as 'Port of the Goats'.

Visit a goat farm such as Finca Pepe near Betancuria to see the animals and sample the cheese. A perfect place to pick up gifts for those at home.

Of course, goats aren't particularly cute, but ardillas (or Barbary squirrels) certainly are. Introduced to Fuerteventura from Africa in 1965 (by accident, the story goes) they can now be found in huge numbers. Mirador Risco de las Penas is a popular place to see them, as they seem to have learned a thing or two from meerkats and interact with the crowds.

From sunbathing to surfing, lava fields to pretty World Heritage towns, Fuerteventura has many charms. Whether you're Canary Island hopping or just driving around the countless beaches, hiring a car in Fuerteventura will open up the whole island to you.