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 water sport 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.
