The airport sits on the beautiful east coast of Fuerteventura and is handily positioned with superb transport links so that you can get to wherever you’re staying with ease. One of the island’s main roads, the FV-2, services the airport and runs all the way through the south-east of the country to the southern tip.

Alternatively, you can head north for the town of Puerto del Rosario. It takes you into the heart of the town and then becomes the FV-1, which continues up the coast to lead you to the north of the country.

The FV-3 acts as a detour around Puerto del Rosario and branches off into the FV-20 and FV-10, opening up the west and north-west of the country respectively. The latter route takes you to El Cotillo, one of the very best surfing spots on the island. Exploring all of Fuerteventura is a stunning yet simple experience – you could tour it in just one day.

The island has the same driving laws as mainland Spain, so you’ll drive on the right, seatbelts for the driver and all passengers are compulsory, and you can’t use your mobile phone behind the wheel. Speed limits and signs are in kph and drop to 30kph or 50kph in residential and built-up areas. Most of the island has a maximum limit of 90kph, although you’ll find one short stretch that goes to 110kph. There are no toll roads to worry about.

Among the many scenic routes to drive, the FV-30 on the west of the island is certainly one of the more interesting and memorable. It cuts through the middle of Betancuria natural park, the closest you’ll get to driving on the moon.

The road is well-maintained and smooth, the terrain harshly beautiful. Stop at the town of Betancuria en route – it was once chosen as the spot for the island’s capital to prevent it from pirate attack, but is now a charming place that’s perfect for handcrafted souvenirs.

There are elements of North Africa in the buildings, there are resorts that seem tailored to Western tastes and there are completely unspoiled areas where you’ll feel hundreds of miles away from any cares or worries.

Come with a surfboard or a paperback and your sun cream – Fuerteventura is whatever you want to make it.

Surf’s Up

While you can find quiet, swimmable beaches in Fuerteventura, there’s little doubt that its more rugged stretches of coast with their breaking waves are a huge lure for surfers and water sports enthusiasts.

There’s somewhere for you at both extremes of the island. The north’s El Cotillo might be windswept but, even for non-surfers, it’s a charming place to visit. The vibe is chilled, the surf excellent, the harbour picturesque.

There’s good eating here too – tapas bars, fresh seafood and, at Vaca Azul, a fine view. If it’s hot, cool down with gazpacho or get a taste of the sea with bouillabaisse for two. For something headier, there’s a Canarian-style goat stew.

If you’re going to the island’s south, Sotavento is also a major surfing hub, where world class events are held every year. And if you don’t surf, there are five-and-a-half miles of soft, sandy beach to chill out on.

A capital place to visit

Puerto del Rosario, close to the airport, is the modern capital of Fuerteventura. It’s not a major attraction, but a largely residential place with a few good restaurants in the old town. There’s more to see at Betancuria, the old capital hidden in the hill in the island’s west.

This undeniably attractive town has, at its centre point, the medieval church Iglesia de Santa Marie de Betancuria. Consecrated in 1496 it was later damaged and certain parts have been rebuilt, but it combines whitewashed simplicity with baroque elements.

Elsewhere in the town are the ruins of a 15^th century convent, the 17^th century Casa Santa Maria (with an expensive but very good restaurant focusing on goat meat and cheese) and some small but interesting museums.

If you’re here for 14^th July you can experience the festival of the patron saint, San Buenaventura, when locals dress up and parade on the cobbled streets.

The island’s island

Just off Fuerteventura, quickly reachable by ferry, is the Isla de Lobos. Wolf Island, as it translates, was once populated by monk seals and the lighthouse keeper. Both have departed, leaving behind a chunk of rock shaped by the strong sea winds.

There’s no restaurant, museum or tourist trade to speak of whatsoever – just a degree of solitude that’s rare in the modern world. Enjoy shallow water to bathe in, exquisite sea views and rugged coastal paths to explore.

With its coast roads and mountain passes, natural parks and sun-kissed beaches, car hire at Fuerteventura Airport unlocks this island with a beauty that is uniquely its own.