2024High winds: ‘Fuerteventura’ takes off to become the flying ambassador for the Canary Islands' watersports paradiseAviationNamegiving: Boeing 737-8 with registration D-AMAH is named‘Fuerteventura’Popular: Almost three million TUI guests visit the Canary Islands during the yearConnected: TUI offers 500 weekly return-flights and around 1,000 hotels on the Canary IslandsLegendary: First flight from Hamburg to Fuerteventura in 1974Fuerteventura the most popular winter destination for German TUI guests A new TUI fly Boeing 737-8 was named ‘Fuerteventura’ at a ceremony held yesterday at the airport south of the capital Puerto del Rosario The aircraft with the registration D-AMAH landed at 15:45 with the flight number X3 2148 and was given a warm welcome The Counselor for Tourism and Employment of the Canary Islands Government She was accompanied by Dolores Alicia García Martínez Island Director of the General State Administration in Fuerteventura AENA Director of the Canary Islands Airport Group and Luis Saez Avilés Group Director Corporate & External Affairs Jéssica de León stated that "we are happy that the name of Fuerteventura is travelling the world with a company that started operations on the island more than 50 years ago.” "This event is another example of the international tourism group's commitment to Fuerteventura and the archipelago which will strengthen the promotion of the destination mainly in Germany our second most important market," she added “Fuerteventura symbolises our guests' desire for sun beach and unique nature – and not just in summer In winter it is even the most popular destination for our German guests who want to spend their holidays on the Canary Islands more than ever this year” “We are delighted to be able to name our aircraft 'Fuerteventura' and thus express our long-standing and close ties with this island and the Canary Islands every second TUI guest on the medium-haul route travels to the Canary Islands in winter While the Canary Islands are our biggest destination in winter with around 500 return-flights a week we fly around three million holidaymakers from all our markets to the seven islands in the Atlantic throughout the year" “The TUI-Boeing 737-8 Fuerteventura is one of the most modern and CO₂ efficient jets in the sky With targeted investments in state-of-the-art aircraft more sustainable fuels and optimised flight routes we are consistently pursuing our goal of being the most climate-efficient airline in Europe” we are currently celebrating a very special anniversary: in 1974 a Hapag-Lloyd Boeing 727 flew from Hamburg to Fuerteventura for the first time.” TUI Airline operates a fleet of more than 130 modern jets – from Embraer E195-E2 to Boeing 737-800 and 737-8 to Boeing 787-9 More than 8,000 employees work for the five airlines in the UK The beaches in the south (such as Costa Calma and Jandía) and in the north (such as Corralejo beach) are particularly stunning The second largest of the Canary Islands is a paradise for surfers The constant strong wind ('fuerte viento' and hence Fuerteventura) and the many different beaches offer ideal conditions for all levels The beaches of El Cotillo and Corralejo are particularly popular Robinson Jandia Playa has been a guarantee for sporty and relaxing holidays offers 114 modern double rooms and 26 spacious suites A highlight is the rooftop bar with an infinity pool chill-out area and unforgettable views of the vast Atlantic Other guest favorites on Fuerteventura include the Robinson Esquinzo Playa and TUI Magic Life Fuerteventura and the popular RIU hotels: TUI Blue Riu Calypso TUI Kids Club Riu Oliva Beach and the premium hotels Riu Palace Tres Islas and Riu Palace Jandia © 2025 EmCan Media - Hosted By canaryfone The Giant Nativity Scene in Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura) has officially opened its doors becoming a must-visit attraction during the festive season Located in one of the most emblematic areas of the capital the nativity scene spans over 10,000 square metres and will be open daily from 9:00am to 11:00pm until 7th January This extraordinary display features traditional Christmas scenes combined with elements of Canarian rural life some of which are animated using intricate pulley systems The work of artist Miguel Letang stands out this year blending the essence of rural Canary Islands with the timeless charm of nativity traditions creating a visual and interactive masterpiece The realisation of the Giant Nativity Scene is a collaborative effort by the Municipality of Puerto del Rosario with special contributions from the Municipal Services and Parks and Gardens departments Various local companies and individuals have also played a pivotal role in its creation ensuring the event’s success year after year crafted from materials such as polystyrene noted that nearly 20 figures incorporate movement enhancing the immersive experience for visitors Mayor David de Vera encouraged residents and visitors to explore this festive attraction expressing gratitude to the numerous contributors who have helped make the Barranco Pilón Giant Nativity Scene a hallmark of Puerto del Rosario’s Christmas celebrations Councillor for Local Development and Parks and Gardens highlighted the dedication of municipal staff They also paid tribute to those who laid the foundations of this tradition some of whom are no longer with us but whose efforts have shaped what is now one of the Canary Islands' most iconic nativity displays the space will transform into a park and green area for year-round enjoyment by local residents This development highlights the commitment to creating a legacy that benefits the community beyond the festive season ensuring the nativity scene's enduring impact The Giant Nativity Scene not only celebrates the holiday spirit but also honours the cultural and artistic richness of Fuerteventura making it a standout feature of Christmas in the Canary Islands Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries The Sicasumbre viewpoint showcases Fuerteventura's otherworldly landscape © Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld / Getty Images Ross Clarke recently returned from Fuerteventura where he was researching for the upcoming Canary Islands guidebook (publishing November 2024) This is his ultimate guide to planning your holiday to Fuerteventura When people think of the Canary Islands, sunshine and seaside fun usually spring to mind. And rightly so, as the archipelago is awash with both pristine, white sands and dark, volcanic shorelines. But ask any local and they’ll confirm that Fuerteventura is the go-to island for beaches thanks to the miles of golden sands dotted around its coast Fuerteventura goes a little under the radar compared to its popular neighbors and the island moves at a much more laid-back pace But don’t let that easygoing charm fool you into thinking there's no excitement to be had this is one of the best places in the world for outdoor adventures such as windsurfing It's the second-largest island in the archipelago undulating volcanic mountains worn of their harsh peaks by millennia of erosion It’s also a desert interspersed with lush green oases packed full of history and charm from intriguing remains of its pre-Hispanic inhabitants Fuerteventura enjoys year-round balmy temperatures and is hugely popular for those seeking winter sun. It means that its main resorts – Corralejo to the north and Jandía to the south – are particularly busy between November and February when the weather is usually a pleasantly warm 20°C (68°F) with long sunny days For those looking to get the most out of both the coast and the central peaks consider coming in what’s known as shoulder season in spring and autumn You’ll find that the temperatures allow for hiking and sightseeing without the oppressive heat of summer but are pleasant enough to enjoy time on the glorious sands and in the bracing Atlantic Ocean Most people visiting Fuerteventura come for a week or two which gives you time for both relaxing on the beach and exploring the island consider hiring a car and splitting your time between either the busy north coast and center or the busy south coast and center The northern coast is packed with beaches popular with surfers trying to catch the best swells, from El Cotillo on the west coast to Corralejo on the east. Talking of Corralejo, this is also where you’ll find the majestic sand dunes of the natural park The town is also home to both charming fish restaurants and exuberant nightlife ideal for all types of travelers including families Similar scenes are to be found on the Jandía peninsula but instead of surfers you’ll find windsurfers you’ll be able to walk along miles of flat sandy beach There are also resorts offering plenty of accommodation options The central part of the island is a mix of mystical mountains dotted with pretty towns and villages many of which serve great local Canarian cuisine and scorched desert-like tundra and volcanoes you can climb to see the giant craters If you’re only here for a day or two – perhaps jumping off a cruise ship or making the 30-minute ferry trip from Lanzarote – then there’s still plenty you can pack in Contemplate digging into the island's traditional industries such as salt harvesting There are museums and workshops not far from the capital of Puerto del Rosario check out its art trail where you’ll see sculptures and outdoor artworks along the promenade and winding streets The island has one airport for both international and domestic flights, conveniently located in the center. Book a window seat to enjoy views of the colorful landscape and neighboring islands. Once safely on terra firma, the best way to get around is by car and rentals are relatively cheap. Consider hiring from a local provider such as CICAR The main motorway runs the length of the island on the flatter east coast making it easy to get around although some sights are on well-compacted dirt tracks – make sure your car insurance covers off-road driving You can’t visit Fuerteventura without making the most of the sea. Surfing is just one of many water-based pursuits along with stand-up paddle boarding, diving, kayaking, windsurfing and more. There are surf schools for all levels and ages, but the laid-back folks at Surfintrip in Corralejo are experts in these waters They'll take you – beginner or pro – to the best spot on the north coast that day and make sure you have plenty of time in the water to test your skills They also do residentials where you can stay in their villa and take daily classes Goats have been reared on the island for centuries and farmers have been making cheese with their milk for just as long Majorero cheese (cheese from the Majorero goats of Fuerteventura) has protected status from the EU for its quality and sense of place As well as being on the menu boards of most cafes you can visit many farms and dairies where they make and sell this delicious delicacy Even better, why not try your hand at making it yourself? La Casa del Queso Cabrera Perez offers visitors the ability to milk and feed goats, make cheese, package it up, and most importantly taste it in a wonderfully interactive workshop, all run by the family. Contact them directly to book your spot This might sound obvious, but beaches are Fuerteventura’s main draw for visitors with good reason. There are loads to choose from, yet none more beguiling and breathtaking than Cofete on the Jandía peninsula You can only reach this secluded beach by bus or car over an extremely bumpy dirt road but the reward is an unblemished 13 kilometers of golden sand backed by imposing mountains It’s been the filming location for many blockbusters If you only go to one place in the center of the island This tiny town tucked up in the mountains is where Spanish colonizers decided to build their capital in 1404 led by Jean de Bethencourt (whom the town is named after) It has been well preserved and an easy-to-follow trail around the streets tells you about the history There’s something about the light in Fuerteventura that's different from the other islands Perhaps it’s the landscape or the way the sunlight throws light and shade onto the ochre soil One of my favorite things to do is catch the sunset at one of three points on the island The first is at the crossroads on the road to Morro Jable and Cofete This point gives you the most magnificent view over the low-lying southwest towards the horizon of the wild Atlantic The second is driving the winding FV-605 road from the south up to the Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre. You’ll witness the changing colors of the pillow-like mountains from brown to orange to pink, as you twist and turn higher before reaching the stargazing spot to witness the night sky illuminating the landscape. The final spot is in the middle of the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park. Take the FV-104 from Corralejo and find a spot on the side of the road. Pack a picnic and watch the sun set behind the dunes and mountains as the sky becomes an orange and purple kaleidoscope. Fuerteventura can be extremely reasonable especially out of season and away from touristic areas. While nearly everywhere accepts credit and debit cards, it’s worth having a few Euros on you for incidentals and more rural areas. Water is an incredibly scarce resource on the island – it only gets a handful of rainy days a year – so be mindful not to waste any. It’s also better to buy bottled water from a supermarket than drink tap water as while it is potable, the high mineral content can cause an upset stomach. Always carry water with you as temperatures can soar, especially at midday, and it’s easy to get dehydrated. While the sea is one of the best parts of Fuerteventura, it’s always advisable to check the currents. Some areas, particularly in the south, have strong currents and swimming is extremely dangerous. Stick to the beaches with lifeguards and as a general rule of thumb, do as the locals do. carefree campervan rentals and low-key seafood shacks Fuerteventura is attracting a growing number of nomadic drifters kick back and sip your cold beer beneath the stars before everyone else catches on Get your weekly dose of armchair travelling People march past a beach during a demonstration against over tourism in Puerto del Rosario April 20.(Image: Europa Press via AP)UK holidaymakers are facing rising tensions in popular destinations such as Majorca with both the Canary and Balearic Islands experiencing protests and increasing unrest over overtourism and a perceived surge of visitors This Sunday, demonstrators are planning to march through the streets carrying banners that read 'We are in danger; degrow tourism!", according to BBC News. Last Sunday, protests were also seen in the Canary Islands, despite it not being the peak tourist season. Unlike previous anti-tourism protests, Sunday saw a wave of people flocking to key tourist areas throughout the Canary Islands, including popular beaches where British sunbathers found themselves having to take cover or hastily leave. The crowd rallied under the slogan "The Canary Islands have a limit," blaming the influx of tourists for straining public services, chanting "more tourists, more misery. " Anti-tourism sentiment is surging across vacation hotspots from Barcelona to the Canary Islands as local groups are banding together to protest against the adverse effects of mass tourism. Despite the Spanish government's crackdown which included banning over 14,000 illegal vacation rentals in Madrid alone, this grassroots movement shows no sign of abating .On Sunday, a statement from a nascent anti-tourist coalition reinforced their intent: "We will go to the tourist areas because that is where the injustice we are denouncing is taking place and because that is where we want to confront the system that is destroying our islands. "In a surprising turn of events, it seems UK holidaymakers are set to bypass Spain for their next getaway due to increasing demonstrations and discontent among European Union locals regarding "overtourism". On the Beach's latest Summer Sun Report identifies Turkey as "the number one holiday hotspot for Brits". Commenting on this emerging trend, Zoe Harris, the chief customer officer for On the Beach, proclaimed Turkey as "officially the King of summer and the number one holiday hotspot for Brits", seeing it as a significant shift for Turkey as it claims its rightful spot among the preferred beach package holiday destinations. The National Police have arrested a 29-year-old Colombian man in Puerto del Rosario who is subject to an International Arrest Warrant for detention and extradition issued by Colombian authorities The man is wanted in connection with a sexual assault on a minor under the age of 14 According to a statement from the Canary Islands Police Headquarters the investigation began when the suspect’s partner reported him to the police for domestic abuse who was referred to and assisted by the Family Care Unit (UFAM) provided details of the abuse she had suffered and suggested that the man might also be wanted in his home country Police inquiries confirmed that the suspect entered Spain in 2023 and had been residing in the country illegally having made no attempts to regularise his status officers contacted Interpol’s Central Office which verified that the Colombian authorities had issued an International Arrest Warrant for the man due to the sexual assault charges culminating in his arrest on 10th February Following his detention and the completion of police procedures the suspect was brought before the competent judicial authority which ordered his provisional imprisonment while the necessary extradition procedures are carried out The requested URL was not found on this server The Puerto del Rosario City Council has temporarily closed Los Pozos Beach in Fuerteventura prohibiting swimming due to a microbiological contamination after studying results from water tests This decision was announced yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) and aims to protect public health and ensure that the water quality is at an optimum level The council are investigating the cause of the contamination and has enforced the ban following regulations on bathing water quality Microbiological contamination occurs when harmful microorganisms These pathogens can pose serious health risks to individuals who come into contact with contaminated water potentially leading to illnesses such as gastroenteritis including children and those with weakened immune systems Beachgoers are advised to avoid swimming at Los Pozos Beach until further notice The council will provide updates as more information becomes available from daily tests and analysis of results The Canary Islands remain on pre-alert this Sunday as the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued an updated weather forecast predicting predominantly cloudy skies across the archipelago Sunday's forecast indicates that cloud cover will be a dominant feature with northern and northeastern regions of the islands expected to experience particularly cloudy intervals cloudiness in the north is set to increase during the morning hours while Tenerife and the western islands will see similar patterns in the north and northeast TENERIFE:Cloud cover will intensify in the extreme northeast throughout the day Temperatures are forecast to range from 17°C to 23°C Northeasterly winds will pick up in strength especially towards the southeast and western parts with further intensification in higher elevations later in the day GRAN CANARIA:The northern half of the island will see increased cloudiness by the morning spreading to the northeast in the afternoon Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will experience slightly cooler temperatures Moderate northeasterly winds will become stronger in southeastern and western areas as the day progresses LANZAROTE AND FUERTEVENTURA:Lanzarote will see cloudy skies in its northern half by morning Temperatures in Arrecife will range from 16°C to 23°C Fuerteventura's northern and eastern regions will have greater cloudiness with the remainder of the island experiencing partly cloudy skies Puerto del Rosario will see temperatures between 15°C and 22°C Both islands will witness an increase in northeasterly winds during the latter part of the day Mariners are advised to prepare for challenging conditions Northeasterly winds of force 3 or 4 will prevail locally reaching force 5 along southeastern and northwestern coasts particularly along the northwestern coasts Minimum temperatures will remain steady or rise slightly particularly in inland areas and the northern parts of the islands intensifying significantly in southeastern and western mountainous areas later in the day with gusty conditions expected in midlands and high-altitude zones The Canary Islands' pre-alert status highlights the importance of monitoring weather developments and preparing for potentially challenging conditions especially in regions where winds and temperatures may vary significantly The National Police have arrested two 25-year-old men after they were found carrying over six kilograms of hashish through the streets in a supermarket bag Officers noticed the young men acting nervously on a public street while handling packages wrapped in brown adhesive tape inside a plastic bag one of the men tried to run away but was quickly apprehended just metres from the scene Both individuals were detained for further investigation each containing 40 compacted hashish tablets marked with the brand "THE GODFATHER." The total weight of the confiscated drugs amounted to 6,128 grams authorities discovered that one of the men was living in Spain illegally and the other already had a criminal record Both detainees were subsequently presented to the competent judicial authority which ordered their imprisonment pending further legal proceedings The Guardia Civil have arrested a 27-year-old woman in Fuerteventura on charges of grievous bodily harm after she allegedly stabbed another woman multiple times inside a car in the municipality of Pájara The violent attack resulted in the victim suffering several injuries According to the official police press release the attacker had issued threats and insults to the victim through a messaging app prior to the incident The Guardia Civil received an alert from the Emergency Services Coordination Centre (CECOES) about a woman who had been “brutally and repeatedly stabbed” inside a car who had suffered a 5 centimetre deep wound was abandoned in a car park after the attack The severity of her injuries showed the ferocity of the assault Officers from Morro Jable immediately responded and found that the victim was being taken to Fuerteventura General Hospital by a member of the public officers collected her testimony along with accounts from witnesses which included descriptions of the attacker and the vehicle used to flee the scene This led to the quick arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the weapon used in the attack a critical piece of evidence for the ongoing investigation Preliminary investigations suggest the assault stemmed from an existing dispute between the victim and the suspect It appears the meeting was initially intended to resolve their differences but escalated into a violent confrontation The exact motivations remain under investigation and relevant case files have been submitted to the Puerto del Rosario magistrate's court for further judicial proceedings A public transport bus was completely destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon (Saturday) on the FV-1 road in the direction of Puerto del Rosario-Corralejo The incident was reported by Bomberos de La Oliva via their official profile on the social media platform X The fire broke out near the La Oliva Fire Station allowing firefighters to respond rapidly after receiving an alert Emergency services were immediately mobilised to extinguish the flames the FV-1 road towards Corralejo was partially closed Authorities highlighted the key role of local residents whose prompt alerts and cooperation ensured a swift emergency response The Local Police of La Oliva and the Guardia Civil also assisted in the operation Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing The Puerto del Rosario Council has initiated the installation of thirty containers in the capital of Fuerteventura to dispose of used cooking oil in residential areas This effort follows the recent contract awarded to Martínez Cano Canarias the company responsible for managing the service Mayor David de Vera emphasised the initiative's significance: "The installation of these containers is a significant step towards sustainability and environmental protection in our municipality We encourage everyone to make use of these containers and continue contributing to improving our environment." stressed the importance of proper disposal methods reminding citizens to deposit oil in plastic bottles to prevent spills He advised against using glass containers and encouraged residents to correctly dispose of used vegetable oil in the easily identifiable orange collection containers which include clear instructions on the recycling process Puerto del Rosario is the first municipality in Fuerteventura to comply with Waste Law 7/2022 which mandates the collection of household items Recycling cooking oil has substantial environmental benefits Recycled oil can be transformed into products such as soaps with 80 litres of biodiesel produced from every 100 litres of recycled oil with a single litre capable of contaminating thousands of litres of water which is why correct disposal is crucial The Guardia Civil have arrested a 40-year-old man in Fuerteventura for multiple offences breaking into hotel rooms and burgling holidaymakers at various complexes on the island the burglaries took place in January in several hotels in Caleta de Fuste where the suspect was charged with one count of robbery with force and eight counts of fraudulent credit card use either by climbing onto balconies or taking advantage of terrace doors left open by guests The stolen items included personal belongings with an estimated total value of €4,140 The Guardia Civil focused its investigation on CCTV footage from one of the targeted hotels which captured the suspect leaving a guest’s room carrying victim’s belongings the fraudulent use of a stolen credit card helped track him as transactions were linked to security footage from several shops in the area the suspect was fully identified and subsequently arrested on 5th February in Puerto del Rosario The man was brought before Court of First Instance and Instruction No where he was released with charges pending further legal proceedings The Fuerteventura Cabildo have announced a one-year extension of the emergency status for water on the island originally declared due to ongoing water scarcity issues during the Governing Council’s Board meeting aims to facilitate the completion of critical water infrastructure projects across the northern highlighted the urgency of continuing efforts to improve the island's water supply the extension supports a dozen priority projects including the construction of a new water transport network from the Calderetilla storage tank to the Tiscamanita reservoir which is the main storage facility for the southern region Other crucial initiatives include the ongoing expansion and enhancement of the Corralejo water production centre and the new pumping system from La Herradura to Calderetilla Councillor Adargoma Hernández noted that this is the second extension of the water emergency following the initial declaration on September 1st Significant progress has been made since then including the completion and activation of a new pipeline between the Puerto del Rosario desalination plant and the La Herradura reservoir system This pipeline is part of a broader strategy that also saw the commissioning of a reverse osmosis desalination module capable of producing 7,200 cubic metres of water per day and improvements to the Puerto del Rosario desalination facility with several emergency works already completed These include the deployment of desalination modules with a daily capacity of 2,000 cubic metres at production centres in Corralejo and Puerto del Rosario and the installation of sand filters at the Gran Tarajal desalination plant the CAAF (Consorcio de Abastecimiento de Aguas a Fuerteventura) is focused on expanding and monitoring key water transport networks to identify and address areas of significant water loss The continued state of emergency highlights the critical need for these infrastructure improvements to secure a stable water supply for Fuerteventura's residents and visitors The National Police Force have arrested a 20-year-old man in Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura) charged with the crimes of assault against law enforcement officers and causing bodily harm The incident took place last Thursday afternoon when the 091 National Police hotline received an alert informing them that several residents had reported hearing screams and the throwing of objects from an apartment in the town officers observed objects being thrown from inside an apartment onto the street so to ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users they approached the apartment from which the noise and screams were being heard and were faced with threats from the person inside saying that he would kill any officers that attempted to enter the man inside began banging on the wooden door and broke it Concerned for their own safety and that of anyone inside the police officers entered the apartment using the appropriate means and were confronted by the man throwing objects at them and even lunging at them with a knife in each hand officers managed to over power and arrest him but three officers were injured during the intervention The detainee was then transported to a psychiatric ward at a hospital due to his high level of aggressiveness A 70-year-old woman was tragically killed today (Monday) after being hit by a bus at the Puerto del Rosario station in Fuerteventura The Local police swiftly responded to the incident and cordoned off the area to pedestrians while an SUC medical team tried to treat the elderly woman At just after midday paramedics from the Canary Islands Emergency Services alongside a doctor and nurse from the Puerto del Rosario Health Centre determined that the impact had caused injuries incompatible with life they could only confirm the victim's death firefighters from Puerto del Rosario also arrived to assist the other responding agencies Local police officers took charge of the necessary formalities at the site of the tragic incident until her body could be removed for autopsy a new ferry trip will take passengers to Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura from Playa Blanca The Armas Transmediterranea Group will offer high speed ferry trips that will take passengers from Playa Blanca to Puerto del Rosario The company will offer three daily trips with departures from the new port in Playa Blanca Monday to Friday from 6:50am Return times from Puerto del Rosario will be Monday to Friday from 8:35am On weekends the boat will depart from Playa Blanca at 8:00am returning from Puerto del Rosario at 9:45am The ferry has the capacity for almost 900 passengers and up to 220 vehicles You can book your trip online here: https://www.navieraarmas.com/en and website in this browser for the next time I comment Jet2 is expanding its winter 25/26 programme with more flights to 13 popular destinations (including Lanzarote & Fuerteventura) from Manchester Airport & London Stansted Fire fighters were called to put out a minibus engine fire yesterday morning Lanzarote Pool & Spa Shop in Playa Blanca are currently looking for an Office Administrator & Customer Service Representative A head-on collision between two vehicles on the LZ-1 near Mala yesterday evening saw three people injured Six local derbies will take place next season as three Lanzarote teams take part in Group 12 of the Third RFEF league We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings Sign-up to the Gazette Newsletter to receive a weekly email including the most important news stories and upcoming events This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Strictly necessary cookies should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again The TimesWith its spectacular volcanic terrain Fuerteventura is an island-sized adventure playground Activities here tend towards the energetic and open-air whether you’re exploring the wilder parts of the island on foot Winds and waves also make Fuerteventura a windsurfing swimming or watching the sunset on offer alongside dolphin and whale-watching trips The waters around the island are home to resident pods but are also crossed by the migration superhighways of larger species offering cetacean spotters both volume and variety Our travel journalism is written and edited by independent experts to inform inspire and advise our readers about the best choices for your holidays We also feature properties and itineraries from a specially selected list of trusted operators These buttons and adverts are clearly signposted and provide direct links through to external sites Buggies in Corralejo Natural Park (Alamy)1 Buggy beside the dunesA protected area since 1982 Corralejo Natural Park is the largest area of dunes anywhere in the Canary Islands The shifting sea of shining sand is a marvel — mile upon mile of golden peaks you can scale for wonderful views To the south and west the landscape is volcanic and rocky; to the east is the park’s other attraction and one of the most fun ways to explore is on a buggy tour These rugged vehicles can’t be driven on the protected dunes but once you’ve stopped to climb and explore here the trip will take you bumping and whooping off-road amid the dramatic geology of the park’s southern extent You’ll need a driving licence to get behind the wheel but it’s suitable for kids over three years as a passenger Bring sunglasses and wear old clothes — it gets dusty • Discover our full guide to the Canary Islands An encounter with a dolphin off Fuerteventura (Alamy)2 Spot dolphins and whalesThere’s little more breathtaking than watching dolphins leap out of the water or whales snooze at the surface there are a host of resident species in large numbers in the waters around Fuerteventura so the odds are good – you might spot common striped or even the snub-nosed Risso’s dolphin if you’re lucky and short-finned pilot whales make their home here too Dolphin and whale-watching trips run from Corralejo and Morro Jable crowded boats and go for a catamaran for a more comfortable journey with facilities or a rib for the thrill of speed and proximity to the water The Iglesia de Santa Maria in Betancuria (Alamy)3 Explore the original capitalThe pretty town of Betancuria isn’t just the former capital of Fuerteventura it also operated as the capital of the Canary Islands during the 15th century Its inland location didn’t stop it from being regularly ransacked by pirates who destroyed Fuerteventura’s first church Only the original gothic bell tower of the Iglesia de Santa Maria remains among the baroque reconstruction and the cost to visit this handsome church also includes entry to the Museum of Sacred Art A visit to Betancuria makes for a relaxing stop on a wider tour of the island’s interior — many include visits to Pajara to see the elaborate carvings at the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Regla and the viewpoint of Las Penitas A cyclist takes a break in Fuerteventura (Alamy)Fuerteventura may be most famous for the beaches that ring its coast Head south of Corralejo and you’ll find vast expanses of volcanic terrain — craters and lava fields in a paintbox of terracotta tones With their pillowy wheels to cushion the bumps fat bikes are perfectly suited to this landscape and electric versions can take the strain if your quads aren’t up to the gradient Tours will take to you to the top of Calderon Hondo for views inside the crater and across the north of the island You might well encounter curious chipmunks along the way but don’t feed them — this invasive species is becoming almost too numerous The Majorero Cheese museum and windmill (Alamy)5 Learn to make goat’s cheeseMajorero goat’s cheese is so typical of Fuerteventura that there’s an entire museum dedicated to it housed partially within one of the historic windmills that are dotted around the rural interior explaining how the volcanic origins and biodiversity of the island There’s even a virtual goat milking station book a cheese-making workshop at a local farm make your own cheese and enjoy a large breakfast before your creation is wrapped up for you to take away One of Fuerteventura’s dromedaries (Alamy)6 Ride a camelThe Oasis Wildlife park is a family favourite home to all sorts of big-ticket wildlife including elephants this place started life as a plant centre and camel farm and you’ll still find the largest cactus and succulent garden and the largest dromedary reserve in Europe There’s also a freshwater wetland area which provides a habitat for migrating birds you can book a camel-back safari around the park or through the island’s rocky landscape Leave footprints on Fuerteventura’s wildest beachOn the western side of the Jandia peninsula is Fuerteventura’s wildest and most beautiful beach Playa de Cofete is eight miles long — an epic sweep of cappuccino-coloured sand backed by some of the island’s highest peaks It feels deserted — the currents that make swimming dangerous puts off casual sunbathers and it’s so gigantic other visitors become pinpricks it’s easier to visit on a jeep tour and let someone else drive The journey will take you past the mysterious Villa Winter — an abandoned homestead rumoured to have once been a Nazi hideout — to the Punta Jandia lighthouse at the island’s southwestern tip Lava-stone walls protect vines from the wind on slopes near Playa de Cofete (Alamy)8 Taste island winesWhile arid Fuerteventura produces nothing like the volume of wine of greener Tenerife it was the pioneer of viticulture in the Canaries with vines first planted here in the early 15th century The family who owns Bodega Conatvs has spent 30 years trawling the island for ancient vine stock and experimenting with different varietals and now their vineyard is the only one with DOP status on Fuerteventura Tour the vines thriving in ravines in a mixture of fine sand and volcanic soil learn about the making and bottling process and then taste the wines — a fruity red Taking in the view at Isla de Lobos (Alamy)9 Visit an uninhabited islandA short ferry or water taxi ride from Corralejo is Isla de Lobos — a nature reserve since 1982 with a wide variety of wildlife-rich habitats despite its diminutive size and deceptively lunar landscape so you can spot native flora and breeding seabirds visit the lighthouse and climb to the top of the volcanic caldera and refreshments — the café on the island isn’t up to much referring to a historic colony of monk seals Ride the wavesExposed to powerful Atlantic swells the Canary Islands are up there among Europe’s most popular surfing spots and there are conditions to suit all standards from beginners up to pros Winter is the best time for big waves; summer is often calmer for new starters Beaches with the best waves for first-timers are found in the north — along the Corralejo coast and at El Cotillo in the northwest There are plenty of surf camps with multi-day packages available — or you can try a one-off taster session Among the boulders at Las Penitas (Alamy)11 Hike to caves and gorgesLeave the sun lounger behind and swap flip-flops for sturdy shoes and you’ll be rewarded with some of the most striking and photogenic places on Fuerteventura The Ajuy caves are the oldest part of the island created by lava 100 million years ago and accessed via a gentle walk along the black sand beach the spectacular ravine of Las Penitas is a more challenging hike that’s scattered with boulders but crowned with a curving rock arch you can scramble up to for views and photos Acua Water Park in Corralejo is the only full-size waterpark in Fuerteventura and is big enough to keep the whole family happy Racing slides and kamikaze drops are countered by a lazy river kids’ splash area and plenty of sun loungers and there’s an activity pool with water polo and other social games to suit teenagers or you can book a bus transfer the day before your visit at an extra cost The park closes for the winter from November to March The starry sky over Fuerteventura (Alamy)13 Stargaze with an expertThe trade winds that prevent clouds from forming give the Canary Islands some of the clearest skies in Europe and Fuerteventura was designated a Unesco starlight reserve in 2015 All this contributes to a night sky that blows city dwellers away with its clarity and sheer abundance of stars the Sicasumbre viewpoint in the island’s south has a star chart to help you identify what you see but you’ll get far more from an expert-led experience Stars by Night has purely observational and astrophotography excursions suitable for beginners A fin whale skeleton display in Puerto del Rosario (Alamy)14 See art in the open airUnless there’s a cruise ship moored at the dock you’ll find few tourists in Puerto del Rosario Instead of the colonial architecture of Betancuria here you’ll find modern artistic expression both on the blank canvasses of the whitewashed walls and in over 100 pieces of public sculpture dotted through the streets but there’s a joy in stumbling across striking murals or intriguing statues as you wander Puerto del Rosario is the easiest place to access by public transport in Fuerteventura; line 6 runs to Corralejo line 3 to Caleta de Fuste and line 1 to Morro Jable Getting set for kitesurfing on the beach at Corralejo (Alamy)15 Harness the windFuerteventura is famously gusty so why not make the most of the breezes and have a go at one of the sports the island is famous for Windsurfing and kiteboarding both work on the same principle — the power of the wind caught in a sail propelling you through the water — but while the sail is attached to the board in windsurfing in kiteboarding the board attaches to your feet and the sail to your body via a harness windsurfing is easier — you can make a decent fist of it in a couple of hours — whereas starter kiteboarding courses last two to three days The Sotavento lagoon has one of the largest windsurfing and kiteboarding schools in the world and the conditions around Corralejo are also suitable for beginners • Best all-inclusive hotels in Fuerteventura• Best hotels in Fuerteventura Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here The long-awaited rains brought both good and concerning news to the Canary Islands which has been the region with the most rain in Spain following the passage of a DANA (Isolated High-Level Depression) through the archipelago One of the results is that the Puerto del Rosario Council has closed and prohibited bathing at Los Pozos Beach in the capital of Fuerteventura after detecting a possible discharge of dirty water following the intense rainfall The decision was made by the Beach Department which has been closely monitoring the effects on the coastline of the municipality due to the DANA The councillor responsible for the department toured the coast accompanied by technicians resulting in a positive assessment: the bathing areas of Los Molinos and Las Caletillas did not suffer any damage Los Pozos Beach has been closed due to a possible discharge and swimming is prohibited while the Public Health authorities are conducting water tests to determine the nature and extent of these discharges 2023 has witnessed a sharp rise in criminal activity on the island of Fuerteventura according to data released by the Ministry del Interior for the first three quarters of the year a total of 5,278 criminal complaints (denuncias) were processed across the six municipalities of the island predominantly handled by the Guardia Civil and the National Police This represents a notable increase of 20.2% compared to the same period in 2022 The municipality of Pájara stands out with the highest incidence of the crime spike processing 950 complaints in the first nine months This marks a substantial increase of 37.1% the municipality of La Oliva displays a relatively lower percentage increase in criminal cases for 2023 with an uptick of 10.3% evident in the processing of 1,462 files Puerto del Rosario occupies an intermediate position with a percentage increase close to the island average a total of 1,857 criminal complaints were processed in the capital the official report indicates that between Betancuria a total of 1,009 criminal complaints were processed from January 1 to September 30 marking a significant rise of 23.5% compared to the previous year Fuerteventura has seen no violent deaths reported so far this year a trend that appears to be consistent with the situation during the first nine months of 2022 aligning with the statistics from the previous year theft continues to be the most prevalent crime in 2023 accounting for no less than 1,288 cases according to ministerial estimates there has been a noteworthy decrease in 2023 Despite the concerning situation in Pájara the overall island-wide trend reflects a reduction of 23.6% with a total of 42 complaints reported in the first nine months have been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a Danish tourist during a brawl in Corralejo which bring the total number of suspects detained in this case to four The suspects were presented before the Court of First Instance and Instruction in Puerto del Rosario yesterday (January 10th) which is currently overseeing the case one of the detainees was remanded in custody while the other faces charges of being an accessory one of the detainees is accused of multiple offences This individual was initially suspected of acting as an accomplice during earlier arrests The second suspect is charged with aiding and abetting having allegedly attempted to assist one of the principal offenders in evading justice by providing false identification documents to facilitate an escape from Spain led by the Guardia Civil's Homicide Unit of Las Palmas has continued to uncover evidence following the initial arrests This has included a search of a property within the disused commercial premises of the former Baku Shopping Centre in Corralejo investigators reportedly discovered electronic items belonging to one of the victims The latest arrests follow earlier developments in the case three of the first four individuals detained were ordered into custody including placement in a juvenile detention centre for one of them The investigation has been a collaborative effort involving multiple police forces These include the Territorial Judicial Police Team of Puerto del Rosario officers from the Corralejo Principal Station The incident that led to the death of the Danish tourist occurred during a violent altercation in Corralejo The tragedy has drawn attention to safety concerns in the area and highlights the challenges of tackling violent crime in tourist hotspots A beach in Fuerteventura has been placed under a yellow flag for a shark warning after reports of sightings of hammerhead sharks in the area of the Parador at Playa Blanca in Puerto del Rosario a patrol on jet skis was conducted following the report which confirmed the presence of sharks about 200 metres from the shore allowing bathing with caution close to the shore Patrols will continue today along the coast to verify if the sharks are still close by or if they have moved on to another area of the ocean Two people have been arrested by the Fiscal and Border Patrol (PAFIF) in Fuerteventura for crimes against industrial property after a search of a market stall and a shop in Corralejo led to 214 counterfeit garments and articles The search was instigated by the PAFIF with an accredited expert on behalf of the affected brands which have been continuously punished for the illicit trade of this type of counterfeit clothing and items in different parts of the islands Their claim to loss of prestige and economic damage is what has led to these raids after they filed official complaints on several occasions that has led to similar actions being carried out in Tenerife and Gran Canaria the inspections focused on a street market that takes place in the centre of Corralejo and in a commercial premises located in the centre of the same town resulting in the seizure of 214 items including handkerchiefs all of them counterfeited under the name of the affected commercial brand and were on sale to the public The market value of the confiscated merchandise amounts to more than 127,350 euros which directly affects the sales of the brands leaving the detainees and the seized objects in the custody of the judicial authorities of  Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura The Guardia Civil have arrested three men aged 39 40 and 46 in Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura after discovering a marijuana plantation in a warehouse by following the smell of the drug from outside the premises According to a report from the Higher Police Headquarters of the Canary Islands agents first learned of the existence of a possible marijuana plantation in December when investigators found that a strong smell of marijuana emanated from a warehouse in the area but needed a search warrant to enter the premises they were able to identify those allegedly responsible intercepting one of their cars and finding 585 grams of marijuana and 99 grams of hashish in a backpack on the passenger seat foot well 266 marijuana plants and 14 kilograms of the same substance were seized and the investigation culminated in the arrest of the three men who were sent to the competent Judicial Authority Puerto del Rosario is Fuerteventura's capital is usually attended mostly by residents and locals Carnival season is a great time to visit Fuerteventura and you should participate in this event if you want to experience a Spanish festival outside the tourist resorts The Puerto del Rosario Carnival 2025 is scheduled from February 21 to March 9 with the theme "Toys and the Animated World." The main events include the Arretrancos Race on February 4 The Arretrancos Race starts at 12:00 PM on León y Castillo Street followed by a "Sábana" party featuring performances by Laly Lean The Carnival Proclamation begins at 8:30 PM at the Fairgrounds The Daytime Carnival starts at 1:00 PM at Los Pozos Beach The carnival in Puerto del Rosario will consist of a total of 17 days of events and fiestas where visitors and residents will take to the streets to enjoy the lively parties that make this carnival unique such as the Arretrancos Race or the Achipencos Regatta If you're planning on spending New Year's Eve in Fuerteventura this year then you might be wondering what to expect Most of the tourist resorts in Fuerteventura - Corralejo Caleta de Fuste and Morro Jable usually have New Year's parties each year Each year there is a big New Year's Eve Party in Corralejo and this is the place to be at midnight The day is approaching to say goodbye to 2024 in style and to welcome 2025 del Carmen in Corralejo will be the heart of the best New Year's Eve celebration Get ready for an unforgettable night filled with music There will also be a live broadcast of the countdown accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display and party favors Join the fiesta to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025 Don’t miss this magical night in Corralejo People are dancing and singing in the streets while waiting for the countdown before the new year Most of the bars and restaurants in Corralejo are also open and hosting dinner parties What to expect in terms of weather in December in Fuerteventura The New Year's Eve party in Caleta de Fuste is also organized in the main public square and features music New Year’s Eve Celebration in Caleta de Fuste Join us for an unforgettable night of music and festivities as we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 in style The Pájara City Council is organizing each year a party on December 31 to welcome the New Year and celebrate New Year's Eve. This will take place usually takes place in Plaza de los Pescadores in Morro Jable New Year’s Eve Celebration in Morro Jable Come and celebrate with us as we ring in the New Year with music Puerto del Rosario is the island's capital so the New Year's Eve events are usually attended mostly by locals and less by tourists But if you want to celebrate somewhere with a local atmosphere Puerto del Rosario is the place to go.  Welcome 2025 with the Great New Year's Eve Party that will take place in the Plaza de la Paz in Puerto del Rosario starting at 00:30 am How is the weather in January in Fuerteventura? dancing and drinking cava or champagne to welcome the New Year in Fuerteventura.  we recommend you try one of the outdoor parties in Corralejo The entrance is free and everyone is singing and dancing together New Year's Eve in Fuerteventura is a lovely time to visit the island so you can enjoy the warm weather and also the festivities and the nonstop party atmosphere Planning to spend a few hours at a street market during your holiday in Fuerteventura Check out the list and find the one that sparks your interest Almost every town and resort in Fuerteventura has a weekly market with different stalls and vendors where you can find almost anything from cheap souvenirs and knock-offs as well as locally produced aloe vera cosmetics Below you can see more details about each town and what sort of markets it hosts The Corralejo market in El Campanario is an ideal place for souvenir and gift shopping since the products are all handmade and some of them are very original with restaurants and cafes where you can take a bite or have a proper lunch There are plenty of stalls all around and also live music (starting at around 12:00) Montecastillo market in Caleta de Fuste is a tourist market so here you'll find all types of souvenirs as well as old books or artistic postcards plus an endless variety of other types of products This market is small compared to others on the island but it has a hippie vibe and it's a nice place to visit if you are around you will find mostly food items from the island but also some stalls that sell craft items and handmade objects Flea Market - every Sunday from 9:00 to 14:00 The craft market in Tetir is on 4 times each year It's usually celebrated on the second Sunday of the months of March but check the dedicated page on our website to see the exact date of the next edition Besides the markets, the island offers other shopping opportunities as well, so please read more about shopping in Fuerteventura if you are interested in the subject Also, if you plan on visiting Lanzarote, make sure to go to Teguise Market on a Sunday It's probably the largest market in all the Canary Islands and a great place for all sorts of shopping the best market to go to is the one closest to you none of the markets in Fuerteventura are special enough to justify traveling from one end of the island to the other Out of all the markets available on the island the one we liked best was the Sunday market in El Campanario (Corralejo) like handmade earrings created from local flowers set in resin which looked lovely and were much appreciated as gifts.  the cruise season in Puerto del Rosario ended A total of 125 stops were made by the different cruise ships at the capital's port so a total of 58 more arrivals compared to the previous cruise arrival period "It is good news that the Puerto del Rosario dock continues to strengthen its position as a destination for cruise ship tourists in addition to the visitors who come to the municipality daily from other parts of the island The city council is in constant contact with the Port Authority regarding the improvement works being carried out on the port's infrastructure to meet the logistical needs of various vessels and to provide services to cruise passengers through the tourism office." operating continuously in morning and afternoon shifts during the week and morning shifts on weekends allow us to provide better service not only to cruise passengers but also to other visitors and residents seeking information about the municipality and the island we organize various complementary activities related to crafts so that visitors leave with fond memories of their visit." the cruise ship "Costa Fortuna" inaugurated the cruise season The "Costa Fascinosa," with about 2,800 passengers from various countries and a crew of approximately 1,050 members from 40 different nationalities was the last cruise ship to stop at Puerto del Rosario on May 21 The cruise ships arriving at Puerto del Rosario are like floating cities These vessels typically make one-day stops at different islands in the archipelago in addition to other destinations such as Madeira and various cities on the Iberian Peninsula or North Africa after visiting the different cities where they stop often return to the island and stay in hotels for several days having had an initial introduction to the destination the number of cruise ship stops has increased in subsequent years which has been very beneficial for Puerto del Rosario in particular as well as for the island and the rest of the archipelago in general there were 1,300 stops in the Canary Islands solidifying cruise tourism as an alternative to the traditional sun-and-beach tourism that the Canary Islands usually attract Subscribe to be the first to get new family travel inspiration Sign up today! Can you really keep travelling with a child in tow Subscribe to be the first to get new family travel inspiration There’s nothing like a rainy day to get me looking for the closest winter sun holidays, especially in the Canary Islands – although with so many things to do in Fuerteventura with kids it’s a great bet for families year-round contains affiliate links* so I’m already sold on the idea of Fuerteventura with kids As well as great villas and hotels which won’t break the bank this is what’s tempting me to book a holiday with my pick of the best things to do in Fuerteventura with kids Average temperatures of 24C in Fuerteventura in October are blissful compared to the UK…  and by February I sometimes feel like I haven’t seen daylight for approximately 100 years You can be unlucky with cool and rainy days and Fuerteventura – as the name (‘strong winds‘) suggests – is a windy island If you’re looking at summer holidays to Fuerteventura Is it a proper winter sun holiday with kids if you don’t visit the beach And as well as having the longest beaches in the Canaries Fuerteventura’s beaches are ideal for kids too – some of the best beaches have very shallow waters such as Playa del Castillo at Caleta de Fuste and Playa del Matorral in the south of the island as well as the beautiful calm waters of Playa La Concha near El Cotillo If you’re looking for ideas of more adventurous things to do in Fuerteventura for kids than sandcastles it’s also a great location for water sports like windsurfing and kite surfing thanks to the winds – ideal for teens and active tweens who want some more exciting activities than sandcastle building while clambering on the sand dunes of Corralejo Natural Park would definitely be a hit with my daughter too – it’s also the site of the island’s annual kite festival Costa Calma beach is another good spot if you’re looking for a surf lesson or to try windsurfing plus plenty of white sand and the crystal clear waters you can expect around Fuerteventura You can also book kids and family surf lessons with one of the island’s surf schools – the beaches vary depending on the weather conditions but they’re all chosen for their gentle waves check out Morro Jable – 4km of gorgeous beach with turquoise waters a string of shops lining the beach and the Jandia salt marshes behind This big water park in Fuerteventura is the only water park on the island. Previously called Baku, Acua Water Park is set in Corralejo with wave pool and a children’s splash pool as well as more thrilling water slides and rides which my daughter loves (and is impressively good at) plus 10-pin bowling if you don’t want to spend all day in the water It’s open from April for the main summer season until around the end of October/early November so if you’re considering visiting Fuerteventura in February half-term Buy tickets with free cancellation here We’ve taken boat trips in Gran Canaria as we cruised along the coast to Puerto Mogan as well as spotting dolphins around the world so I’d love to try one of the dolphin and whale spotting trips in Fuerteventura Watch fish through the glass base before heading into the water to snorkel The Oceanarium Explorer glass bottomed submarine has more mixed reviews (and I’m always reluctant to recommend swimming with sealions) but it seems another popular option If you prefer a rather different family fun experience, there’s also a four-hour Pirate Sailing Adventure aboard the Pedra Sartaña pirate boat – as you sail along the coasts of the Natural Park and water activities including swinging off the side of the boat – far more fun than walking the plank They’re also certified whale and dolphin watchers so you might still spot some during your pirate cruise As well as the boat trips around Fuerteventura and near Isla de Lobos it’s tempting to head to Lobos island itself there are no permanent inhabitants – the name ‘Wolves Island’ comes from the monk seals that once lived here There are walking trails all over the island or you can chill out on Playa de la Concha a small sheltered lagoon with a sandy beach Bring everything you’ll need for a day exploring (or lounging on La Concha beach) as there are no shops to pop to once you’re there Animals are always a hit with my daughter and while this Fuerteventura zoo isn’t the cheapest around there’s an impressive amount to see – plus it’s the only animal park on the island you can also join a camel safari (for an extra fee) and ride through the palm groves outside the park as well as an option to meet the lemurs (again There’s also a botanical garden attached with over 2,300 types of cacti and free buses run to the park There’s a focus on education and conservation at Oasis Wildlife (previously known as Oasis Park Zoo) as well as a section on ethics on the website You can buy entrance tickets with free cancellation along with options including the camel ride Fuerteventura is only around 60 miles long and under 20 miles wide and only takes two hours to drive from end to end so you could hire a car to explore the island’s quiet roads – there are more goats than people here You can even take a tour with goats as you head off the beaten track discovering areas where goat herders still live and getting a chance to feed them (and then having some goat cheese in return) The five-hour trek is only suitable for older children its white buildings sitting in the shadow of the mountains or secluded stretches of sand like Juan Gomez beach towards the south-western tip of the island I love the idea of discovering the traditional windmills dotted around too – apparently those which are one storey high are ‘female’ and the two-storey versions are ‘male’ known as molinos with lots near the oldest village on Fuerteventura called Antigua There is car rental at Fuerteventura’s airport but you can also rent cars in most of the major tourist centres if you want to do a day trip If you don’t fancy driving at all, there are day tours to explore – this off-road tour of Fuerteventura is definitely on my list heading to Jandia National Park and stopping at one of the island’s secluded beaches If you’re planning to hire a car to explore Fuerteventura, I’m a big fan of Zest Car Rental or you can also compare rates at Discover Cars The Canary Islands’ volcanic past still shapes them today whether that’s the blackened landscape of Lanzarote or Mount Teide on Tenerife – and the same goes for Fuerteventura The Ajuy Caves are part of Betancuria Rural Park and they’re the oldest formations in the islands so walking inside is like stepping back into Fuerteventura’s past some parts of the caves are older than the island itself dating back 100 million years (while Fuerteventura is only around 30 million years old) you can see fossilised sand dunes and blowholes in the rocks before discovering the rock formations and tunnels of the caves they’re around five miles from Pájara and a short walk from the black sand Ajuy beach – strong currents mean this black sand beach isn’t a great place to swim with kids though as you’ll tell from the ocean crashing around the rocks at the entrance to the caves Visiting the caves isn’t a great option with toddlers and young children but fun for older kids: do wear sensible shoes rather than flipflops and be aware it’s a windy walk on this side of the island If you time your visit for close to sunset it’s one of the best places in Fuerteventura to watch it dip below the horizon This extinct volcano in the north of the island is another reminder of the Canary Island’s volcanic past but it’s one of the most accessible for families – you climb a stone path to reach the top at 278m above sea level where there’s a viewing platform to look right down into the 70m deep crater it’s not recommended with kids (and not for adults if there’s strong wind either) If you’re visiting in the warmer months there’s no shade so it’s best to visit early in the day or later in the afternoon with the stone trail starting from here – the last section of road leading to the car park is very rocky so be aware if you’ve got a hire car (unless it’s a 4×4) Fuerteventura’s Salt Museum, or Museo de la Sal sits right beside the salt pans of El Carmen in the area where the island’s first salt fields were built centuries ago Salt farming has long been a tradition across the Canary Islands with an exhibition sharing information on how salt was extracted from the sea water to see the traditional methods in practice – plus there’s a shop where you can buy the finished product too The museum is not far from Caleta de Fuste there’s also a big whale skeleton outside the whitewashed museum building If you’re passing Fuerteventura’s small capital Replacing Betancuria as the capital in 1860 the small fishing village has grown over the past 150 years but you can still explore its old town with buildings dating back to the early 19th century look out for the sculptures dotted around – while it’s called the Sculpture Park there isn’t just one single location to explore along various promenades and in the middle of roundabouts There are lots to see around the port though including ones inspired by the island’s goats and whales Keep an eye out for the town’s murals too with hundreds now brightening up its streets Nearby Playa Blanca beach – not to be confused with its namesake in Lanzarote – is another lovely beach to relax on or enjoy the water activities too The two islands are so close that I’ve seen Fuerteventura when we’ve stayed in Playa Blanca on Lanzarote – I’ve contemplated taking the ferry to Fuerteventura quite a few times but have never quite managed to Or further down is Marina Rubicon with its market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings The crossing takes around 30-45 minutes with three to four boats per day With several companies running between the islands, you can compare ferry prices from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote on the Ferryhopper site to find the cheapest day trip from Fuerteventura If you’re looking for cheap flights to Fuerteventura especially if you’re looking for a package deal personally I’m not convinced that particular airline will ever top my own personal list… There’s also a wide choice of family-friendly hotels in Fuerteventura if you want to book independently as well as villas and self-catering apartments to choose from For more ideas, check out my guide to the Canary Islands with kids Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission All opinions about visiting Fuerteventura with kids are my own including the fact that sunshine is essential by the time it’s February Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller Just wondering if you can recommend a hotel in Fuerteventura with a kids club that takes Babies/Toddlers please I haven’t stayed in any personally with a baby or toddler but there’s a good list here which might help? https://www.kiddieholidays.co.uk/15-baby-and-toddler-friendly-hotels-and-in-fuerteventura/ Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. I’m Cathy, an award-winning travel-obsessed writer who’s never knowingly underpacked I’m also mum to the mini traveller – aka 12-year-old Minnie* – and trying to work out how to cling on to normal life by my fingernails Privacy policy Disclosure policy As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases Cabildo de Fuerteventura improves the bus service with new frequencies on some of the existing lines The insular vice-president and Minister of Transport a response is provided to the airport workers while occupancy problems of the rest of the regular interurban transport line services are solved “ We continue to provide solutions to one of the island's historical problems: public transport” “We promised a radical change of the service and we are doing it ” The vice president recalls that last March the Cabildo acquired four new buses to reinforce the frequencies the incorporation of another 13 new units is planned to continue strengthening the service and continue to improve the day-to-day life of users the current public transport service in Fuerteventura will be reinforced with the following services from Monday to Sunday and holidays: The complete lines with the new services can be downloaded from the information website of the Public Transport Concessionaire: www.tiadhe.com in the 'routes and timetables' section Puerto del Rosario has been the capital of Fuerteventura since 1860 and it was previously called "Puerto de las cabras" (Port of the goats) with a population of around 30,000 people according to Wikipedia and it's the main port in Fuerteventura Puerto del Rosario is not considered a popular tourist attraction in Fuerteventura the city has seen a lot of changes and the beach has improved a lot and it is now a really pretty place to take a walk or spend the day Many cruise ships now make a stop in Puerto del Rosario during the winter season so the city becomes more lively due to the larger number of tourists many visitors from nearby resorts come to Puerto del Rosario just to see the big ships when they arrive at the harbour.    If you plan on doing some shopping while on holiday, then Las Rotondas is probably the best place on the island There is also a big Hiperdino supermarket on the ground floor and some buffet restaurants Depending on where you are staying on the island, you may want to read more about shopping in Fuerteventura in order to get more information about other towns and resorts The entire town of Puerto del Rosario is an Outdoor Sculpture Park with over 50 pieces of art scattered all over the city The sculptures were designed by different artists as part of an annual contest called The International Symposium of Sculpture You can just take a walk through the pedestrian city center or the ocean promenade and you will find these pieces of art at every corner Some of the big pieces are placed in the roundabouts or intersections and you will be surprised at the creativity demonstrated by the artists It seems like the town of Puerto del Rosario loves art and aims to bring it to the streets both with the sculpture park and now with the mural paintings The initiative has started in 2011 and by now there are over 400 mural paintings in the city Some of the local brands have sponsored the project and the talented artists among which there are names like Dailos Paniagua Sophia and Lorenzo Mederos and Martinsolar Deva While you take a walk to discover the sculptures since you will find them in the most surprising places poet and philosopher who was forced to live in exile until 1930 in Fuerteventura His house in Puerto del Rosario is now a museum open to the public Playa Chica is a town beach and it is situated close to the harbor where some of the big ships arrive so it is not as popular for swimming among tourists The beach in Puerto del Rosario has been updated and now it looks really good and it's also bigger than before so maybe the name Playa Chica (the small beach) isn't so appropriate anymore.   The water here is usually calm and you can find many beautiful seashells if you walk on the shore Playa Chica has many facilities like beach showers you will find another large beach called Playa Blanca This beach has facilities like sunbeds and umbrellas Playa Blanca is one of the Blue Flag beaches in Fuerteventura so it well maintained and it is also popular for surfing.  you can find a small chiringuito (beach bar) where you can serve a cold cocktail or a beer and they also serve sandwiches for a quick lunch on the beach.  Since Puerto del Rosario is the island's capital, each year it organizes its own carnival especially among locals and residents.  This event usually lasts for 2 weeks, sometimes between February and March and it has a different theme every year If you're passionate about karting, then come to Puerto del Rosario and try the Gran Karting in town It's a great way to spend time with family and friends when you're looking for something to do away from the beach The Centro de Arte Juan Ismael is Fuerteventura's art center and art gallery located in Puerto del Rosario so if you're interested in modern art and you have a few free moments you can stop here to see what's on display Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario is a church with beautiful architecture in the center of the capital The church is a tranquil place to visit in Puerto del Rosario and it's located near the Casa Museo Miguel de Unamuno Fuerteventura and the rest of the islands are dressing up for party and start celebrating their first big event of the year This year the main events will take place in Corralejo Dates for the La Oliva and Corralejo Carnival: 9 - 19 March 2017 The theme for the carnaval was voted online and the option of Inventions & Science was chosen as the winner this year Bring your geeky costumes and come to the biggest carnival in Fuerteventura The streets will be full of crowds that come to admire the beautiful floats in the parade The main parade continues with a party that lasts until morning Corralejo is the place to be during this time The poster for the event was designed by Danilo Ruiz and is titled: "Marie Curie Dates for the Puerto del Rosario Carnival: 11 Feb - 5 March 2017 This year the theme for the Carnaval in Puerto del Rosario will be the Fairy Tales as the capital invites participants into a world of fantasy The main parade and party will be on the 28th of February 2017  Dates for the Antigua and Caleta de Fuste Carnival: 17 - 20 Feb 2017 The theme will be The World of Advertising  Date for the Pajara and Morro Jable Carnival: 10 March - 19 March 2017 The theme of the festivities will be The Arts so you are invited to dress up as bohemian and flamboyant as you see fit and come join the fun All of the Canary Islands have their own celebration, with the Carnival in Tenerife being the largest of them all and also the second largest in the world (only after Rio de Janeiro). The people in Lanzarote will also be celebrating with their own carnivals and Playa Blanca the resort that is closest to Fuerteventura in order to announce the opening of the first underwater museum in Europe close to their shore Last Updated on 16th March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau One of the key architectural features that will stand out to you when you’re visiting Fuerteventura is the sheer number of windmills dotted around the island these structures are just as integral to the architectural landscape of the Canary Island as boats and other historic buildings Here’s a guide to Fuerteventura windmills as well as some history and how to learn more for yourself If you’re planning a trip to Fuerteventura, be sure to check out our suggested 3 days in Fuerteventura itinerary. Windmills on Fuerteventura were first begun as simple structures to aid local farmers in harnessing the wind power to enable them to more easily mill grain (namely corn) There are two types of windmills on the island; the older larger types are known as the masculine ‘el molino,’ while the newer smaller types are known as the feminine ‘la molina’. If you’re visiting the Canary Islands for yourself, check out this Fuerteventura itinerary. Of all the places to see windmills in Fuerteventura which is a little settlement inland in the middle of the Canary Island though admittedly one is more impressive than the other Unfortunately both can only be admired via their exteriors The Tefia windmill is located a few hundred metres down a dirt road and can be visited close up you’ll be rewarded by views all the way to the sea and German) detailing the history of the windmill and its surrounds Located in the middle of the town of Corralejo the Molina de Juan Morera is situated next to a supermarket in an otherwise unassuming town square A unique piece of Fuerteventura’s history A larger windmill in Corralejo is the Molino del Dulcero (you can tell that it’s a larger windmill on account of it being described in the masculine) which is located on Calle Isaac Peral you can’t visit the interior of this windmill though I personally find it to be a nice photo opportunity Yet another little windmill that is actually private property and so can only be viewed and admired from the roadside is Molina del Roque. Situated close to the town of El Cotillo and not far from the road which leads to the Laberinto de Wolf Patton (the labyrinth) Situated on the fringes of the delightful town of La Oliva, one of the prettiest towns in Fuerteventura the windmills of Villaverde offer one of the best viewpoints to see sunset in Fuerteventura Though not worthy of a visit in of their own right they are most definitely worth stopping by if you’re already in the area The interpretation centre for windmills on Fuerteventura is a small exhibition space in the sleepy little town of Tiscamanita in the centre of the island The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM and is all about the history of windmills and milling on the island Comprising of a series of rooms featuring various exhibitions and artefacts visitors can also learn what life would have been like on the island in centuries gone by The Fuerteventura museum also features a small gift shop and boasts views onto the surrounding volcanic mountains you can easily visit it over the course of an hour or two It’s also worth noting that the main displays are exhibited in Spanish though information in other languages such as English is available on request you can even enter the windmill during the course of the visit Enjoyed reading about the best of Fuerteventura windmills Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading I started this site back in 2015 with one mission in mind: I wanted to create useful travel guides with a historical and cultural focus Today it has blossomed into my full time job and together with a small team of writers (including my husband and sister) we craft articles to help you travel better throughout Europe © 2015- 2025 Sophie Nadeau. Nadeau Pasquier LTD. All Rights Reserved. solosophie participates in various affiliate marketing programs. solosophie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Privacy Policy has announced that Los Pozos beach will have a new service for sunbeds and umbrellas in a few weeks once it has been authorized by the Port Authority Los Pozos beach in the capital of Fuerteventura will have a sunbed and umbrella service This new service will be launched after obtaining authorization from the Port Authority of Las Palmas and once it will be in place it will improve the coastline of the municipality and will make it more interesting for tourism The agreement between the Port Authority of Las Palmas and the City Council of Puerto del Rosario for the management of Los Pozos beach located between the breakwater that delimits the sports dock and the Los Pozos ravine was published in BOE number 277 of October 20 The intention is to set a sunbed area of ​​360 m² with a maximum number of 50 sunbeds with their corresponding umbrellas for every two sun loungers (25 umbrellas The price for the sunbed will be 3 euros per day the hours of this service will be from 10:00 a.m “With the upcoming arrival of summer” “ from the City Council of Puerto del Rosario and thanks to the collaboration of the Port Authority we started the procedures for the development of the equipment that this beach will offer to tourists who disembark in our city improving our competitiveness and the services of our coastline the exploitation of the sun loungers and umbrellas service will bring economic benefits for the municipality in order to advance in the social and economic recovery at the same time that it will come to continue generating employment ” The arrival of the Three Kings is an important event in the Spanish Culture with festivities taking place in almost any city in Spain The celebration starts on the night of 5th January with a parade called Cabalgada de los Reyes Magos Spain celebrates the Epiphany or the arrival of the Three Kings from the Orient an event which is highly anticipated by everyone who receive gifts on this day (similar to Christmas day in other cultures).  is a public holiday and so many businesses will be closed on this day with a highly anticipated event: the Three Kings Parade (La Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos) The kids will write letters asking for toys or other gifts and they will and these letters down to the Three Kings when they meet them before the parade organized in every big resort and city on the island Check the schedule below to know the time and schedule of events for each municipality on the island If you're planning a holiday in January in Fuerteventura it would be a shame to miss such an important event like the big parade which is organized each year on January 5th we will receive their Majesties the Three Kings of the East in the municipality of La Oliva in style Get ready for the magic of the Three Kings Parade in Corralejo: Location: Departure from Las Palmeras Shopping Center The Three Kings have confirmed their visit to Antigua and Caleta de Fuste and will travel through the center of Puerto del Rosario until reaching the Giant Nativity Scene where the Three Wise Men will stop to greet all attendees and share a unique moment with the community This celebration will be an opportunity for citizens to enjoy an event full of color music and the magic of the arrival of Their Majesties Their Majesties will visit the towns of La Lajita Ajuy and Cardón starting at 10:00 a.m. Morro Jable and Costa Calma they will arrive starting at 5:00 p.m The Three Kings will be received in the town of Toto at 5:00 p.m. they will go along Avenida del Saladar until they reach the town of Morro Jable where there will also be surprises and musical performances the tour in Costa Calma will start at the Cultural Center and will reach the tourist area.  Fuerteventura is celebrating carnival season along all the other Canary Islands with celebrations taking place all over the island Carnival dates are usually announced a few months ahead of the event which customarily takes place between the months of February and March Each municipality in Fuerteventura chooses a different theme for each year's event so the groups in the parades will have different types of costumes All the participants in the carnival are encouraged to dress in costumes and get into character as this will give the party much more character and personality The Carnival theme in 2024 in Puerto del Rosario will be "Toys and the animated world" The most expected events during the carnival are the Queen Gala The entire municipality of Pajar usually celebrates the carnivals with events dedicated to the main theme of the event 2020 was the 7th year in a row when the carnival in Betancuria was celebrated. Similar to the carnival in La Palma (Los Indianos) plus there's talcum powder involved here also This page will be updated with more details as soon as we receive more information about celebrations and events in Fuerteventura in 2023.  Halloween wasn't a big thing in Fuerteventura until recent years when this holiday started gaining popularity in the Canaries as well There are various activities organized for kids some on the beach and also parties at night for adults Some people get dressed up or put on a wig and some make-up But since you're in a holiday resort where people have come to enjoy themselves almost anything is allowed in the name of fun The City Council usually hosts costume contests for adults and children games and many other surprises to celebrate Halloween in a fun way The page will be updated with more info as soon as the City Council announces the program for this year Antigua and Caleta de Fuste celebrate Halloween A celebration designed to revitalize the commercial areas of both towns and provide entertainment for kids and families The bar usually organizes a Halloween Party with prizes for the best costume a Halloween-themed quiz/competition and some extra spooky karaoke Most likely many other bars in Caleta de Fuste will organize their own parties or events We will try to update this page if we get more info regarding events that might be of interest These types of events are usually announced only on short notice and you don't really need much head notice unless you want to bring an elaborate costume with you in your suitcase In the last few years, many bars in Corralejo have started hosting Halloween parties as well Maybe this year more bars and restaurants will join in.  You will see that some people will get dressed up for Halloween from kids to the employees in Mercadona or the staff in hotels and bars Halloween is really a fun time to visit Fuerteventura and if you're a fan of this holiday you can bring your costume with you or just buy one here especially in the Chinese shops that are in all the resorts.  Halloween Party at Talk of the Town - Corralejo  It’s Halloween and down at Talk of the Town we will have sweet treats and a party atmosphere to Celebrate Halloween in Style Make sure you come dressed in Halloween attire as all guests in fancy dress will get a welcome Shot and the best dressed on the night will win a prize!! See more details on the event page on Facebook. Fun Halloween events at Centro Comercial Las Rotondas The largest shopping mall on the island will organize this year some events for kids each Saturday during the month of October Fuerteventura is celebrating carnival season along all the other Canary Islands with celebrations in all the major cities and resorts: Corralejo Read more info about the latest edition of the Carnivals in Fuerteventura 13 February 2018 was announced as the official day for the Carnival Tuesday in the capital Puerto del Rosario The theme for the Puerto del Rosario Carnival in 2018 will be Music and Shows - Musica y Espectaculos the event will consist of several days of party with music and activities during the day and nights as well The actual calendar for the events will be announced at a later date by the Puerto del Rosario City Council The carnivals in the popular tourist resorts like Corralejo Caleta de Fuste and Morro Jable are still to be announced They are usually held one to two weeks after the carnival in Puerto del Rosario This year these events might be held earlier compared to last year due to the fact that Easter is also celebrated earlier in 2018 This page will be updated with more details as soon as we receive more information about celebrations and events in Fuerteventura in 2018.  The Retro Vintage theme will allow for participants to let their imagination go wild in putting together outfits with a retro feel The poster for the carnival was already chosen and name of the author is Jonas Emanual, a young man from Puerto de la Cruz (Tenerife) who has won this year the competition for 3 posters for the carnivals in Puerto de la Cruz Icod de los Vinos and La Oliva - Fuerteventura The entire municipality of Pajara will celebrate the carnivals in 2018 with events full of color and indian rhythms since the theme for next year is obviously.. or your most colorful dresses and shirts and join in the carnival The Carnaval de Antigua will start on the 1st of February in Antigua and it will end on the 11th of February in Caleta de Fuste.