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Fuerteventura

Explore the oldest island in the Canaries

If there’s an island of the Canary Island Archipelago that can give the Caribbean a run for its money, it’s Fuerteventura. It’s just so easy to fall in love with its golden sand beaches and aquamarine waters. With Líneas Romero, you can travel to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote. The trip only takes 30 minutes on our fast ferry. Do you want to know what awaits you on this marvellous island? Don’t miss out on its history, its beaches and the best nooks and crannies of Fuerteventura.

pueblo de fuerteventura

A sea of dunes to explore in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is a unique and captivating island that will simply take your breath away. It’s the Canary Island that’s nearest to Africa and the second largest – after Tenerife – with an area of 1,659 km² and 150 kilometres of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve and a Starlight Reserve by UNESCO, ensuring that its natural beauty is protected. If you wish to visit the island, Líneas Romero offer a regular ferry service that connects Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, with the journey only taking 30 min.

The island boasts an enviable climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year and an exceptionally low amount of rainfall. Fuerteventura’s climate is arid, with areas characterised by a desert and dry subtropical climate. What’s more, the wind and wave conditions make it a paradise for lovers of sports such as surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

It’s a desert jewel with endless stretches of dreamy beaches with either white sand or golden sand and turquoise waters that you simply have to dive into.

History of Fuerteventura

The history of Fuerteventura dates back to the year 1000 BC, with the arrival of the Majos – the island’s earliest settlers whose main forms of livelihood were agriculture, grazing and fishing. Their name comes from the Guanche term majo, which is a type of goatskin shoe that they wore.

The island’s name has changed over time. When the Majos arrived to the island, it was called Herbania, which was divided into two kingdoms: Maxorata to the north and Jandía to the south. During the Roman occupation, it was called Planaria, due to the island’s mostly flat terrain, and Capraria, for the large number of goats inhabiting the island.

It was in 1402 when Jean de Bethencourt and Gadifer de la Salle set out on expeditions to Fuerteventura. It wasn’t until 1405 before the territory became part of the Kingdom of Castile. Afterwards, the island was prone to constant attacks by Barbary corsairs and pirates.

mujer caminando por las dunas de fuerteventura

From the geological point of view, it’s the oldest island of the Canary Islands. It was formed millions of years ago. At present, its terrain is more or less smooth as a result of erosion, although recent volcanic activity – approximately 100,000 years ago – left extensive wastelands of volcanic lava called malpaíses.

The highest point on Fuerteventura is Pico de la Zarza, at an altitude of 807 metres, located on the Jandía Peninsula to the south of the island. To the northeast, a little less than 2 km away, is a small islet – Lobos Island – which belongs to Fuerteventura, with an area of 4.58 km².

The beaches of this Majorero paradise

The beaches are undoubtedly Fuerteventura’s biggest draw. From north to south, its endless stretches of white beach and turquoise waters make Fuerteventura absolutely irresistible. Popular beaches, secluded beaches, unspoilt beaches… the island has beaches for all tastes.

Corralejo

The Dunas de Corralejo Natural Reserve to the north of Fuerteventura is one of the island’s top attractions. In addition, it’s home to some of the best beaches, with fine white sand and aquamarine waters, stretching along some eight kilometres.

You’ll find some beaches here, such as Playa del Burro or Playa del Bajo Negro, with all kinds of services and amenities due to the nearness of hotels in the area. There’s also Playa del Médano, which is the perfect place to windsurf or kitesurf, thanks to the wind currents in this area.

El Cotillo

With stunning views of El Tostón Lighthouse, visiting El Cotillo’s beaches is a must. Playa de La Concha is the area’s most famous beach, with a wide expanse of white sand and several reefs protecting its shores, which is why diving here is an amazing experience.

El Caletón, which has different coves with white sand and whose black volcanic rock underneath is revealed with the action of the tides, is particularly beautiful because of the contrasting colours.

faro en fuerteventura

Last but not the least, you simply can’t miss Los Charcos. These, located on the outskirts of El Cotillo, are found in an untamed desert environment. The volcanic rocks form small natural pools that fill and empty out with the tides.

Jandía’s beaches

The Caribbean has nothing on Jandía. That’s because its fine white sand and its bluer-than-blue waters make it look like paradise. There’s Playa del Matorral, located in the village of Morro Jable, one of Fuerteventura’s hottest tourist destinations. It’s a 4-kilometre-long stretch of beach surrounded by hotels and shops, making its avenue particularly lively.

Playa de Sotavento is a mecca for windsurfers and kitesurfers alike. It’s common to see sails and kites dotting its horizon as enthusiasts of these sports do what they love best in its crystal-clear waters.

Cofete’s beaches

Without a doubt, it’s one of the most popular landmarks of Fuerteventura for its breathtaking scenery and the length of its beach – which is no more and no less than 12 kilometres. With a mountainous massif behind it – that of Jandía – it’s an unspoilt area that will definitely leave an impression.

playa en fuerteventura

Access to it is by car through the cliffs, which is why it’s good to be careful, as it’s along a gravel road that – despite being in good condition – may lead to some complications.

Lobos Island

In just half an hour by boat, you can get to this magnificent spot. Lobos Island has two beaches: La Concha, with views of the Corralejo dunes, is a secluded bay that’s sheltered from the waves. Then there’s Puertito de Lobos, which shows a wonderful contrast between its aquamarine waters, the dark volcanic rock and the beige colour of the wood of the pier.

pasarela en la isla de lobos, Fuerteventura

In this case, it’s a good idea to remember that since 2019, there’s a limit to the number of visitors that can go to Lobos Island per day, which is 400. This is why a permit must be requested 3 days in advance, which will allow you to visit for 4 hours in the morning or afternoon.

Fuerteventura’s hidden gems

If you’re one of those who like to go off the beaten path, you’ll definitely find some largely unknown places that are absolutely amazing.

Barranco de Las Peñitas and Barranco de Los Enamorados

Hiking enthusiasts will find Barranco de Las Peñitas and Barranco de Los Enamorados the perfect spots to enjoy Fuerteventura’s unique terrain to the fullest.

Barranco de Las Peñitas is near the village of Betancuria. A trail just over two kilometres long runs through the ravine, where the Virgen de La Peña shrine – an odd religious building that is integrated into the stone of the ravine – stands.

In contrast, Barranco de Los Enamorados, located in the village of La Oliva – to the south of the village of Lajares – is the closest thing to Antelope Canyon in the United States that can be seen in the Canary Islands. It’s a unique ravine formed by fossil dunes eroded by water.

Esquinzo

For those who prefer the beach, Esquinzo is one of Fuerteventura’s most peaceful and unique spots, where some surfers like to go. Access to this beach is through the ravine with the same name, which starts in the mountain of Tindaya, or from El Cotillo.

playa de Esquinzo, Fuerteventura

Playa de Los Ojos

Although this natural area is not among Fuerteventura’s most famous beaches, it’s no less beautiful. Located in Pájara, two kilometres from the Jandía Lighthouse, Playa de Los Ojos boasts 70 metres of golden sand beaches and caves that are an absolute must-see for visitors who want to immortalise unforgettable places on the island.

Biodiversity that will take your breath away

costa de Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura has a rich, unique and peculiar fauna and flora. It’s home to many species of birds, some endemic to the Canary Islands, while others are migratory birds that fly over its skies and rest on its lands during their long journeys.

In terms of its vegetation, its arid appearance belies a rich variety of unique species adapted to its climatic conditions. In this regard, large palm groves stand out, forming lush oases that look like a scene from a movie.

It has no forests and its landscapes are dominated by plains and volcanic cones, mountains, ravines and it has a very arid environment. This is why the Majorero farmers have been forced to put their ingenuity to the test, adapting to the harshness of the environment and effectively taking advantage of the scarce rainfall and frequent winds. Thus, the landscape has been shaped by humans, creating a balance that’s unique in the world.

Visiting the island, as well as enjoying its landscapes and the hospitality of its people, is a snap with Líneas Romero. Take one of our ferries from the village of Playa Blanca in Lanzarote to Corralejo, one of Fuerteventura’s top tourist destinations. It’ll only take you half an hour to get to this breathtakingly beautiful island!

What’s more, with Líneas Romero, you can also book tours from Fuerteventura to the island of Lanzarote, where you can enjoy its unique volcanic landscapes and visit popular tourist attractions such as the Timanfaya National Park. Enjoy a getaway in the best company, breathe in the Atlantic breeze and have new experiences.