Overview of Fuerteventura
-
the first thing you will definitely notice when you visit
Fuerteventura, is that it gives the appearance of being a desert
island, the second thing you will notice is the “el-viento fuerte” a
strong wind from which the island takes its name and makes it such a
haven for windsurfers. Certainly the wind is strong on this islands
and perhaps the original settlers from North Africa were blown here
along with the beautiful golden sands which make this island such a
dramatic place to visit. Situated approx 100 kilometres from the North
West African Coast, this island is the second largest in the Canarian
Archipelago and without doubt it has the longest and finest beaches,
in fact there are no less than 150 of them.
Fuerteventura, is the oldest of the
Canary Islands, it first appeared around 20
million years ago as a result of volcanic activity and now its landscape has
been eroded away to form a serious of gentle humps and dunes. This “lunar”
landscape although barren is very beautiful and certainly the dunes of Corralejo
and Jandia are very grand and can inspire a sense of remoteness and isolation in
those wishing to perhaps get away from it all. If you want to explore these
areas fully, a Jeep or 4X4 is the preferred mode of transport and many are
available to rent on the island. Although the wind is an almost permanent
feature, the climate of the island is very pleasant, the prevailing winds from
the Sahara are somewhat blunted by the sea temperature although Saharan sand is
still being deposited on the island ( expect the occasional sandstorm) . The
temperature is is especially appealing during the winter months when it varies
between 15C & 21C, which of course is hotter than mainland Spain. During the
summer months, it can reach as high as 27C. Although, the cooling winds can
disguise the heat of the day and precautions have to be taken to avoid sunburn.
Although the desert like appearance is perhaps the most striking feature of this
island, that is not to say you will not encounter any plant life, most of the
towns and villages will be a blaze of colour and the large Canarian palms are
much in existence.
This is an Island to visit if you fancy a quite holiday and a sense of space, it
is said that on Fuertenvetuara you can almost have a beach all to yourself.
Although, the island is quite, there is plenty of activity in the resort areas
an there are many fine bars and restaurants to choose from. The purchase of
property on this island is now beginning to take off a little and a number of
Holiday Homes are being constructed on the Jandia peninsula with its splendid
isolation and Sunsets.
The island is divided in to six municipalities (or boroughs as we call them in
England) Antigua,Betancuria, LaOliva,Pajara, Puerto del Roasario and Tuineja. In
total the population of the islands is approx 43,000
As with most of the canary Islands, there has been a gradual shift away from the
more the more traditional forms of employment such as agriculture and fishing as
locals enter the tourist industry. The first hotels were built in the 1950s and
this island has seen a slow steady increase in visitors since this date. The
main beach areas are situated on the North and South coasts, between these is
located a vast bare volcanic landscape.
back
to top
Guide to Fuerteventura, Spain
