Fuerte » general info

Fuerteventura was formed about 70 million years ago as a result of volcanic activity. It is situated 90km off the coast of Africa and is the second largest island of the Canary archipelago after Tenerife. Approximately 110km long and 30km at its widest point, the center of the island is occupied by a plateau averaging 300m in height, flanked on the east and west sides by low ranges of hills. It is the least developed of the Canaries with 40% of the Island declared a National Park. The landscape has little vegetation and has been likened to something like the planet Mars! However at sunset the sleepy dunes are offset by stunning red, ochre and purple mountain landscapes transforming the view. Thousands of years worth of sand blown from the Sahara has given Fuerte 125 miles of golden sandy beaches and the label of being “Europe’s Only Desert”.

FBC Fuerteventura (Flag Beach Windsurfing) is at the northern tip of the island on a huge stretch of Natural Reserve sand beach with dunes to the rear looking out towards Isla de Lobos and facing Lanzarote. The town of Corralejo and all its amenities is 4km to town and it is a 30-40 minute drive to the airport in Puerto Rosario. The bay is large and open with an unlimited outer sailing area. The wind blows side shore from the left and the spot is protected by reefs at both ends. The north east trade winds blow consistently through the summer months and the water is perfectly clear and warm all year. In the winter the winds ease off a little but in comes the swell, transforming the island and her spots. There are about 3000 hours of sunshine per annum on Fuerte and an average temperature of 23 degrees. This, coupled with the large choice of venues and diversity of conditions to be found makes it a fantastic destination all year round for windsurfers, kiters and surfers alike.

Correlejo started life as a fishing village and is now a modern tourist resort with accommodation, bars, restaurants and surf shops and a real “surfy” atmosphere. The town is based around a marina, where regular pleasure trips and ferries leave to Isla de Lobos and Lanzarote. As well as all the watersports on offer, hiking, running and mountain biking are very popular on Fuerte, and a lot of money has been invested into creating coastal walkways and cycle paths in larger tourist towns. As well as this there are some really special off road tracks just waiting to be discovered by foot or on wheels!

Fuerteventura is a large tourist destination in its own right and although it is lacking in terms of culture it certainly makes up for it with oodles of sporting activities, beautiful landscapes and deserted golden beaches where you can find peace and tranquility. Its ability to offer a variety of conditions and locations throughout the year from top wave sailing spots to flat water slalom and bump and jump makes it a mecca for all you water babies. Hope to see you there soon!

WE RECOMMEND

American Star Shipwreck – An eerie sight – she ran aground on the west coast in 1994.

Isla de Lobos – Take a day trip and find peace and seclusion on this uninhabited Nature Reserve.

Lanzarote – Just a 35 minute ferry trip and you can discover this volcanic neighboring island.

Village of Betancuria – The former capital with lovely scenery. Visit the ruins of the Monastery.

Corralejo Market – One of the biggest on the Island. Monday and Friday at Baku Water Park.

Corkys Surf Bar Corralejo – Top bar with good music, live DJ’s and surf videos.