Did
You Know?... Fuerteventura is the most arid and
deserted land in the Canary Islands.
Beaches:
Fuerteventura is perhaps most famous for it's beaches,
with over 50km of stunning white and golden sand. The
Beaches of Jandia and Sotavento are paradise for divers
and friends of nudism.
The
Windmills: Being restored as tourist centers,
the windmills that dot the countryside of Fuerteventura
remind visitors of the islands farming heritage, when
the island was know as the granary of Canaries.
Oasis
Park: La Lajita. The Zoo features over 200 species
including Alligators, Monkeys, Giraffes, Zebras and
Birds. The 200,000 Square meters of Botanical Gardens,
which feature many Endemic Species and Cacti, can be
enjoyed from the back of a Camel on the Camel Safari.
History:
The semi-desert Island of Fuerteventura lies just under
100km off the coast of Africa (near the border of Morocco
and Western Sahara). It enjoys a near-perfect climate
with average monthly temperatures ranging from 17°C
in January to 25°C in August.
Surfing:
The Island offers great Surfing, Windsurfing
and Kite Surfing as well as Big Game Fishing and Diving.
Did
You Know?... The islands capital is Puerto Rosario.
Baku
Water Park: Corralejo: As well as being a Water
Park, the Baku Village has Ten Pin Bowling, Crazy Golf,
a Driving Range, Restaurants and Shops. The rides and
facilities in this Water Park are very modern (the park
opened at the end of 2004.
Vega
de Rio Palma: On the island of Fuerteventura
is a beautiful valley with a village of the same name,
and a gorgeous 17th century church, Nuestra Senora de
la Pena. It’s muted colouring of clay and white
blends perfectly with the greenery of its surroundings,
and makes Vega de Rio Palma a peaceful retreat from
the hectic business of rubber-necking and vying for
souvenirs, and offers instead some wonderful photo opportunities.
Corralejos:
A pretty fishing-village in the very north of the island.
Fine sand and crystalline water make its beaches some
of the most beautiful of the archipelago. Also the romantic
village itself is well worth a visit, and from here
you may have an excursion by boat to the nearby island
Lobos.
Caleta
de Fuste: Fuerteventura’s busiest holiday
resort has been built up around the town of Caleta de
Fuste, also known as Castillo, about six miles (10km)
south of the island’s airport. The resort’s
horseshoe-shaped gently-shelving beach is man-made,
covered with imported golden sand. The resort is steadily
growing in facilities and popularity, the latest addition
being a golf course. The town consists of a long main
street lined with low-rise buildings containing several
restaurants and bars. Nightlife is fairly lively and
there are numerous watersports on offer, boat trips
and even undersea excursions on a submarine. Accommodation
is mainly in apartment blocks. Caleta de Fuste’s
central location makes it a good base from which to
explore the rest of the island, although there is little
public transport and hiring a car is necessary for most
excursions.
Betancuria:
The original capital of the island, Betancuria
was founded in 1405 by Norman conqueror, Jean de Bethencourt,
but suffered repeated raids by pirates who eventually
totally sacked the city and caused its citizens to move
elsewhere. Today it has a small population of a few
hundred, and relies mainly on day visitors who come
to admire the restored Santa Maria church and explore
the Casa Museo Arquebiologico, an interesting museum
documenting the history of the island. Visitors can
also watch local artists at work at the Casa Santa Maria,
and pick up some local handcrafts at a quaint shop.
There is a good restaurant beside the church, and cheese
and wine tasting is offered nearby.
La
Oliva: The village of La Oliva was formerly the
home of the military governors of the island between
the 17th and mid-19th centuries. The Governor’s
townhouse has been restored and is open to the public.
Also in the centre of the village is the pretty church
of Parroquiade Nuestra Seiiora de Candelaria, with a
square bell tower and finely carved wooden door. The
interior of the church features a painting of the Last
Judgment, a baroque altar painting by Juan de Miranda
and some wonderful trompe l’oeil work. The village
also has an art centre exhibiting the work of Canarian
artists.
Did You Know?... Although
just a few kilometers from the most modern complexes
of tourism, you will find Lobos Island is inhabited
just by a handful of fishermen. This is a really great
place for all the "Robinson Crusoes" among
us.
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