Fuerteventura, meaning "strong winds", is the 2nd largest of the Canary Islands and enjoys year round sunshine with an average annual temperature of 23 degrees Celsius. It boasts some of the most impressive beaches in Europe and with as many as 152 beaches it is the ideal destination for sun, beach and water sports enthusiasts.
Corralejo, which is in the north of the island, was originally a small fishing village. Now one of the main tourist resorts on the island, it still retains some of its traditional feel. There are several, small white sandy beaches within the town. The beach closest to the town centre has sun bed and parasol rental and easy access to the nearby bars and restaurants. However it can get busy during peak season. So if you prefer plenty of space and a long stroll along the beach then head south of Corralejo towards the Riu Palace Tres Islas Hotel and the Hotel Riu Oliva Beach. Here you will find the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo with its miles of beautiful white sandy beaches, enormous sand dunes and crystal clear waters. You can also enjoy views to the neighbouring island of Lanzarote and Los Lobos. Return buses from Corralejo and the hotels run every half hour. This is a popular location for windsurfing and kite boarding, and naturists can enjoy the quieter areas of the beach either side of the hotels. Some areas of the beach offer sun bed and parasol rental and there's a beach bar located near to the hotels.
The resort of Caleta de Fuste is located on the east coast just south of the capital, Puerto del Rosario. Built around a natural cove it hosts the resorts main beach area and its gentle slope to the sea and calm waters make it safe for bathing. Sun beds and thatched parasols are available here too. Close by is the marina offering various marine excursions and water sport activities including wind surfing, diving and snorkelling. Further south along the coastline but only a 20 min walk away is the Centro Atlantico. The centre has a number of bars and restaurants, a bowling alley and a multilingual cinema. The courtyard at the back of the centre leads to a group of pretty shallow lagoons which are perfect for small children to bathe in.
El Cotillo is a little fishing village on the North West coast of the island. Less touristically developed than some of the other resorts but like the east coast the beaches here don't disappoint. You can choose between the beautiful lagoons and coves to the north of the village or the 2km of sandy beach in the south. Most of the crystal clear lagoons north of the village have pedestrian access and the shallow and calm waters make it safe for children. The beautiful sandy beaches, south of the village, are a popular spot for surfing and windsurfing and because the beach area is so large it's easy to find a quiet spot for naturist bathing. If you're hiring a car to get to these beaches bear in mind the road turns into a dirt track the further south you go. Get advice from your car hire company on the type of vehicle to take if you wish to explore these beaches. It's also advisable to take your own shade, food and drink unless you intend to eat at one of the restaurants or bars in the village. Surfing equipment and bicycles are available to rent at the village.
The peninsula of Jandia in the south of the island is reputed to have the most spectacular beaches in the island. The whole area is a natural park and almost entirely surrounded by vast white beaches, lagoons and dunes. On the east side, stretching for approx 20Km between the resorts of Costa Calma and Morro Jable you have beaches of Sotavento, Mal Nombre and Esquinzo, to name a few. These beaches are popular for water sports, in particular wind surfing and naturism. Close to the main resorts you have a choice of restaurants and bars, and water sports with sun bed and sunshade available to hire. Even if you're not staying at either of these resorts it's worth hiring a car to visit the area. The lighthouse at Playa del Matorral in Morro Jable acts as the unofficial dividing point between the naturist and non -naturist areas of the beach. The beach north of the lighthouse is mostly used by naturists. On the west coast of the peninsula are the wild and beautiful beaches of Barlovento and Cofete. The strong currents and high waves make these beaches unsuitable for swimming and some of the roads in this area are under-developed so a 4-wheel drive or jeep is recommended for exploring the area. |