Fuerteventura, a paradise in the Atlantic

This island looks like a piece of the Sahara desert, in ancient times, was floating in the ocean. It's a place that have combined the good weather, excellent beaches and incredible scenery. Definitely, a privileged place to relax and unwind

The invading Fuerteventura winding mountains are covered with a blanket of sand that reminds us there, a few miles, is the largest hot desert in the world: The Sahara. Fortunately, the constant wind that blows on the island gives an unbeatable climate. That yes, something has Fuerteventura which relaxes the body and leaves it in a state of peace never experienced before.

They are just 100 miles separating the African to the second largest island in the Canary Islands, Tenerife is the first. This proximity creates a thick cloud of sand that blurs the line separating the sky with the sea, which canaries called "haze". The atmosphere which are the remains of these sandstorms in Fuerteventura becomes a place with a special charm. For all Europeans, is the quintessential favorite spot to escape the hardships of winter, while in summer it is a haven for the sweltering heat, it has an average annual temperature of 24 degrees. S just a few hours flight from any European city and has an excellent hotel infrastructure. Fuerteventura has an area of 1,659 square kilometers and a population of just over 100,000. Last May was declared as a whole biosphere reserve by UNESCO, and with good reason: it is the oldest island of the Canary archipelago that has seen many volcanic eruptions over the centuries, making much of the territory protected natural areas like the Peninsula of Jandia or natural monument Tindaya Mountain.


Beaches, dunes and desert from north to south

It's best to know Fuerteventura is to rent a car to get to the airport. The ideal is to organize a trip designed to show the North, then the center and finally the stark and mysterious South. If the path starts from the north, it can be from Puerto del Rosario, although the political and administrative capital of the island, is not the most important tourist spot. Provides a basis to cross the road that gives access to the Natural Park of Las Dunas de Corralejo, an incredible landscape that mixes deep blue sea, wind and a bright sand, which seems to emerge a light energy as the Sun

At the far north of Fuerteventura, specifically in the northwest, is El Cotillo, a fishing village with many cozy beaches. There is also the Fort of El Toston and guard tower, which at the time were used to avoid attacks by hackers. The scenery, dramatic sea cliffs can leave any doubt do so stunned and whether or not on Planet Earth. North also stresses the Olive, the capital of the former Maxorata. There are a must the church, dating from the eighteenth century, the Casa de la Cilla, a museum about the island's agricultural history and the House of the Colonels, colonial style. As he gets back on the road to take road to the Center of the island, you can see the Mount of Esmeralda, a natural monument sacred to the Aborigines which have found important archeological remains.

Betancuria corner architectural excellence

In the central area, highlights the historic village of Betancuria. This is the first human settlement of Fuerteventura and until 1834 was its political capital, administrative, cultural and religious. Not in vain the small streets and buildings represent the highest expression of island architecture. The Cathedral of Santa Maria de Betancuria eighteenth century and consists of three naves, which highlights the main doorway of four bodies, altarpieces, the craft of the sacristy, choir and baptistery. This villa has an important museum of Sacred Art and the Museum of Archeology and Ethnography, where you can admire pieces of great historical and artistic value. Despite its historical importance, Betancuria, capital of the municipality that bears his name, has just 715 inhabitants. However, it is a place that has a charm that are worth highlighting.

Jandia, desert paradise

Walking in the South of Fuerteventura begins in the town of Morro Jable, a fishing village and tourist area par excellence. From there, it is advisable to take a rustic cross the road begins the Parque Natural of Jandia, where you can see the mountain range with the highest peak on the island (807 meters).

After a tortuous path between mountains and curvy, you can finally touch the southern tip of Fuerteventura. There is the Faro de Jandia, a forbidding place where the wind, sand and sea in all its splendor star in a scene that might well represent the end of the world. By knowing, we can understand the Romans, when at the time that dominated the world, believed that the end of the Earth were the Canary Islands.

The finishing touch to complete a tour of Fuerteventura can be a walk through some of its spectacular beaches: Playa del Scrub, Cofete Beach, Punta de Barlovento or Playa de la Pared. You may have difficulty discovering the road can be tricky, but just a little curiosity is rewarded with a white sand, warm clear waters and a gentle breeze that invites a delightful evening in this charming beach island.

Useful Information

Getting there: Iberia Airlines, Spanair and AirEuropa offer direct flights from Madrid and Barcelona to Fuerteventura. Reservations can be made through search engines www.terminala.com www.liligo.eso. The main ports are in Fuerteventura Puerto del Rosario, Corralejo and Morro Jable. There are daily ferries connecting the islands together.

Car Rental: The best way to learn is a car Fuerteventura. Can be rented at the airport, Avis operating there, Cicar, Hertz, Payless and Top Car Auto Reisen.

Lodging: The most important Spanish hotel chains have many hotels on the island (NH10 and Barcelo), but there are also independent hotel lodging as the Hotel Esmeralda Maris, Costa Calma.

Weather: Fuerteventura is an island with a privileged climate. For most of the year, the average temperature is 24 degrees. The arrival of the wind between May and October makes the rising temperatures in the summer is almost imperceptible.