Discovering Fuerteventura's unknown side

A vast majority of travellers know Fuerteventura as one of the most beautiful islands of the Canary Islands, as well as one of the largest ones in the archipelago (it's actually the second largest).

Two facts that, while they are true, (as true as its volcanic nature) they're just the very top of the iceberg when it comes to this spectacular island, highly historic and with an unknown, exciting side to it that very few are familiar with.  At Your Hotel Destination we like to get to know the destination in depth, so we'll take the opportunity now in February to help you discover some of these facts that no one else has ever told you about this island.

The majos (or mahos) of Fuerteventura

Very tall (men and women alike) and very sturdy, that's what the majos, or mahos, were like, the earliest inhabitants of the island of Fuerteventura (and Lanzarote as well). They were the natives on this island territory until the arrival of the Norman conquerors (the same people who were present there during the 15th century). The native inhabitants were farmers and fishermen.

The majos lived in austere dry-stone dwellings grouped into small, well-located villages and were known for their hunting skills. A fact that led to the disappearance of many native species.

The so-called Betancuria

Did you know that the first city on the Canary Islands was located on Fuerteventura? Yes, it's true. The first capital of Fuerteventura – and the archipelago – was known as Betancuria (also called Erbania). Founded by the Normans in the beginning of the 15th century (many believe in the year 1402), this city was a nexus for transport of goods and propagation of medieval Christianity.

The main points of interest (those that will lead us to the earliest days of the city's history) are the church Santa María Betancuria, the Franciscan convent San Buenaventura, and items collected and on display in the island's Archaeological Museum.

Where to stay on Fuerteventura

As well as the other islands in the Canary archipelago, Fuerteventura is the perfect destination for those wanting to combine rest with authentic leisure.

Even if there are many hotels of all kinds all over the island's geography, our recommendations are three hotels that stand out due to their excellent quality/price relationship and (of course) their location in front of the sea. They are: hotel IBEROSTAR Fuerteventura Palace el hotel IBEROSTAR Playa Gaviotas and the beautiful hotel IBEROSTAR Playa Gaviotas Park.

Lengthen the summer in Fuerteventura, an ideal plan for September

Orange blossom scented nights, fresh meals, light clothing, full days, holidays and unchanging temperatures, never having to leave the beach ... With these examples, few (or very few) want the arrival of autumn. Yes, as the season before winter begins to peek over the horizon and make itself present next 22 September.

While crossing the big pond and heading to the Caribbean is a valid option for those searching to enjoy a real summer vacation (like those of July and August) in September, we must not forget that in our country we have destinations that are the envy of those on the other side of the Atlantic. Unique and charming places like Fuerteventura, where summer lasts almost all year. How about opting for a holiday in this jewel of the Canary Islands?

The Atlantic, natural and perfect, as is Fuerteventura, an island that is a Biosphere Reserve, presents the visitor with endless beaches, crystal clear water and mountainous landscapes formed by the Canary Islands volcanic history. For all this and much more, Fuerteventura is a perfect place to enjoy the summer, limitless calm and direct contact with nature.

Living the Atlantic throughout its entirety

One recommended idea for those who want to make the most of the island, is to get to know the underwater side of Fuerteventura. That other side where you can enjoy native marine species and flora unique to the Atlantic waters of the Canaries.

Although you can practice on all the island’s beaches, the beaches of Cofete or Cotillo are ideal for snorkelling. Why is this? The quality of their water, always crystal clear, always clean and perfect.

Walking among volcanoes

When the day on the beach comes to an end is when you can experience excursions to natural beauty spots that give shape and identity to Fuerteventura. And the island has trails that reach three hundred kilometers in length and are perfect to cover (in sections) on foot. The best? Many of these hikes (such as Isla de Lobos) are volcanic, hence the expedition is unique.

Where to stay in Fuerteventura?

Whether in the more populated or in the most natural areas, it’s certain that Fuerteventura is a place to enjoy relaxing without limits, with all kinds of luxuries and comforts. Our choice is to opt for some of the resorts that make up Playa Jandía.

IBEROSTAR Fuerteventura Palace

On the beach and full of extras for those traveling with friends or family, the IBEROSTAR Fuerteventura Palace hotel is ideal for those who want to make the most of the island without sacrificing luxury and comfort option. Its quality and price make it stand out amongst the hotels in this destination.

IBEROSTAR Gaviotas Park

It is enough to refer to the Spa Sensations to know that we are talking about IBEROSTAR Gaviotas Park. A four-star hotel located in Playa Jandía with a gym, house entertainment for kids and with direct access to the beach.

IBEROSTAR Playa Gaviotas

With its all-inclusive offer Iberostar Playa Gaviotas is another option for those looking for a hotel with Spa in Fuerteventura. With a beachfront location and with lots of extras, this hotel has a Bowling bar, regular shows and a schedule of family sports.

Must-visit places in Lanzarote: what to see and what to do in the island?

If you have to choose one of the islands of the Canary island...which one would you choose? Tenerife, Gran Canaria, El Hierro, Fuerteventura… And Lanzarote! Our favourite one.

Lanzarote is amazing. A place that seems to be taken from the moon. It’s the geologically oldest in the Canary Islands and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, which reflects its natural preservation and the quality of its natural resources: Lanzarote has amazing landscapes that you will just find here. Some international films were filmed here.  

What to see or what to do?

Although it seems a small island, Lanzarote offers you a great activity programme and many places that you can discover in this paradisiac island. Whether you are travelling with friends or alone, you can enjoy adventure plans and immerse yourself into the most beautiful spots.

●      If you like surf, Lanzarote is the perfect place to practice this sport. Famara beach is a popular meeting point for surfers looking not just for great waves, but nicest sunsets, and fishing and charming atmosphere. Until recently, streets were made of sand.

●      If you like impressive landscapes, you should discover Cesar Manrique’s work. He’s one of the most famous artists in Spain and most of his works can be found in Lanzarote. One of the best works of Manrique can be seen in Jameos del Agua, showing a mix of the cave, house, mountain, lagoon...and some of the species living there.

Recommendations for eating out in Lanzarote

Fish dishes are popular In Lanzarote, as well as in the rest of the Canary Islands. Meat and cheese are also typical in this island.

If you need some tips for eating out in Lanzarote, read the following suggestions:

●      We can taste delicious seafood in Lanzarote. If you go to a traditional restaurant, you must taste fish with mojo’s sauce. There are alternative options, but you must always choose red mojo (hot and sweet and sour) or green mojo.  

●      One of the most typical dishes in the Canary Islands is sancocho. You must taste this delicious dish, perfect to share with your family or friends.  de los platos más representativos de las Islas Canarias es el sancocho canario.

Accommodation in Lanzarote

Ole Olivina Lanzarote in Playa del Carmen is one of the best family hotels, but also perfect for friends or individual travellers. It offers excellent services and location, which make it a highly value hotel, always with high occupancy. For this reason, if you want to book a room in Playa del Carmen, at Ole Hotels, you must book in advance. You will then take advantage of the best prices. It’s located in an excellent area, close to Playa de Pocillos. It’s the perfect hotel for families and friends, as it has special spaces designed for entertainment. One of the main attractions of the hotel, apart of its outdoor pools, is its indoor volcanic garden with its own cactus collection.

September holidays in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

September is always a very difficult month because it is the end of the summer holidays, children go back to school, autumn and the cold weather begins…. But, if there is a destination where you can prolong the summer, it is without a doubt the Canary Islands.

The month of September in the islands is specially pleasant and there are many proposals to enjoy with your partner. Considering that the school year has already begun, the number of families with children on holiday is far less than in the summer months.

One of the most popular destinations is the island of Tenerife. The prices of flights and accommodation in this time of year make Tenerife a very desirable destination.

In the capital of Tenerife you find one of the most emblematic hotels of the Canaries, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Mencey. Situated in an idyllic location for rest and relax, it offers numerous proposals for its guests. In special, Mencey’s Cookery Classroom stands out, an are designed to enjoy the best gastronomy in an unique setting, with 3 restaurants, including the popular Los Menceyes restaurant.

The Grand Mencey hotel is known as the best gastronomic hotel in Tenerife, a location where cooking courses are held with some of the best chefs in Spain, as well as the possibility to celebrate events and presentations among the kitchen’s stoves.

This 5 star hotel also has exclusive services, such as its SPA and thermal circuit, where to enjoy all sorts of massages and thermal and beauty treatments.

For further information, do not hesitate to contact the hotel directly.

Enjoy your holidays in Tenerife!

A weekend escapade to Santa Cruz de Tenerife

To escape from the cold of this time of year, one of the most desirable options is to take a weekend escapade to the Canary Islands. The temperature of the islands is approximately 21ºC all year round, making it a very desirable destination. Most especially, for people from northern European countries, that find in the Canary Islands a paradise destination in just a 2 or 3 hour flight. The Canary Islands also has the infrastructure and services that are most demanded by tourists looking to enjoy a beach and relax holiday.

In this post, we'll talk about the capital of the Canary Islands, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (capital of the autonomous community together with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria). The city has a wide range of hotels, tourist services and the ability to practise all sorts of water sports. It is important to mention the number of beaches available to visitors, most especially the beach of Las Teresitas, built with sand from the Sahara dessert.

Cooking Courses in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

We will also enjoy one of the best-known celebrations in the world, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. From late January to mid-February, the island of Tenerife becomes a party destination for thousands of tourists, and hotels are fully booked just like the summer season.

If you also want to complete your holidays with other cultural activities, a good option is to book a gourmet hotel in Santa Cruz. The IBEROSTAR Mencey Grand Hotel is an reference on the island, and has an excellent gourmet restaurant that will delight the most passionate gastronomy lovers.

At the same time, the hotel has the Mencey’s Cookery Classroom, a unique gastronomic space on the island where cooking classes are organized with some of the best chefs in the country. You can find more information on the official website of Mencey’s Cookery Classroom or subscribe to their newsletter to keep updated.