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.

Protected areas to visit in Fuerteventura

The Canary Islands with their spectacular variety of scenery is one of the Spanish territories where most protected areas are concentrated.  Both Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have been declared Biosphere Reserves due to the beauty of such marvelous places as Los Hervideros, the natural monument of the Tindaya mountain or the famous Corralejo sand dunes.

Fuerteventura has in total more than ten natural spaces specifically protected and through which we can travel from north to south and completely cover the whole island.

You can start from Wolfs' island which faces Lanzarote and the Natural Park of the Corralejo Sand Dunes as far as the Natural Park of Jandia, the largest of the island which covers almost the whole of the peninsula of the same name and is situated in the extreme south of Fuerteventura.

The southern area is traditionally a place for quiet tourism that fits perfectly with the natural environment where the hotels are situated.  Here you will find some of the best hotels in Fuerteventura such as the Iberostar Playa Gaviotas and the Playa Gaviotas Park, two of the most well maintained establishments that the Iberostar group have in the Canary Islands.  However, in the first phase that we are covering today, we start the journey in the well known Corralejo Park.

Corralejo as well as Jandia, is one of those places in Fuerteventura where the spectacular sand dunes have learnt to live with an excellent touristic infrastructure which highlights the level of hotels such as the Barcelo Corralejo Bay or the establishments of the Atlantis chain: Dunapark, the Grand Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real and the Suite Hotel Fuerteventura Resort, all of which are just a few meters from the Natural Park.

Belonging to the municipality of La Oliva, with a large network of trails, throughout the park, the area called Grandes Playas, the playa de Piedra Playa and monuments like the Church of Saint John the Baptist and others have been declared a Property of Cultural Interest.  These areas are interesting for those who wish to practice water sports and above all, hiking.

If we leave behind the Corralejo dunes and make our way more to the north of Fuerteventura and continue to the interior of the island we will find one of the most beautiful natural monuments of Fuerteventura, the Volcan de la Arena.

Situated just between Villaverde, La Oliva and Lajares, the landscape is volcanic with its own vegetation and characteristics (Malpais). You are allowed to climb to the top of the volcano (420 meters high) and it is well worth the journey and in particular the views you will contemplate from the top: the whole of the northern coast of Fuerteventura including Lanzarote.