Fuerteventura: An island in the wind

Fuerteventura 's desert landscapes are irresistibly reminiscent of the American West. Its mountains dotted with windmills hide picturesque villages with white houses, such as the ancient capitals of Antigua, Pajara and Betancuria, which has remained unchanged since it was founded in the early fifteenth century. In the extreme north of the island, Corralejo is a small fishing town ideally situated next to a large beach of dunes, classified as a natural park and facing the volcanic island of Los Lobos. This Saharan landscape reminds us that Africa is not far away.

Fuerteventura is known as the Canary Island with the most majestic beaches. Its 150 kilometres of fine sandy beaches caressed by turquoise waves are a holidaymaker's dream. The little extra? Many of the beaches are deserted, making for a truly magical experience. Away from the best-known seaside resorts, such as Morro Jable, Corralejo and El Cotillo, Fuerteventura's coasts are calmer and quieter. In some parts of the island, you won't even see any tourists!

The sand dunes of the Corralejo Natural Park are renowned for their heavenly beaches and ever-changing landscape. If you're looking for urban beaches where you can rinse off after a swim or enjoy a good lunch in a restaurant, you'll prefer the tourist beaches of Corralejo or Morro Jable. Nature lovers looking for space and to admire the power of the ocean will choose the wild beach of Cofete, which is sure to leave them speechless.

Fuerteventura is nicknamed the Windy Island. The island is reputed to be one of the world's best windsurfing and kitesurfing spots, thanks to the trade winds that blow steadily between April and October. Kite flyers will also be delighted. The famous Jandia beach, in the south-east of the island, hosts the world championships in July and August. It stretches for almost 25 kilometres from Morro Jable to Costa Calma.

Fuerteventura is also a magnet for hikers, who appreciate its remarkable landscapes. Strolling around the island, you can admire volcanoes, mountains, canyons and beaches stretching for miles. Did you know that the GR-131 is a long-distance hiking trail that crosses 6 of the 7 Canary Islands in 651 km? So get your hiking boots on!

Fuerteventura is first and foremost a volcanic island. There are numerous volcanoes scattered around the island. In the north, a chain of volcanoes and volcanic craters links Lajares to the island of Lobos, which was also formed during a volcanic eruption. Most of the island's volcanoes are home to exceptional hiking trails.

As well as the majestic peaks of the island's volcanoes, basaltic rocks have formed natural pools all around Fuerteventura's coastline. The magma from the volcanic eruptions suddenly cooled when it met the water from the Atlantic Ocean, creating small rocky basins where the sea water naturally warmed up. Las Aguas Verdes, for example, are natural pools where bathers are protected from the ocean's powerful currents and waves.