The haze clouds the landscape. A golden, brown and red rainbow colors lands bordered by wild seas that, from the air, appear to be calm, with static waves typical of an oil painting. The slopes of its volcanoes display tongues of lava petrified thousands of years ago, in a vast terrain where greenery has not managed to take root. Landing on Mars must be the closest thing to landing in Fuerteventura.
Magnetic. This is how it is described by those who were captivated by its charm and decided to live in this enclave that, in recent years, has taken off as a star tourist destination in the Canary Islands. Fuerteventura is enigmatic on the outside and a burst of beauty on the inside. A peaceful climate, pristine beaches, imposing volcanoes, golden sunsets, starry skies and a beat away from the frenzy of the cities attract more than two million tourists a year. In the north, Corralejo is seen as the favorite destination.
The extensive Dunas de Corralejo Natural Park, measuring 27 square km, welcomes the traveler. Its white sand does not absorb heat and contrasts with the turquoise blue of the Atlantic and the volcanic landscape that surrounds it. It is delimited by the Red Mountain, which owes its name to iron oxide, and there you can see Majorera goats, the breed with the largest population in the Canary Islands. This desert landscape has been the setting for films such as Wonder Woman or The Dictator and awaits Great Beaches – that’s what they are called – where bathers coexist without crowding. A note: if you go by car, be careful. Many get stuck in the dunes.
Following the road, you will find gigantic windmills and a curiosity about the terrain: piles of stones, some in the shape of a crescent, others raising walls. They are goros and serve both to delimit properties and to protect them from the wind. Once in Corralejo, you can’t miss its little dock, where when night falls the nightlife comes to life. In it, a bronze sculpture of a woman looks out to sea, waiting for her sailor, in honor of the fishermen of a respectable Atlantic where fun is also provided today. And water sports are one of the attractions of the island.
The beaches of Corralejo are known for their good conditions for surfing. In addition, the world windsurfing and kitesurfing championships are held in the area. On the windiest days, the sky is filled with colors from the kites to the delight of swimmers and curious onlookers. If you haven’t surfed, but you want to try it, or if you have tried it, but you want to perfect it, write down this name: Wildsurf. Its instructors are known for the fun of their classes but, above all, for their infinite patience.
Bordering the road to the south, on a pier, stands a unique restaurant: The Bay Lounge, at the Hotel Secrets Bahía Real Resort
From the other side of the coast you can see Lobos Island. It owes its name to the marine animal, which once chose the islet to make a stop on its migratory routes. It is a must-see for its crystal-clear waters and natural pools, so it is preferable to make the trip at high tide. This islet offers hiking routes suitable for all walkers and the most exclusive option to get there is by catamaran. The recommendation: Fuertecharter. The motives? A maritime route surrounding the island, good rice on the high seas, paddle surfing, snorkeling and even underwater photos to immortalize the moment.
You can’t leave Fuerteventura without going up to Calderón Hondo, in Lajares, an easily accessible volcano with a crater 70 meters deep. At the top you will find a wooden platform from which to admire the nature of the place. Doing it with the sunset is giving your eyes a bath of orange light to remember. You may come across specimens of the Moorish squirrel along the route. Coming from North Africa, they have lost their fear of approaching hikers because many give them food, although it is recommended not to touch them. You can skirt the entire crater of the volcano, but with caution. It would not be the first time that a tourist ventures deeper than necessary and ends up being rescued by emergency teams.
Cotillo and its lakes are also a mandatory stop on the itinerary, as well as the Tostón Lighthouse. This place is one of the favorites of bathers, due to its location, its transparent waters and its fine sand beaches. If we continue outlining the west coast, we will reach the fishing town of El Cotillo, with incredible beaches between large cliffs. There are also several hiking trails here to enjoy the landscape. To try a bite, we recommend the El Mirador restaurant, where you can taste sea delicacies such as carabineros or limpets from a privileged terrace.
Fuerteventura is many things. Among them, Miguel de Unamuno’s place of exile. A monument stands in the vicinity of Tindaya, at the top of the Burnt Mountain, in homage to the illustrious writer and philosopher. With his sights set on La Muda Mountain, his statue misses a shiny plaque that makes the island where he embraced months of exile forced by the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera stand out. If you don’t want to miss out on curiosities of the destination like this, we suggest a tour with Kalitravel, where they offer tailor-made excursions guided with great wisdom.
On your route you will discover the Tindaya mountain. It is undoubtedly the most unique on the island. Known as the magic mountain, in the past it was the scene of rituals to invoke rain and footprints have been found pointing in the direction of Teide. Today, it is a natural monument. Eduardo Chillida wanted to do a controversial project inside, a kind of large room that would be illuminated by the sun’s rays. Although the work was outlined, it was never approved, much to the artist’s chagrin.
Among all the magical corners of this magnetic island, there is a hidden place in the Fimapaire Valley, in La Oliva, where you will find one more reason to be happy here. It’s called Muana Mboka. No, it is not a restaurant. Is much more. Its name means “town boy” and the reason is Roger Ekopele, the person responsible for this very charming corner where coverage does not reach. Tipis, torches, cushions, colorful fabrics, warm lights and even blankets for the coldest make up this private gastronomic experience that invites you to take a trip through Africa. The Equatoguinean origin of the author of the dishes he serves led him to create, with the help of his partner Juan, a fusion cuisine with KM0 products washed down with wines from the island. It is a surprise menu, adapted to the European palate and prepared with great care. An example? Fuerteventura octopus, dorowat sauce with 15 spices and yucca. They are open 15 nights a month and you must reserve at least three weeks in advance.
As night falls, the sky brings out a blanket of stars. It is not just another heaven. Fuerteventura has been declared a Starlight Reserve by UNESCO and astrophysicists from all over the planet travel here to explore the most distant galaxies and follow everything from comets or asteroids to exoplanets. You can enjoy them with knowledge of the facts from AstroCiencia Nómada, who offer star and planet observation sessions. What’s in the sky? They know.
