Fuerteventura Attractions

Fuerteventura differs from the other islands in possessing many miles of sandy beaches, still almost empty. It is an ideal place for holidaymakers who want to spend as much time as possible on the beach and are content with the facilities for water sports and the entertainments available in the hotels.

Topography

Fuerteventura is the largest of the Canary Islands after Tenerife, extending for more than 110km/68mi from southwest to northeast and measuring 30km/19mi across at its widest point. The center of the island is occupied by a plateau averaging 300m/1,000ft in height, bounded on its east and west sides by low ranges of hills. The hilly terrain has a barren and almost desolate air, the only variety being provided by the coloring of the rocks, which shimmer in various shades of brown and gray. Few visitors would be attracted to Fuerteventura were it not for the beautiful long sandy beaches in the north and south of the island. The beaches in between are smaller, with black sand.

Betancuria, Spain

The most attractive place on the island of Fuerteventura is undoubtedly Betancuria, named after Jean de Béthencourt, who founded it in 1405. It has two small museums and a church of some interest.

Puerto del Rosario, Spain

The chief town of Fuerteventura is Puerto del Rosario, which has borne that name only since 1957; before that it was known, more prosaically, as Puerto de Cabras (Goats' Harbor). It has no attractions for tourists, who prefer to stay at Corralejo in the north of the island or Morro del Jable and Jandia in the south.

Jandia, Spain

The village resort of Jandia, in the southern portion of the island, is one of Fuerteventura's major resorts.

Lajares, Spain

The town of Lajares is well known for its embroidery work.