Travel Guide Fuerteventura
In the Atlantic Ocean, off the Moroccan coast, Fuerteventura is one of the seven islands of the Spanish Canary Islands. It is the closest to Africa, about 100 km away. Characterized by a desert landscape marked by dunes, it has been recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. Fuerteventura is certainly not just about its seaside resorts. Even if this island sticks to the image of a dream holiday with a sea in the sun, conveyed by the Canaries, it would be a shame to stay on the beach. In the north of the island, its capital, Puerto del Rosario, is a lively port with preserved architecture where you can see several listed churches or chapels. While the island's main activity revolves around tourism and seaside resorts, fishing and agriculture nevertheless continue and contribute to the economy and... the landscape. You should also see the Carmen salt works and the salt museum, the Corralego natural park and its dunes and especially the Jandia peninsula where the island culminates at the top of the Pico de la Zarza (807m). This peak is easily climbed to enjoy a 360° view of the island. The peninsula is home to a natural park and a former lighthouse that has become the site's interpretation centre. Don't miss either the historic village of Betancuria or the viewpoint of Morro de Vellosa and its giant statues of the Guanches kings.
What to visit Fuerteventura?
Suggested addresses Fuerteventura
When to go to Fuerteventura?
In the Canary Islands, there is no low season as such, because the weather is good all year round and the temperatures oscillate between 20 and 30°C. The high tourist season is the summer, from May to October, with peaks in July and August. Like Gran Canaria or Lanzarote, Fuerteventura is fully booked. The best time to plan your stay is, without a doubt, from November to April, when the weather is grey in France and the sun shines in Fuerteventura. And it is also the occasion for manySpanish and international families to spend the Easter holidays or to see the carnival in the sun! Winter is also pleasant but the price of accommodation rises during this period - December, January and February. Fans of traditional religious celebrations will be interested in the third Saturday of September, when the Virgen de la Peña, patron saint of Fuerteventura, is celebrated in the small town of Vega de Río Palmas where her hermitage is located.
Weather at the moment
Fuerteventura has a warm climate all year round, although it is more moderate in the north of Fuerteventura in spring. In winter, temperatures vary between 15 and 21°C, while in summer they vary between 20 and 30°C. These temperatures are partly due to the chergui, a very hot wind from the Sahara. There are also some showers in winter.
Accommodation and catering rates are slightly lower than those in France. Be careful, however, there is a local consumption tax: the IGIC. Some establishments display prices excluding taxes. You will easily find cash dispensers on the different islands, in the city, in shopping malls or in casinos. Credit cards are easily accepted in shops, restaurants, hotels and even grocery stores.
Spain being in the Schengen area, like France, a simple identity card is sufficient to travel to the Canaries. An up-to-date identity document or passport will be required when you board, whether by plane or inter-island boat! The French driving licence will also be sufficient to rent a car.
There is no particularly serious disease listed in the Canary Islands. Mosquitoes are present, but despite the proximity of the African continent, there is no risk of malaria. No vaccine is required. However, check that your vaccination record is up to date to avoid any possible surprises on site.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Fuerteventura? Our advice & tips
The Canary Islands offer both all-inclusive trips to hotel complexes with tailor-made activities and excursions and theme trips, especially for hikers. Stays last from 10 days to three weeks and sometimes include the discovery of another island.
The Canary Islands are very safe, modern and well known for tourism. Fuerteventura is no exception and traveling alone does not pose any particular difficulty. The island is served by an airport and four ports. On the island, the diversity of the offer in transportation, accommodation and activities allows you to build the trip that suits you. However, be sure to book transportation and accommodation in advance in high season to avoid surprises.
You can easily and cheaply rent a car in Fuerteventura. It is a good solution that allows you to travel around the island and to connect the different places of interest at your own pace. A main road FV1 crosses the island from north to south and follows more or less the east coast. Several secondary roads allow you to reach the interior and the west coast. Some sites are only accessible by a track. The island is also crossed by an efficient bus network.
