Travel guide – Fuerteventura

Go back to travel guide home | Go back to full destination list

Overview

Only 60 miles (100km) separates the island of Fuerteventura, second largest in the Canary archipelago, from the continent of Africa, and this sunny island shares the same latitude (and therefore weather conditions) with the renowned holiday destinations of Florida and Mexico. Unlike those bustling resort-ridden vacation stations, though, Fuerteventura is relatively undiscovered, its more than 150 idyllic sandy beaches only sparsely populated and many seldom visited at all. The island has an arid volcanic landscape, and apart from the beaches, not much to recommend it in the way of tourist amenities or attractions. This has kept the mega resorts and mass summer package holiday trade at bay, but it does have a fair share of day-trippers from the resorts of Lanzarote and Gran Canaria who come seeking a respite from the crowds.  The island’s own two main resort towns are Corralejo and Caleta del Fuste.  Fuerteventura is easily accessible from the other islands in the archipelago by ferry or air. The airport is situated close to the island’s capital of Puerto del Rosario.

Climate

Fuerteventura has a glorious climate all year with temperatures rarely dropping below 63°F (17°C) and more often above 82°F (28°C) during the day, and gentle sea breezes keep the island from baking. Rainfall in the summer months is almost non-existent, but showers are likely between October and April. Over the winter months travellers will need a sweater and light trousers for evenings, and possibly the odd rare cloudy day, but any other time of year will only need the bare essentials such as shorts and T-shirts.

Health

There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing free emergency health care at State run hospitals. UK travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that private clinics are not covered, and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised.

The basics

Getting Around

A cheap and reliable bus service connects the main towns and resorts in Fuerteventura and they are a good option for those that fancy seeing the island without booking an organised excursion. Taxis can also be taken but hiring a car is the best option for those who really want to explore the island. Drivers must be over 21 and hold a full driving license. Drink driving is illegal and seatbelts must be worn. The national speed limit is 90kmh, though the taxi drivers don't seem aware of this.

up top of page up

Travel Guide by www.wordtravels.com
Disclaimer: By its very nature much of the information in our travel guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Winter Sunshine Holidays & Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

ASTA - American Society of Travel Agents Trust account operated - total protection for your money Lloyds TSB CardNET merchant Secure payment processing by Protx Thawte SSL