Ferry to Fuerteventura

From towering sand dunes to volcanic landscapes, Fuerteventura, Spain’s second-largest Canary Island, invites the fearless voyager. Whether you're conquering the waves on a surfboard, hiking unique landscapes, or embracing the tranquillity of deserted beaches, Fuerteventura offers a myriad of adventures. In its charming villages and bustling capital, explore its rich history, savour its unique cuisine and dive into its vibrant local culture. Brace yourself to unleash the intrepid explorer within Fuerteventura.

Opt for the ferry service for a relaxed, eco-friendly journey to Fuerteventura. Departure points include Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife, with key operators like Fred Olsen Express, Naviera Armas, and Lineas Romero. Not only do the ferries offer convenience and comfort, but they also offer unparalleled views of the Atlantic. Various airlines offer direct flights to Fuerteventura from mainland Spain and several international destinations, and buses service the island frequently. However, the serene ferry ride remains the most sought-after transport mode.

Corralejo Dunes Natural Park: Visit this stunning natural wonder in the north of the island, where vast stretches of white sand dunes meet the turquoise Atlantic Ocean. It's a fantastic place for long walks, sunbathing, and experiencing a truly unique landscape.

Isla de Lobos: Take a short ferry trip from Corralejo to this small, uninhabited island. It's a protected natural reserve offering pristine beaches like Playa La Concha, crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling, and well-marked hiking trails to its lighthouse and the Caldera de la Montaña.

Betancuria: Explore the historic former capital of Fuerteventura, nestled in a picturesque valley. Wander through its charming cobblestone streets, visit the Church of Santa María, and delve into the island's past at the Archaeological Museum of Fuerteventura.

Windsurfing or Kitesurfing in Sotavento: If you're a watersports enthusiast, or even a beginner, head to the vast beaches of Sotavento in the south. The consistently strong winds make it an ideal spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with several schools offering lessons and rentals.

Hike Calderón Hondo: Embark on a relatively easy hike to the rim of Calderón Hondo, an extinct volcano near Lajares. From the top, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape and a glimpse into the crater itself.

Explore the Ajuy Caves: Visit the impressive sea caves at Ajuy on the west coast. These ancient geological formations offer a fascinating insight into the island's volcanic origins and are a dramatic contrast to the typical sandy beaches. The black sand beach of Ajuy is also worth seeing.

Visit the Museo del Queso Majorero: Located in Antigua, this museum is dedicated to the history and production of majorero cheese. It's an engaging way to learn about this important cultural product, set within a restored traditional farm with a windmill and botanical garden.

Attend a Local Market: Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting one of Fuerteventura's traditional markets. The artisan market in La Oliva, held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, or the Antigua market offers a chance to buy local handicrafts, fresh produce, and majorero cheese.

Enjoy Papas Arrugadas with Mojo: Savour this iconic Canarian dish. Papas arrugadas are small, salty, ‘wrinkled’ potatoes traditionally boiled in seawater, served with mojo sauces—either rojo (red, spicy) or verde (green, herb-based). It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful local delicacy.

Blessed with a subtropical climate, Fuerteventura promises sunshine for most of the year. 

For beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts, the summer months from June to August offer ideal conditions with hot days cooled by Atlantic breezes.

Spring and autumn provide milder temperatures, perfect for exploring the inland and engaging in hiking.

Winter, while still warm, is less crowded, offering a peaceful escape with plenty of sunshine. 

Language and Currency: The official language of Fuerteventura is Spanish, as it is one of Spain's Canary Islands. The currency used is the Euro (€).

Volcanic Origins: Fuerteventura is the oldest of the Canary Islands, formed by volcanic activity around 20 million years ago. Ancient volcanoes and vast stretches of sand dunes characterise its landscape.

Ancient History and the Mahos: Before the Castilian conquest, Fuerteventura was inhabited by an indigenous people known as the Mahos (or Majos), believed to be of North African Berber origin. They lived in a tribal society and left behind archaeological evidence like circular stone dwellings.

Pre-Hispanic Division: Before the 15th-century conquest, Fuerteventura was divided into two independent kingdoms: Maxorata in the north and Jandía in the south, separated by a wall.

Windy Paradise: The island is renowned for its consistently strong winds, making it a world-class destination for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and other watersports.

Nearest Neighbours: Fuerteventura's closest major neighbour is Lanzarote, located just to the northeast. The two islands are separated by a narrow strait called La Bocayna.

Goat Culture: Goats play a significant role in Fuerteventura's culture and economy. The island is famous for its majorero cheese (queso majorero), a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese made from goat's milk. Goat meat is also a traditional staple.

Carnival Celebrations: Like many Spanish-speaking regions, Fuerteventura celebrates Carnival with vibrant parades, music, and elaborate costumes, typically held in February or March. The specific dates vary each year according to the liturgical calendar.

Betancuria's Historical Significance: The historic town of Betancuria, nestled in the central mountains, was the first capital of the Canary Islands and holds significant historical importance, featuring the island's oldest church, Santa María de Betancuria.

Famous Person: One notable figure is Juan Gopar, a contemporary artist born in Tuineje, Fuerteventura, who is recognised for his abstract and conceptual works.

At about 640 sq mi (1660 km²), Fuerteventura is the second largest of Spain's Canary Islands and the least populated. Despite its size, getting around isn’t a daunting task, with a relatively straightforward road network. Visitors often prefer hiring cars or motorcycles for flexibility and convenience.