Fuerteventura owes much to its location just off the coast of Africa. If it wasn’t for its position, it wouldn’t have its quint-syllabic name; which roughly translates to strong winds, a feature that’s help shape and smooth the island’s volcanic landscape. If it wasn’t for its location it wouldn’t have the Fuerteventura weather that makes cheap Canary Islands holidays so popular. Most of all, Fuerteventura holidays are known for the 125 miles of beaches available to the tourist, for which they’re grateful to the nearby Sahara Desert for sharing its the sand. Yes, Fuerteventura is an island that can thank Mother Nature for the wind that gave it its name, blew sand across the sea and located it in the glorious sunshine that’s resulted in it being an incredible vacation destination.
Beat the Brochure’s Top 5 recommendations
Located in northern Fuerteventura, the Baku Family Park is probably the best you’ll find on family Fuerteventura holidays. Consisting of an impressive water park, eighteen hole miniature golf course and an artificial mountain for rock climbers of all experience ranges, the Baku Family Park is somewhere the whole family can spend an enjoyable day away from Fuerteventura’s lovely beaches. The water park has numerous slides, Jacuzzis, kid’s areas, quiet zones and a spectacular wave pool. For an additional charge you can make your visit extra special by booking a swim with sea lions.
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Parque Natural de Corralejo
Some of the most beautiful sights in Fuerteventura are there for your enjoyment at Parque Natural de Corralejo. No buildings - be it for the benefit of tourists or locals - are allowed to be built within the confines of the area, meaning amazing and unspoilt panoramic views of the island. The sand dunes and beach front are majestic and can be an ideal spot for a picnic, while the sea is warm enough for a dip. Just be warned that there may be nudists in the area, so it’s worth mentioning that the promise of an unspoilt view could be broken at any moment! Either way you’re guaranteed nothing but nature when visiting Parque Natural de Corralejo.
The Oasis Park, as it’s informally known, houses over 6,000 plants from all over the world. The park is also home to a whole host of cute, cuddly and scaley critters like raccoons, capybaras, lemurs, hippos, kangaroos and lizards that are all kept in areas resembling their natural habitats. There’s also four animal shows for you to enjoy that are including in the entry price, meaning you can sit back and be entertained during breaks from walking around the almost 1,000,000 m² park. Cheap Fuerteventura holidays are family favourites; this is a day out that will please every one of you.
Held on the first Sunday of Fuerteventura’s carnival week (usually end of February/beginning of March) in the island’s capital Puerto del Rosario, Achipencos or Regata de Achipencos is a fun-filled event that brings spectators, both native and tourist, out in their droves to watch participants attempt to make it to the shore in an array of homemade vessels. The crews are both helped and hindered by the sea breeze – depending on the wind direction - in their extravagant crafts, and are usually dolled up to the nines in all manner of fancy dress. For some trivia; Achipenco is supposedly an acronym of Artilugio Carnavelero Hidrodinámico Impulsado Por Energía No Contaminante Obviamente which translates to Hydrodynamic Carnival Contraption Driven by Energy that isn’t Obviously Polluting. Hccdeop doesn’t roll off the tongue as well as its Spanish equivalent however, so we’ll stick with Achipencos!
While Parque Natural de Corralejo may be a bit of an acquired taste (what with the seclusion), Jandia’s Playa de Sotavento will suit everyone down to a tee. What feels like miles and miles of luxurious, delicate sandy beach is combined with crystal clear waters that make for one of the finest attractions in the Canary Islands. If the wind gets up, there are numerous stone circle wind breaks so you needn’t worry about catching a chill and with so much space you can find your own little spot. Sun, sea, sand and wind Playa de Sotavento is Fuerteventura in a nutshell.
Essential info
Currency: Euro
Language: Spanish
Visa: N/A
Vaccinations: N/A
Dress code: N/A
Important numbers: Embassy: 020 7235 5555
Other info: N/A