Fuerteventura

Lines of unbroken beach separate whole areas of Fuerteventura from the Atlantic ocean. One of Spain’s seven Canary Islands just 90 miles from the coast of Morocco, Fuerteventura is unlike its lush tropical neighbors, its eons-old volcanic landscape eroded and still mostly barren expanses of russet and ochre. In its center rises a steep mountain range. Hikers can climb to the sharp rims of extinct volcanoes and descend into their craters, or they can follow trails along Fuerteventura’s southern mountain spine, looking to the sea on either side. Surfing off Fuerteventura’s northern coast between Corelejo and adjacent Cotillo is some of the ...

Lines of unbroken beach separate whole areas of Fuerteventura from the Atlantic ocean. One of Spain’s seven Canary Islands just 90 miles from the coast of Morocco, Fuerteventura is unlike its lush tropical neighbors, its eons-old volcanic landscape eroded and still mostly barren expanses of russet and ochre. In its center rises a steep mountain range. Hikers can climb to the sharp rims of extinct volcanoes and descend into their craters, or they can follow trails along Fuerteventura’s southern mountain spine, looking to the sea on either side. Surfing off Fuerteventura’s northern coast between Corelejo and adjacent Cotillo is some of the best in the world, giving both towns a youthful vitality and a lively nightlife. The island is dotted with picturesque windmills, some still working, some in ruin, and its long history has left remnants of a town built in the first millennium BC, beautifully restored noble homes and stone defense towers that recall days when pirates roamed the seas. A restored farm village provides a chance to see traditional farm and household skills and crafts demonstrated. Betancuria is a gracious little colonial city nestled in the mountains; it has whitewashed buildings that have stood for five centuries.

About the Expert

Barbara Radcliffe Rogers has written or coauthored more than 30 guidebooks, including The Portugal Traveler, Drive Around Portugal, City Spots Munich, City Spots Helsinki, City Spots Stockholm, Eating New England, and the Maine section of Thomas Cook's Independent Traveller USA.