FUERTEVENTURA

Fuerteventura is part of the Canary Islands, economically and politically it belongs to Europe, but geographically it belongs to Africa. It is less than 100 km from the coast of Morocco. With a total area of just under 1,700 km2, it is the second largest of the Canary Islands and the third largest in the Kingdom of Spain. It has approximately 120 000 inhabitants and its capital is Puerto del Rosario.

The island's name is a combination of the words 'fuerte' (strong) and 'ventura' (lucky), but the name itself refers more to the strong winds that are typical of the island. It is also known as the 'European Caribbean', especially because of the beautiful white sand beaches that dot the coastline. There are almost 150 of them, all of which together make up an incredible 75 km of beaches.

Playa de Cofete is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and the world

Most of the beaches are natural and some are very difficult to access - see the most famous and beautiful Playa de Cofete. In the rankings, it ranks not only among the most beautiful beaches in Europe, but also in the whole world. A minimum of beaches are used for commercial purposes. On the vast majority you will not find any service, sunbeds or toilets. An exception is the beach at Morro Jable in the south of the island.

The whole island is arid with minimal greenery. It looks more like a desert, which distinguishes it from other islands. Unfortunately, it is also poorer in monuments, which are scarce here. However, it is very popular among sportsmen, especially surfing and windsurfing enthusiasts.

TOP 5 PLACES

PLAYA DE COFETE

Playa de Cofete is rightly considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and the world. The golden sand contrasted with the high mountains of the Jandía on one side and the mighty waves on the other create a literally magical place that is also a photographer's paradise.

9 km on absolutely unmaintained road full of potholes, holes and stones

The beach is not used for commercial purposes, so it is completely without service and equipment. One of the reasons is that the place where it is located is very remote and access to it is very complicated. The road leads along an unpaved road from the resort of Morro Jable. The first 13 km are quite well maintained, as it is the same road that leads to the Faro punta de Jandía lighthouse. However, after 13 km you have to turn right and continue for another 9 km on an absolutely unmaintained road full of potholes, holes and stones. I definitely recommend a 4x4 vehicle. It can be done even with smaller cars, but you have to be very careful. A flat tire on this route is very common.

Casa de los Winter

Near Playa de Cofete beach is a villa built in 1937 by Gustav Winter, a German engineer known for his Nazi sympathies. The villa is famous for several reasons. According to theories, which are not supported by evidence, the villa was used as a secret base for German submarines during World War II. Supplies were transported through lava tunnels created by volcanic activity.

A secret German submarine base or Hitler's clinic?

The second theory is that at the end of the war the villa served as Hitler's clinic and a stopover during the escape of Nazi officers to Argentina. They underwent complex surgical procedures and plastic surgery to have their identities changed so that no one could recognize them after the war. They were to be given legitimacy by the false passports they had had made in Nazi Germany. Hitler himself was to have undergone the operation and identity change here, and it is believed that he did not commit suicide in his military bunker in Berlin, but fled to South America.

CORRALEJO

This resort, located in the north of the island, forms two main tourist pillars together with Morro Jable. The formerly poor fishing village gradually began to transform into a tourist resort during the 1970s and 1980s. It boomed at the beginning of the second millennium. There is a large community of German and British inhabitants. However, many people from Scandinavia, especially Finland, have also found a home here.

Several meters high dunes are typical for this area

In the city but also outside, there are several beaches that stretch for several kilometers. Among the popular ones are the town beach of Corralejo Viejo and the beach of Grandes Playas Corralejo, located 2 km south of the town. The beaches are very windy, as is the whole island. So it's not unusual to see a number of surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts here.

Near Corralejo there is also the Parque Natural de Corralejo, a national nature reserve where you can admire dunes several metres high. The area, which covers an area of more than 26 km2, is located in the immediate vicinity of the local beaches and has been protected since 1994.

LIGHTHOUSE FARO PUNTA DE JANDÍA

The lighthouse was built in 1864, making it one of the oldest lighthouses in the Canary Islands. It is still functional and active. Its light is located 33 m above sea level and is visible from a distance of 22 nautical miles. The house that is part of the lighthouse has been converted into a tourist centre that offers an exhibition of the Jandía Nature Reserve.

But tourists don't just come here to admire the beauty of the lighthouse, they also come here to watch the massive waves crashing against the rocky coastline located on the western tip of the island.

VOLCANO CALDERÓN HONDO

This volcano is located in the northern part of the island a few kilometres from the town of Corralejo and is part of several other volcanoes. The volcanoes are no longer active - the last known eruption took place between 50,000 and 100,000 years ago and extended the island several square kilometres to the north, bringing it closer to Lanzarote, which is also part of the Canary Islands.

During the journey it is possible to observe numerous groups of Barbary Squirrels

There is a small car park nearby, from which a marked paved path leads. This is a relatively easy walk that will take you one to two hours. Along the way it is possible to observe numerous groups of Barbary Squirrels, which were introduced here from the Atlas Mountains in Africa.

MORRO JABLE RESORT

Fuerteventura offers many beaches and very few tourist resorts. The most popular one, where most tourists go, is the resort of Morro Jable, located in the south of the island. There are several hotels, a long sandy beach including all services (sunbeds, refreshments, toilets, etc.).

However, the lesser-known resort of Caleta de Fuste with its Playa del Castillo beach is also worth a visit. The beach is very well protected from wind and waves. Sunbeds, umbrellas, bars, restaurants and toilets are commonplace here. You can also use the beach to relax before your flight as it is close to the international airport.