Fuerteventura, the Island of Sun, Sand and Sea

Fuerteventura, located just about where Europe meets Africa on the Atlantic, is the second largest of the Canary Islands, with an area of just over 1,600 square kilometers.  The Canary Islands are an autonomous part of Spain.

The early history of Fuerteventura goes back to more than 10 centuries before Christ, and the city is even mentioned in one of Homer’s early writings. During its long life, Fuerteventura has been intermittently conquered by the Phoenicians and Portuguese, but it is now part of Spain.

Fuerteventura can be described as an island of sun, sand and sea. With over 150 beaches spread out along its sea-line, which runs into just over 50 kilometers, the Island fits this description well. Fuerteventura enjoys generally comfortable weather conditions all throughout the year, and is one of the sunniest places in Europe. The island is less than 50 miles from the northern end of Africa.

The Island of Fuerteventura has over 100 neighborhoods – or settlements – as they are formally referred to, spread out within its six municipalities. These Fuerteventurian municipalities include the municipalities of La Oliva, Paraja and Tuineje. Others include Bentacuria (which incorporates a nearby ‘stand-alone’ islet), Antigua and Puerto de Rosario.  Puerto de Rosario is the biggest city in the Island and is considered the capital of Fuerteventura. The former capital of the Island was Bentacuria, and it still retains its importance as a great tourist destination, due to its breathtaking architecture.

The resident population of Fuerteventura is about 70,000, though this number often gets a large boost from visiting tourists. But even with this  boost, a population of about 70,000 means that the city is not too heavily populated, making it an ideal place to relax if you are seeking to ‘get away from it all.’

Most of the tourists who visit Fuerteventura are drawn by its climate, sights, beaches and sea sport activities. A visitor to Fuerteventura can also go sightseeing. For instance, it is in Fuerteventura where you can visit the spot where the last journey of the famous ship SS American Star was prematurely terminated and possibly get a glimpse of the remaining wreckage. Fuerteventura’s beach sand dunes are also a sight to behold. The island has a well developed tourism infrastructure, with good hotels and transport facilities, which make it a convenient destination to visit.