Attractions in Fuerteventura
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| Parque Natural de Corralejo |
Like many tourist destinations, there are many things to see and do within the island of Fuerteventura. There are historical, cultural, relaxation, and entertaining attractions throughout the island. All attractions can easily be accessed either via organized tours or directly by visitors looking to explore Fuerteventura at their own leisure.
Playa del Mattoral
Address: Morro Jable
The beautiful Playa del Mattoral stretches over four kilometers and is amazing when it comes to a large number of different water sports, including water skiing, parasailing, and surfing. For others, it is a perfect place to lie in the sand and enjoy a book. This beach does not get overcrowded, which is a great thing.
Parque Natural de Corralejo
Address: Outer City Center
The Parque Natural de Corralejo stretches for about ten kilometers. It is extremely popular among kite boarders and windsurfers. It is a free park to enter and there are sun lounges as well as umbrellas, ether for free or to rent, in front of a majority of the hotels.
Casa Museo de Unamuno
Address: Calle Rosario 11
The location that houses the casa Museo de Unamuno once housed Miguel de Unamuno, a philosopher that was exiled because of his public displays of opposition against the Primo de Rivera dictatorship. He remained on Fuerteventura until 1924 before escaping to France. He only returned to Spain in 1931 to teach at Salamanca University once the republicans gained power. Today, this house is now a period piece with furnishings from Unamuno’s time.
Museo Artesania
Address: Betancuria
The Museo Artesania is located right across from the Iglesia de Santa Maria. It is not only a museum but also a craft center where visitors can watch weavers, taste some of the local cheeses, as well as watch a short film about the local culture. There is a small exhibition that offers insight into antiquity with old domestic and agricultural appliances and tools.
Iglesia de Santa Maria
Address: Calle Alcalde Carmelo Silvera
The Iglesia de Santa Maria was built in 1620 and has a beautiful stone floor, wooden ceilings, and a magnificent baroque altar. The original Gothic structure that was on the land previous to it, was destroyed by pirates in 1593.
Dive Inn
Address: Calle Felix de Vera Guuerra
Dive Inn is a great location for visitors that are looking to find the best locations to go scuba diving. Dive Inn offers scuba diving courses as well as rental scuba equipment. There is also snorkeling gear available to rent as well.
Ventura Surf Center
Address: Calla Fragata
The Ventura Surf Center is located along the coast between the straits located by Lanzarote and Corralejo, in an area known as Estrecho de la Bocaina. It is an ideal place for surfing, kite boarding, and windsurfing. This is one of many centers throughout the island of Fuerteventura that caters to beginner water sports enthusiasts.
Museo de Arte Sacro
Address: Calle Alcalde Carmelo Silvera
The Museo de Arte Sacro contains a large number of religious art pieces, including silverware, gold, and paintings. Individuals pay for admission when they enter into the Iglesia de Santa Maria.
The Villa Winter
Located in the southern part of Fuerteventura, the Villa Winter is an exceptional work of architecture worth paying a visit to. The Villa was built in the mid 1940s and has been controversially associated with the notorious Nazis of that era. It is located on a remote part of the island (the path leading to the villa is but a rudimentary track) and, thus, it is only accessible by four wheel vehicles. Due to its remote location, a trip to the villa will likely give you a spectacular tour of interior Fuerteventura. There are a number of tour companies in Fuerteventura that offer tours to the Winter Villa and their prices are, on the whole, quite reasonable.
SS American Star
Fuerteventura is the location where America’s famous ocean liner of the 1940s was beached, upon the unfortunate end of her service. Before her retirement, SS American Star had an eventful history, as evidenced by her numerous name changes – from SS America at her ‘birth’, to USS WestPoint during the war, to SS Australis, SS Noga, SS Alferdos and finally SS American Star. The exact location to find her is at Playa de Garcey but, for the most part, her wreck has been submerged. To get to the location where the SS American star’s shipwreck lies, you will have to take a trip to a remote part of Fuerteventura. There are a number of tour companies in Fuerteventura that offer trips to Playa de Garcey, where you can pay homage to the SS American Star.
Activities in Fuerteventura
Most of Fuerteventura’s coastline, especially the northern shores, are suitable for surfing. There is also the possibility of windsurfing on the island’s windy beaches, too. Indeed, Fuerteventura has come to be recognized as one the best places for this sport. The beauty of surfing in Fuerteventura is due to the island’s powerful waves, the friendly surfing atmosphere on the island and the fact that it is relatively inexpensive. Some of the most popular surfing haunts in Fuerteventura include Generosa, Majanicho and the curiously named ‘Suicides’. Majanicho is also a good spot for windsurfers. El Hierro and El Cottilo are other notable surfing locations in Fuerteventura, as is Esquizo. You can also find a number of surf schools for beginners.
Adventure Excursions
All of Fuerteventura’s fun is not limited to the sea and the seaside. Fuerteventura has a lot to offer beyond the sea shores, and the way to savor this is by taking an adventure excursion. An adventure excursion in Fuerteventura is likely to be a fun-filled affair, taking you through a series of craters, bays and dunes. As it were, Fuerteventura island was formed as a result of volcanic activity, most of which was is fairly recent, as evidenced by the craters on the island and other geological wonders you are likely to see on your journey. Another prominent feature you are likely to see are Fuerteventura’s breath-taking sand dunes, spread out at various parts of the island.
Hiking
Hiking deep in the interior of Fuerteventura is adventure taken to the extreme. To help make it a real hike, you can take the inner routes in the island, far from the island’s main roads. Your hike is likely to take you down various lost paths, showing you breathtaking landscapes that are out of this world. Another feature you are likely to discover during your hike are the Island’s numerous abandoned and forgotten beaches, places you otherwise would have missed. There will be a lot of walking involved in your hike, so walking shoes are a necessity. There are a number of tour companies in Fuerteventura that organize these hikes at a reasonable cost, for all the fun you experience.
Kite Flying
Kite flying is yet another fun activity you can immerse yourself in while in Fuerteventura, with Corralejo being one of the best places in the area to enjoy this sport. What makes Fuerteventura the perfect place for kite flying is its remarkably windy nature. Kite flying, when properly practiced, can be an exciting activity for the entire family and allow you a chance to become closer during your trip. Plus, in Fuerteventura you can experience power kite flying – which takes the whole business of kite flying to a whole new level of fun. Even if you don’t know the first thing about power kite flying, there are a number of instructors on the island ready to help you.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is yet another exciting activity you can enjoy while visiting Fuerteventura. What makes Fuerteventura an ideal location for mountain biking are the huge mountains and rugged terrain, which may make you wonder whether you are still on Earth. If you don’t like the tiring uphill trip, you can always take a jeep and then cycle for the long downhill trip. Although you can go mountain biking in a self organized party, it is usually better to book a mountain riding expedition with a company that offers it in Fuerteventura, as they know the logistics of mountain biking on the island better than most. Their fees tend to be very reasonable and their services can make a big difference. |