DESTINATIONS — SPAIN & PORTUGAL
Wild thing
Fuerteventura is one of the least developed of the Canary Islands, Meera Dattani discovers
C
ofete, a one-and-a-half- mile stretch of sand on
Fuerteventura’s unspoilt southwest coast, is as wild as it gets. Backed by the 800m-high peaks of the Jandia peninsula, and with the mysterious-looking Villa Winter in the distance, the bird’s-eye views from the road are mouth-watering. About 45 minutes from the harbour town of Morro Jable, Cofete is one of the island’s many unforgettable natural sights. Fuerteventura is the Canaries’ second-largest island, geologically the oldest and one of the least developed. The entire island has Unesco biosphere reserve status, from the cliffs of the Atlantic- battered west coast to the gentle sand dunes of the east, where visitors enjoy some of Europe’s longest beaches. The Moroccan coast lies 60 miles away, and a
combination of low rainfall and cooling trade winds keep the climate near perfect. While the west coast is undeniably gorgeous, with windswept Cofete and black-sand beach of Ajuy, the east coast has Fuerteventura’s most user-friendly beaches: long sandy stretches, secluded coves and quiet bays that lure – alongside those wanting to lounge – divers, snorkellers and watersports fans. Surfers and kiteboarders especially enjoy the ‘windy isle’ during the autumn and winter. Shallower beaches make the island’s surf schools popular with beginners, while the two-mile lagoon of Playa Barca, part of Playa Sotavento on Costa Calma in the southeast, attracts walkers, sunbathers and surfers. Carefully controlled tourism
development has resulted in just three main tourist hubs – Corralejo
in the north, Caleta de Fuste on the east coast and Jandia to the south – leaving much of the island with its original character and way of life mainly intact. The often-overlooked capital Puerto Rosario has an open-air sculpture park, daily market, culture centre and seafront promenade, but Corralejo is the big hitter, with the greatest concentration of hotels, bars, restaurants and shops. The old town still feels atmospheric and there is a good craft market at the Campanaro shopping centre on Thursday and Sunday mornings, but Corralejo’s must-see attraction is the Grandes Playa, seven miles of sand dunes that are part of the Natural Park of Corralejo. A recommended day
trip from Corralejo is Isla de los Lobos, a 15-minute
ferry ride away. Behind cove beaches, the barren interior is spectacular, with its walking trails and a lighthouse. A protected natural area, sightings include dolphins and hammerhead sharks. Companies such as Mar y Mas offer diving, snorkelling and kayaking trips. Glass-bottomed boat cruises are also available. West of Corralejo is the
relatively undeveloped fishing village of Cotillo, with its old harbour, Fortaleza del Tostón fort and sunset views. A few miles away is the lighthouse, from which self-guided walking trails explore the lagoons and beaches. Cotillo and Corralejo are both surfer favourites, while cyclists can pedal the scenic 15-mile trail between the two.
15 January 2015 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 91
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PICTURE: HANSUELI KRAPF
TOP TIP Affordable Car Hire’s lead-in price
for Fuerteventura is just £10 a day, and free additional
driver offers are available
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