WINTER SUN FUERTEVENTURA DESTINATIONS
C
ast your eye out of the window as you’re coming in
to land in Fuerteventura, and you won’t see the sea of multi-storey hotels that you might associate with other tourism hotspots in the Canary Islands. Sure, the island isn’t new to the UK market, but it is perhaps unjustly compared to its bigger, brasher neighbours. That’s because they all share year- round sunshine, meaning warm – but often windy – climes for a Christmas or New Year getaway to get your fix of melatonin and escape the winter blues. But Fuerteventura offers
a winter-sun getaway with a difference. Whether you’re a family, couple or group of friends, the resort of Corralejo in northern Fuerteventura is an easy-access option for anyone seeking adventure, relaxation or both.
w DUNE DAYS Pause: One of the reasons there are few built-up hotels in northern Fuerteventura is because of planning restrictions protecting the sand dunes in Corralejo Natural Park. They shift over time, blown by the wind, so man-made windbreaks are a big no-no to protect the area’s natural beauty. That is, except for some much smaller, traditional windbreaks
Rent a kiteboard to surf across the dunes, allowing the wind to whisk you over the soft natural bumps
dotted up and down the coast, built in a ringed variant of the dry-stone walls you may associate more with the Yorkshire Dales. They’re perfect for protecting your eyes from the powder-like sand, as you catch some winter rays on the beach and bask in the comfortable 20C-25C temperatures – perfect for paler-skinned Brits. Play: Sand dunes are not just a place to relax and top up on your tan; they are a hive of activity for those who can’t sit still on holiday. You can rent a kiteboard to
surf across the dunes, making the most of that wind as it whisks you over the soft natural bumps and flats in the landscape. Instruction is available at various spots around the coast. A less vigorous way to enjoy the dunes at speed is to find a bodyboard and slide your way down, either sitting or – for the
braver souls – standing up, as if on a skateboard. And if you can’t get hold of a board, you can simply fling yourself down, either by running, or – as demonstrated by many an islander – tumbling down in a less-than-graceful roly- poly. All in the name of good fun.
w ROAD TRIPPIN’ Pause: Access to a rental car opens up so many possibilities in Fuerteventura. From Corralejo, it takes just over half an hour to drive to the sleepy northwestern town of El Cotillo, where you can make your way down to the Tostón Lighthouse for a perfect place to catch a stunning sunset. Be sure to wrap up warm as the winds come gusting in from the Atlantic Ocean, but it’s worth the effort as the beautiful sunset makes way for a lovely view of the stars in the clear sky. Play: The Canary Islands are, of course, the product of volcanoes, and Fuerteventura is no exception. This volcanic history has left it with a stunning terrain accessible through an easily-navigable network of winding roads. You can make your way from the northeast of the island through Betancuria, via the sacred mountain of Tindaya, and onwards to the rocky seafront caves of Ajuy, all in a day’s exploring.
There’ll be no shortage of spectacular views or places to stop, take it all in and bag that perfect selfie. Arrive at the sleepy coastal
town of Ajuy and you’re bound to be impressed by the rock formations, including the Black Cave, fashioned by centuries of thrashing from the fierce waves that even the brave local surfers daren’t take on. Its seafront scenery is comparable to that of Australia’s Great Ocean Road.
w FEEL FITTER Play: If road-tripping isn’t your bag and you prefer to earn your hard miles, you can ride the shorter, bumpier path to El Cotillo from Corralejo. You’ll see 4x4s venture onto the rocky road but it’s perfectly doable on a good mountain bike, if your legs can hack the roughly 12-mile off-road route. And remember, it may be a bit harder on the way back as you’ll be pedalling into the wind.
Joggers may prefer to go south from Corralejo to the sand dunes, which might trap the odd bike tyre, to get their miles in with a bit of resistance training. Pause: If you prefer to keep healthy by pampering rather than exercising, then take advantage of the island’s numerous spas. Even those not staying at
6 September 2018
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