Places of Interest
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura, declared a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 2009, is the second largest of the Canary Islands, it is also geologically the oldest and thanks to this boasts some of the most impressive beaches in the whole of Europe, in fact there is nowhere else in the Canaries with as many enormous sand dunes and long sandy beaches. Besides the spectacular beaches, the island has many tourist attractions, various rural or natural parks, several natural monuments and protected landscapes, so if you fancy getting out and about, here are a few ideas. Don’t forget that our reception staff are on hand to help, alternatively you can visit Fuerteventura Tourism’s website.
Beaches
Caleta de Fuste – the local beach is ideal for families with its easygoing, relaxed atmosphere and gently shelving beach. There’s plenty on offer here too, such as diving, sailing, boat (and submarine) trips.
Playa de Cofete - in the far south of Fuerteventura on the north coast of the Jandia peninsula. Almost completely untouched by tourism, Playa de Cofete attracts naturists and is a popular nude bathing beach. The white sands of Cofete stretch for about 8 miles.
Costa Calma - part of the Playa de Sotavento de Jandia. It is a long wide beach with a narrow band of scrubland between the beach and the rise where the buildings begin. The sea is pleasant for swimming and there are a couple of sanitary blocks on the beach itself. This area is popular with naturists.
Corralejo - The white sandy beaches of Corralejo stretch far and wide along the east coast. Most of these beaches have sun bed and umbrella rental. Corralejo also boasts extensive dunes and forms part of the Natural Park of the Dunes of Corralejo and Isla de Lobos.
El Cotillo – the wild beaches along the west coast are ideal for fishing, surfing and windsurfing. Beware of strong undercurrents on the cliff side (turning left in the village), the lagoons on the east side are quite safe. If you wish to get away from it all, the deserted feel of El Cotillo will appeal. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of building planned which is likely to change that.
Jandia - Jandia and Sotavento in the south boast undoubtedly some of the best beaches on the island. This area is well worth a visit if you plan on hiring a car. It is possible to take a stroll all along the coast (some 20km) passing endless lagoons and dunes. This area is also a windsurfers paradise, as the trade winds blow the whole year round from the north west; as a result, the PWA World windsurfing speed and slalom event is held here every August bringing in the cream of the windsurfing world. There are many resorts, bars and water sports areas to be found along this massive stretch of beach.
Parks
Baku Family Park – located in Corralejo, this park is set within 160,000m2 of landscaped grounds and makes for a great day out. Within the park you will find the Baku Water Park with different water slides, wave pool, solariums and a kids area. You will also find a Mini Golf and an Arts & Crafts Street Market.
Fuerteventura Gran Karting – Karting for all ages with a senior track of 1000 metres; a junior track also of 1000 metres and a children’s track of 300 metres.
Oasis Park Fuerteventura – The largest theme park in the Canary Islands! This park of flora and fauna covering 800,000 m2 is home to over 3,000 animals of 250 different species. You can enjoy elephants, otters, cheetahs and stroll through a unique botanical garden with the largest cactus reserve in Europe. Oasis Park Fuerteventura has 4 LIVES where visitors can learn and be educated about our sea lions, parrots, birds of prey and reptiles. To live the experience more intensely the adventure can continue by swimming with sea lions, taking a camel ride and viewing the majorera coast, delve into the ecosystem of lemurs from Madagascar or feed our family of giraffes. Purchase your tickets at reception and take advantage of the free shuttle leaving from the supermarket Hiperdino at 08: 55h and returning at 17: 30h.
Shopping
Caleta de Fuste – the are has quite a few shopping centres with electrical retailers, clothes shops, jewelers and perfume shops and more. The Atlantico centre is the largest of these. There is also a multi screen cinema which shows movies in English from time to time.
Puerto del Rosario – with over 30.000 m2 this shopping centre (Las Rotondas) is packed with well known Spanish and English high street names such as Zara, Pull and Bear, H&M, C&A, Bershka, Womens Secret, Game, Jack & Jones, Quicksilver and more. Bus pick-up from the resort at 09:00, 10:30 and 12:00.
Corralejo – there is plenty to offer along the main street. Don’t visit Corralejo without stopping at the Canarian style shopping centre called El Campanario which is gradually taking on more and more shops. Even if you’re not that keen on shopping, it is worth a visit to have a stop in the plaza or go to the top of the bell tower – excellent for taking in the sights of Corralejo.
Towns, Villages & "Others"
Antigua – the town which gives the name to the municipality where Caleta de Fuste is situated, is one of the oldest villages on the island. Built in the 18th century, it was once the capital of Fuerteventura but only for a year! The picturesque church (Cruz de los Caldos) that dominates the town was built in 1785 and stands amongst well kept trees and shrubbery. The town also has a fully restored windmill which is now a cultural centre and a tourist attraction. Antigua is well known for it’s market so keep an eye out for the flyers that advertise this event.
Betancuria – another former capital of the island, Betancuria lies in a picturesque valley next to a dried up stream which flowed up until the 16th century. The town was founded in 1405 by the Norman conqueror Jean de Bethencourt (who gave his name to the settlement) has a considerable amount of history behind it. Its location was chosen to protect the capital from pirate attacks, although in 1593 a pirate attack devastated the town.
La Oliva – this village was the political center of the island from from the early 17th to mid-19th century; some of the buildings are still standing today. In the exact centre of town is the main church which has a square bell tower visible for miles around and a finely-carved wooden door. There are several highlights inside the church not to be missed. The grandest part of town and the main tourist attraction is the Casa de los Coroneles; this was the military governor’s residence now used mainly for exhibitions.
Isla de Lobos – just a short boat-ride away from Corralejo is the Nature Reserve of Lobos. Enjoy the wonderful view back to Fuerteventura and the chance to spot plants and birds not to be found anywhere else on the planet. The island gets its name from the dense population of seals that used to be found here – “lobos del mar” (Sea Wolves). Today it’s home to many different seabirds that nest in the cliffs and rocks and other wildlife. The island was one of the first nature areas to be designated as ‘protected’ by the Parque Natural Las Dunas de Corralejo e Isla de Lobos Declaration in 1982. 1994 a new law reclassified Lobos and the Corralejo Dunes as separate nature parks: Parque Natural Dunas de Corralejo and Parque Natural Islote de Lobos.
Tindaya - the village and protected area of Tindaya sits at the foot of the 401m mountain of the same name. This area was once regarded as a religious site and the mountain was considered sacred. This can still be seen today in more than 100 carvings of feet (podomorphs) in the smooth rock. These strange carvings which sit at the very top of the mountain are said to be there to ward off evil spirits. On a clear day it’s possible to see mount Teide (Tenerife) the highest peak of Spain and the Canary Islands from the top of Tindaya. The old inhabitants considered Mount Teide as the residence of the devil and all the carvings face in that direction. The rock of Tindaya is very hard and defies erosion and when smoothed down and treated makes an attractive fascia, it can be seen decorating the walls of Fuerteventura airport.
Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and also the most populated. The capital of the island is home to one of the most important Carnivals and is also joint capital (with Las Palmas) of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands. The island receives some 5 million visitors annually, possibly because there is a whole lot more to be discovered in Tenerife besides the nearest beach. The island, a continent in miniature, boasts two World Heritage Sites, one National Park, and 42 natural protected spaces. Here are just a few ideas for your stay on the island; don’t forget to ask our reception staff for further information. Alternatively, you can visit Tenerife Tourism’s website.
Beaches
Playa de la Arena – this beach, entirely of natural black volcanic sand, is in a small cove in the town of Puerto de Santiago close to Los Gigantes. It has held the European Blue Flag award for various years.
Playa de Los Cristianos – the main beach in Los Cristianos, is a sandy beach protected by the Harbour with a number of facilities including watersports, beach volleyball, showers and a children’s play area.
Las Vistas Beach – found in the next bay beyond the harbour is artificial, sheltered by break-waters, it also has a number of facilities including watersports, showers and a tourist information site.
Playa de Troya – in Las Americas, this is a golden sandy beach in the centre of town which offers sun beds and shades, showers, water-sports, and also boasts the the Blue Flag award.
Playa de las Teresitas on the outskirts of the capital, Santa Cruz, is popular during the summer months with the Island’s residents. It was transformed in 1973 by bringing sand from the old Spanish province of the Sahara; it is well protected by break-waters and is therefore very calm for swimming. Worth a visit.
Parks
Siam Park – another “must” for Tenerife! Siam Park is a Water Park in the San Eugenio area of Playa de las Americas/Costa Adeje. Built by the owners of Loro Park, the park is themed on the ancient Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand). On opening, it boasted 5 world records: the largest dragon statue in the world, biggest elevation within the slow river (up to 8 metres), the world’s biggest artificial wave, the biggest range of slides and the biggest Thai building outside of Asia. Tickets and transport can be arranged at reception.
Loro Parque – the original “must” of the Canary Islands. Loro Parque is a world-famous adventure and animal park in the Canary Islands. A natural paradise thanks to which you will always have an unforgettable memory of your holiday. A whole host of feature and animals include Planet Penguin with over 200 penguins, the OrcaOcean show, dolphins and sea lions and, of course, parrotts (loro is Spanish for parrott). Tickets and transport can be arranged at reception.
Eagle Park – Jungle Park Las Águilas is a fantastic zoological and botanical park with 75,000 m² of jungle and over 500 animals. Here, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience: along a route full of tunnels, and hanging bridges, waterfalls, lagoons and caves you will discover its incredible ecosystem made up of flora and fauna from the south of Tenerife. Tickets and transport can be arranged at reception.
Shopping
La Villa (La Orotava) – the north’s biggest shopping centre just outside Puerto de la Cruz with over 100 different outlets. The interior design is based on a Canarian town. Free Parking.
Los Cristianos & Playa de las Americas – there are plenty of shopping centres throughout the whole area, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Meridiano (Santa Cruz) – as well as an enormous Carrefour Hipermarket, this shopping centre in the newest area of Santa Cruz has over 100 different shops and restaurants. Free Parking.
Santa Cruz & La Laguna – don’t miss out on the atmosphere of these two busy city centres with shops and restaurants galore. Santa Cruz as the islands capital has a special atmosphere and La Laguna, a world heritage site, is a required visit – and not just for the shopping!
Towns, Villages & "Others"
Teide National Park – A network of national parks in the Canary Islands attempts to conserve their most characteristic ecosystems. With an average altitude of over 2,000 metres, the Mt. Teide National Park offers one of the most spectacular examples of volcanism in the world and represents the best example of alpine volcanic ecosystem in the Canary Islands. As well as being home to Spain’s highest peak, the National Park is also a World Heritage Site. Mount Teide is the third largest volcano in the world after Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea in Hawaii. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t leave Tenerife without visiting!
La Laguna – San Cristóbal de La Laguna, declared a World Cultural and Heritage Site by Unesco, has maintained its highly valued historic centre in an exemplary state of conservation. As well as important monuments and historic buildings, there is an important centre of commercial activity, offering the chance to buy souvenirs to remember your visit to the island: fashion, Tenerife wines, Canarian craftwork and typical gastronomical products. The city has an important university tradition, thus providing the liveliness and relaxed atmosphere of its countless tascas.
Santa Cruz – This is the island´s capital. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a cosmopolitan, happy and bright city. It looks out onto the sea, is full of interesting sites and has a marked island character. The city is ideal for taking a stroll and relaxing along its avenues and pedestrian streets. Santa Cruz is above all a vibrant city, offering great cultural and leisure activities and a pedestrian shopping area. Its retail outlets offer all sorts of products and manufactured goods from all over the world, at very reasonable prices.
Icod de Los Vinos & Garachico – Icod, located in a very fertile valley, was founded in 1501. The city is a collection of manor houses, ancient stately homes, temples and convents. Icod is home to the (supposedly) 1,000 year-old Drago tree, a real wonder of the plant world. Garachico, originally founded in 1496 was buried by a raging volcano in 1706. However, it was born again from the ashes and today the town, rebuilt on the lava flow, presents itself to us in all its charm.
Masca – This hamlet, which has been declared an area of ethnographical and architectural interest, has been preserved due to the sheer difficulty in gaining access to the hamlet until recent years. The Masca ravine is one of the most spectacular in the island. Its descent, down to the sea, is awesome. Many organised excursions end at the beach at the bottom of the ravine, where a boat collects trekkers to take them back to one of the coastal towns.
La Orotava & Puerto de la Cruz – La Orotava spreads across the valley of banana plantations from which the town gets its name. Full of historical buildings and other architecture, it is without a doubt, an ideal place to come into contact with local culture and traditions. Puerto de la Cruz offers its visitors a cosmopolitan town which, after a century of tourism, retains all the flavour of a city open to the sea and to every cultural background. It brings together in attractive harmony both the traditional architecture of the island and the modernity of first-class hotels.
Pyramids in Güimar – The Guimar Pyramids in the south of Tenerife are a complex of pyramid structures astronomically positioned by the winter and summer solstice. The park offers its visitors a chance to contemplate these amazing constructions, a surprising resemblance of the architecture to those found in Egypt, Sardinia, Sicily, South America and other parts of the world.
Rural Park of Anaga – The Anaga Rural Park is one of the areas of greatest ecological value in Tenerife, both for its special geological form and for the extraordinary bio-diversity it contains. The Anaga Massif, one of the three corners of the island of Tenerife, offers visitors extraordinary scenery, hidden beaches, spectacular cliffs and leafy laurisilva forests: these forests are a relic of prehistoric Mediterranean vegetation.
La Gomera – located between La Palma, El Hierro and Tenerife the island has a surface area of 372 square kilometres, the second smallest of the archipelago. It is divided into six districts and the capital is San Sebastián de La Gomera. The 20,000 inhabitants mainly work in tourism, farming and the service sector. The Garajonay National Park, in the centre of the island was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Day trips can be booked at reception.
