Where is Fuerteventura located?

We all hear about the wonders of this island, but many still wonder where is Fuerteventura located?

The climate in Fuerteventura is the best in the world, with year-round sunshine, soft white, golden, and black sand, and an ocean with a thousand shades of color.

The uncontaminated and wild nature of the Biosphere Reserve , the enchantment of silence, of total relaxation and the starry sky that seems to caress it with your hands.

Breathtaking landscapes, always different and unique, dirty roads, hidden gems, off the beaten track, paths and panoramic routes, volcanoes and natural pools .

Fuerteventura has always been a favorite destination for international tourists, welcoming everyone with open arms and a warm welcome. 

The privileged half also of those who choose to change their lifestyle or enjoy retirement away from the chaos, smog and stress of daily life.

 

The location of Fuerteventura?

Fuerteventura is located in the Canary Islands in Spain and is the second largest island in the entire archipelago.

The Atlantic Ocean surrounds the entire coastline of Fuerteventura, which is located 97 km from the northern coast of Africa.

It has an area of ​​almost 1660 square km with a maximum length of 100 km, an altitude of 807 m above sea level and a population of more than 107,000 inhabitants.

It is the oldest of the Canary Islands and is renowned for its long golden sandy beaches, as well as being a paradise for water sports enthusiasts.

Designated as a Biosphere Reserve , Fuerteventura is a destination where a wonderful natural landscape and simplicity coexist.

The island is also declared a Starlight Reserve , thanks to the high quality of the night sky and access to starlight.

And at the same time various values ​​associated with it, be they cultural, scientific, astronomical, landscape or natural.

Fuerteventura is part of the province of Las Palmas and its map includes 6 municipalities: 

• Puerto del Rosario
• Antigua
• Betancuria
• La Oliva
• Pájara
• Tuineje.

To the northeast, just 6 km away, lies the small island of Lobos , the rare jewel of the island of Fuerteventura and that of the Canaries.

 

Which is the geography of Fuerteventura?

The island of Fuerteventura was formed by underwater volcanic eruptions dating back millions of years, a characteristic that has shaped the landscape that characterizes every corner of it today.

The first eruptions were below sea level and the formations were subsequently pushed upwards.

These first eruptions show the gentle slopes typical of the Betancuria Massif and the subsequent ones, above sea level, have the traditional “volcanic” shapes.

The last eruption on Fuerteventura occurred in what is now La Oliva, about 5,000 years ago.

Much of Fuerteventura’s territory , with its vast desert plains and volcanic reliefs, are natural and protected areas .

This island appears as an undulation of land that slopes towards the sea, dominated by large flat areas, although there are some mountains of a certain importance.

The highest mountain is Pico de Zarza , which is located in the Jandia Natural Park and reaches a height of 807 m.

Precisely for this reason, rainfall in the south of the island is often more frequent than in other locations.

The weather of Fuerteventura is perfect and the average temperature  is around 24 degrees and annual rainfall is minimal.

 

A little history of Fuerteventura 

In ancient times, the island of Fuerteventura was known by other names such as Planaria , in reference to the flatness of much of its surface.

There is no certainty as to who the first settlers of the island were and when this occurred.

There are a couple of hypotheses, but the most likely refers to a Berber origin, a tribe of tall, fair-skinned, blond, blue-eyed people from North Africa.

The basis for this are the Libyan-Berber inscriptions that can be found in the mountains where these Berber settlers, also called Majos.

They probably set foot on Fuerteventura around 3,000 years ago, as part of a deportation program by the then dominant rulers of the Mediterranean area, the Phoenicians.

Between 50 BC and 50 BC the Romans took power from the Phoenicians, conquering Carthago and deporting the rebels to the Canary Islands.

At the beginning of the 15th century the island was conquered by Jean de Bethencourt and Gadifer de la Salle.

Juan de Bethencourt organized the expedition to extract the purple-red dye from the “Orchilla” lichen, to give more life to his textile company.

At that time, there were 2 kingdoms in Fuerteventura, divided by a wall, the remains of which have no longer been found:

• the Northern one was called Maxorata and was ruled by Guize
• the southern one was called Jandía, and was governed by Ayose

The village of Betancuria was created in the centre of Fuerteventura to hide as far as possible from pirates coming from North Africa.

Betancuria was rebuilt and soon became the capital first of the Canaries and then of Fuerteventura until 1834.

Fuerteventura was proclaimed a kingdom under the crown of Henry III of Castile and later became private property between the 15th and 18th centuries.

Or also as Herbaria, which derives from the Berber term meaning “wall”.

This theory is based on the fact that when the first European settlers landed on the island of Fuerteventura they found it divided into two kingdoms: Maxorata and Jandia.

 

What is Fuerteventura’s economy based on?

Fuerteventura was the first, together with Lanzarote, to export wheat and cereals (wheat, barley and corn) to the central islands of the Canary archipelago .

In Fuerteventura, many deep-sea fishermen (fishing practiced at great distances from the coast) and divers are attracted by the ocean waters.

At the end of the 18th century many people were involved in the production of burnt gypsum which was mainly extracted from the Ajuy areas.

Tomatoes have been grown industrially since 1927, especially around Antigua and Tiscamanita .

The extra virgin olive oil from Fuerteventura – Teguerey was chosen as the best production of the Canary Islands in 2023. 

Fuerteventura’s livestock is mainly goats, highly prized for their high-quality milk, the basis for goat’s cheese, which has held PDO status since 1996.

Majorero cheese is recognized worldwide, where one of the World Championship Cheeses went to Maxorata cheese.

Since the 1960s,  a new source of income has been created: tourism.

The first tourist hotel was built in 1965 and shortly thereafter El Matorral Airport of Fuerteventura was built.

This marked the birth of an era of major tourism in Fuerteventura , which became a favorite destination compared to European capitals.

The summer trade winds and the Atlantic waves make the island the ideal place for lovers of water sports, mainly surfing and kitesurfing .

But Fuerteventura, a mix of cultures, traditions, and flavors, also amazes its visitors with its typical products, which best represent it.

The island is able to satisfy every need of the national and international market, showcasing the excellence of its local products.

 

But what are some local Fuerteventura products?

The best-known  local products of Fuerteventura are palm honey, cactus jam, and their exquisite sauces, especially the following:

• mojo alioli 
• mojo picón

On this splendid island, exotic fruits such as papaya, avocado, mango and plantain (tropical bananas typical of the Canary Islands), figs and prickly pears stand out.

A typical plant of Fuerteventura is aloe vera , native to the Arabian Peninsula, considered sacred by the indigenous aborigines (Guanches).

The products derived from this plant are numerous, such as juices, gels, creams, etc., a true treasure of the entire island.

You absolutely must try the typical products of Fuerteventura , such as:

• rum and liqueurs, goat cheeses (internationally known Maxorata)
• Canarian tropical banana cream (plantain)
• fine wines, special sauces (mojos), gofio
• the tasty Canary Island potatoes (papas arrugadas) 
• salt, which is the ocean water that, after the desalination process, reaches consumers’ tables

Traditional festivals of Fuerteventura 

The most important of Fuerteventura’s traditional festivals is the Virgen de la Peña festival.

The festival of the patron saint of the island of Fuerteventura, organized every year in the third week of September in the municipality of Betancuria .

This traditional festival involves everyone in cheerful celebrations with masses, dancing, music, and markets selling local food and crafts.

Another very important festival in Fuerteventura is Carnival, which takes place between the months of February and March.

During the evenings (almost always 3) fascinating events take place with parades of floats with different types of costumes for each municipality.

There is no shortage of music, dancing, cultural activities and local food festivals.

Canary Islands Day is a regional Spanish holiday celebrated throughout the Canary Islands every May 30th.

This celebration commemorates the first session of the Canarian Parliament in 1983 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

 

The most famous beaches in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is an island with a very long coastline and heavenly beaches.

The most beautiful beaches in Fuerteventura are:

• Grandes Playas 
• La Pared
• Cofete
• Sotavento
• El Cotillo beaches
• The dunes of Corralejo

The island of Fuerteventura offers little nightlife in its southern part and is more lively and perfect for young people in Fuerteventura in Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste .

The most beautiful excursions , the best trekking , yoga and golf routes, the best emotional travel itineraries are all that the island offers.

A holiday dedicated to wellness and relaxation in close contact with nature: this is the island of Fuerteventura.