Main attractions – Fuerteventura & Lanzarote

Fuertaventura – second biggest island of the Canary Islands… Somehow it houses the population of not that big a city… It was one of the first islands conquered. It all started in 1402 and Jean de Bethencourt. Following centuries left it barren of trees and now, when you look at it, it is a speck of a sandy colour. Her smaller sister – Lanzarote, is the third most populated in the archipelago! Yet same here – just a small town…

Both islands are the places for the lovers of winds, Fuertaventura even more so. Fuerta meaning strong and ventura indicating the wind. Even in the times of local pirates – you had to be knowledgeable and lucky to roam these waters safely!

They are popular among tourists seeking less crowded places. You can find beautiful hikes there, insane number of beaches, a lot of occasions to enjoy water sports and nice people in small, lovely villages.

1 Nature wonders of Fuerteventura

The must-see of the places made by Nature are the Dunes of Corralejo (1a, on the photo). A narrow strip of land of a size of 2.5×10 kilometres is the largest in the Canary Islands. On the one side it has turquoise waters, on the other side – ochre stained landscape that is burning in the evening sun. It is a captivating and magical experience to stand there and bathe in the absolute beauty surrounding you. Apart from the beach, city of Corralejo and the dunes, you can attack the Red Mountain and climb 300 metres for some views.

Or go to another scenic spot. The Mountain of Tindaya (1b) has a description “sacred”. It is well deserved. First it stands alone in a rather flat landscape of Furtaventura. Second – it gives you this special feeling, that the first people of the island, carving the sacred symbols on her, must have also had. It is only 400 m high and is a rather nice hike that can be joined with a visit to a tiny settlement at its feet. It is not much, but they will sell you food and water. If you need more hiking grounds – try the highest peak of the region – Pico de la Zarza (1c). The views are amazing, but it is a day tour.

You can also try smaller things. Calderon Hondo (1d) is the local volcano. It is not a difficult climb (over 250m). It gives you an impression of being on another planet. Contrary to the other islands, here you have almost a bare rock. On the other hand, the visit to Ajuy Caves (1e) will take place next to the water. They are situated not far from a town of the same name and the access is rather easy – with a bus or a car. The walk is not far and offers you views of some lime kilns and geological formations that were shaped at the beginnings of the Canary Islands.

Be wary of everything you hear from the locals. There is plenty of tiny, fascinating spots, viewpoints or strangely shaped rocks. Take your time discovering them.

2 Nature wonders of Lanzarote

The most visited place on this island is called Timanfaya National Park. It is a 51 square kilometre area shaped by over 20 volcanos over the years. Out of them only one can, maybe, wake up – the giver of the name. Although Lanzarote can be green, here you enter another world of rock and sand. It is sometimes described as a moon. One thing is certain – it is stunning. You need to visit the park with an organized tour or book your local guide in advance. But it is wort it! Small volcano shapes look ready to go off, the soils change its colour depending on the time of the day, there will even be some geysers! A bus is completely out of place there.

Another volcanic beauty is the El Golfo (2a, photo above). Imagine a volcanic cone, whose half was submerged by the see. On the one side you have the blue waters, on the other – dark, volcanic beach with a hole in the ground now filled with green water. Steep reddish cliffs of a former volcano protect this place from view, only making the place more magical. No photo will ever describe it completely but try to get there when the sun get lover for a fuller experience.

Lanzarote has caves as well. The most notable ones are Jameos del Aqua and Cueva de los Verdes (2b, on the photo). The first one is sort of a nightclub… Both are made from volcanic tubes running under the surface. In Jameos some of them collapsed creatin a system half open to the world. Cesar Manrique, the most notable local artist, turned them into art. He created lagoons, passages, restaurants and as Rita Hayworth once said – the eighth wonder of the world. The Auditorium is found to be unique due to its natural acoustic. You can go for a nice tour there or spend an unforgettable evening. Cueva Verdes on the other hand is more natural. You will also find an auditorium there, but the experience of the speleological wonders and colours make people visit it just for the pleasure of seeing a cave.

3 Beaches

Both islands are known among the lovers of watersports and wind. The waves and the possibility to kite, surf and windsurf brings here more sportsman than lovers of the sun. The beaches are sandy either with the white sand or with the post volcanic one. There are endless beaches but also wonderful, crescents protected by the arms of the stones.

Fuertaventura’s finests are Matorral (next to Morro del Jable town) and Cofete beach (amazing, photogenic views of the mountains meeting the sea). But for the wind you go to Sotavento or Costa Calve Beaches. You can relax in the Cortillo Beach (on the photo) or make an easy hike to Molinos-Jarugo beach (enflamed in the evening sun). And the best of all, recently, is the Garcey Beach. A huge ship sunk there in 1994 and it became part of the local scenery!

Lanzarote’s finest is probably Papagayo Beach for its picturesque beauty. It is a calm atoll of various colors, fine sand and relatively calm atmosphere. Famara Beach is close to a town, which is quite useful, and Playa Blanca is in a resort.

In truth, you can find “your” beach, maybe closer to the place you stay, and you will enjoy it as much as the bigger ones.

4 Towns

The charm of small villages of Furtaventura is captivating. The charming capital (since 1860) of Puerto del Roasrio is somehow overlooked by tourists seeking more thrill. This makes her quiet and enjoyable. No rush – only walks in search of the fascinating street art murals and over 30 sculptures made by numerous artists. Don’t forget about the promenade and spend some time at the beach. Maybe you will even be tempted to stay the night.

La Oliva is visited mostly on your way to the Mountain Tindaya or in a rainy day when you can go inside the Colonel House. It housed a Military Regiment for a moment, ant the Colonel’s villa is an interesting proof of this fact. It stands alone as if abandoned, but as soon as you come inside you want to stay there. The town itself is charming – with its small, white buildings with stone elements and palm trees everywhere.

Betancuria (photo above) is the ancient capital of Fuertaventura. It is located inside the island, which was smart in times of the pirates. But then the danger passed, and the capital was moved to a port city. Betancuria developed to become a charming, post-colonial town, where you can experience the times long gone. Its main highlights are the churches and the Museum of Sacred art. Although – the landscape and the area is quite enjoyable on its own.

The capital of Lanzarote is called Arrecife. It is a lovely city, where you will enjoy the beach and the adjacent port and promenade. But it is not all – there are some castillos (Castel of St Gabriel is the most notable) – old fortifications, mercado – where you can buy some interesting things and the beauty of a day well spent. But for the more authentic experience – go to Haria (4a). This small village of 1000 inhabitants is situated inland and is not that popular among the tourists. Pity – because the unofficial co-founder of the islands liked to spend his time here. What’s more – you can experience the true life of the island there – starting with the white-washed buildings and finishing with a coffee at the square, after the visit to the mercado. Then Teguise (4b, on the photo) – it was once a capital of Lanzarote, but now it is yet another, charming town with… the Museum of Piracy nearby. Why not have a look – as well as into the Puerto Carmen where you can experience some popular nightlife.

As a conclusion, let us present an opinion. Both islands have many, small attractions that will make your day fuller. Be it a visit or lunch in a new, fascinating town or something else. Explore it, and maybe – write about it on your blog. And as for the thing you can see on your way there – read below.

5 Fun? … fun!

What do you do for fun in these two islands? The beach and watersports are not enough?

Furtaventura offers an Aqua Park in Corralejo (5a), Oasis Park aka local zoo in the southern parts of the island, botanical gardens next to the Oasis or some stargazing in Sicasumbre. There is also a decent cheese museum close to Antigua (5b, Majorero cheese), a very interesting Saltwork Museum (5e) and Alcogida Ecomuseum, which will present you the local culture of the past and present.

You can also look for the lovely, small windmills (one the photo – they are close to la Oliva, Antigua and Tefia) that make you think of Don Quixote. There is the Fuste Castle, which is a dark-stone reminder of the violent past. If it is still not enough and maybe it starts to rain, try Villa Winter. Try to discover the truth about the Natzi conspiracy.

Or make a half-day-tour to Lobo Island, which is a protected natural reserve. But the water is crystal clear, and you can enjoy it on a local beach or venture the interior of the island and its small village.

Lanzarote’s day-tour island is called La Graciosa and is perfect if you want to spend a day in a different place. The tours offer mostly sunbathing and snorkelling, so be prepared.

In the subject of fun parks, you have the Rancho Texas (5c) close to the airport. It is both water and animal-theme park. Pirate museum (Teguise) is always a good choice. A bonus – the Santa Barbara Castle nearby (go and look for the black flag on the horizon). You should also be happy with visiting the Europe’s first and only, underwater museum! Museo Atlantico (5d) is close to the Playa Blanca near Coloradas. You have to go diving to get there and see the sculptures. Trips are organized even for the beginners in diving, so why not go and check it out.

And if you feel exhausted and want just sit and drink something… go to La Geria Vine Valley. You will find a vineyard amidst the volcanos (on the photo). It offers a tasting, shopping and great views. There will be mountains, black volcanic sand and contrasting with everything – beautiful green shrubs with grapes.