Fuerteventura, the island of strong wind or fortune is a laid back oasis in the archipelago of the Canary Islands. Once you’ve visited, like a boomerang you’ll keep coming back.
My winter sun fix this year fell during Mercury Retrograde. In astrological terms this can be a disastrous time to travel, often jinxed by delays and mishaps that make travel challenging. However it’s also considered a good time to return to a place you have been to before. It’s my fourth time to visit Fuerteventura and in winter the Canary Islands offer some of the closest destinations to avoid the Irish weather. Fuerteventura is one of the largest islands in the archipelago, second to Tenerife.
You’ll find only low rise buildings across the north and east of the island and vast lunar landscape in the middle crowned by Tindaya Mountain. The aboriginal inhabitants of the island called it a magical sacred mountain and it’s now hugely popular with hikers.
Corralejo, in the north of the island, is a short thirty minute ferry ride from neighbouring Lanzarote and the coast of Africa is only 100km away. I’m staying at the Barcelo Corralejo Bay, with my partner Terry – an adult only resort and favourite for many repeat visitors. Built around three landscaped pools the hotel has a large dining room with tasty daily themed buffets that include Mexican, Asian and Canarian Cuisine. The Wellness Area is pre-bookable with its own pool area, hydrojet therapy, a full thermal suite and a large whirlpool.
The white sandy beach of Playa de los Verilitos is only 80 meters away and dotted with surfers, bars and restaurants. The location is perfect for anyone who enjoys windsurfing and watersports with a school close by. A leisurely stroll brings us to the Corralego National Park in one direction and down to the old town in the other. Music Square in the middle of the old town is a must visit at night with lively entertainment at a calmer pace than you’ll get in big Canarian Resorts.
A day trip to the tiny neighbouring island of Lobos, is a lovely way to enjoy the serenity that Fuerteventura is famous for. Meaning Island of Wolves, in this case sea wolves or sea lions, we spotted a couple lazing in the tranquil turquoise waters at La Concha Beach. Here we enjoyed a spot of kayaking and charming views back across the water to Corralejo. The island can be reached by catamaran on a half day trip or it’s possible to enjoy a full day at leisure and take a water taxi to Lobos with FuerteCharter.com for €16. It’s a must do, especially for the first time visitor.
Barcelo Resorts have several hotels dotted around the island. In Caleta de Fuste, Barcelo Fuerteventura Mar comprises of four different styled properties with something to suit families, couples and groups. We checked out Barcelo Castillo, tucked next to the pretty marina and historic monument Castillo de San Buenaventura, built in the 18th century. The tower acted as a lookout for pirates who periodically attacked the island but now makes a charming feature next to the horseshoe shaped beach.
Golfers will be happy with the 18 hole course at Caleta de Fuste and for those with small children the transfer is only ten minutes from the airport. This resort is smaller than Corralejo but it does pack a punch, especially for families. The small sandy beach is safe with sheltered swimming and directly beside all of the hotels on the Barcelo Resort.
It’s easier to be active in a warmer climate and Terry I made the most of the huge wellness centre at Barcelo. The centre includes five private treatment rooms, two studios for guided workouts, a fully equipped gym and sports courts for paddle tennis, tennis, football and basketball. We had a swing at the crazy golf with 18 holes and spent hours in the luxurious spa at the Thalasso Wellness Thermal Suites that are perfect for the odd cloudy day. The spa is open to over 16s only so it’s a great spot to chill.
Each morning we checked out the full list of daily activities on the Barcelo App. Some, including aerobics and pilates classes, require pre-booking. But the app makes it all easy and also gives details of the live nighttime entertainment available in several spots around the resort.
We were on the half board option at the Barcelo Castillo and for premier guests a quieter section offers waiter service for breakfast and private buffet area. Our room overlooked the pool and beach with a life guard on at all times giving peace of mind to those with children. The rooms at premier level offer special extras including slippers and bath robes and the loungers at the pool are covered with deep spongy cushions and cabanas at no extra charge. After room service each morning, water was left and we were welcomed with beers, wine and soft drinks in the mini bar at no extra charge. An upgrade is well worth booking at Royal Level when choosing your room either with a travel agent or directly with the hotel.
Winter is a great time to enjoy the night sky in the Canary Islands and a stargazing tour from the sand dunes of the national park is one way to soak up the celestial realm. Riding through the lunar landscape in Dune Buggies is another way to enjoy the island. We found several treks and routes for hikers marked and signposted making Fuerteventura the perfect destination to actively enjoy the winter temperatures. With an average of 22 degrees in winter and sunset averaging around 6.30pm in the evening this may well be the perfect island to continue returning to – even when Mercury isn’t in Retrograde. We will certainly be back!
Factbox
Frequent flights to Fuerteventura from Dublin with www.AerLingus.com or Ryanair.com and weekly from Cork and Shannon with Ryanair.com
Barcelo Corralejo Bay –
Adult only resort from €202 per night www.barcelo.com/en-ie/barcelo-corralejo-bay Or see your travel agent
Barcelo Fuerteventura Castillo –
Perfect for families Room only stays from €150 per night for four – Royal Level is extra www.barcelo.com/en-ie/barcelo-fuerteventura-castillo Or see your travel agent
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