Guide to Fuerteventura

Beaches

There's not enough space to wax lyrical about how gorgeous Fuerteventura's beaches are. But to put you in the picture, they're wow. Wow. And wow. Without a doubt, some of Europe's most beautiful. Oh, and most are wide enough to land a jumbo jet on. About 152 unspoilt stretches of cushiony-soft sands lasso the island, many of which barely see a soul. From blonde bombshells that sweep for miles to angel-white coves with dozens of windsurfers at play, life's most definitely a beach here. Eye candy aside though, the balmy breeze that blows in from the Sahara Desert makes the seas here a world-class spot for watersports. So much so, that the P.W.A. World Windsurfing Speed and Slalom event is held here every August, bringing the creme de la creme of the windsurfing world along. Why not have a go at surfing, windsurfing or kite boarding? It's the perfect place to make a start. So, how do you choose when you've got so many sun-baked beauties on your plate? Stealing the limelight has to be Corralejo's desert-like dunes. A movie-set backdrop that's been the setting for fashion shoots and TV ads, this is one for the top of your list. Costa Caleta's horseshoe-shaped bay is also a sandy hotspot, with safe sheltered seas and loads of beach cafes that make it a firm family favourite. And you can't step a foot wrong along the Jandia Peninsula either. The miles of opal-white sands here stretch from Costa Calma to Jandia and Morro Jable. Wherever you lay your sunhat, you'll feel a million miles away from the rat race. Just what the holiday doctor ordered.

Eating out

• Fuerteventura may not be crammed full of Michelin-starred temples, but it has more than its share of restaurants that'll shake your taste buds up a treat. If you'd rather stick to what you know when it comes to mealtimes, you'll find oodles of eateries with British fare on the menu. Full English breakfasts. Roasts like mum makes. In fact, all the Brit-style restaurants here claim to make the best Sunday Lunch. We'll leave you to decide that one though. Corralejo alone has over one hundred restaurants that are a real mixed bag. You'll find favourites from home, international flavours and, of course, typical Canaries cuisine. But whichever resort you stay in - you won't have any menu dilemmas. If you're hungry for some traditional tasters though, the island comes up trumps here, too. Tomatoes and potatoes are the top crops on the island, so you'll find them as the supporting cast to many of the regional specialities. Kick off an authentic island dinner with 'majorero' goat's cheese for starters and then move on to 'puchero' a thick satisfying stew. Main meals will often be accompanied by 'papas arrugadas', potatoes cooked in their skins with salt. They're served with 'mojo' sauces – the mild green one 'mojo verde' and the fiery red one 'mojo picante'. If in doubt what to order, just copy the locals – they normally know best. Go easy on that red 'mojo' though – it packs quite a spicy punch!
  
  
  
  
• Gibson's Restaurant – Corralejo. The laid-back restaurant with it all, this popular eating place has everything from good old fish and chips to Indian and Mexican dishes. It also has the resort's most varied veggie menu.
  
  
• La Sirena – Corralejo. Get a taste of the real Canaries deal at this waterside eatery with Spanish delights such as paella and gorgeous views over to Isla de Lobos, to boot.
  
  
• Restaurante Frasquita - Costa Caleta. Slap on the sands, this restaurant may at first glance look no frills, but it's too-good-to-be-true, point-to-what-you-want fish dishes are to good to miss.
  
  
• Marabu – Jandia. Whatever you're in the mood for, you'll find both authentic Canary classics and international favourites on the menu here.
  
  
• El Antojito - Costa Caleta. Fast food Mexican-style, where the fajitas and burritos are delicious and the decor is all ponchos and colourful Mexican pots.

Nightlife

• If you're looking for a resort where the bars and clubs sway 'til sun up, Fuerteventura may not be the island for you. Here, the after dark vibe is laid back and that's what the holiday makers' love. If you do want to crank the evening pace up a little, Corralejo's the one that you want. While it's no Ayia Napa and doesn't aspire to be either, you'll find plenty of bubbly bars and several lively discos. Your next best bet after here is Costa Caleta, which has a relaxed crowd of bars where you can chill out with a cool beer and sip the cocktail lists from A to Z. If you go for the more shy and retiring resorts of Jandia or Costa Calma, the evenings amount to good food, good wine and good company. Whether you opt for a tapas bar buzzing with locals or an upmarket gourmet restaurant, you'll find most places go out of their way to welcome children, many offering a variety of entertainment such as cabarets and kids' shows. Of course, you could simply finish off your day with a romantic walk along the beach. The inky sky pierced with diamond-stars. The moon acting as a spotlight. Now that's what we call nightlife.
  
  
  
  
• Rosie O'Grady's – Correlejo. Lively atmosphere. Irish hospitality. And of course, a good 'craic'. It's all going on at this live music venue.
  
  
• Imagine Live Music Bar – Correlejo. This established bar is acoustic music central where you can hear everything from ABBA to Zappa. Have your requests at the ready.
  
  
• Tequila – Jandia. Cocktails R us at this beachfront bar which has gorgeous views over the endless sands. Hip music. Happy people. Just how nightlife should be.
  
  
• Top Bar - Caleta de Fuste. This fun, funky cocktail bar has something for everyone, from children's games to DJs taking requests and stays open 'til late.
  
  
• Bar Mencey – Costa Calma. A drink at the Mencey is a must if you're looking for a traditional Spanish bar with authentic Spanish music. Ole!

Shopping

Shopping is most definitely a pleasurable pastime in Fuerteventura. It's not somewhere you can blow your spends budget on bags of designer clothes. But the fact that it's a duty-free haven means there's plenty to occupy your credit card. The biggest bargains are on perfumes, spirits and electrical goods such as cameras. Head for the island's capital Puerto di Rosario where price tags tend to be on the more generous side than in the resorts. Supermarkets here such as the Hyperdino and Supermercado Rita are a good place to start the bargain hunt. Once you've stocked up on the can't-resist buys, escape the modern shopping world and seek out the traditional stuff. We're talking embroidered linen, glazed ceramics and Aloe Vera products, which are a snip compared to prices back home. And where better for a session of foraging than at the island's atmospheric markets. Check out the huddles of stalls in Correlejo on a Monday or Friday. Of course, you might just want some souvenirs to reminisce over. Try Avenida del Saladar in Morro Jable near Jandia or the Centro Comercial El Castillo in Costa Caleta where you'll see the black and white 'Fuerte' goat symbol on everything from T-shirts to sweets. Euro's at the ready.