SPAIN: Fuerteventura
Soft white sands, rolling waves and attractive resorts make Fuerteventura a natural playground for beach lovers and watersports enthusiasts. If you don't want to do anything more energetic than lie on the shore and soak up the sun, Fuerteventura is just the ticket. Days seem to come to a blissful standstill and evenings roll on endlessly towards the cobalt blue horizon. A wealth of beauty spots are sprinkled around the golden coastline and the dramatic, volcanic interior, whilst cosmopolitan resorts flaunt an excellent array of restaurants and bars.
Beaches
Fuerteventura is home to some of the finest beaches in the Canaries – 152 unspoilt stretches of silky sand and translucent seas, many of which lie completely empty. The coastal breeze makes the embracing waters excellent for windsurfing and other watersports. The long rolling expanses of gleaming white dunes that make up Corralejo National Park are an unofficial naturist reserve with plenty of room to perfect your all over tan without being disturbed.
Eating out
Tomatoes and potatoes are the main crops on the island, so expect to find these used in many of the regional specialities. Try puchero, a thick Canarian stew, and papas arrugadas, small, salted potatoes cooked in their skins and dipped in mojo, a sauce of parsley or red peppers mixed with oil and garlic. The ever popular paella features heavily on restaurant menus as does ocean-fresh seafood including sardines, tuna and squid - waiters will often bring a tray for you to choose from. Fuerteventura also produces its own cheese made from goat's milk called majorero – simply delicious!
Nightlife
Evenings in Fuerteventura tend to be quite low key with discos and nightclubs a little thin on the ground. Instead, much of the evening entertainment is based in the hotels. The capital, Corralejo, boasts a handful of bars, several discos and a good selection of restaurants while Caleta de Fuste has a wide range of bars and restaurants catering for most tastes and budgets. Evenings in Jandia amount to good food, accompanied by a bottle of wine and friendly company, whether in a local tapas bar or a gourmet restaurant.
Shopping
The Canary Islands are a duty-free haven with the biggest bargains on spirits, tobacco, perfumes and cosmetics. For traditional souvenirs and gifts there are baskets made from banana leaves, aloe vera products, local lace and embroidery.
