FAMILY HOLIDAYS IN FUERTEVENTURA
FUERTEVENTURA is the second largest of the 7 Canary Islands and is closest to the African coast. It has over 150 beaches with the highest number of sand dunes and longest sandy beaches of all the islands. It is regarded as the oldest of the Canaries with a landscape of contrasting volcanic contours,impressive beaches and imparts a wonderful "wild" feel.
Children are welcome everywhere in Fuerteventura, including bars and restaurants. The Spanish dote on their children and welcome others as an extension of their own families.
Fuerteventura has long white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and turquoise-blue lagoons which are perfect for family bathing.
The blue lagoons of EL COTILLO in the north east of the island are safe and idyllic - a perfect backdrop for classic family beach photographs. There are plenty of local restaurants and tapas bars for when you get peckish, or pack a picnic and enjoy your own space.
CALETA DE FUSTE (El Castillo/Costa Caleta) is a man-made resort with imported sand which is an ideal centre for family holidays. There are many family trips and activities available, and children will marvel at the seals in Caleta harbour.
Mini-golf, putting, (safe) bungey jumping and trampolining are available in CORRALEJO which is also home to the islands only water park at BAKU FAMILY PARK
Children from 6 years (to 60 years!) can participate in a desert laser adventure (complete with camoflage suit!) - fun for all the family, with a free BBQ included, and free pick-up from your hotel!
Take a trip on one of the many sailing excursions around the island of LOBOS, and enjoy snorkelling, jet-ski rides, as well as plenty of refreshments, lunch and music for a wonderful day out.
Perhaps you and your children would like to learn to surf or try a practice dive? There are many schools available with qualified instructors and safe waters to play in throughout the island!
Take a walk through the PARQUE NATURAL just outside CORRALEJOand marvel at the huge white sand dunes which are the home to the endangered houbara bustard, ospreys, camels and the herds of goats which roam freely around the island.
If you venture into the dunes on the opposite side of the road to the sea and beach dunes, you can find fossilized wasp cacoons. These are sited alongside tiny shells which can be seen in arcs and waves along the landscape.
Just outside the sleepy fishing village of LA LAJITA, in the west and half way down Fuerteventura, is the only zoo on the island, Oasis Park dedicated to showing a diverse display of flora and fauna. There are various animal and birds of prey shows, botanical gardens with colourful birds of paradise flying freely around, large cactus gardens with over 2,300 species, and camel rides for those wishing to see a different perspective of the area.
Hire a car and head for BETANCURIA, in the middle of Fuerteventura, stop high in the mountains at one of the many parking lay-bys. Get out of your car, and watch the ravens circling overhead. Then wait a minute .... suddenly the hillside appears to come to life and movement is seen coming towards you from below. Look closer - the hillside is teeming with barbery squirrels, locally known as chipmunks.
These wonderful little creatures will take food out of your hands, scamper a short distance away and merrily chomp on their bounty ... we've found them very partial to Pringles!!
A truly wonderful sight, and great fun for children and adults alike. Please don't forget your camera!
Ferries to Lanzarote are frequent and take just 15 minutes by fast catamaran, or 35 minutes by traditional ferry. Please remember to look out for flying fish and turtles which can be seen year round. Whales and dolphins are not normally seen, so if you do see any, it is an added bonus!
Fuerteventura has much to offer families, whether you want an active or relaxing holiday, you are sure to enjoy your stay. For some suggestions for things to do to keep the kids amused, please see our KidsZone page
Go on, live a little, try something new - do something different!
