Fuerteventura hosts a variety of events throughout the year, catering to diverse interests such as culture, sports, music, and local traditions. Here are some notable events:
### Cultural and Traditional Events
2. **Fiesta de la Virgen de la Peña**
- **When**: September
- **Where**: Vega de Río Palmas
- **Description**: This is the most important religious festival on the island, celebrating the patron saint of Fuerteventura. Pilgrims from all over the island gather for religious ceremonies, music, dance, and traditional food.
3. **Romería de San Benito Abad**
- **When**: July
- **Where**: La Oliva
- **Description**: A traditional pilgrimage and celebration with folk music, dance, and local cuisine. Participants dress in traditional Canarian attire.
### Music and Arts
4. **Fuerteventura en Música (FEM)**
- **When**: July
- **Where**: Playa de La Concha, El Cotillo
- **Description**: A popular music festival featuring international and local artists. The event takes place on the beach, creating a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of music genres.
5. **International Kite Festival**
- **When**: November
- **Where**: Corralejo Natural Park
- **Description**: This festival attracts kite enthusiasts from around the world. The skies fill with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes, offering a spectacular display.
### Sports Events
6. **Fuerteventura Windsurfing & Kiteboarding World Cup**
- **When**: July
- **Where**: Playa Sotavento, Costa Calma
- **Description**: A major event in the windsurfing and kiteboarding world, attracting top athletes to compete in various categories. The event includes spectacular displays and competitions.
7. **International Half Marathon Dunas de Fuerteventura**
- **When**: November
- **Where**: Corralejo
- **Description**: A challenging half marathon that takes runners through the stunning landscapes of the Corralejo dunes and natural park.
8. **SwimRun Fuerteventura**
- **When**: October
- **Where**: Playitas Resort
- **Description**: An endurance race combining swimming and running across the island’s diverse terrain. The event attracts participants from around the globe.
### Local Fiestas and Celebrations
9. **Fiesta de San Juan**
- **When**: June 23rd
- **Where**: Various towns, especially Puerto del Rosario
- **Description**: Celebrating the summer solstice with bonfires, fireworks, music, and dancing. It’s a lively night where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the festivities.
10. **Fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Rosario**
- **When**: October
- **Where**: Puerto del Rosario
- **Description**: The town’s main festival, featuring religious processions, concerts, fairs, and cultural activities.
### Gastronomy Events
11. **Feria Insular de Artesanía (Island Craft Fair)**
- **When**: May
- **Where**: Antigua
- **Description**: This fair showcases traditional Canarian crafts, food, and products. It’s a great opportunity to taste local delicacies and purchase handmade items.
12. **Ruta de las Tapas (Tapas Route)**
- **When**: Various times throughout the year
- **Where**: Various towns, including Corralejo and Puerto del Rosario
- **Description**: A gastronomic event where local bars and restaurants offer special tapas at reduced prices, allowing participants to sample a variety of local flavors.
These events offer a glimpse into the vibrant cultural and social life of Fuerteventura, providing plenty of opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s traditions, music, sports, and gastronomy.
Fuerteventura hosts a variety of events throughout the year, catering to diverse interests such as culture, sports, music, and local traditions. Here are some notable events:
### Cultural and Traditional Events
2. **Fiesta de la Virgen de la Peña**
- **When**: September
- **Where**: Vega de Río Palmas
- **Description**: This is the most important religious festival on the island, celebrating the patron saint of Fuerteventura. Pilgrims from all over the island gather for religious ceremonies, music, dance, and traditional food.
3. **Romería de San Benito Abad**
- **When**: July
- **Where**: La Oliva
- **Description**: A traditional pilgrimage and celebration with folk music, dance, and local cuisine. Participants dress in traditional Canarian attire.
### Music and Arts
4. **Fuerteventura en Música (FEM)**
- **When**: July
- **Where**: Playa de La Concha, El Cotillo
- **Description**: A popular music festival featuring international and local artists. The event takes place on the beach, creating a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of music genres.
5. **International Kite Festival**
- **When**: November
- **Where**: Corralejo Natural Park
- **Description**: This festival attracts kite enthusiasts from around the world. The skies fill with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes, offering a spectacular display.
### Sports Events
6. **Fuerteventura Windsurfing & Kiteboarding World Cup**
- **When**: July
- **Where**: Playa Sotavento, Costa Calma
- **Description**: A major event in the windsurfing and kiteboarding world, attracting top athletes to compete in various categories. The event includes spectacular displays and competitions.
7. **International Half Marathon Dunas de Fuerteventura**
- **When**: November
- **Where**: Corralejo
- **Description**: A challenging half marathon that takes runners through the stunning landscapes of the Corralejo dunes and natural park.
8. **SwimRun Fuerteventura**
- **When**: October
- **Where**: Playitas Resort
- **Description**: An endurance race combining swimming and running across the island’s diverse terrain. The event attracts participants from around the globe.
### Local Fiestas and Celebrations
9. **Fiesta de San Juan**
- **When**: June 23rd
- **Where**: Various towns, especially Puerto del Rosario
- **Description**: Celebrating the summer solstice with bonfires, fireworks, music, and dancing. It’s a lively night where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the festivities.
10. **Fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Rosario**
- **When**: October
- **Where**: Puerto del Rosario
- **Description**: The town’s main festival, featuring religious processions, concerts, fairs, and cultural activities.
### Gastronomy Events
11. **Feria Insular de Artesanía (Island Craft Fair)**
- **When**: May
- **Where**: Antigua
- **Description**: This fair showcases traditional Canarian crafts, food, and products. It’s a great opportunity to taste local delicacies and purchase handmade items.
12. **Ruta de las Tapas (Tapas Route)**
- **When**: Various times throughout the year
- **Where**: Various towns, including Corralejo and Puerto del Rosario
- **Description**: A gastronomic event where local bars and restaurants offer special tapas at reduced prices, allowing participants to sample a variety of local flavors.
These events offer a glimpse into the vibrant cultural and social life of Fuerteventura, providing plenty of opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s traditions, music, sports, and gastronomy.
Fuerteventura offers a variety of activities that are perfect for families traveling with children. Here are some of the top things to do with kids on the island:
### 1. **Beaches and Water Activities**
- **Corralejo Beach**: With its shallow waters and sandy shores, this beach is ideal for children to play and swim safely.
- **Caleta de Fuste**: Another family-friendly beach with calm waters and plenty of facilities.
- **Snorkeling and Swimming**: The clear waters around Fuerteventura are perfect for snorkeling, allowing kids to see colorful fish and marine life.
### 2. **Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura**
- **Location**: La Lajita
- **Description**: This zoo and botanical garden is home to a wide variety of animals, including giraffes, elephants, and sea lions. The park also offers interactive experiences like camel rides and feeding sessions with the animals.
### 3. **Acua Water Park**
- **Location**: Corralejo
- **Description**: This water park features a range of slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and dedicated areas for younger children. It's a fun way for families to cool off and enjoy a day of water activities.
### 4. **Pirate Adventure Mini Golf**
- **Location**: Caleta de Fuste
- **Description**: A themed mini-golf course with a pirate ship and other fun obstacles. It’s an entertaining activity for kids of all ages.
### 5. **Dune Buggy Tours**
- **Location**: Corralejo
- **Description**: Family-friendly buggy tours through the Corralejo sand dunes and surrounding areas. These tours are an exciting way to explore the island's unique landscapes.
### 6. **Boat Trips and Dolphin Watching**
- **Location**: Various ports, including Corralejo and Morro Jable
- **Description**: Take a boat trip to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine life. Some tours also offer glass-bottom boats, allowing children to see underwater without getting wet.
### 7. **Lobos Island Day Trip**
- **Ferry from Corralejo**: A short boat trip takes you to Lobos Island, where families can enjoy hiking, swimming, and exploring the natural beauty of this small island.
### 8. **Visit to Aloe Vera Farms**
- **Location**: Various locations
- **Description**: Educational tours of aloe vera farms where children can learn about the plant and its uses. Some farms offer hands-on experiences and workshops.
### 9. **Museums and Cultural Sites**
- **Salt Museum (Museo de la Sal)**: Located in Las Salinas del Carmen, this museum offers insights into the history of salt production on the island.
- **Antigua Windmill Craft Museum**: Located in Antigua, this museum showcases traditional Canarian crafts and the inner workings of a restored windmill.
### 10. **Outdoor Adventures**
- **Hiking and Nature Walks**: Trails such as the ones in Betancuria Rural Park are suitable for families, offering beautiful views and a chance to explore nature.
- **Sand Dunes of Corralejo Natural Park**: Kids will love playing in the vast sand dunes and exploring this unique desert-like environment.
### 11. **Playgrounds and Parks**
- **Local Playgrounds**: Many towns and beaches have well-equipped playgrounds where children can play.
- **Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo**: Besides the dunes, the park has areas where kids can run around and enjoy nature.
### Tips for Families:
- **Sun Protection**: The sun can be very strong, so ensure children wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- **Hydration**: Carry plenty of water, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities.
- **Child-Friendly Restaurants**: Look for restaurants that offer children's menus and have high chairs or play areas.
- **Safety**: Keep an eye on children, especially around water and in natural parks, to ensure their safety.
These activities and attractions make Fuerteventura an excellent destination for a family holiday, providing both fun and educational experiences for children.
Fuerteventura, part of Spain's Canary Islands, offers a variety of scenic routes from its northern region, allowing visitors to explore its stunning landscapes, beaches, and cultural sites. Here are some notable touristic routes from the north of Fuerteventura:
### 1. **Corralejo to El Cotillo**
- **Corralejo Natural Park**: Start your journey by exploring the stunning sand dunes of the Corralejo Natural Park, a vast area with golden dunes and beautiful beaches.
- **La Oliva**: Head inland to the town of La Oliva, known for its historical buildings like the Casa de los Coroneles and the church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria.
- **El Cotillo**: Continue to the charming fishing village of El Cotillo, famous for its picturesque beaches and lagoons. Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants and visit the El Tostón Lighthouse.
### 2. **Corralejo to Betancuria**
- **Villaverde**: Drive through the quaint village of Villaverde, known for its traditional Canarian architecture and lush landscapes.
- **Mirador de Vallebron**: Stop at this viewpoint for panoramic views of the island’s rugged terrain.
- **Betancuria**: Arrive in the historic town of Betancuria, the former capital of Fuerteventura. Visit the Betancuria Church, the Museum of Sacred Art, and enjoy the town’s charming streets and local cuisine.
### 3. **Corralejo to Puerto del Rosario**
- **Lajares**: Visit this artistic village, popular for its craft shops and surf culture.
- **Calderón Hondo**: Hike up to this extinct volcano for breathtaking views of the island.
- **Puerto del Rosario**: Conclude your journey in the island’s capital. Explore the harbor, the Casa Museo Unamuno, and enjoy shopping and dining in the city center.
### 4. **Corralejo to Isla de Lobos**
- **Isla de Lobos Ferry**: Take a short ferry ride from Corralejo to Isla de Lobos, a small island with pristine beaches, clear waters, and scenic hiking trails. The island is perfect for a day trip filled with relaxation and exploration.
### 5. **Corralejo to Ajuy**
- **Tindaya Mountain**: Stop by this sacred mountain, known for its unique shape and ancient rock engravings.
- **Ajuy**: Visit the small village of Ajuy on the west coast. Explore the black sand beach and the famous Ajuy Caves, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
### 6. **Corralejo to Cofete**
- **Pájara**: Pass through the town of Pájara, known for its beautiful church and picturesque surroundings.
- **Cofete**: Drive to the remote and stunning Cofete Beach, located in the Jandía Peninsula. The journey includes rugged terrain and offers spectacular views of the coastline. Cofete is known for its wild beauty and the mysterious Villa Winter.
### Tips for Touring:
- **Car Rental**: Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Fuerteventura as it provides flexibility and access to remote areas.
- **Local Cuisine**: Don’t miss trying local dishes such as goat cheese, papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), and fresh seafood.
- **Weather**: The island enjoys a mild climate year-round, but it's always good to check the weather forecast and bring suitable clothing and sun protection.
- **Respect Nature**: Fuerteventura is home to unique flora and fauna. Always follow local guidelines to protect the environment, especially in natural parks and protected areas.
These routes from the north of Fuerteventura offer a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique experiences, making for unforgettable travel memories.