Introduction
Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canary Islands, after Tenerife, and the closest of the archipelago to Africa - Cape Juby in Morocco is just 100 kilometres away. It has a lovely warm climate year-round, which has led to it being known as the ‘island of eternal spring', for surfing, windsurfing (Fuerteventura means ‘strong winds') and diving in the clear offshore waters.
The entire island has been declared as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which should ensure that Fuerteventura's varied marine life, fish stocks and coastal environments are protected for years to come. Sperm whales, dolphins and sea turtles are some of the key marine species that can be seen in the waters around Fuerteventura, the latter nesting on some of the long, sandy beaches.
Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real, Fuerteventura
Inland is an arid, crumpled landscape that reveals the island's volcanic origins. Beach holidays are the focus of most visits to the island, and the Canaries in general. Ferries and short flights connecting Fuerteventura with Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife mean that two or more of the Canary Islands can be toured in one tailor-made itinerary.
