Fuerteventura – the wild, windy desert island

A surreal, wild and mostly empty landscape

We’ve just returned from completing a cartographic survey of this surreal island. Once your eye and mind adjust to the fact that most of it is a vast, volcanic desert, you begin to appreciate its surreal beauty.

Central north Fuerteventura from the settlement of Time.

There are few towns and settlements, so if volcanic cones, calderas and barrancos are your thing, it is a ‘must-see’ destination.

Fuerte+ventura translates as ‘strong wind’ and this eastern Canary Island lives up to its name.

No wonder, then, that the island pulls in watersports people from all over the world, enjoying the challenge of the winds alongside the serene beauty of miles and miles of pure white beaches.

Watersport heaven on Fuerteventura’s east coast

The island has a long history. Wandering the streets of the original capital of Betancuria (founded 1405) is a journey back in time.

Established in 1405, Fuerteventura’s origianl capital of Betancuria is a step back in time.

Get up high on one of the mirador viewpoints to see amazing views of the scattering of volcanic cones with a few precious patches of green in the valleys. There’s very little rainfall here so agriculture is an uphill battle.

Aloe Vera thrives in Fuerteventura’s desert conditions.

Goat farmers (delicious white local cheeses) and growers of aloe vera are more in tune with the harsh terrain and climate.

Now we have the raw data, our cartographer David is working on Discovery Walking Guides ‘Fuerteventura Super-Durable Map’ which we hope to publish in April 2015.