Fuerteventura the second largest
and by far the oldest in the
Canary Island, was formed as long
ago as 20 million years ago as a result of
a volcanic eruption. The majority of the
island was formed as recently as 5
millions years ago, since landscaped by
wind and sea erosion. At 807
meters, Mount Jandía is the highest
point in Fuerteventura
and is in the south-western part of the
island. Of all the islands in the
Canaries, this is the
least populated. This island has
effectively the longest coastline of all
the Canary Islands -
about 50 kilometres!
The island benefits from a pleasant
year-round climate with the Saharan
winds being diverted from the island by
adjustments in the sea temperature. The
temperature fluctuations of the island
aren't as great as some of the other
islands with a mean winter temperature
of about 18 degrees and a mean summer
temperature of 24 degrees. Rainfall here
is about 150 mm per year with most of it
falling during the winter months.
Occasional rapid temperature changes
occur during a "calima" which is a dry
hot wind which blows from the Sahara.
When this happens the temperature can
rise by as much as 10 degrees.
Not until after 1965 and the building of
Fuerteventura's first
hotel and the subsequent construction of
an airport at El Mattoral, did tourism
come to the island and stride out onto
the stage as a European
Holiday
Destination.
This island is a true surfer's paradise
with the summer trade winds and winter
sea swells bringing rolling waves across
the Atlantic. The clear blue waters are
a Mecca for sailors and divers,
fishermen and whale watchers.
The inland areas are mostly now
protected areas and only accessible on
foot or robust 4 x 4 vehicle.
Holiday apartment rentals
on the island can vary between 250 to
600 euros a week for anything from a
studio to a sea-front penthouse.To view holiday and long-let
properties in Fuertaventura click
here.
Tenerife |
Gran Canaria
|
Lanzarote
|
La Gomera
|
El Hierro
|
Fuerteventura
|
La Palma |
