The Beaches of Fuerteventura

Life's a Beach they say well, without a doubt Fuerteventura has some of the most impressive beaches that Europe can offer.

The island has such a vast expanse of sand to offer the holidaymaker. The Golden sand dunes of Corralejo in the north of the island or the miles of flats beach in Jandia in the south. This makes Fuerteventura an ideal destination for those who love Beach life.

Blue Flag Beaches

The Blue flag system of awards is used throughout Europe. The system grades beaches on four main categories that are.

1) Water Quality
2) Environmental Education and Information
3) Environmental Management
4) Safety and Service

There are several Fuerteventura beaches that have been awarded the Blue Flag but as these change each year it is best you check out the official Blue Flag web site at www.blueflag.org.

Safety is important at all major beach resorts and Fuerteventura is no different. Most major beaches have a lifeguard if you see a red flag on the beach this area is considered to be dangerous. The island has some strong undertows in certain swimming areas that can pull you away from the shore. If you should ever find yourself caught by an undertow it is generally considered wiser to swim parallel to the shore finding a patch were the undertow is not as strong.

Corralejo Beach

Found on the East Coast of Fuerteventura has some beautiful wide and sandy beaches. The beaches have fantastic dunes and are used many times for photo shots or TV commercials. Flag beach by the two main hotels is one of the best to try out water sports like windsurfing and kite surfing.

Just outside Corralejo there are some large hotels that are located on the beach which runs for about seven kilometres. Inside the town of Corralejo they are some nice beaches smaller but very clean and safe for families with young ones.

Caleta Beach

This horseshoe beach of Caleta de Fusta is ideal for families because of its gently shelving beach. The easygoing atmosphere that surrounds this beach is another reason for its popularity with young families.

The beach here has been imported and people do believe that it is possible to tell the difference. They say that sand feels slightly harder under foot than natural beaches. A new beach is being planned close to the golf course on the edge of town.

Jandia Beaches

The beaches of Jandia in the south of the island are considered by most to be the finest in Fuerteventura. You can stroll for almost twenty kilometres along the beach with its endless dunes and lagoons.

The beach is a paradise for windsurfers with winds from the Northwest whipping along the coast. The P.W.A wind surfing competition is held here every year in August attracting the worlds best wind surfers. The beach also has many water sport shops offering sports rental as well restaurants and bars.

Tindaya Beach

The town of Tindaya is slightly inland but the beach takes its name from this small village/town. The beach access though is on a very rough track and hire companies don't encourage you to visit here. But if you are not put off by its location and in accessibility Tindaya beach is well worth a visit.

The beach here like all beaches vary with the conditions and with it being of the tourist track you do need to pay attention if you have small children with you.

Cotillo Beaches

These beaches offer the tourist an alternative beach holiday with its wild coast perfect for fishing, surfing and windsurfing.

Although the lagoons are quite safe there can be danger with strong undertows on the cliff side of the beach near the village. The deserted feeling you have on this beach is ideal for some people looking to getaway from the usual beach life of ice cream and sand castles. Cotillo village can offer you a wide range of excellent fish restaurants as well

Water Sport Centres

Flag Beach Kite Centre
The Flag Beach Kite Centre has course running continual through the year. Very few people have any knowledge or experience regarding Kite surfing so basic courses are available. With wind speeds averaging 3 Bft in the mornings and raising to 5bft in the afternoons cross-shore flag beach is ideal for kite surfing.

Ineika Surf Shop
The Ineika Surf School located in the town of Corralejo can offer you practical and theoretical teaching. Ineika class is a five-hour lesson starting at 11.00 until 16.00 with six person's maximum allowed per instructor.

Abyss Divers
The Abyss diving centre is the only dive centre on the island to be awarded the British HSE health and safety standards. The Abyss Divers is an Irish owned business and is run by Wesley Bunker who has spent three years diving around the Canary Islands along with many years diving around the world.

Abyss can offer one on one instructions as well as handling small groups. The main goal of Abyss is to ensure that your holiday diving will be safe and one to remember always.