Soak up the sun at Fuerteventura, the oldest and second biggest island of the Canary Archipelago with over 150 km of white sand beaches and emerald green waters.

This little piece of Africa thrown to the Atlantic, in the words of Spanish poet Miguel de Unamuno, was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2009. With glorious warm weather that averages 21°C and the most beautiful beaches among the Canaries, Fuerteventura is ideal for water sports.

Warm strong winds blowing from the African coast, only 97km away, are at their best between March and August. So it’s no wonder that since 1985 Fuerteventura has been a reference for windsurfing and kitesurfing worldwide. In fact, the Fuerteventura Windsurfing and Kitesurfing World Cup takes place at Sotavento beach every year, the most important windsurfing and kitesurfing spot on the Island.

Thanks to its water depth of up to 30km, the deepest among the Canary Islands, scuba diving is extremely popular. The temperature of the water around Fuerteventura has allowed life to thrive. At the numerous diving spots between Corralejo and Lobos Island, such as Las Agujas or Los Becerros, you will be able to experience a marvellous ecosystem surrounded by caves, cracks and canyons. Make sure your camera is waterproof, you might want to snap a picture of the rays, eels, barracudas or many other fish you may come across.

Land activities include mountain biking on Lobos Island and throughout Corralejo Natural Park. Downhill biking can be done all over the island, but it’s only on the hills around Vallebron will you find the hardest and most exciting routes, destined for the more experienced and audacious. Those who battle against the slope will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the mountains merging with the ocean.

Speed junkies can get their fix with motocross or 4x4 rides from on the northern skirts of the island from Corralejo to El Cotillo. The wind flowing through your hair, while driving at sunset will be a memory you’ll cherish forever. The southern peninsula also offers great routes around Jandia Natural Park and through the white sand beaches of Costa Calma.

Nature lovers can hike through the Jandia Natural Park and discover the “Cardon de Jandia”, an endemic cactus-like plant that has become the natural symbol of Fuerteventura. Pack your binoculars because the weather conditions favour the conservation and breeding of many species, mainly migratory birds of which the endemic canarian houbara stands out as another natural symbol of Fuerteventura.

By the time you get home, you will still be able to smell the ocean!