Counting down the days to this holiday, I thought about how perfectly lovely it would be to be back on the beach in Fuerteventura, and I was right. This place never disappoints. Walking along the beach this afternoon, watching the waves crash onto the shore and feeling the sand and warm sea between my toes, I thought that it doesn’t actually get much better than this. The scenery is breathtaking and I could not honestly think of anywhere else I would rather be.

This is the 4th (or 5th?) time Andy and I have been to the beautiful island of Fuerteventura. We come here as I love the turquoise sea and white powdery sand, and Andy likes the wind. Flag beach, (a favourite for kite surfers) is a short walk from the hotel. Fuerteventura literally means ‘strong wind.’

Some say that the lost city of Atlantis was located where the modern Canary Islands are now. There is certainly a feeling that the island is very old. I can easily believe it may have been home to a lost civilisation or two.

The Canaries are made up of 7 main islands; Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Fuerteventura is the 2nd largest (after Tenerife) and the oldest Island of the group at about 20 million years.  It’s dramatic beginnings as the result of a volcano eruption are evident in the stunning yet barren scenery. Lava rocks on the beach are a reminder of it’s  origins,  and looking out across the sea from Fuerteventura, the volcanic island of Lobos looms in the distance.

“To escape and sit quietly on the beach – that’s my idea of paradise.”-  Emilia Wickstead

We stay at the Riu Palace Tres Islas and although Andy says he would be as happy in a shack on the beach, I can’t say that I would. I love this hotel. It rather resembles a gigantic ocean liner that has run aground on the beach.  Effectively it was built as a giant wind break and when relaxing around the pool you can barely feel the strong winds that blow on the beach. Thankfully, this hotel and it’s sister a mile away, are the only two on this stretch and are located away from the busy tourist spots.  The transfer is super quick with the airport only 40 minutes away.

The hotel has about 350 rooms, 2 very large swimming pools, plus one for the children (though we always come outside the school holidays) and a friendly pool bar. The water is a lot warmer in September than it is in May! The evening entertainment is very low key, but the ambiance of the place is pure understated luxury. The staff fall over themselves to make everyone happy and the cleanliness is better than some of the more expensive hotels we have stayed in.

The hotel is half board which works very well for us as Andy is off surfing most of the day. The food, breakfast and evening,  is well presented and plentiful. For those of a more discerning nature, there is also the opportunity to eat at The Krystal Restaurant.

I spend most of my time by the pool, but occasionally venture onto the beach to watch Andy sail, or to swim in the sea. Due to the wind on the beach, the waves can be quite big and I have been knocked off my feet a few times. The currents are also strong so be careful.

The beach is windy and there are a lot of people that like to sunbathe ‘sans clothes’. Not my bag, but each to his own. Just to be aware though, people often nude sunbathe on this beach in the circular windbreaks made of rock. It can be a bit unnerving if you are passing and someone pops up (so to speak) a few steps away. Eyes front.

There is a Spa here, (a ‘Wellness Centre’ to give its correct name) tennis courts and a gym.  Hmmm. Maybe next time. For now, I’m happy having nothing to think about other than if I’m going to have a Gin and Tonic or a Pina Colada next.

Although large, it is a quiet hotel so people looking for scintillating nightlife may be put off, although Corralejo is only 5 minutes away in a taxi (cost about 7 euros). We generally walk into the town which takes about 40 minutes walking along the beach, and get a taxi back.

Corralejo was once a traditional fishing village, but has been  overtaken by the tourist trade over the last few decades. There is a very diverse local population and in the evening, the bars and restaurants run by British, Finnish and German expats, are lively and busy.

There are a lot of tourist souvenir shops on the main street, some of them nicer than others, and some big ‘duty free’ like stores selling everything from designer clothes and perfume,  to bags, purses and sports gear. The restaurants seem to employ staff outside  their establishments encouraging custom with a very determined focus, which is a bit disconcerting when you are out for an peaceful evening stroll.

There is a big square in the town centre and in the evenings live music is on offer for those relaxing in the bars and restaurants. The bars are full and friendly and cater for every taste.  Have a cocktail overlooking the harbour… or a pint in a side street English ‘pub’.

We are coming to the end of our holiday now and I will be sad to leave as always, but I know it won’t be long before we are back. It’s not the most exotic or expensive place we have been, but Fuerteventura is among the most relaxing and most beautiful … and the short flight from the UK means that this little piece of paradise is only a few hours away. ❤️