Isla de Fuerteventura Things to Do

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From the 17th to the 19th century, this village La Olivia, was the home of military governors and the capital of the island. The governor’s townhouse, Casa des Coroneles, has been renovated and is now open to the public. In the centre of the village, there is a stunning church which features a painting of the Last Judgment, a Baroque-style painting by Juan de Miranda. The village is also home to an art gallery exhibiting work from local artists.

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In September, thousands of residents and visitors descend upon the church of Vega de Rio. They travel by foot, by cart, by vintage vehicles and most bearing candles to get to the site, to celebrate.

Some of the Pilgrims walk from Puerto del Rosario to Vega de Rio Palmas, via Tesjuate, Triquivijate, Antigua, Betancuria. We took the off-road between Triqui and Antigua, we looked up at the night sky star gazing as it is so clear in this area, which was beautiful and very peaceful.

Started at 18:00 hrs and arrived at 01:30hrs, just in time for fireworks. 3 rests in between, totalling about 45mins, the walk is approx. 34km.

Later everyone carrys on with an all night party where you will see typical Canarian Wrestling competitions, firework display, local crafts and food traditions, Canarian dancing, and many of the residents dressed in local costume.

Dates vary slightly each year. Bus to and from the fiesta leaves from Antigua. The buses continually run from Antigua, and return all through the night.

The International Kite Festival is a gorgeous celebration of colourful kites, held over three days in November, around the 8th, on the Playa del Burro, Glass beach sand dunes, which are south of Corralejo.

Europes best kiters come together each year to create a spectacular display. On average there are about 240 highly individual kites on display.

The vast gorgeous area of sand, the famous Corralejo dunes, have featured in films and TV shows, and are a protected national park.

The white, scorching hot sand can cook your feet in seconds, so take care! Never forget that these Canary Islands are closer to the African Sahara than they are to the European mainland. The sunlight reflected from it can barbecue your skin in minutes, whether you fly a kite or just laze in the volcanic nests beside the sea. The cooling breeze can be deceptive to your skin, it feels comfortably warm, when really you are frying!

Many nudists here! Especially on Playa del Pozo.

The main beach is known as Flag Beach which is a series of beaches that run between Punta de Tivas and the Tres Islas hotels, called Playa del Pozo, Playa del Medano and Playa de Viejo.

Exposed to the ever present wind, these beaches are popular among the water sports fraternity; particularly windsurfers, surfers and kite boarders. Many competitions are held here annually.

These tiny creatures live in the rocks along the shoreline of the resort of Caleta de Fuste.

They constantly pop their heads up out of the rocks and peer around and when its reasonably quite, dash out to feed. They love nuts - there is no need to shell them. They will tamely come up and feed from your hand.

The chipmunks also live on the hill overlooking Caleta, which the English have called 'Chipmunk Mountain'.

As well as the main street of shops in Corralejo, the El Campanario shopping centre located at the entrance to the town has a bell tower you can climb, with fantastic views all around. The bell makes a racket when it rings on the hour, so don't choose that time to go up into the tower.

In the centre of the mall there is a public square that holds live musical events and a Canarian Market each Sunday.

Open daily 10am until 10pm

Canarian wrestling is called Lucha Canaria on the island and is a popular local sport on all the Canary Islands.

Opponents are called Luchardores and respectfully shake hands before the fight starts between two people. Each round of fighting lasts 1 to 2 minutes. There are clubs in most of the towns. The aim is to force your opponent to touch the ground with any part of the body other than the soles of the feet.

Each team sends one opponent into the sand ring, they touch the ground and cross themselves. They then bend towards each other and grip the opponents shorts, and try to force each other over. Then the next team member is sent to fight.

There are no weight categories in the wrestling, opponents use their toppling skills, not brute force.

The sport originates from 15th century.

There are so many places to see the wrestling its best to look at the website below or ask at your hotel for the nearest one. It costs a few euros to be a spectator and each Lucha Canaria can last an hour or more.

Overlooking the harbour of Correlejo is the tiny uninhabited island of Los Lobos. It is full of heavenly peace and quite, so lacking in these times and is a protected national park with only a handful of buildings.

A stroll around the harbour reveals a handful of boats that advertise excursions to the island, including M Y Isla de Lobos which leaves at 10.15 and collects you from the island at 16.00. Take a picnic as there are no facilities or eateries on the island.