Fuerteventura’s hidden charms: Unveiling off-grid experiences to relax, revitalise and restore

When it comes to truly getting away from it all, for an idyllic break where you can immerse yourself in nature, enjoy exhilarating outdoor adventures or simply lie back on a beautiful beach, you can’t do better than Fuerteventura.

The oldest of the Canary Islands, it was formed during a volcanic eruption around 20 million years ago and, according to legend, was part of the lost civilisation of Atlantis. These days, it’s known for its endless stretches of sandy beaches, crystalline waters and year-round sunshine, making it the perfect choice for a dial-up, dial-down getaway that revitalises and restores.

British Airways now offers direct flights to Fuerteventura from London Gatwick on a newly-launched route. To make it even easier to enjoy every moment of your Fuerteventuran escape, when you book with British Airways Holidays, you can enjoy great value breaks, with the quality and peace of mind you expect from British Airways. ATOL-protected, keeping you and your money safe, you can enjoy flexible payment options with deposits from just £60 per person*, as well as 23 kg baggage allowance per person and 24-hour dedicated support helpline during your trip.

Meaning you can focus on the important stuff – exploring the island’s incredible bays, beautiful beaches, untouched forests and majestic peaks at your own pace, for a truly relaxing trip.

The perfect break starts with the perfect base. And for a luxury stay that feels like a real getaway, Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach, Golf & Spa Resort is hard to beat. Set in the island’s idyllic eastern coast, it offers a beachy retreat where you can rejuvenate and unwind, perfectly situated for exploring all the island has to offer.

From the moment you arrive in the lobby, bathed in sunlight and filled with shrubbery and palm trees you’ll feel like you’ve found the perfect off-grid escape. The hotel’s rooms and suites offer comfort and timelessly elegant interior design with the natural wood textures and warm terracotta tones of the traditional Canary Island style. All rooms boast large windows that let in plenty of natural light and lead onto a terrace or balcony, where you can enjoy blissful views of the lush gardens or the Atlantic Ocean.

For a truly unique experience, you can upgrade to the Presidential suite where you’ll enjoy a huge space with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and foyer, as well as a private rooftop terrace with breathtaking views stretching over the turquoise sea. With three pools, an expansive spa with Roman baths, and the choice of four restaurants, this stunning hotel makes the ideal setting to unwind, relax and indulge.

Due to its location being right on the beachfront, you can find the perfect balance of laidback days around the hotel and its gorgeous surrounds and those spent further afield, exploring Fuerteventura’s natural wonders.

It’s no secret that Fuerteventura has been blessed with some of the most magnificent beaches on the Spanish archipelago, each with their own unique appeal, whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, take to the water, or enjoy stunning natural vistas.

Just steps away from Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach, Golf & Spa Resort you’ll find Playa del Castillo, a 660-metre long stretch of sandy beach formed on a large natural cove. It’s an all-rounder offering activities for every kind of traveller; you can windsurf, scuba dive, kiteboard, get stuck into sand sports like volleyball, or enjoy a barefoot stroll on the shore before taking in the sunset.Alternatively, head a little further to the Paseo Maritimo, a popular promenade along the coastline where you’ll find another beach alongside a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.

Or head to Sotavento, on Fuerteventura’s southwest tip. A whopping nine kilometres long, and famed for its golden sands and turquoise waters, it makes for the perfect spot to bask in the sunshine, enjoy long beach strolls or get stuck into all kinds of watersports, including surfing, windsurfing, paddle boarding and kite surfing; it’s even the home of the annual PWA Windsurf and PKRA Kiteboard World Cup.

More thrills and spills can be found at Esquinzo beach, in the Northwest of the island. Framed by jagged rocks and glistening water, it’s popular with wave-riders looking for big swells during the cooler months, though the water remains warm year-round, so you can take a dip at any time. Alternatively, if you prefer more peaceful waters, Playa Esmerelda, a bit further north, is a small beach surrounded by cliffs which keep it reasonably sheltered from the gusty winds, making it ideal for swimming and surfing gentler waves.

Fuerteventura is home to several natural parks where you can get a healthy dose of wildlife and nature. Located just north of Corralejo, the island of Lobos totals just six square kilometres and is a haven for avian enthusiasts. Enjoy a leisurely hike or bike on designated paths while looking out for diverse flora and fauna; the island is home to several vulnerable birds and migratory species, such as the spectacular red-billed tropicbird, Galapagos doves, fish-eating eagles and many more.

Alternatively, to experience Fuerteventura’s stunning desert beauty, head to Corralejo Natural Park, a geomorphological wonder with expansive sand dunes that shape-shift every time the wind dances in a different direction. You can while away a few hours simply wandering and taking in the views of the ocean on one side and rugged volcanoes on the other, or find a spot on any of the stunning white sand beaches along the ten kilometres of coastline and soak up the sunshine. Feeling adventurous? El Medano and Flag Beach are great for surfing or kitesurfing, or if you’d rather see the dunes from above, you can hike 300 metres up the nearby Montaña Roja volcano for breathtaking views of this mini Sahara.

Another must for those seeking active pursuits, is a trek to Arco de las Peñitas, a magnificent natural arch located in Barranco de las Peñitas, a rocky ravine surrounded by a perfect hiking landscape. When you reach the top of the route, you’ll discover the arch, flanked by huge Mars-like rock formations, where you can sit back, take a breather and enjoy the spectacular views surrounding you.

Of course, the natural world isn’t the only source of succour in Fuerteventura, with its thriving, diverse food scene providing a different form of enrichment. Casa Santa Maria is regarded as one of the best restaurants on the island, rewarded multiple times by the Michelin Guide. Set in a spectacular renovated 17th-century farmhouse in Bentancuria’s historic centre, one of the island’s most picturesque villages, here you can enjoy traditional cuisine with a gourmet twist.

Unsurprisingly, surrounded as it is by the Atlantic, Fuerteventura’s seafood is unbeatable. La MARquesina on the island’s northern tip offers the chance to enjoy fresh Mediterranean dishes and just-caught seafood overlooking the ocean, a stone’s throw from Lobos Island. While if you’re down south, Restaurant Marabú focuses on more local dishes, enjoyed in a cosy wood-beamed room or outside on the shaded terrace.

Whether you’re looking for some winter sun, a springtime break or your next big getaway, to find your perfect holiday in Fuerteventura, visit British Airways for destination inspiration and incredible deals on flights and hotels.

*Terms and conditions apply ** Price correct as of 19 November 2023