Fuerteventura - The Grand Golden Isle

Fuerteventura, at 1,660 km² is the second largest of the Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. It is situated at 28°20‘ north, 14°00‘ west. The island‘s name in English translates as “strong fortune, or luck“, as the Spanish for wind is viento.

Located just 100 kilometres off the coast of North Africa, Fuerteventura has the longest beaches in the archipelago. There are no fewer than 152 beaches along its coastline - 50 kilometres of fine, white sand and 25 kilometres of black volcanic shingle. The island is a paradise for sun, beach and water sports enthusiasts.

The majority of the island was created about 5 million years ago and since then eroded by wind and weather. On the seabed off the west coast of the island rests a block of rock 22 km long and 11 km wide, which appears to have slid off the island largely intact at some point in prehistory. The last volcanic activity in Fuerteventura was between 4,000 to 5,000 years ago.

The highest point in Fuerteventura is Mount Jandía (807 m) in the southwestern part of the island. Geographical features include “Istmo de la Pared“ which is 5 km wide and is the narrowest part of Fuerteventura. The island is divided into two parts, the northern portion that is Maxorata and the southwestern part called the Jandía peninsula. The island is the least settled in the Canary Islands.

Climate

The climate on the island throughout the year is pleasant. It is on the same latitude as Florida and Mexico and the sea adjusts the temperature making the hot Sahara winds blow away from the island of Fuerteventura. During the winter months, temperatures average 20 °C, whereas during the summer average temperatures of 26 °C can be expected. Precipitation is only about 147 mm per year, most of which falls in the winter.

Climate Table