Fuerteventura Uncontaminated: Exploring the Island among Sea, History and Adventure

Fuerteventura is an island of contrasts, where you can have an authentic experience, far from mass tourism. Between wild beaches, thousand-year-old volcanoes and fishing villages, every corner tells its own story, immersed in an extraordinary and timeless nature.

Our trip to Fuerteventura begins with the excitement of discovering an island of primeval beauty, a place where the wind sculpts the dunes and the sea tells ancient stories. The first stop is Playa Sotavento, a corner of paradise where we immediately feel enveloped by the wilderness. Here, among golden dunes and the blue ocean, we find refuge in a structure surrounded by nature, far from any artificial construction. To stroll along the coast is to immerse oneself in a vibrant ecosystem, populated by seabirds and the hardy vegetation that dot the shoreline. The silence is broken only by the sound of the wind and the call of the seagulls, giving the feeling of being in a desert kissed by the sea, a still unspoiled corner of the world.

After a day spent between long walks and the mesmerizing charm of the tides, we decide to end the evening at Mirador de Sotavento. This restaurant, located on top of a cliff, gives spectacular views with the light of sunset. As the sky turns red, we savor typical local dishes, being won over by the intense and authentic flavors of the island. Fuerteventura cuisine is a mix of African and Spanish influences, with the famous Majorero cheese and papas arrugadas con mojo among the must-try specialties.

After dinner, the adventure continues with an experience that brings us closer to the universe: a visit to the Astronomical Mirador of Sicasumbre. Through a path leading to the top of an ancient volcano, we reach a vantage point free of light pollution. The Canary Islands are among the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to their dry climate and clear atmosphere. Here, ancient indigenous peoples believed that the sky was inhabited by gods, and looking at the Milky Way in all its grandeur, it is easy to see why.

The following day, we set off north again, passing through the area of Betancuria, the first European settlement on the island, founded in the 15th century by the Norman conquistador Jean de Béthencourt. The landscape around us changes dramatically: barren mountains stand out against the sky, while the road meanders through reddish valleys and lonely cacti. Arriving in Betancuria, we plunge into an eccentric atmosphere. The cobblestone streets, white houses and small craft stores take us back to a bygone era. We decide to stop at La Casa Santa Maria, a restaurant housed in a historic building with a charming interior garden, where we savor dishes that tell the island's gastronomic history. Continuing our journey, we head up the coast to El Cotillo, a fishing village with Mediterranean charm. White houses are reflected in the deep blue sea, evoking Mediterranean atmospheres. Along the narrow streets we breathe in the scent of barbecued fish as we explore the local craft stores. From here, we decide to walk along the coast to the Faro de Tostón, crossing small hidden and almost deserted beaches. The evening ends with a romantic dinner at Canario La Vaca Azul, where we taste the best octopus we have ever tasted, a real treat. Just in front of the restaurant, we meet an artist who paints El Cotillo landscapes on pieces of reclaimed wood-a perfect reminder of this wonderful day.

To explore the wildest soul of the island, we rent two e-bikes and, guided by an expert, ride nearly 50 km through incredible landscapes. Starting in Corralejo, with its mix of nightlife and surf culture, we head inland toward the Bayuyu volcano and the majestic Calderón Hondo. The trail takes us among lava expanses and spectacular geological formations, witnesses to the ancient eruptions that shaped the island millions of years ago. Calderón Hondo, located near Lajares, is one of the best-preserved volcanoes on Fuerteventura. With its crater about 70 meters deep, it offers spectacular views of the entire northern region of the island. During the ascent, we are surrounded by a lunar landscape and, once at the top, we can observe the ocean and even catch a glimpse of Lanzarote on clear days. Here, we make a peculiar encounter: the Berber ground squirrels, small rodents originally from North Africa, introduced to the island in the 1960s. Curious and lively, they approach without fear, attracted by the presence of visitors, but it is important to remember not to feed them to preserve the natural balance of the island.

We cross a dry riverbed, pedaling through an endless desert below the slopes of volcanoes, until we reach the sea. Along the way, we encounter small fishing communities and immerse ourselves in Fuerteventura's vibrant surf culture, where the waves attract fans from all over the world. Our last stop is Pop Corn Beach, a unique beach whose shoreline is formed by white corals that resemble popcorn, creating a surreal landscape. After walking through the golden dunes of Corralejo, we head to our apartment near the village of Tindaya. This area is shrouded in an aura of mystery, linked to the legend of the podomorfos - footprints carved into the rock by ancient aborigines, probably ritual signs related to the worship of the sacred mountain. A few kilometers away, we discover one of the island's most beautiful and unknown beaches, frequented almost exclusively by locals. Here, as the sun sets, we witness sunsets that tint the ocean a thousand golden hues, leaving us with one last, indelible memory of this wild and extraordinary land.

Fuerteventura is not just an island to visit, but a place to live, an experience that enters your heart. Between unspoiled nature, ancient history and endless skies, it teaches us to slow down and rediscover the authentic beauty of the world.