Into Dust

Fuerteventura
The base for our trip to the Canary island of Fuerteventura had so far been the busy fishing port and resort of Corralejo. It was now time to venture south. It only takes a couple of hours to drive the length of this narrow island, but to give ourselves plenty of opportunity to explore we chose to stay over and make a southern base in the resort town of Morro Jable.

Morro Jable Lighthouse, Fuerteventura

The first stop on our road trip south was Pozo Negro on the east coast, which was pretty much closed for the morning, or the season. It is a typical, pretty Canarian fishing village and the secluded black beach was well worth a visit, especially when you have it all to yourself apart from some scary looking swans.

The black sands of Pozo Negro, Fuerteventura

Next up was the Lighthouse Faro de la Entallada which was detour from the main arterial roads running the length of the island, but the drive to the base of the mountain on which the lighthouse resides hinted at the promise of some spectacular views from the top.

The road to Faro de la Entallada, Fuerteventura

The fabulously ornate lighthouse sits on a lofty perch, and after seeing this from afar we decided to leave the car at the base at the steep windy road to the lighthouse and walk up instead. It certainly wasn't a road for the faint-hearted driver and it felt like the right call.

Faro de la Entallada, Fuerteventura

It is a great looking lighthouse in a truly breath-taking setting, whether that's looking out to sea from the Canary's nearest point to Africa or peering back inland at the otherworldly mountains and tracing the tiny roads carved into the landscape.

Faro de la Entallada, Fuerteventura

The nearest town to Faro de la Entallada is the quiet, understated harbour town of Las Playitas and is worth a quick wander round. The next town of  Gran Tarajal has more going on, so enjoy a walk along the sea front and grab a superb lunch at Cofradía Pescadores.

Gran Tarajal, Fuerteventura

Morro Jable was our final stop and our base for the next few days. We choose to stay in an apartment directly opposite the imposing lighthouse on the endless Playa del Matorral. The lighthouse dominates the beach at this end of town, and we were lucky enough to watch the sun go down with a beer and a wonderful view.

Morro Jable Lighthouse, Fuerteventura

The resort of Morro Jable is geared up to the art of sunbathing with little else to keep you interested. The beach is expansive and the absolute highlight of this southern town. The old town is a collection of restaurants, so old town in name only. But the food options are good for both pescatarians and vegetarians.

Morro Jable Lighthouse, Fuerteventura

After a couple of days topping up our tan we chose to return to Corralejo through the centre of island, taking in several different hamlets and coming across some incredible mountain scenery. The drive along the FV-605 between La Pared and Pajara showcases several miradors that allow you to park up and take in the majestic scenery.

The FV-30 to Betancuria, Fuerteventura

The small, pretty town of Pajara is a good spot for a coffee before embarking on the hairy FV-30, the mountain road to Betancuria. There's a car park at the south entrance of the small village and then a short walkway from there to centre. The reason for the car park is quickly apparent as the pretty village is a popular stop on the islands bus tours, so coach loads of tourists arrive, throng and then vanish as quickly as they appeared. But the destination does warrant visiting, if only for the incredible road journey to get there.

Betancuria, Fuerteventura

Betancuria is also home to the best souvenir shop on the island, a decent treasure trove called Casa Santa Maria. Pick up lunch at La Sombra restaurant, which does a great veggie burger, something that neither of us expected to find in the heart of the island.

Continuing north there were more miradors and some dramatic second gear hairpin bends before dropping down to relative serenity of the major roads near the capital.

Back in Corralejco our final few days were marked by the arrival of a Calima storm from the Sahara which enveloped all the Canary islands, coating them in a fine later of dust. But it certainly didn't dampen our enthusiasm for the sand dunes of Corralejo which were the highlight of our trip and a place we returned to every day and will return to in the future.

Parque Natural de Corralejo, Fuerteventura