For when it's allowed again: Fuerteventura, the ultimate oasis of calm (Canary Islands)

The Canary Islands. For many a touristy Spanish holiday destination with crowded all-in hotels and beach bars. But this exotic place has a lot more to offer than that. At least, if you know where to start looking to discover its real beauty. Each island has its own unique unspoilt nature, but for me, there is one island that stands out: Fuerteventura. When I tell you that Fuerteventura is nothing more than an arid, volcanic piece of land, it may not appeal to you. But there is something surreal about it. Not a soul in sight for miles, the feeling of walking on the moon, but still the experience of sand between your toes and salt in your hair. That’s Fuerteventura. Where can I book my ticket?

Every year in November, we take great pleasure in repacking our suitcases, which have been gathering dust for at least two months now. They call it the denial phase. The refusal to surrender to the dark Belgian winter. You would be surprised what that extra week of sunshine in November does to your mental health. Moreover, Fuerteventura has a very stable climate and it is almost all year round pleasantly warm. Ideal holiday destination to book outside the high season.

Lajares, off the beaten track

On arrival, we hire a normal car and a van that can carry nine people. One that can handle some dust, gravel and the occasional mountain bike-like road. And then we set sail for the small town of Lajares. A village in the very north of the island, away from the touristy all-in hotel areas. On the streets of Lajares, you will only find locals and the occasional hippy-like tourist. One of those who surfs, meditates and grows his own vegetables at home. You will also pass Pastelo, a coffee and lunch bar. Drop in and
taste the carrot cake. You won’t regret it.

Luxury overnight in the middle of nowhere

We spend the night every year in our regular place, one of the houses at the foot of volcano Calderon Hondo. The house is like a mirage that appears after six days of travelling in the desert without water. A bit of an exaggeration, I hear you think, but wait until you’ve been there.

It is a house where you could mistake each window for a painting. The minimalist but stylish interior puts its surroundings in the spotlight without compromising on a luxurious feel. Washing yourself under a rain shower overlooking a volcano, if that’s not a unique experience then I don’t know what is.

This house is not the only accommodation you can find in this idyllic spot. The foot of this volcano houses several similar, modern holiday homes. So you are sure to find a gem to spend the night in.

Endless white sand beaches and a surfer’s paradise

Here are kilometres of natural, white sandy beaches. That is Fuerteventura’s calling card. That’s what sets it apart from the other Canary Islands. It’s also the main reason why we picked the island. Our main activity during this week? Learning to surf. And no, our travel group is not just made up of athletic young twenty-somethings. Wave surfing is a great experience for young and old and since Fuerteventura is known for its surfing community, this is the ideal place to get a taste of the sport. With two surfers, who also grow their own vegetables by the way, we go to a different beach every morning for about three hours and then try to stand up on a surfboard one after the other. Our travel group consists of a range of 8 to 56 year-olds, and each of them is equally happy to spend those hours in the sea. The remaining hours of the day are spent mostly exhausted (but content) hanging out at the beach or pool. The perfect combination of action and doing nothing at all.

Natural beauty for the active athlete

If surfing doesn’t appeal to you at all, that’s no problem for this top island. It is also a paradise for mountain bikers, hikers, fervent volcano climbers or just sunbathers who would rather not be crammed between a fat Englishman and five screaming children on the beach. Be sure to sunbathe or surf at Tindaya Beach, our personal favourite. Not a soul in sight, but great rock formations and a beautiful white beach. And the sunsets there are amazing. One to dream away.

Vulcanoes and dreamy vistas

The highlight of our November week-long trip is always the ascent of the Calderon Hondo volcano. You can hardly sleep at the foot of a volcano without climbing it. Sturdy footwear is definitely recommended and you will have to puff a little, but it is totally worth it. The breathtaking view of the entire island is one that you cannot capture on photo. Unless you are a professional photographer perhaps. Go and capture it with your own eyes anyway, rather than looking at pictures, it’s worth it.