Anyone who has ever visited Fuerteventura, the second largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, understands it offers something a little different from the regular, run-of-the-mill “sun, sea and sand” holidays. So if your kind of getaway involves uncovering the most beautiful natural attractions of an area, this extraordinary island could be the perfect destination.
Fuerteventura: A Destination with a Difference
The island’s landscape is like very few other places on the planet. The entire interior is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, featuring an almost other-wordly patchwork of rolling ochre hills, dunes, lagoons, and barren mountains and canyons. But in a stark complement, it also has around 150km of breathtaking beaches that make up its coastline – some with the requisite glistening white shores, and others with the more unusual black volcanic sand.
Arguably, the jewel in Fuerteventura’s coastal crown is the spectacularly beautiful Jandía Peninsula – a genuinely unspoilt paradise in the south of the island, with a staggeringly diverse landscape. The town of Jandía, itself, makes for a superb base from which to explore the expansive natural beauty of the region. Adding a two-day stay in Jandía to your Canary Islands holiday itinerary will give you time enough to enjoy a delightful exploration of two very different aspects of this incredible area.
Day One: The Beaches
It’s impossible not to be captivated by the smorgasbord of offerings when it comes to the beaches here – so you need to devote an entire day to soaking up their delights. Renowned as some of the best on the island, many of them remain completely unspoiled, and it’s entirely possible to have the joy of being alone on the sand at times. The following are three very different beaches, to show the diversity on offer; you may want to explore further and decide on your own favourites!
Matorral Beach: even though it’s one of the most popular beaches in the area, because of its expansive 4 km length, you won’t have to fight any crowds. Classic fine white sand and jewel-coloured waters make it a picture-perfect place for a dip, a stroll, or to try some water sports.
Cofete Beach: With a reputation as one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches, this wild, untouched place is well worth the effort to get there. You’ll need to get a guided Jeep tour, or hire a 4 x 4 to get there along the exposed cliff edge access, but standing on the desolate shore, whipped by the winds, and shadowed by the stark mountainous backdrop, is an experience not to be missed.
Playa de Sotavento: This glorious 9 km stretch is actually four different beaches, all connected and yet each with their own distinct appeal. Due to the prevailing coastal winds, they are extremely popular with kitesurfers – so if it’s time to try something new, here’s your chance! (A note: due to the quietness of this coastal area, certain spots have become a popular place for nudists.)
Day Two: The Natural Park
A second day offers the chance to leave the beaches behind and delve into the nature reserve of Jandía Natural Park – which is one of the largest in the Canary Islands and a sanctuary of wild beauty. Comprising wild coastline, salt flats, rolling dunes, deserts, lagoons, jagged peaks and deep ravines, the biodiversity of this seemingly barren (on the surface) natural park provides a home for an astounding amount of flora and local fauna – including a variety of reptiles, squirrels, hedgehogs, donkeys, wild goats and sheep, herons, egrets, ibis, and much more.
The only practical way to explore is to join a buggy, quad bike, or Jeep small group tour with a guide, who will take you out for the day, navigating the harsh, mountainous landscape, stopping at points of interest along the way, including small villages and towns, like Puerto de la Cruz. It’s hard to define what makes this unique topography so fascinating, but the experience of travelling through the multiple ecosystems of this untamed landscape will create a lifetime of memories.
Where to Stay
Hotel Riu Palace Jandia: Situated in an unbeatable location right on the beach, this superbly-appointed hotel boasts a stunning aspect and a host of high-quality amenities. The air-conditioned rooms feature stylish, contemporary decor, and magnificent ocean views, while onsite you can enjoy the two restaurants, pool, fitness centre, spa and wellness, and a 24-hour desk. The superb location puts you in one of the best places to be in Jandía.
Loft del Mar 1 Jandia: Wake up to spectacular ocean views in this spacious, elevated apartment that includes air-conditioning, a well-appointed kitchen, a spacious bedroom and living room, modern furnishings and decor, and an amazing balcony from which to enjoy the vista. Within a few steps of restaurants and bars, and across the road from the gorgeous beach, welcome to your home-from-home in Jandía.
Royal Palm Resort & Spa: This fabulous adults-only resort offers a host of onsite amenities including a fitness centre, restaurant, buffet breakfast, and a lovely shared guest lounge. The air-conditioned units feature stunning sea views, private bathrooms, satellite TV and all the mod-cons you need for a wonderful holiday. For those looking to be pampered, the onsite spa centre includes an indoor pool and sauna for your enjoyment. Relaxation plus!
How to Get There
The logistics of getting to Jandía are fairly straightforward. You’ll need to fly into Fuerteventura Airport, a journey of around 4 hours and 20 minutes from various UK airports. You can find a good range of flights operated by various carriers to suit your times, starting from as little as £34 one way in the cheaper months like November. You can choose to fly with British Airways, Tui, Jet2, easyJet, and Ryanair, among others.
The most convenient way to ensure a fast, hassle free ride to get you the rest of the way to Jandía is to pre-book a service with Shuttle Direct. Shared and private airport transfers are available, and a friendly local driver will get you the 88 kms from Fuerteventura Airport to Jandia in around an hour and a half.
Overview
UK to FUE Flight Time: 4 hours, 20 mins approx.
FUE to Jandia Distance: 88 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 1 hour and 26 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
At Shuttle Direct, we’re proud to offer a service to suit any and every traveller. Whatever your budget or style of travel, one of our pre-booked services from Fuerteventura Airport to Jandía will suit you down to the ground. Here’s what you can choose from to help your decision.
Our economical shuttle buses are music to the ears of anyone on a budget who still expects a safe and comfortable service. You will meet at a predetermined place at the airport once you land, then along with other travellers going to the same destination, you’ll be transported in a modern vehicle to a central drop-off point. A shuttle bus is not only a hassle-free way to start and end your holiday, it’s also a fantastic way of meeting new people.
If you prefer travelling alone, one of our pre-booked local taxis affords you that privilege without a huge price tag. Instead of lining up with other passengers for a taxi, yours will be waiting to whisk you from Fuerteventura Airport to Jandía – right to the door of your accommodation.
If you’ve got the budget for a luxury private Jandía transfer, our services will not disappoint. A friendly, professional driver will be waiting for you in the terminal, then they’ll escort you to your private vehicle and take you directly to the door of your accommodation. Nothing beats the convenience and luxury of our private airport transfers.
When you’re going on holiday with a large family or group of friends, getting from the airport at Fuerteventura to Jandia couldn’t be easier if you pre-book one of our minibus transfers. The larger vehicle means ample capacity for everyone to travel together, as well as plenty of room for luggage, and the door-to-door service will simplify logistics no end.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Picking the right airport transfer will depend on multiple aspects, and only you can make that choice. However, in general terms, it will come down to the consideration of two things: cost and convenience.
Cost: If your main focus is keeping a tight rein on the holiday budget, one of our shared shuttles is probably going to be the ideal choice for you. You’ll meet at a central pick-up point at the airport, and share the ride with other passengers to a drop-off point at your destination. Although it’s not a door-to-door service, you’ll save a bundle by making that concession.
Convenience: If, however, a door-to-door service is a dealbreaker for you, and you don’t mind paying for it, our luxury private transfers, a private minibus, or a pre-booked taxi will suit you perfectly and get you from the airport at Fuerteventura to Jandía in style.
About Shuttle Direct
Here at Shuttle Direct we’re proud to be one of the most trusted and reputable providers of onward ground transport on the market. Whether you’re looking for a luxury private airport transfer, or a budget-friendly shared shuttle bus ride, we can help you. Our friendly, professional drivers will get you to where you need to go (and back) in safety and comfort – no hassle, no delays. Book with us today and sit back and enjoy the ride!
