For sure, Fuerteventura's 150 and more beaches are a big draw and probably the reason you booked a holiday on the island in the first place. However, there's so much more to see and do on Fuerteventura. And a great way of discovering what else the island has to offer is to take a ride on Shanks' pony.
Your (hiking) boots were made for walking, after all. So save some space for them when it comes to packing your suitcase. Here are five reasons why Fuerteventura's such a perfect place to trek. Now which one(s) will tempt you to part with your sunlounger?
1.) There are more goats than people
Once upon a time, Fuerteventura's current capital wasn't called Puerto del Rosario (Rosary Port) but Puerto de Cabras (Goat Port). The locals, sick of being a laughing stock, brought pressure on the local government to force through a name change in 1956. Although the goat's still very much a revered symbol of the island, with the locals milking the 20+ varieties to produce what's been described as "the best goats' cheese in the world."
With around only 90,000 people living on the second largest of the Canary Islands, it's easy to get away from it all. Head into the interior to evade the bucket-and-spade brigade. Although just when you're lulled into thinking you could quite possibly be the last remaining survivor on Planet Earth, the tinkling of the bells on grazing goats will rouse you from your reverie.
2.) Start or end your hikes in beautiful hamlets
Considering Fuerteventura's capital houses just over 35,000 inhabitants, the island's decidedly more rural than urban. A case in point is picturesque Vega de Río Palmas in the centre of the island, whose church is photographed above. Located in the Barranco de la Vega, the abundant palm trees offer some much-needed shelter.
More experienced hikers will rise to the challenge of the near-16km trek to the fishing village of Ajuy on Fuerteventura's west coast. On the way, you'll pass the island's most well-known chapel, Nuestra Señora de la Peña. As well as the Presa de las Peñitas, a clogged dam just over 3.5km into your walk.
3.) The views
Talking of Presa de las Peñitas, here's some photographic evidence of the eye candy this part of Fuerteventura has in store for you. That's what 265 metres of elevation gives you. Great vistas and a souvenir for you to capture on your camera.
If it's a hike with a view you're after, take the trek which connects the two municipal capitals of Antigua and Betancuria. Totalling just over 3km, you'll be able to see mountainous trio, Bermeja, La Ventosilla, and Tindaya. A short detour will take you to the Mirador de Morro Veloso, perched on top of the 669m-tall Montaña Tegú.
4.) It's safe
Crime exists everywhere on the planet but away from the resorts where pickpockets have been known to operate, inland Fuerteventura poses little threat. It's a far cry from Madeira where thieves have homed in on the easy target of hikers trekking the narrow paths along the levadas (canals). To ensure the safest of hikes, travel light but with the essentials of sensible shoes, sun protection, and water.
What also makes Fuerteventura safe as a hiking destination. Its all-year-round spring-like temperatures means that there's not really a off season on the trekking front as there is, say, in Andalucia. Although, it's probably best to attempt shorter rather than longer hikes in the height of summer.
5.) You can go up in the world without suffering vertigo
The highest point on Fuerteventura's Pico de la Zarza. Located on the Jandía peninsula, this peak reaches a height of 807 metres. So, it will suit amateur hikers as it's not challenging as trekking on the likes of La Gomera and La Palma. And who doesn't want to play "I'm the king of the castle" on Montaña Tindaya above? Just 401 metres to climb, guys.
And you can reach other high points along Fuerteventura's 255km of hiking paths. So where will you go. Along the coast, into the lunar lanscape, through the desert? The choice is yours.
Disclaimer: This post was written in collaboration with Visit Fuerteventura who supplied the photographs.