Going Back To Fuerteventura – My 2nd Time In A Year And 2024 Recap

Leaving England For Lanzarote

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I left England on a cold Tuesday morning. The weather was pretty terrible in the days prior to this time with Storm Darragh hitting large parts of the country. It was very cold before I left and the Sunday before when I went to bed, because I had the window open in my bedroom, I caught a very nasty cold.

It was lucky that they didn’t make me do a COVID test at the airport. I probably would have failed it. Some people I suppose would have NOT gone away under these circumstances but what my logic was – was that once I got into Lanzarote the warm weather would help me get over it, and actually it did – very quickly.

It’s like I think this is such a good idea – going away in Winter to somewhere with a warmer climate. It makes so much sense I think – especially when it is cheap as getting to the Canary Islands with the Black Friday deals.

I see why it is such a popular destination. I really do. Although, I will say I was worried about sharing a room. My first night at the Beach House Hostel where I stayed I was told I was snoring like a beast (quite embarrassing). My nose was very bunged up so I kind of knew – that I was going to snore the roof off, but I really hoped that I wouldn’t.

It’s one of those things about staying in a hostel. On one side people should accept that they get what they pay for but you still don’t want to upset no one.

So, first night was not good but after only 1 day – the next morning my room mate (A German), said to me at the breakfast table that I wasn’t snoring nowhere as bad as the night before. It was the other people in the room he said lol

So that was that.

The second day I still had a bit of a cough but this soon cleared up. The rest of my stay here was pretty good – and actually it was another good holiday.

Better in many ways as this time I really (I think) got my bearings around. Something that will make any future trips here so much more stress free i’m sure.

But about this trip.

4 Nice Days In Lanzarote

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I think this worked out just right. I got into Lanzarote about 6:30pm – and I knew what I was doing this time. When I came here the last time in February I ended up walking up the road thinking I was near where I was staying in Arrecife. I forgot that the time before this (only 2 1/2 months before) that when I left the airport with my friend I got the bus. So 3rd time here I remembered not to do this..

It was a bit cold and windy on my first night really. It was OK, it was still (just about) T-shirt weather. I was tempted to put a jumper on but I was fine without one for the hour or so I was out for in Arrecife.

Really, I just wanted to eat something and It was good to get back to my place and go to bed, and that was it for my 1st night.

It was warmer the next day and the next morning another thing which was good was I didn’t realise last time they did free breakfast at my hostel. So that was a bonus.

So, on this 2nd day, I had my breakfast and headed off to Puerto Del Carmen. It is pretty much just bars, restaurants, arcades and shops here with a beach in front. In my view going away just to eat and get drunk is too easily done. For me getting myself on tours etc. is much better.

There are a few good places to go in Puerto Del Carmen. I went to Lineker’s bar for drinks and the American Indian Cafe for food. This is probably the stand out place for me. If you come here at night they have live music but they are open from about 10AM I think.

A few other places I went to too. This included the arcade where I went to play Ghostbusters Pinball and the shops to get myself a UK phone adapter so I could use my laptop.

I went back about 6pm to the Beach hostel but another thing I did do on this 2nd day was booking to go on the Lanzarote Highlights tour the next day.

 

The Lanzarote Highlights Tour

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This was my biggest expense of the trip. I had to pay for this on my credit card (about £125) but it was a good day out. Well worth doing I think.

Last time I did the Lanzarote Grand tour – this was cheaper before If I remember correctly but it was sold out this time so I booked the Lanzarote highlights tour instead.

It was quite similar but the main difference was that we spent less time in Timfanya park (where the Volcanoes are) and on this tour we went down into the caves at Cueva de Los Verdes.

This was pretty amazing – it was funny because a guy on the tour was a man celebrating his 57th Birthday and he was very vocal about this. He kept saying “It’s my birthday” lol it was a kind of running joke for the whole trip almost.

So, I thought he would shout “Everyone, It’s my Birthday” again for the millionth time and cause a cave in at Cueva de Los Verdes.

He kept saying it on the coach, he said it when we stopped for breakfast, and for lunch so I kind of was expecting it. It was quite funny really but yes when we got in the cave I was thinking oh god he is going to cause a cave in.

I had a joke with him after this – he definitely got the joke. I was thinking about the episode of Father Ted when it happens lol but besides this.

Inside the caves it was quite something. Just how all the rocks have formed and all the colours. They have concerts in here too. I’m not really someone that goes to watch concerts like this but I can imagine its probably quite special to watch it here – very interesting.

But, definitely, the most amazing thing Inside is a kind of phantom pool of water. If you look at this you would think it is just a cliff face – like you wouldn’t want to trip and fall down there, but the crazy thing is this wouldn’t happen because its water. It is just so clear it’s invisible.

And crazier still – you have lobsters in here. The tour guide actually caught one from out this pool. It was like he pulled it from out of nowhere.

So, that was very cool. Then the final stop was Jameos Agua. This was a big reason I came on this tour because visiting here the first time was like a beautiful dream. It was Incredible as I really wasn’t expecting to see what I did inside.

Coming back to see this was an absolute must for me. It wasn’t really the same coming here again but I guess it was good to go there again, just not so much of a surprise as before.

My Last Day In Lanzarote

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On my last day I pretty much did the same as I did on my 2nd day. Got the bus to Puerto Del Carmen and ate and drank. I went for tea in Goofy Burger, went for a burger at the American Indian Café and actually the day before I found a cool African bar – it was quite a lot like my friends old bar in Letchworth GC, Hertfordshire so I went in there for a few zero beers.

I come across it actually the day before after I finished the Lanzarote Highlights tour – I had a steak in here when I first found it. It is funny actually because you can have a sirloin steak meal in Lanzarote for under £10.00 so I was pretty much having this every day.

Shocking really, and It is no wonder people think I’ve won the lottery lol but they do this in a lot of places. It’s like you order and you worry about the how much the bill will be like its so cheap you think they’ve made a mistake but then you get it and it is only 10 or 11 euros.

I think it is because there is low taxes or it is tax free. Its no wonder people from the UK come here so much as what we have to pay in tax would mean paying double back home.

 

Crossing Over To Fuerteventura On The Ferry

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Last time I did this crossing it was a lovely trip – I was up on the top deck just looking over the amazing blue water just taking in the views. I think I was hoping to see some Dolphins lol (I didn’t) but this time it was very (very) windy so I never went up to the top deck.

It was kind of making me a bit sea sick because the boat was rocking so much but the crossing is pretty quick really – about 45 minutes (I think) so it was over quickly enough.

I know some people come over to Fuerteventura for a day trip from Lanzarote and go back at night. I’ve never done this myself and I don’t think I’d want to – having to rush back to get the boat but maybe this is just me. Fuerteventura (I think) is more laid back than Lanzarote and you can definitely tell (I would say).

I personally, would definitely recommend the hostel where I have stayed at on both my stays here – The Corralejo Garden and Relax Hostel it is only minutes away from the ferry port.

I didn’t even need to use my phone this time around to find it. It is very friendly here. Its got a kind of Zen Buddhist feel about the place. They had live music here in the garden on the first night too. I didn’t actually go out but I could hear it from Inside. It was pretty good – they did a cover of Bob Marley Jamming I think it was. Some very interesting Instruments being played.

I think if I could come to any place and not have to stress then it would be here. The 3 nights here were great – I think maybe next time I might come for longer but I was pretty satisfied with what I did over this time as short as it was.

 

Visiting The Wildlife Park (My 2nd Time)

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Really this is probably one of my favourite places I been too. Just so peaceful – and quite a lot to see here. Although, almost, I thought I might have to miss out this time. I booked the tickets online but the next morning I was quite worried because there had been heavy rain. It was hammering it down very early 5-6AM – which apparently is not normal for this island.

I was thinking whether I should just not go because of this but I kind of decided I would and good job too because if I hadn’t I would not have been happy about it.

It was still raining when I got there but thankfully it stopped not long after. I was kind of worried it might be a hurricane when I got up to see it. Like I was thinking what if the weather had meant my plane couldn’t leave?

I think that I would have been OK with that – having to stay here longer but anyway.

I had a pretty good day here. What I was thinking the same as last time is it would be a nice place to go with the family. Especially Children. Although, saying that it is just such a nice and calm place to walk around by yourself. I think maybe this is what I like about most zoos even the small one in Gibraltar it is just so peaceful.

I think last time I didn’t watch any of the shows except the Parrots. This is pretty amazing because you can see the Macaws actually flying around. They are quite well trained. They fly around and go straight back to their trainers.

You can also see the Birds of Prey show (bit of a walk) this has Vultures, Owls and Eagles. Even the American Bald Eagle which is pretty impressive.

That was cool and after this I caught the end of the Sea Lion show – pretty cool also but this was sad for me because it was almost time to go (about 3:45) and they was playing a soppy Phil Collins song. It was a bit emotional lol.

They were too very well trained too and they looked like they were very happy swimming around. Their enclosure is pretty big and I haven’t seen one like this I don’t think. Sea Lions aren’t usually a big deal for me, I’m more Interested in Dolphins really but anyway was a good show.

The only show I didn’t watch was the one talking about the plants – they have loads of cactus here. Maybe would have been interesting but I am more interested in the animals more than anything else. I heard someone else say too that they thought it would be a bit boring but anyway…

 

The Next Day

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A pretty chilled one really. This was what I would have liked to have done last time. Just having a whole day to walk around Corralejo to explore. I mean the main street I wouldn’t have minded seeing a bit more of. Lots of clubs and bars. A bit like Puerto Del Carmen but better I think.

I had to kind of rush back after this because I needed to use the laundrette and wash my clothes before I left but still I think it was a good exercise for getting to know the place a bit better for next time I come over (which I’m guessing I very likely will).

So I went out in the morning for breakfast and a few zero alcohol beers. The night before I found a very nice bar (where I watched the football) they had these beers here called Free Dam for 3 euros a bottle which were quite nice.

It is just a lovely city. You have the coast with all the beaches you can walk along and they have all bars and restaurants along here. Live music in a lot of places too and then you can go into the town which I didn’t see a lot of but I suppose I will another time.

It was very vibrant with all the Christmas Decorations up. Lots of bars and restaurants but only place I went in was the arcade to play Pinball. The had a game Avengers Infinity Saga (I think it was). This was pretty cool had a few goes on this and that was it really.

I did actually have to use Google Maps for about 5 minutes after this. It was funny because it was saying turn left to Amarillo and all I could think of was the song lol but I got back, done my washing and went to bed.

 

Leaving Fuerteventura (I didn’t want to)

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This was pretty quick and easy. I knew where the bus stop was from before – and then I knew I had to get another bus from Puerto Del Rosario. This I think is the capital city of Fuerteventura – I didn’t really see very much of it but I see a lot of people stay here as well. Maybe worth checking out next time I come.

So there was no panicking on this morning I had to leave. Last time I was very anxious about missing my plane but this time I got to the airport with about 3 hours to spare. No rushing, no panic. Stress free pretty much I would say.

It was sad to go really the complete opposite of gloomy England. When I got into Luton the air was smoggy, people were moaning at me on the bus because I was playing back voice notes on my phone. Like I really wanted to say something but respectfully I didn’t.

So, I was not thrilled to get back to England. It was raining as soon as I got off the plane. I had a kind of scrubs moment because I see another plane was being boarded. I was imagining myself jumping over the tape and getting in the queue for the other plane lol

I always want to go away again when I get back. And it is funny I say that…

My next trip I am already on staying in Aourir (awrir) Morocco.

 

In Conclusion

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On the bus to Luton Airport I was thinking about this – am I really just taking the mickey out of people. I seem to get away so easily whilst people must look at what I am doing with envy. I keep getting people say this actually that they are jealous lol

But I was thinking do people know how easy and cheap it can be to get to Lanzarote / Fuerteventura from Luton. It’s only £4 to get to the airport for me and then just £20 each way for the plane if I time it right. It is quite simple really and I think I did say on Facebook – who is booking flights this Black Friday? I’m sure nobody actually did.

I could be wrong but maybe it is just that I have a “Just Do It!” kind of mentality. It would be good if others could see me and think I am going to do that as well but I guess it can be scary doing this I mean, I’ve had enough bad travel experiences now to know to be more careful but hey I guess this makes it a lot easier for me with every new trip.

Just knowing how to prepare etc.

My next trip I think will be the next kind of stage of this – I want to try and get out of Europe a bit more but for others knowing how to deal with certain situations wherever you go is a good thing to think about.

I shall finish up this blog post here but stayed tuned for me and Teddy’s next adventure – coming a lot sooner than you may think…

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