DAY 1 – ARRIVING IN THE MOST POPULAR SURF DESTINATION IN FUERTEVENTURA
Our excited Canary Green team started their journey of discovery in Fuerteventura with a visit to Surfing Colors Correlajo, a town in the north of this Spanish Canary Island. The hotel could not have been more impressive since it offers high class accommodation, from private apartments to shared dorms, providing everything a visitor can hope for – be they on a family vacation or a romantic getaway, requiring either functional facilities or something more at the luxury end. From the surfers angle, the whole package is available from beginner to experienced wave chaser with a major advantage of organised lessons at a typical magnificent beach on the doorstep of the hotel. You can enjoy the reliable weather suited to a perfect beach holiday in idyllic surroundings. Whatever you are looking for, Surfing Colors Hotel‘s welcoming staff will look after you royally from your first contact to organising everything, greeting you at the door and leaving you with a lots of wonderful memories when you depart.
Surfing Colors Corralejo is committed to delivering sustainable and responsible tourism practices which will enable us all to benefit from healthier lifestyles and greater well-being by living in harmony with a flourishing environment. The hotel is doing all it can to reduce its environmental impact, to help preserve natural resources and to enhance local culture. In practical terms, the hotel has changed to renewable energy sources where possible, for example in using solar panels at the hotel to generate electricity and heat water, making every effort to reduce dependence on non-renewables like fossil fuels. Surfing Colors Corralejo also plays a key educational role in encouraging guests to follow responsible and sustainable tourist practices by supplying relevant information. For instance, they invite guests to take advantage of the reusable water bottles available and to limit plastic and packaging waste by using refillable shampoo and soap dispensers on site. While many of us are already aware of how we can contribute to saving resources, it does no harm to be reminded about the value of careful electricity usage and reducing daily water consumption. Every small step in the right direction has a positive and meaningful effect in the longer term.
Apart from running a sustainable hotel, Surfing Colors Corralejo supports local businesses and promotes the regional culture in traditional and modern arts including cuisine, music, entertainment, literature and film amongst others through a wide range of media. On our first evening, our Canary Green Team had the pleasure of a memorable night out at a paella event with live music. We thoroughly enjoyed a tremendous time amongst great company getting all the buzz of lively nightlife along with the special added treat of appreciating local delicacies and the paella culture. Surfing Colors Corralejo‘s involvement extends into hospitality through organising and hosting cultural events and excursions in cooperation with the local population with whom they thrive on close links and have earned a deserved esteemed reputation. Come to Correlajo in the North of Fuerteventura and experience the beauty and excitement of our pristine coastline and see why Surfing Colors Hotel is the perfect destination for your next surfing adventure!
DAY 2 – FROM THRILLING ECO BIKE ADVENTURES TO SLOW FOOD EXPERIENCES
Day two introduced us to a novel way of touring and exploring the island. Having heard about the advantages of electric bikes, I can now confirm personally that they live up to and indeed can exceed my expectations. Cycling has always seemed like a brilliant way of keeping fit whilst covering distances at a suitable speed to take in the surroundings properly and, most importantly, without polluting them. With Marc from Eco Wild Ride, our group went even better by discovering the joys of his eco-friendly bike tour. The tours are designed to provide you with a unique and sustainable way to leisurely explore the island’s natural beauty, culture and history. The bikes are specially equipped with state-of-the-art technology that allows travelling around with minimum impact on the environment. They are admirably easy to use and suitable for riders of all ages and fitness levels. As a keen cyclist myself I must admit to noticing one or two bonuses with the electric bike, certainly offering an exhilarating ride, not to mention making steep gradients and tricky terrain much easier. If you add to this the stunning scenery we saw and the thrill of the adventure it all amounted to a really superb way to tour around. Eco Wild Ride offers several tours that vary in length, level of difficulty and theme. For example there is a tour for exploring volcanic landscapes, another for visiting traditional villages and one that takes visitors to the island’s stunning beaches. We all enjoyed our tour so much and were all the happier knowing that our travels were great fun but left the local environment untouched.
It was definitely a highlight of the trip and should be at the top of your itinerary when you go on vacation. After this amazing experience we were invited by Raffaele to one of the most highly rated gourmet restaurants on the island. Land of Freedom in Correlajo lies in the north of Fuerteventura and is inspired in its cuisine by the Slow Food philosophy. We found the presentation truly exceptional featuring a delightful tasting tray of delicious locally sourced food with five fine matching wines to accompany the meal. It was the perfect way to transition from our thrilling, explorative eco bike tour into a relaxed evening. We loved their courteous hospitality and must thank Raffaele and the staff who created such an enjoyable atmosphere with them. An outdoor option for dining out is just as tempting, offering comfort and relaxation with a culinary experience to treasure.
DAY 3 – RECONNECTING WITH NATURE THROUGH SUSTAINABLE FARMING
On the third day a completely different experience awaited us. We visited Verdeaurora Bio Farm where we gained interesting insights into local farming and their products. We all found that learning about places by discovering them captures our curiosity and we felt a sense of satisfaction in gaining a better understanding and appreciation of lifestyles in the farming communities. Verdeaurora Bio Farm is set in a beautiful and tranquil rural location, surrounded by unspoiled landscapes and scenic views. It is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in nature. The farm offers a range of activities and experiences that allow you to connect with nature and learn about sustainable living. A guided tour is a great way to investigate different crops and farming practices and to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainable agriculture. Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences by taking part in workshops and nature related activities such as planting and harvesting crops, making artisanal cheeses or learning about beekeeping. These sessions are not only educational but more significantly provide a sense of connection with the natural world and processes that sustain life.
Verdeaurora Bio Farm also offers opportunities to relax and unwind in nature. It has several outdoor spaces where visitors can sit and absorb the peaceful surroundings including shaded rooftop terraces with panoramic views of the landscape. For those who enjoy hiking it is a perfect way to enjoy the local flora and fauna in the surrounding area. We took this opportunity and felt that connecting with nature is an admirable gift, and in the wonderful landscape here the pleasure derived from it is undeniable. Following the hike we decided on cooking a meal together which I have always found an enjoyable and rewarding pursuit. It was a lovely evening to round off another special day. Good company combined with tasty food and drink is doubtless a very reliable recipe.
DAY 4 – CANARIAN CULTURE AND TRADITIONS IN FUERTEVENTURA
We had the opportunity to visit two of the outstanding traditional museums on the fourth day. When we visited the cheese museum Museo del Queso Majorero in Fuerteventura, it provided not only the chance to learn about the history and formation of the island but also to explore its culture and gastronomy. As we discovered, the Majorero Cheese Museum is deservedly recognised as one of the best informative tourist attractions for those wanting to get to know the true heart of Fuerteventura, including highlights such as the Cactus Garden as well as the prospect of tasting locally made cheese. Additionally, like the many visitors who go to the museum we realised that learning about the cheese-making process and trying different varieties becomes one of those holiday souvenir memories that you look back on with a certain affection, linking it with other special holiday recollections.
We also visited the Salt Museum Salinas del Carmen in Fuerteventura. Through exhibits, tours and interactive displays visitors gain a better understanding of how salt was traditionally extracted from sea water before being converted into a common kitchen ingredient. The museum is located next to Caleta de Fuste, where the first salt fields on the island were built several centuries ago. The white walls of the building and the impressive whale skeleton beside it are the tell-tale signs that you have found this fascinating museum.
Additionally, the museum is situated within the Salinas del Carmen Saltworks which displays a wondrous natural environment. As we have discovered frequently during our stay on Fuerteventura, places leave a special mark on the memory with innumerable striking images found in unique settings. For lovers of photography, there are numerous opportunities to take some stunning pictures.
DAY 5 – CATCHING WAVES AND FUELING OUR BODIES WITH HEALTHY FOOD
n day five we arranged a visit to Casa La Paz Fuerteventura which is a bed and breakfast establishment with a distinctive difference. Casa La Paz Fuerteventura is located in Villaverde, a village in the northern part of Fuerteventura, Spain. The B&B is situated in a peaceful location, surrounded by mountains and countryside, and offers a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere for guests. Casa La Paz in the countryside of Fuerteventura providing a high standard of accommodation and friendly hosts who will do their best to give you an unforgettable stay.
Our Canary Green team loved the stay in the tepees and were deeply touched by the extraordinary experience of connecting with the animals. Many people will be familiar with the idea of the therapeutic effects of animals with loving relationships notably with pets known to enhance the well- being of both owner and pet. The fact that connecting with animals can help us to develop empathy and compassion appears to have been considerably undervalued. By interacting with animals we likely learn subconsciously if not consciously to understand better the needs and emotions of others, perhaps animal or human and by extension hopefully develop a greater appreciation for all life on earth. If this helps foster a greater sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the natural world then so much the better.
On our last day we had the great fortune to take a surfing class with Corralejo Surf School by Ripcurl. Surfing certainly merits its special reputation for thrills and spills in the sporting world. It is rightly associated with a positive lifestyle for a variety of reasons like the rush and thrill of riding waves, the sense of freedom in a seemingly boundless sea, connecting with the raw power of nature and last but not least taking on the challenge of mastering a new skill. Many surfers may vouch that some of the being knocked over by the waves in early stages can be as much fun at the time as riding the waves later. Additionally, surfing offers natural all body physical exercise in an exciting element, stress relief and the special camaraderie of belonging to the surfing set.
For lunch we were invited to Casa de la Naturaleza, a restaurant and green oasis with excellent gastronomy, an art gallery, audiovisual information and photo exposition about the Nature Park of Betancuria. Every Sunday there is a great concert with local musicians. But keep in mind, they have limited capacity, so don’t forget to make a reservation! We loved the exquisite combination of art, music and delicious food.
In the evening we had an incredible time at Nature by Kuba giving us a truly rare gastronomic experience with dishes so fresh and tasteful, using organic and nutritious healthy products which offer several significant benefits including:
- Healthier meals: Organic ingredients are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, which can be harmful to both the environment and human health. Using organic ingredients can help create healthier meals, which can attract health-conscious customers.
- Better taste: Organic ingredients often have a more natural, robust flavor that can make dishes more flavorful and appealing to customers. Additionally, healthy cooking methods such as grilling, roasting, and steaming can help enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Supporting local agriculture: Using organic ingredients can help support local farmers and promote sustainable agriculture practices. This can help build stronger relationships with local suppliers and create a more sustainable food system.
- Building a positive reputation: Restaurants that use organic and healthy cooking methods can build a positive reputation as socially and environmentally responsible businesses. This can attract customers who prioritize these values in their food choices and help create loyal customers.
Overall, using organic and healthy cooking methods can help restaurants provide healthier, more flavorful meals while also promoting sustainable agriculture and building a positive reputation in the community.
We would like to sincerely thank all our collaboration partners for this truly incredible week in Fuerteventura!
THANK YOU
Thank you to everyone involved in this Canary Green project where our aim is to help promote sustainable tourism in the Canary Islands.
Do you want us to find you more sustainable choices? Please support us and donate today.
- John Beckley; Founder of Canary Green non profit
- Canary Green non profit
- Videographer; Marcin Bilski
- Growth & Partnerships Manager; Tatiana Gibson
- Photographer; Maria Koselska
- Copywriter; Sophie Schaad
- Communication Health Manager for sustainable growth; Sophie Schaad