Lajares Holidays

Lajares is a rare breed when it comes to holiday resorts. This place is in its own Canarian bubble, where everything’s tailored for residents rather than tourists – so it’s a great place to get a feel for the local way of doing things. Sure, there’s a handful of restaurants and bars, but they all stick to tradition, rather than glitz and glam. Picture stone-clad villas spread out along dusty lanes, and you’ll get a good idea what this back-to-basics village looks like.

Fuerteventura’s known for its stellar watersports scene, and Lajares is perfectly placed to cater for the influx of thrill-seekers. It’s not actually beside the beach, but its central location means that you’re only 10 minutes’ drive from a load of the top-rated sandy spots. Surfers lollop around the village between trips to the waterfront, refuelling at pavement cafés while they take a well-earned break from their wetsuits.

Despite its close proximity to Corralejo, things are still pretty traditional around here. You’ll find a pair of dimpled white windmills on the outskirts. Flit back to the centre, and you’ll see locals flock to the Lucha Canaria to watch traditional wrestling matches. The most popular shops are chock-full with handicrafts and artisan souvenirs, and once a week, they’re all laid out at the village’s open-air market.