Landing in Fuerteventura

Arriving at Fuerteventura’s airport (FUE) is the easy part; the real adventure begins as you head west to the remote beauty of Aguas Verdes. Grabbing your rental car is straightforward, with most of the main rental desks located right in the arrivals hall, so you'll be on your way in no time. The drive itself is a fantastic introduction to the island's stark, volcanic landscape, taking around 30-40 minutes. As you leave the bustle of the capital, Puerto del Rosario, behind, the roads become quieter, winding through sleepy villages towards the coast. But here is the most urgent piece of advice I can give you: if you are landing on a Saturday, especially later in the day, your absolute first stop must be a supermarket. Make stocking up on groceries, water, and essentials your top priority, because, as we learned, almost all supermarkets on the island are shut tight on Sundays, and you don't want to start your first day in paradise on a hungry hunt for an open shop.

Now, for that all-important grocery stop, the best route isn't the most direct one, but it is the smartest. When you leave the airport, don't follow the signs for Aguas Verdes or Betancuria just yet. Instead, head south for just a few minutes on the main FV-2 motorway, as if you're going towards Caleta de Fuste. You are looking for the Polígono Industrial ZEC (also known as Polígono Risco Prieto/Costa de Antigua), and the best landmark is one you absolutely cannot miss: the huge, bright blue and yellow IKEA sign towering over the landscape. Pull off the motorway right there; the access is incredibly easy. This is where you’ll find the holy grail for a self-catering trip: a large Mercadona and a Lidl practically next door to each other, both with massive, easy car parks. This is your one-stop shop to stock up on everything you’ll need for the first few days.

• Marcadona: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DXx1iYsUQngUJsfYA

• Lidl: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UjhpL4sz4sf1usJE6

With the car stocked and your holiday hunger secured, it’s time to head for the coast. This is the moment to plug the apartment's location into your GPS. (I’ve put the exact map links at the top of this post to make it easy). From the industrial park, your sat-nav will guide you a bit further south and then west, cutting inland into the heart of Fuerteventura. The drive is spectacular. You’ll wind your way up and through the island's ancient hills, passing the historic, whitewashed town of Antigua. The landscape then opens up into the beautifully remote Valle de Santa Inés. Keep going until you pass through the small hamlet of Llanos de la Concepción; shortly after, you'll see the sign you’ve been waiting for—a right turn taking you down the winding road to Aguas Verdes. This is where the "remote" part of the adventure truly begins!

Last mile

That right turn at Llanos de la Concepción marks the final, and most dramatic, leg of your journey. You are now on the single road that descends for several kilometers through a stunning, barren valley towards the coast. Your destination is the Urbanización Aguas Verdes, which is located right at the end of this road, just before you hit the wild sands of Playa del Valle. The first thing you'll notice is how fantastically well-maintained this road is; the tarmac is smooth and in excellent condition. However, this is not a road to rush. It is wonderfully curvy, hugging the contours of the hills as it winds its way down to the sea. Driving it for the first time, especially with the ocean slowly coming into view, is a thrill. My advice is to take it slow, observe the speed limits, and just enjoy the drive. It's perfectly safe, but those curves demand your respect—and besides, you’ll want to soak in the incredible, isolated scenery as you get your first proper look at this hidden corner of the island.

Here’s a final little hint: the tarmac literally ends just as you pass the entrance to the Urbanización Aguas Verdes. If you suddenly find yourself on a gravel track heading to the beach, you've gone about 100 meters too far. Just back up a little, and you're in the right place!

Finding Apartment 38M

You've made it to the Urbanización Aguas Verdes! Now, for the final approach to the apartment itself. As you enter the complex, you'll need to drive almost to the other end, heading uphill, to reach our specific building. Don't worry, the path is straightforward. Follow the route marked in green on the map below. This will guide you right through the heart of the urbanization. The main entrance to Aguas Verdes from the road is marked with a red circle. As you ascend, you'll see various parking opportunities. We've marked a possible space for you in yellow, which should be convenient. Your apartment, our little slice of paradise, is clearly indicated by the purple circle.

Park up and head to the door—the key will be waiting for you in the key safe. Once you're inside, you can get connected straight away; just look for the welcome booklet under the TV, which has the WiFi QR code right inside. Now, all that's left to do is unpack, grab a drink, and get ready to enjoy the incredible views and tranquility of Aguas Verdes!