Fuerteventura is somewhere that, in addition to being one of our favourite holiday destinations for its idyllic beaches and crystal-clear water, is an island that stands out in the Canaries for its especially arid desert landscapes. It is known as the island of a thousand deserts, so what more can we say?

This is hardly a surprise, considering that it is closer to the African continent, home of the great Sahara desert, than to our peninsula. As a result, it seems to have adopted the climate of its neighbours, which is rather dry and where rainfall is hard to come by.

What better way to take advantage of its stunning golden sand dunes and to get to know the splendour of the natural landscapes hidden in this place, than by taking a quiet ride on a camel. It may sound a little crazy- but believe us, these animals have been on the island longer than you can imagine and this activity has become a 'must' for the more adventurous among us.

So, if we've already piqued your interest and you're wondering what this exciting experience is all about - here's everything you need to know before you get on one of our camels.

Where can I ride a camel in Fuerteventura?

• La Lajita: in this small coastal town in the municipality of Pájara, you will experience a camel ride that will seriously impress. You will be accompanied by animal professionals, as these routes are organised by the La Lajita zoo. This place is considered to be a real oasis, full of cacti and other desert plants.

If you come here, you will have the opportunity to ride a species that, across the entire continent, is totally unique and native to Fuerteventura: the Majorero camel. And believe us when we tell you that your adventure here will be a blast, because this place has the largest reserve of camels in Europe. Yes, you read that right!

But that's not all, because during your tour of this place you will be lucky enough to admire some enchanting landscapes such as the Botanical Gardens and, in the distance, the beaches of Costa Calma.

• Corralejo: this is a town in the northeast of the island with one of the best nature parks. You've probably heard about the impressive Corralejo Dunes before, a place you have to visit at least once in your lifetime and, if you're one of the more daring ones, you can do it on one of these majestic humpbacked animals.

If you decide to take a walk along the dunes here, your route will take you along a small part of the 9-kilometre long coastline that runs along the Great Beaches of Corralejo, such as the Moro or Médano beaches. The best thing about doing this route along the coast is that afterwards you can take a dip in the water to cool off or even do some water sports. There’s no limits to your enjoying your time here, and what's more, on some beaches that are a real paradise!

• Lajares: this is one of the most traditional villages you can visit. It is located less than 15 minutes from Corralejo, in the town of La Oliva, and is surrounded by the most unspoilt nature and, of course, by impressive dunes. But what will leave you completely astonished is that during your camel ride you will be able to admire the Calderón volcano in the distance, one of the best-preserved volcanoes on the island. This is the perfect way to discover the surroundings of this place in about 25 minutes.

We know that it may not seem like enough time, so you can always come back to live the experience again at another time. To make the most of the fact that you are in Lajares, a place characterised by its craftwork and traditions, we recommend that after the ride you go for a stroll through its charming streets.

Who can take a camel tour in Fuerteventura?

As you may already know, camels and dromedaries differ in one straightforward way. The former have two humps and the latter only one. This affects us when we go for a ride, as some of them support more weight than others due to their size. In any case, the number of people who can get on their humps will be two, so if you come with children, it's a great opportunity for them to interact with these animals and for them to enjoy the experience too.

However, anyone who wants to ride a camel must be at least 1.20 metres tall and weigh no more than 120 kilos. Otherwise, anybody who wants to come and experience riding one of these animals can do it with no problem.

What do I need to wear for a camel excursion in Fuerteventura?

The most important thing is that you are as comfortable as possible, preferably with sports clothes and shoes that don't cause any discomfort. Depending on the time of year you come, shorts and a short T-shirt for the summer would be recommendable, as the deserts and dunes of Fuerteventura can get quite hot. And in case you come in winter, some warm clothes, within reason, as you should be aware that the climate on the island is always quite pleasant.

However, there is one thing to bring that is a 100% necessity: sunglasses. You would not believe how windy it can get, especially in coastal areas like Corralejo. This creates a small whirling effect in the sand of the dunes where it can whirl upward, which can be unpleasant if it gets in your eyes. And if you have long hair, a turban won't be a bad idea to keep your hair out of your face, so come well-prepared!

We hope this guide has helped you and that you are already picking out a favourite destination for a camel ride with us - don't wait a minute longer!