Fuerteventura

Why go

Go for the safety of the area, the great beaches and the child-friendly atmosphere but don’t expect exciting nightlife or gourmet dining. Don’t miss trying the local cheeses and some of the goat dishes.

When to go

There is a year-round spring/summer climate and temperatures rarely rise above 26°C or fall below 15°C. The hottest months are from May to October but wind is a constant. With 2,900 hours of sunshine a year and virtually no rain, there is a guarantee of good weather. As a family-oriented island, school holidays are the busiest periods, the quietest months being May and June, September and October.

Best for

Beaches

How to get there

Fuerteventura is served by Fuerteventura airport which is a couple of miles from the capital, Puerto del Rosario. Scheduled flights are available with Monarch Airlines from Gatwick airport, and Iberia and British Airways from Heathrow airport. The scheduled flights of Iberia and BA have long stopovers in Gran Canaria which increases the journey length by seven and four hours respectively.

Shopping

The island has duty-free status which means that perfume, alcohol, tobacco and electronic goods are cheap (but you must barter over the latter). Locally produced aloe vera products are a good buy and are available everywhere in special outlets. Other good buys are goat logo shirts, bags, handmade pottery, wooden stamp blocks (for tattoos) and local cheeses. Outdoor markets are held in Correlejo on Mondays and Fridays, in Caleta on Saturdays, in Morro Jable on Thursdays, and in Costa Calma on Sundays (9am-1pm). They tend to be good for Spanish and Moroccan goods, ceramics and jewellery.

Alternative Perspectives

The least populated of the Canary Islands, with a density of only 12 people per square kilometre, many of the beaches have become haunts for naturists. Away from the main resorts you will find most beaches are ‘clothing optional’.

Must see

The island is well worth exploring, so head away from the main towns and visit pretty villages such as Antigua with its 200-year-old restored windmill, La Oliva with its excellent art gallery, El Cotillo with its 18th-century fortified tower, Villaverde, one of the best preserved villages on the island, and, of course, Betancuria.

Family activities

Swimming at the magnificent beaches is great for kids except on the west coast where there are strong currents. Although the island is generally geared towards relaxing on its beautiful sands, if you need umbrellas, loungers, snack bars, showers and toilets then you should choose the beaches at Correlejo, Caleta, Costa Calma and Morro Jable. Otherwise, carry your own shade, sun creams and water. Kids will love snorkelling. For trips, contact Snorkel Safaris (+34 928 868 508) and AquAventura (+34 630 167 892, mobile). Dolphin watching is provided by the PADI registered Abyss Divers in Correlejo (+34 638 722 297, mobile).

Sports activities

Golf , Diving , Windsurfing , Skiing , Mountain Biking