- Holiday ideas
Surfing © Promotur Turismo Canarias, S.A.
Local musician© Promotur Turismo Canarias, S.A.
Beach, Jandia National Park© Promotur Turismo Canarias, S.A.An arid, near-desert island that, although the second largest of the Canaries, is one of the least populated, Fuerteventura is the destination for a serious family beach holiday, with miles of white sandy beaches and a fairly constant wind (Fuerteventura actually means 'strong wind') making for fabulous conditions for surfers and windsurfers. Additionally, although tourism is the life-blood of the island, it has not been as badly exploited as some parts of Tenerife, for example, and you can get away from the main areas, Corralejo and Morro Jable, quite easily.
| Flying Time | 4 hours |
|---|---|
| Carbon Footprint | 2.42 tonnes CO2 |
| Timezone | GMT |
| Local Currency | Euro |
Head for the coast and all the activities it has to offer. We recommend the Jandia peninsula, especially the Playas de Sotavento de Jandia – breathtakingly beautiful beaches with the best swimming, sunbathing and windsurfing. Most of the Jandia area is a national park, and you'll probably have to drive as it's quite hard to get to, but it's worth it.
Discover the dunes of Corralejo in the north of the island. Corralejo itself, a rather dismal resort, is redeemed by these dazzling white dunes that sweep back from the crystalline blue ocean in gentle rolls. They are also protected as a National Park, but you can sand- and wind-board along them.
Travel through the interior, which though pretty deserted, has a unique charm.
As on all the Canaries, staple 'international' food is widely available on Fuerteventura, which makes family holidays with fussy kids very easy.
But if you're feeling more adventurous, there are some interesting and delicious foods to discover, including gofio, roasted wheat, maize or barley that takes the place of bread, usually eaten with figs and almonds. Goats are the most common meat, although you can find a lot of rabbit and more familiar meats. Goats' milk cheeses are particularly delicious too. On most menus you will see mojo, a delicious spicy sauce used with everything. Mangoes, avocadoes and papayas are all particularly good here.
Fuerteventura is on the same latitude as Florida, so it's not surprising that temperatures rarely fall below 18°C or rise above 28°C. These minimal fluctuations in temperature, together with scarce rainfall, make it a great year-round destination for family holidays.
Charter flights regularly fly direct to Fuerteventura's Puerto Del Rosario from many UK airports, including Gatwick, Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester and Newcastle. Flights take about 4hrs and Fuerteventura time is GMT+1/2.
Prices for family holidays on Fuerteventura vary a great deal between seasons. As a guide, one week's self-catering starts at £300 in summer. Flights start at around £130.
There is a wide variety of accommodation on Fuerteventura to suit all family holidays, from busy resorts to secluded villas.
The best bit about staying at the Las Marismas apartments is the fact you're just opposite the Baku waterpark.
Beachfront location and 2 pools and a selection of spa treatments.
Above a sandy beach offering 4 pools, spa and gym.
Offering low level apartments, kids clubs, 3 large pools and a water-park.
Direct access to the beach, free childcare and an entertainment programme, this Fuerteventura hotel is ideal for families.
A five-star hotel on the island of Fuerteventura offering child-friendly facilities, spacious bedrooms and top class service.
A 4-star modern hotel in Fuerteventura, with kids club, kids pool, spa and close to a golf course.
A complimentary kids club, mini-golf course and more; there is something to suit all the family at this Fuerteventura hotel.
An activity packed hotel for sporting families, close to the beach and local town in Fuerteventura.
The hotel offers a large variety of activities for all the family.
A family-friendly complex just 500m from the beach with creche, kids club and lots of activities for the whole family.
Large, modern complex with excellent facilities for families and close to a waterpark in Fuerteventura.
An ideal destination for family holidays, with activities on offer for children of all ages.
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