Fuerteventura Family Holidays & Breaks
Overview
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.
Things to do with kids in Fuerteventura
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.
Local musicians
Eat
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.
Beach, Jandia National Park
When to go to Fuerteventura
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.
Cost
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.
Destination stats
Capital city
Flying time4hrs All flight times are based on flights from UK London airports, to the capital or nearest destination airport.
Carbon footprint2.42 CO2 Estimated tonnes of CO2 produced for return flights for a family of four.
TimezoneGMT
CurrencyEuro
Weather Today
25°C
77.7°F
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