Fuerteventura with Children: A Family Holiday Guide
Fuerteventura is one of the easiest winter-sun destinations for UK families. It is warm all year, it shares the UK's time zone, and it has some of the longest and most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands. The landscape is dry and open rather than lush, but children rarely mind when there is this much sand.
Why Fuerteventura suits families
- Year-round warmth. Even in winter, days are usually comfortably warm and sunny.
- No jet lag. The Canary Islands use the same time as the UK, so routines stay intact.
- Huge beaches. Wide stretches of golden sand leave plenty of room for digging, kite flying and ball games.
- A relaxed pace. Resorts are generally quieter than the busiest parts of Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
Where to stay
Corralejo
In the north, Corralejo is a lively harbour town with a good choice of restaurants and shops. On its doorstep are the protected sand dunes of the Corralejo Natural Park and long beaches beside them. Boats leave the harbour for the tiny nature reserve of Isla de Lobos and for neighbouring Lanzarote. Allow around 40 minutes for the transfer from the airport.
Caleta de Fuste
On the east coast, Caleta de Fuste is the closest main resort to the airport, which makes it ideal for short breaks and families with babies who would rather not face a long transfer. Its sheltered, crescent-shaped beach and calm water suit toddlers well, and the flat promenade is easy with a buggy.
Costa Calma
Further south, Costa Calma has long, sandy beaches and a quieter, more spread-out feel. The coastline here includes the wide lagoons of Sotavento, where low tide leaves shallow pools that young children love. It is a long transfer from the airport, so factor that in.
Jandia and Morro Jable
At the southern tip, the Jandia peninsula has a long sweep of beach, with the town of Morro Jable at one end. Many large family hotels are based here. It is the furthest area from the airport, well over an hour away, but rewards you with some of the island's best sand.
Beaches and the sea
Fuerteventura's beaches face the open Atlantic, so conditions vary much more than in the Mediterranean.
- Sheltered beaches, such as the bay at Caleta de Fuste and the lagoons on the south-east coast, are best for young children.
- West-coast beaches can have big waves and strong currents. Admire them, but don't swim there with children.
- Always check the flags and swim near a lifeguard where one is on duty.
- The sea is cooler than you might expect, especially in winter and spring, so a heated pool can be a real bonus.
The wind blows much of the time, which is why the island is famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing. A beach tent or windbreak gives younger children somewhere sheltered to rest. For more beach advice, read our guide to beach holidays with children.
Family activities
- The Corralejo dunes, for running, rolling and sandcastles on a grand scale. Take water and sun protection, as there is little shade.
- Isla de Lobos, a short boat ride from Corralejo, with easy walking trails and a calm lagoon for paddling. Visitor numbers are controlled, so check whether you need to book.
- Glass-bottom boat and dolphin-watching trips from the main harbours.
- Surf schools in the main resorts, many of which offer lessons for older children.
- A zoo and animal park in the south of the island, popular for a day away from the beach.
- Exploring the interior, including the old town of Betancuria and viewpoints over the volcanic landscape.
Our 10 interesting facts about Fuerteventura are a good way to get children interested before you go.
Getting there
Flights from the UK take about four to four and a half hours. The island's airport, Fuerteventura Airport, is on the east coast near the capital, Puerto del Rosario, and is close to Caleta de Fuste. Flights operate all year, with more choice in the winter-sun season and school holidays. See our tips for flying with young children to make the journey smoother.
When to go
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Winter (December to February) | Pleasantly warm days, cooler evenings and a chilly sea. A popular escape from UK winter, especially at half term and Christmas. |
| Spring (March to May) | Warm and sunny, with the sea slowly warming. Easter is busy. |
| Summer (June to August) | Hot but often windy, which keeps it from feeling stifling. Busy in the school holidays. |
| Autumn (September to November) | Still warm, with the sea at its warmest. A good time for families with pre-school children. |
Pack a jumper whatever the season, as evenings can feel cool in the wind.
Practical tips
- Sun: the breeze hides how strong the sun is. Use high-factor sun cream, hats and UV swimwear, even on cooler days.
- Money: the Canary Islands are part of Spain and use the euro.
- Health: UK residents should take a GHIC, alongside travel insurance. Our family travel health checklist covers the rest.
- Getting around: traffic drives on the right. A hire car makes it easy to explore, but distances between resorts are long, so plan days out around nap times.
- Travel advice: check the latest GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Spain before you travel.
Pick a resort with a sheltered beach for younger children, keep the transfer short if you have a baby, and Fuerteventura makes a simple, sunny break at almost any time of year.