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Fuerteventura and the Canary Islands are becoming increasingly popular for vacations! Every year, more tourists visit the island. No wonder, as the climate is mild, the beaches are sandy and vast, and the landscape is rugged and volcanic. Fuerteventura is the closest to the Moroccan coast of all the Canary Islands. The Spanish mainland is about 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) or two flight hours away. The island is sparsely populated, with about one-third of its 100,000 inhabitants living in the capital, Puerto del Rosario.
There are no direct flights to Fuerteventura from the USA. However, Fuerteventura’s international airport (Aeropuerto del Matorral) near Puerto del Rosario is served year-round by charter airlines. Popular Fuerteventura flights and routes include Miami, Newark, Chicago, and Seattle to Fuerteventura Airport (FUE).
Pirate tip: Two ferry lines connect Fuerteventura with Lanzarote, so you can land on one island and fly back from the other. This also applies to Gran Canaria, which, however, is about 9 hours away by ferry.
The Canary Islands and Fuerteventura belong to Spain and, thus, the European Union. A valid US passport is required for entry by air, with visa-free entries for American visitors up to 90 days.
The best season to visit Fuerteventura is all year round:
Rarely below 68°F (20°C)
High temperatures: 77°F - 84°F (25°C - 29°C)
Sea temperature year-round: 64°F - 72°F (18°C - 22°C)
Best travel time: Winter months
Fuerteventura has year-round seasonable weather since the temperature rarely drops below 68°F (20°C). Most visitors choose the winter months for a vacation when the Canaries remain warm while our home countries experience freezing temperatures. The sea temperature promises year-round swimming fun at 64°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C).
Even during the summer months, temperatures rarely rise above 77°F - 84°F (25°C - 29°C), and the light breeze and nearby sea help temper the heat. However, don’t be fooled by this mild climate, as the sun burns more intensely than in northern regions, and sunburns can occur quickly. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must!
Almost everyone visiting the Canaries for the first time ends up with a bad sunburn. The constant breeze makes you forget how intense the African sun can be. Be sure to use sunscreen and limit your time at the beach in the first days. Remember to pack quality sunglasses, as the cheap copies sold locally may not offer proper protection.
The sea and currents can be tricky. Always use the guarded beaches and avoid swimming when the red flag is up!
From Puerto Rosario, there’s a bus network across the island, although it’s more suited to locals than tourists. So, renting a car is a great advantage for visitors.
Larger hotel complexes dominate Fuerteventura. Repeated building halts have ensured that the coast remains undeveloped and new hotel constructions are limited. Fuerteventura and the entire Canary Islands have experienced record overnight stays in recent years. Therefore, it can be difficult to find spontaneous accommodations, especially during the winter. Those who plan ahead and book hotels in advance have the best chances.
Apart from hotels, vacation apartments rented by the day or week are a popular choice for larger groups or families. Smaller guesthouses or family-run hotels are scarce, particularly along the eastern coast.
With a bit of luck, you may participate in one of the local religious festivals. The highlight of these events is usually the processions during Semana Santa Holy Week. However, there are saint’s name days celebrated throughout the year.
The younger inhabitants of the island are passionate about the festivals held on the island: the Festival Internacional de Blues in Corralejo, the Lebrancho Rock, and the Fuertemúsica in El Cotillo.
It might be tempting to explore the coves of Fuerteventura by bike, but two things argue against it: the intense sun and the sometimes reckless traffic.
Tourism and hotels in Fuerteventura are mainly concentrated along the eastern coast and in the southern part of the island. The currents along the western coast are tricky and not suitable for swimming vacations.
Puerto del Rosario serves as the cultural and economic center of Fuerteventura. The town is bustling with activity, and its whitewashed buildings create a picturesque atmosphere. With nearly 40,000 residents, daily life centers around the downtown area between the harbor and Avenida Constitución. The sheltered Playa Chica and the surfer hotspot Playa Blanca are located just south of the harbor and can be easily reached on foot.
Morro Jables refers to the old fishing village, while Jandía represents the new town and the hotel complexes. In essence, they form one large area located at the southern tip of Fuerteventura. Jandía is sheltered by a mountain range, which protects it from harsh weather, creating a pleasant climate. This, along with the expansive beach, makes Jandía one of the most popular vacation destinations on the island. Numerous hotel chains and well-known clubs have set up shop here.
The sandy beach of Costa Calma in the south of Fuerteventura slopes gently into the sea, making it attractive not only to families but also to water sports enthusiasts. The apartments and hotels are particularly popular with vacationers. Costa Calma is quieter than places like Corralejo or Jandía, which is reflected in its name – “calm coast.”
Corralejo is a small town with a historic center located in the north of Fuerteventura, neighboring the protected dunes of El Jable. Originally a fishing village, it has now become a vibrant tourist hub.
Around the protected bay of Caleta de Fuste, many large hotel complexes have been built. Families especially enjoy the shallow waters of the bay, while the numerous restaurants, water sports activities, and entertainment options make for an exciting vacation. The luxurious hotels inland often offer shuttle buses to the two beaches, Playa del Castillo and Las Marismas.
Pirate tip: The tiny fishing village of Pozo Negro is off the beaten path in a volcanic bay and is a true hidden gem. There are no large hotels, but you’ll find a fish restaurant and a simple guesthouse, the Albergue Pozo Negro.
Fuerteventura’s greatest attractions are its beaches and climate. However, there are also many activities and sights to enjoy beyond beach vacations.
Boat tours, kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing trips: On Fuerteventura, you can enjoy any kind of water sports. The island is often very windy (except for the protected southern tip), making it a paradise for surfers. Surfers refer to Fuerteventura as the “Hawaii of Europe,” and the World Championships are held at Playa de Sotavento in July and August.
The Oasis Park near La Lajita has grown from a small zoo to a full-day excursion destination with its cactus garden, parrot shows, and camel safaris. It’s especially fun for families.
South of Corralejo lies the National Park Dunas de Corralejo. The fine sandy dunes offer a natural shelter in small stone castles from the sun and wind. These dunes are one of the few places on the island where nudism is practiced.
The Mirador Morro Velosa viewpoint offers a spectacular panoramic view of the entire island, and on clear days, you can even see Lanzarote.
With a rental car, the south of the island is easily accessible. The resort town of Costa Calma has become a haven for water sports on Fuerteventura. In the wide, sweeping bay of Costa Calma, kite surfers and windsurfers will find their paradise. Those looking to learn surfing will find the “Fanatic Fun Center” the perfect place, while “Poseidon's Dive Inn” offers both courses and diving excursions for both beginners and experienced divers. Many Fuerteventura hotels and holiday apartments can also be found in Jandia Playa.
The island’s largest resort is a perfect spot for family vacations. The 4.3-mile-long Playa de Jandia is ideal for building sandcastles and offers a gentle entry into the sea. The seafront promenade with its shops, restaurants, and cafés is very popular. This charming promenade connects Jandia Playa with the neighboring town of Morro Jable. It’s worth visiting one of the rustic seafood restaurants, such as “Las Lajas,” to enjoy fresh fish specialties.
Corralejo, located in the northern part of the island, is the second-largest tourist center of Fuerteventura. In this former fishing village, you’ll find numerous hotels and holiday apartments. Corralejo invites you to stroll around its harbor and beautiful old town. From the harbor, you can take the ferry to the neighboring island of Lanzarote to explore the “black pearl of the Canaries.” Most tourists, however, are drawn to the fantastic dunes of “El Jable” and the pristine beaches of Fuerteventura.
The main beach of Corralejo is easily reachable by bus or rental car. The famous Playas de Corralejo stretches for about 5 miles and is divided into several beach sections. The “Flag Beach Windsurf Center” offers various water sports courses for the ultimate vacation fun.
Ready to book your cheap flights to Fuerteventura? Explore our deals on last-minute trips and all-inclusive packages for unforgettable Fuerteventura vacations.
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