Cheap holiday Fuerteventura

When is the best time to go?

Fuerteventura is a year-round destination: even in January it is 20 to 22 degrees, and in summer 26 to 29. That has made it a popular winter-sun spot for decades. The wind almost never stops (the name means something like 'strong wind'), which cools things down nicely but also draws windsurfers and kitesurfers. May to October has the warmest sea (20 to 23 degrees). For the lowest prices, travel outside the Dutch school holidays and the Christmas period.

The best resorts on Fuerteventura

• Corralejo (north) The liveliest resort, right next to the Dunes Park with 11 km of white beach. A cosy harbour, plenty of restaurants and boats to Lanzarote and the islet of Lobos.
• El Cotillo (northwest) A quiet fishing village with sheltered lagoons for children and rugged surf beaches around it. Few high-rises, lots of character.
• Caleta de Fuste (east) Modern and family-friendly, ten minutes from the airport. A calm beach, ideal for a first visit or with young children.
• Costa Calma & Sotavento (south) Long golden beaches and the Sotavento lagoon, the island's world-famous windsurf and kitesurf mecca.
• Morro Jable / Jandia (southern tip) An authentic fishing village with an endless beach and the Jandia lighthouse, the gateway to wild Cofete.

Top 5 things to do on Fuerteventura

• Corralejo Dunes A protected nature park and free: white sand dunes that flow straight into the turquoise sea. Go early or late in the day for the best light and least wind.
• Cofete beach An untouched, miles-long wild beach behind the mountains in the south, reached via an unpaved road (rental car or 4x4) past the mysterious Villa Winter.
• Playa de Sotavento (Jandia) A huge lagoon that appears at low tide; the calm, shallow water is perfect for beginner (kite)surfers and host to the annual World Cup.
• Betancuria The old inland village and former capital, with a white church and viewpoints over the volcanic hills. Pair it with the local goat's cheese (majorero).
• Oasis Wildlife (La Lajita) A large zoo and botanical garden with over 3,000 animals, a camel safari and shows. Entry around €40, a fun day with kids. Insider: near Corralejo lies Popcorn Beach, full of calcareous algae that look like popcorn, lovely for photos but leave them be, as removing them is banned and harms the beach.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands

From Schiphol you fly direct to Fuerteventura (FUE) all year round in about 4 hours 30, with Transavia, TUI fly and Corendon. From Eindhoven there is mainly a direct flight in the winter season (Transavia, TUI, Corendon); outside the season you usually fly with one stop. On the island the green TIADHE buses run cheaply between the resorts (from about €1.50), but for Cofete, El Cotillo and the interior it is best to rent a car (from about €20 a day). A taxi from the airport to Caleta de Fuste costs around €15.

What does a Fuerteventura holiday cost?

Fuerteventura is an affordable sun island: thanks to the low Canary VAT (IGIC), food, drink and fuel are cheaper than on mainland Spain. Hostels and guesthouses from €30, apartments and 3-star hotels €60 to 110 per night. A menu del dia €10 to 14, fresh fish at the harbour €15 to 20, a beer €2. Budget from €450 per person for a week including flight and accommodation.