Which Canary Island is for you?

January 22, 2026January 22, 2026emilycotterhill1

by Scott Crowe, Villa Plus Contributor

The Canary Islands are a true all-year-round destination. In terms of value for money and travel time, they are hard to beat. Warmth, sunshine and relaxation are assured for a destination that’s a relatively short flight time from gloomier pastures over Northern Europe’s colder months.

Choosing which Canary Island to head to in particular can be a challenge, albeit a welcoming one! Each of these islands have their own brand of allure, so deciphering which one is best for you requires a degree of research.

That’s where we can help. In this guide, we’ll break down the unique appeal of each island to help you decide which of the Canaries is for you. Add in our Signature villas, alongside our game-changing Best price finder tool and planning your next Canary Islands holiday is easier than ever.

1. Tenerife

A Tenerife villa holiday offers the widest range of experiences in one place, with a relatively large population of nearly 1 million people. An island of contrasts, it’s a place where golden beaches sit alongside volcanic landscapes, lively resort promenades and traditional mountain villages. Consider an extended winter stay here, given the sheer variety on offer!

The best things to do in Tenerife

Playa Del Duque Beach, Tenerife — Playa del Duque Beach in Costa Adeje, Tenerife

Climb Mount Teide

Spain’s highest peak dominates the Tenerife landscape, creating a dramatic natural centrepiece that appeals to any budding explorer. Winter is a fantastic time to undertake part of this challenge, in the absence of the stifling summer heat. On a clear day, the views of the volcanic landscape and the surrounding Canary Islands are breathtaking.

Play a round of golf

You’ll be awash with golfing options in Tenerife, making it a great choice for a group golf holiday. Two courses in particular stand out, both within a convenient distance of our villas in the southwest of the island. Golf Las Américas and Golf Costa Adeje are sophisticated courses that cater for all ability levels and tie in perfectly with the stunning scenery.

The best places to stay in Tenerife

Costa Adeje

Hugging Tenerife’s western coastline, Costa Adeje is known for its relaxed atmosphere, high-quality beaches and excellent dining choices. Centred around some of the finest beaches in the Canary Islands, stretches of sand like Playa del Duque and Playa de Fañabé are worth a winter holiday alone.

Coastal walkways link all of the amenities, and with a range of our Villa Plus villas nearby, you need not worry about getting from A to B.

Stay at: Villa Atenas in Costa Adeje, just 1.2km from Playa de Fañabé Beach

Playa de Fanabe Beach, Tenerife — Playa de Fañabé Beach in Costa Adeje, Tenerife

Callao Salvaje

Known for its relaxed pace and scenic ocean views, Callao Salvaje is the ideal choice for a winter escape that puts peace and quiet at the top of the holiday wishes.

You’ll enjoy elevated views of the Atlantic Ocean from its centre, often stretching west to neighbouring La Gomera. The resort’s volcanic sand beach, Playa de Ajabo, sits neatly beneath the towering cliffs.

Stay at: Villa Bonita Salvaje in Callao Salvaje, just 500m from Playa de Ajabo Beach

Playa de Ajabo Beach in Callao Salvaje, Tenerife

Pick Tenerife for:

A mix of beaches, scenery and activities
Comfort with convenience
Plenty of choice in one destination

2. Lanzarote

Lanzarote’s landscape has been shaped by centuries of volcanic activity, making its scenery dramatic, striking and beautifully preserved. With a much smaller population of just over 150,000 people, there’s a distinct laid-back atmosphere for a villa holiday here.

The best things to do in Lanzarote

The protected landscape of La Geria, Lanzarote

Timanfaya National Park

The only National Park in Spain that’s entirely geological, Timanfaya perfectly represents the island’s volcanic foundations, being shaped by a series of eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries. Expect to see rusty red colours stretching as far as the eye can see, a barren sight that feels otherworldly.

The area is still volcanically active too and highlighted by demonstrations from park rangers, who’ll show you how intense heat still rises from the ground, producing huge jets of steam.

Go wine tasting

A distinct experience shaped by centuries-old traditions, the island’s vineyards are set amongst black volcanic ash, each protected by a stone wall and set within a shallow pit. This unusual method shields the vineyards from the wind, creating wines found nowhere else in the world.

Head for a La Geria vineyard for a great day out and the chance to bring a bottle or two back to your villa.

The best places to stay in Lanzarote

Playa Blanca

Occupying the southernmost part of the island, Playa Blanca looks over at Fuerteventura to the south. Once a fishing village, it’s developed into a calm resort that’s one of Lanzarote’s most popular places to stay.

Its beaches, Playa Dorada, Playa Flamingo and Playa Blanca, offer calm waters that are ideal for swimming, even in the relatively milder winter. Stylish restaurants and boutique shops give the area a charming, upmarket feel.

Stay at: Villa Santana in Playa Blanca, just 300m from Playa Flamingo Beach

Playa Flamingo Beach in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote

Puerto del Carmen

A Puerto del Carmen holiday is one of the greatest antidotes to the winter blues. It’s Lanzarote’s most popular resort for good reason, with a long scenic coastline parallel to the famous Avenida de las Playas.

This promenade hosts everything needed for a great holiday, leading conveniently to the traditional Old Town and harbour area, a throwback to the area’s roots. Playa Grande is the stunning main beach with cliff faces to the west, with the vast stretch of sand at Playa de los Pocillos offering a quieter, refreshing alternative.

Stay at: Villa Pocillos in Puerto del Carmen, just 120m from Playa de los Pocillos Beach

Playa de los Pocillos Beach in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote

Pick Lanzarote for:

Dramatic volcanic scenery
A calm, refined atmosphere
A villa holiday that blends culture, nature and relaxation

3. Fuerteventura

The closest of the Canaries to Africa, Fuerteventura is the island that feels most open. Its large area is home to only 120,000 people, giving it a slow rhythm that truly encourages visitors to switch off. This, combined with the fantastic Fuerteventura villas and beaches, makes it arguably the prettiest Canary Island.

The best things to do in Fuerteventura

Visit Corralejo Natural Park

Vast rolling sand dunes neighbour the northeast Fuerteventura coastline to create a beautiful natural sight in this protected area.

The landscape is perfect for scenic walks with plenty of space to admire the surroundings. Wonderfully open and remote, it personifies the relative sparsity of the island compared to its larger neighbours like Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

Try your hand at watersports

Fuerteventura’s long stretches of open coastline make it a haven for watersports. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced enthusiast, conditions are perfect for windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and snorkelling.

Sailing, kite surfing and the quintessential holiday jet skiing are also immensely popular. There’s the infrastructure to match too, with equipment hire and tuition throughout the island. Corralejo is a great area to head to for all of these aqua adventures.

The best places to stay in Fuerteventura

Corralejo

Corralejo has the perfect blend of amenities and proximity to Fuerteventura’s most striking natural park attraction.

You’ll find everything you need for a perfect villa holiday here. There’s a mixture of beaches, bars and restaurants that lend themselves to the town’s beauty and casual charm. There are great connections north across the water to Lanzarote, too.

Stay at: Villa Bella Vista in Corralejo, just 20m from Popcorn Beach

Popcorn Beach, Fuerteventura — Popcorn Beach in Corralejo, Fuerteventura, famous for its white popcorn-like algae fossils!

Caleta de Fuste

Caleta de Fuste is in a fantastically convenient location close to the island’s airport. It’s made up of a curved bay that cuddles Playa del Castillo, a vast expanse of sand that forms one of Fuerteventura’s best beaches.

The resort’s compact centre has a great selection of restaurants, cafes and shops, and two of the Canary Islands’ finest golf courses are within touching distance. Fuerteventura Golf Club and Golf Club Salinas de Antigua attract players from around the world.

Stay at: Villa Maresia in Caleta de Fuste, just 1km from La Guirra Beach

La Guirra Beach, Fuerteventura — La Guirra Beach in Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura

Pick Fuerteventura for:

Outdoor adventures amongst untouched scenery
The slowest pace and a strong connection to nature
A true winter escape away from busy resorts

Why choose a villa for your next Canary Islands holiday?

Staying in a Canary Islands villa is the best way to experience Tenerife, Lanzarote or Fuerteventura. Our home-from-homes are in handpicked places throughout these sun-kissed islands.

Whatever time of year you intend to travel, by choosing Villa Plus, you’ll have a priceless private pool, generous living spaces to yourselves and all the amenities needed for an extended escape.

Our villas are versatile. Every year, we welcome:

Groups who want to spend quality time together without compromising comfort
Families who value space, privacy and flexibility
Couples looking for intimate and relaxed settings

Our best price finder: game-changing value at a snapshot

Our Best price finder does the hard work so you don’t have to, helping our holidaymakers quickly compare prices across different dates and destinations. You’ll be able to spot the best deals at a glance.

Whether you’re flexible on your travel dates or inspired to book a specific destination, our Best price finder makes it easier to:

Discover the best value weeks for your chosen place
Filter results by a range of different metrics
Book early and secure your ideal villa escape

You’ll come away with a villa holiday that’s perfectly tailored to how you want to relax. Use our Best price finder today and get the most out of your holiday budget, without compromising on quality.

Experience a warm festive Christmas in our winter villa destinations

December 17, 2025December 17, 2025emilycotterhill1

by Scott Crowe, Villa Plus Contributor

When the Northern European winter reaches its peak, it becomes incredibly tempting to escape the freezing temperatures and long, dark nights. That’s where we come in. We’ve got a whole host of warm destinations with a wide range of homely Villa Plus villas for the whole family to relax and unwind in over the festive season.

In this piece, we’ll take you through some of the warm Christmas destinations that will welcome you for a winter sun holiday at the most wonderful time of the year. Across these islands, Christmas isn’t just celebrated, it’s lived. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the local culture and spend some quality time together in our quality places to stay.

Why stay in a Villa Plus villa at Christmas?

Staying in a Villa Plus villa elevates your Christmas experience even further. Located conveniently close to the whole host of festive traditions and events, you’ll be living in a real home-from-home that will play the perfect host to your celebrations with the loved ones. Here’s why you should pick us for your next December holiday:

Kitchens for a culinary masterpiece

Whether you’re preparing a full festive feast based on the delicious dishes we’ve mentioned, or simply grazing on some snacks throughout the day, your villa kitchen will give you total flexibility.

Spacious settings for festive fun

There’s always somewhere to open presents, gather together for some Christmas games or enjoy some peace and quiet away from it all.

Heated private pools

A Christmas morning swim isn’t out of the question. Expect to spend a pleasant afternoon in the sun relaxing in the generous and private outdoor spaces our villas provide.

Privacy and comfort

Everything is taken care of before your arrival, so rather than fixed meal times and bustling corridors of hotels, everything can be done at your own pace so you can focus on making memories together.

Christmas in Madeira

Temperatures over the festive period

Madeira is typically mild and pleasant throughout December, with daytime temperatures reaching somewhere between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius.

Madeira Christmas traditions

Christmas in Madeira involves magical local customs that have been practiced for centuries. One of the most loved is ‘Missas do Parto’ (Childbirth Masses), a series of early-morning church gatherings in the nine days leading up to Christmas from 16-24 December. This is followed by the Missa do Gallo, a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

Another highlight is the 23rd December Market Night, an unmissable evening where Madeirans shop for last minute gifts amongst a feast of street music, carols and festive treats.

Events over the holiday period

Madeira’s capital, Funchal, is home to one of the best Christmas light displays in Europe, illuminating the Avenida Arriaga with a procession of colour that’s complete with festive stalls and live entertainment. There are also concerts held in the city, ranging from classical performances to traditional folk songs, held al fresco around the city’s Cathedral and public squares.

Consider extending your stay until New Year in Madeira. You’ll be rewarded with the world-famous Funchal Bay fireworks, a great way to round off the festive period.

Festive cuisine

Comforting Madeiran Christmas flavours are led by carne vinha d’alhos (pork marinated in wine and garlic), alongside favourites like espetada (beef skewers). On the sweet side, bolo do mel (honey cake infused with spices) is exquisite, along with Bolo Rei (King’s Cake) if you’re extending your holiday to early January.

And of course, no December holiday in Madeira is complete without a glass or two of the iconic Poncha, made from sugarcane rum, honey, sugar and orange or lemon juice. The drink served as the inspiration for the Brazilian Caipirinha.

Christmas in Tenerife

Temperatures over the festive period

You can expect pleasant, mild weather in Tenerife over the festive period, with daily high temperatures in the region of 21 to 23 degrees, a far cry from back home!

Tenerife Christmas traditions

Beléns define Tenerife over Christmas. These beautifully detailed nativity scenes go far beyond those of the typical biblical story. Entire landscapes are recreated in miniature form, complete with tiny fishermen, artisans and desert scenes. The town of La Orotava is a particular highlight, turning belén-spotting into a festive trail through its historic streets.

As Christmas Day approaches, families gather for a big dinner on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) before attending Misa del Gallo (midnight mass), which is often followed by music in village squares.

Events over the holiday period

Open-air celebrations are the norm over Tenerife’s holiday period and include the famous Christmas Day Symphony Orchestra performance, packed with heart-warming classical music.

There are festive parades in Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, with artisan markets popping up across the island through December too.

Festive cuisine

Tenerife’s access to the sea is celebrated in its Christmas culinary traditions. Cherne (wreckfish) is an immensely popular dish, served with classic Canarian potatoes, cabrito (young goat) and finished off with sweet almond-based treats like turrón.

There’s a huge emphasis on outdoor dining too, which adds an extra ingredient to these tasty dishes.

Christmas in Lanzarote

Temperatures over the festive period

You’ll be more than comfortable outside during the day in Lanzarote, with daily temperatures in the region of 17 to 21 degrees Celsius on average throughout December.

Lanzarote Christmas traditions

A product of its incredible geography, Lanzarote brings its landscape to life through its nativity scenes over the festive period. These are often built using volcanic rock and sand to reflect the dramatic scenery of the island.

A standout tradition is Los Ranchos, which involves folk-music groups dressed in traditional attire singing religious songs in village squares. This creates a magical atmosphere in the run up to the big day.

Events over the holiday period

You’ll find a range of markets throughout Lanzarote, epitomising the island’s slightly more laid back feel compared to its neighbours.

Towns like Arrecife and Teguise sprinkle these markets with children’s workshops, live music and street performances. Coastal promenades are lined with lights, and there are a range of live nativity productions too.

Festive cuisine

Hearty meals are the order of Christmas Day in Lanzarote, led by sancocho canario (salted fish stew). Local seafood is served with locally grown sweet potatoes to create a festive feast.

Seasonal sweets like roscos de anís (aniseed doughnuts) and mantecados (shortbread cookies) go down a treat with the island’s famous volcanic wines.

Christmas in Fuerteventura

Temperatures over the festive period

Expect average daytime temperatures of 19 to 22 degrees celsius during a December stay in Fuerteventura, making outdoor Christmas experiences the norm for islanders and visitors alike.

Fuerteventura Christmas traditions

The island leans into its community spirit over the festive period, crafting bespoke nativity scenes, decorating plazas with lights and creating handmade ornaments.

Corralejo Christmas market is the place to be in the build up, and on Christmas Day itself, many head to the beach for a festive dip.

Events

Fuerteventura’s very own Tabajoste group hosts an unmissable Christmas concert that has been running for over 20 years and has become a staple of the festive build up on the island.

If you plan on extending your stay into January, the Three Kings parades on 6 January are an unforgettable cultural experience. Camels, dancers, colourful floats and music fill the streets as sweets are tossed to children. Corralejo and Puerto del Rosario host two of the liveliest celebrations.

Festive cuisine

Queso con almendras (cheese with almonds) and truchas (sweet potato pastries) are just a couple of the delicious festive Fuerteventuran snacks to try.

The main festive meal is a nod to the island’s fresh seafood, featuring prawns with pink sauce (gambas con salsa rosa), similar to a prawn cocktail dish in the UK.

Ready to swap frost for festive sunshine? Explore our winter villa destinations and book your Christmas escape today.

3 reasons to book a holiday villa in the Canary Islands this year

March 12, 2021March 12, 2021chiracshah

The Canary Islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean off North Africa’s west coast. Basking in warm sunny weather all year round, millions flock to this popular Spanish archipelago annually – and it’s not hard to see why. Here are three reasons to book a villa holiday to Lanzarote, Fuerteventura or Tenerife in 2021:

Incredible volcanic landscapes

The Canary Islands are volcanic in origin, which means they’re full of spectacular and intriguing landscapes to explore.

Lanzarote is home to the lunar-like Timanfaya National Park, formed by huge 18^th century eruptions. Here you’ll find jaw-dropping geological phenomena like craters, tunnels and geysers. And you can even ride around on a camel!

Fuerteventura boasts a string of 50,000-year-old volcanoes to the south west of Corralejo. One of the best preserved is Calderon Hondo with its impressive 70-metre deep crater. It’s an easy walk along well-marked paths to the top, where you’ll be treated with great views of other volcanoes and the island’s north.

Last but not least, in Tenerife you’ll discover magnificent Mount Teide – the highest peak in the Canaries and one of the world’s largest volcanoes. The rewarding hike to the summit takes around 5 hours, but the less energetic or patient can hop in a cable car and enjoy the stunning vistas within 8 minutes.

Stunning sandy beaches

One of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Lanzarote is Papagayo Beach, on the island’s southern tip. Here you can feel fine white sand between your toes and marvel at the underwater world by snorkelling in the turquoise seas.

To the north of Fuerteventura is the Grandes Playas de Corralejo (Corralejo’s Big Beaches), a 9 kilometre stretch of heavenly golden sands flanked by the largest dunes in the Canary Islands. What’s more, you can view the islands of Lanzarote and Los Lobos from the shoreline.

Finally, Tenerife offers Playa del Duque in the popular resort of Costa Adeje on the south west coast. This top-notch Blue Flag beach is situated in a small bay, with white sands, crystal clear water and a lovely seafront promenade.

Fun outdoor adventures

If sunbathing all day long isn’t your thing, there’s no shortage of fantastic activities to keep you active and entertained in the Canary Islands.

In Lanzarote, you can saddle up and enjoy a horse ride through the island’s interior and coastal areas. Lanzarote A Caballo offers excursions catering for the whole family, from total novices to seasoned pros.

For those who want to practise their swing, Fuerteventura is the perfect place to do so. Fuerteventura Golf Club, the island’s first 18-hole golf course, boasts beautiful ocean views, lakes, palm trees, streams and exceptionally well-kept lawns.

Want to get up close and personal with marine life? Tenerife has a network of dive centres where you can do just that. The calm warm waters are great for first timers, and there are even sunken ships to explore!

Don’t miss out on your dream holiday. Check out our great range of villas in the Canary Islands now.

Activity holidays in Canary Islands for villa lovers

February 8, 2018January 9, 2019

The Canary Islands are simply filled with excitement and adventure. Located off Africa’s north-western coast, this Spanish archipelago packs in diverse landscapes perfect for thrill seekers.

Alongside top-tier weather, the island comprises picturesque beaches ideal for water sports, like surfing and jet skiing. When you stay in a property near the coastline you’re able to really make the most of the scenery on offer, so without further ado, here’s why activity holidays in Canary Islands are so well suited to villa lovers. Let’s start with the largest island of the archipelago, Tenerife…

Tenerife

There are some otherworldly landscapes just waiting to be explored in Tenerife, so why not hire a car to help uncover the island’s more distant hotspots? Staying in a villa means you can pack bigger pack lunches – that way you’ll have all the more energy for when you’re exploring.

Activity lovers can delve into the Anaga rainforest and up into the Anaga mountains. Alternatively, venture to Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain, and the surrounding Teide National Park. Take the cable car to the upper station and marvel over the panoramic views of Tenerife, or wander through the park at your own pace. Once you’re there, enjoy a few pre-made sandwiches and replenish for the trip back down.

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is packed with inspiring cycling routes. Get ready to brave big climbs – your efforts will be rewarded with stunning backdrops at their summit. This is where holiday rentals come into their own, allowing you to keep your beloved bicycle inside each night and get it ready for the coming day’s ride.

Head to the northern tip of the island and cycle amongst pretty towns like Corralejo and La Oliva. As well as dreamy strips of sand, you’ll encounter desert roads worthy of a Wild West film. For off-road delights, cycle to the rugged Jandia Natural Park. Otherwise, Lobos Island, a small islet north of Fuerteventura, is worth visiting if you fancy a spot of snorkelling or scuba diving.

Lanzarote

Similar to the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote is full of plenty of activities for many different preferences. Beat the crowds at the restaurants and prepare a delicious packed lunch beforehand so you can stay at places for longer.

First up, get your snorkels at the ready and dive beneath the ocean to see the Museo Atlántico. Situated 12 metres underwater, it’s made up of a collection of submerged sculptures which you can swim around at your leisure.

When you’re back above sea level, take a walk around the renowned Timanfaya National Park. You’ll come across geyser displays and a restaurant that uses geothermal heat from a volcano to cook your food! You can explore the park by foot, but if you’re in search of a truly memorable day out, hire a camel to take you around. Not only will this save you the effort of walking, it’ll make for a few unbeatable photo opportunities!

Activity holidays in the Canary Island guarantee many things – scenery, thrills and unrivalled experiences being but three of them. With that all in mind, take a look at some holiday rentals across the archipelago.

By Isabella Perkins, a freelance travel writer best known for writing about self-catering holidays. Her writing tends to have a family focus, and she is in the middle of writing a new travel guide due to be published next year.

Fuerteventura: things to see on a self-catering holiday

November 7, 2017January 9, 2019

Though often overshadowed by Tenerife and Lanzarote, the Canarian island of Fuerteventura is in many ways the epitome of this region’s way of life – windswept, sun-baked and all laced together with Spanish, African and Latin American influences. In other words, it’s got all the right ingredients for a truly unforgettable holiday.

On Fuerteventura, things to see include the historic, the modern, the natural and the manmade. Here’s where you’ll find them…

Corralejo Natural Park

Image by 16:9clue, used under CC License (CC by 2.0)

When you think of a natural park, you’ll most likely be thinking of dense trees, streams, mountains and a thick canopy of greenery – Fuerteventura’s Corralejo Natural Park couldn’t be any more different.

Situated on the northeastern coast of the island, this area is known for its pearlescent sands. Sat near the quaint town of Corralejo, one particular part of the park and comprises stunning white dunes bordered by turquoise seas. Further south, the landscape becomes volcanic and rugged, with the higher altitudes gifting visitors fantastic views of the surrounding beaches and Atlantic waves.

The food markets

Canarian cuisine is like none other, and when you’re staying in a self-catering villa, you can explore it at your own leisure. Pick up some dietary staples such as potatoes, mojos (spicy or herbal sauces) and gofio (a special kind of flour) at your local shop. If you’re a foodie, then the island markets are a must-visit for regional ingredients…

Fuerteventura’s capital, Puerto del Rosario, has a produce market running every Saturday between 9am and 2pm. Here you can buy locally sourced fish, fruit and dairy products. The charming town of La Oliva, a short drive inland from Corralejo, is also home to an excellent market. It operates on Tuesdays and Fridays, selling local food as well as authentic homemade gifts.

If you want to make the most of these markets, visit early to get your hands on the best vegetables and cuts of meat, then spend the rest of the day back at your holiday villa cooking up a Canarian feast.

Lobos Island

Lobos Island is a 15-minute boat journey from Corralejo. It’s only populated by a few whitewashed cottages and one waterside restaurant, so take advantage of the secluded atmosphere here. The untouched, arid landscapes have an allure of all of their own, and can make for treasured hours spent hiking and marvelling at the surrounding Atlantic views.

To save money, put together a tasty Canarian packed lunch at your rental accommodation. Try a combination of goat’s cheese, gofio bread, and fresh fruit (including locally grown bananas) for a more traditional Fuerteventuran meal.

The museums

There are plenty of cultural hotspots dotted across Fuerteventura. In La Oliva, you’ll find the Casa de los Coroneles, an old building which houses modern art exhibitions. The Canarian Art Centre, displaying a number of works by important Canarian artists like César Manrique, is a must for culture vultures, or anyone with an appreciation for the arts. Puerto del Rosario, meanwhile, has a free museum dedicated to the philosopher Miguel de Unamuno, who was exiled from Spain in 1924.

When staying in Villa Plus rentals, you can save money by hiring a car for one or two days, and using this time to visit all the island’s captivating allures. The drive from La Oliva to Puerto del Rosario takes less than 30 minutes, so getting from one attraction to the next is easy!

El Cotillo

Image by W & J, used under CC License (CC by 2.0)

Head to the northwest coast of Fuerteventura and you can visit El Cotillo. Once a humble fishing village, El Cotillo is now a thriving tourist spot – although as it’s managed to avoid being overly developed, it still maintains many of its old charms. One of the things that makes El Cotillo particularly popular is its fast winds, which make it well suited to water sports lovers.

The relaxed mood and wide selection of restaurants, shops and bars mean that El Cotillo is the ideal daytrip, and easily accessible from most accommodation on the island.

The beaches

Budget holidays don’t have to feel restrictive when you’re on an island like Fuerteventura. With so many gorgeous beaches to visit, you can keep busy and inspired without putting too much strain on your bank account.

Corralejo has some beautiful stretches of white sand. If you’re after sheer tranquillity, away from the hustle and bustle of the more populated areas, head for Cofete beach. It’s situated at the southern tip of Fuerteventura, in the heart of the Jandía Natural Park. As a warning – you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to access the beach, and you should be cautious about swimming due to the strong currents.

Fuerteventura holidays pack in scenery, culture, and cuisine in a manner you’ll never forget. Why not add a little extra luxury with Villa Plus offerings?

Your guide to Fuerteventura

September 11, 2017January 9, 2019

Fuerteventura is found in the blue waters of the Atlantic just 60 miles from the western edges of the Sahara Desert. The closest of the Canary Islands to Africa, Fuerteventura lies at the same latitude as Mexico and Florida, and as such is the lucky recipient of 3,00 hours of sunshine per year. Combine this wonderful weather with a coastline that draws in the crowds with more than 150 beautiful beaches, as well as a stunning volcanic interior and you have one of the finest destinations for a holiday no matter the season.

Image by edwin.hoek, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY SA 2.0)

Fuerteventura is an ever-popular hub for holiday makers as the island provides anyone who stays there with a rewarding holiday. With the resort town of Corralejo at the northern tip of the island and Morro Jable at the southern one; the otherworldly landscapes inland; tranquil sheltered coves; and plenty of windy shores ideal for watersports, the island packs a lot into its small size.

Despite being the second largest of the Canaries (after Tenerife) it is only the fourth largest in terms of population size. This gives the island a less developed feel compared to the smaller and more populous island of Lanzarote, which is only a 15-minute boat ride to the north, and you’re more than likely to find a stretch of white sandy beach all to yourself.

Image by sebaso, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY SA 2.0)

Corralejo

For such a relatively compact island, there’s a lot of variety when it comes to Fuerteventura’s resorts. The most well-known resort town on the island is in the north at Corralejo. It is also the largest, and is replete with villas and self-catering accommodation perfect for any visitor. The area around the harbour is home to several seafood restaurants serving the freshest fish, and is a popular haunt for locals and tourists alike. If it’s shopping you’re after, head to Las Palmeras, the main retail hub in the area. Located there are shops selling everything from fashion to gifts for friends and family back home.

Along the eastern coastline down from Corralejo are several small resorts as well as secluded bays with calm waters just right for a swim. The main beaches in the area include Flag Beach, Glass Beach and the beach at Corralejo town. They’re all clean, safe and family-friendly.

Venture further inland past the sandy shores and shiny hotels and you’ll encounter a miniature extension of the nearby Sahara, with the sand dunes and desert vistas. This area comprises the Corralejo Nature Reserve and feels a world away from the nearby coast.

Past Corralejo and across the waters to the east you’ll find the Isla de Lobos. Lying between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, the island makes a refreshing day trip for holidaymakers. Hop across the narrow channel and learn about the flora and fauna of the Canaries at this peaceful and picturesque protected wildlife preserve. The island’s main beach at Caleta de la Rasca boasts some of the clearest waters in all the Canaries. There’s also a small restaurant nearby to round off an excursion.

El Cotillo

A charming small fishing village, El Cotillo is one of the best places in Fuerteventura to call in at to experience real Canarian life. With a number of quality eateries, the reputation of the village for good food is growing, making it one of the best on the island for anyone who savours mealtimes as much as they do relaxation.

Thanks to its position on the west coast, the area around El Cotillo spoils watersports enthusiasts with superlative conditions for surfing and wind surfing anywhere on the island. This is especially true at local beaches Playa del Castillo and Playa del Águila. The area is also markedly less developed than other parts of Fuerteventura, proffering a pleasing blend of things to do and peace and quiet.

Costa Calma

Located on the sandy isthmus known as Istmo de la Pared that separates the main part of Fuerteventura with the mountainous Jandía peninsula, Costa Calma is blessed with some of the finest beaches and bluest seas on the island. Originally known as the small village of Cañada Del Rio, the resort was developed to have as minimal an impact on the surrounding landscape as possible. Costa Calma rewards you with a long, well-kept beach that leads into the gently lapping waters. With a range of villas to choose from, the area is growing in popularity as is the list of facilities available.

The resort also benefits from being right next door to the Jandía National Park that makes up the rest of the peninsula. The park contains Fuerteventura’s highest mountain, Mount Jandia, and presents lots of opportunities for hikes through its dramatic landscape.

Caleta de Fuste

Lying a short 10-minute drive from the airport on the east coast is Caleta de Fuste. This purpose-built resort town is one of the most genteel on the island and is infused with a delightfully laid back vibe, though it doesn’t lack quality bars and restaurants or other amenities either. The resort’s scenic cove is in fact man-made, not that you would be able to tell when you see its flawless setting on the shore.

Golfing in Fuerteventura

There are more golf courses in Fuerteventura than you can shake a club at, with the sport being one of the favourite pastimes of visitors and locals alike. The Fuerteventura Golf Club is one of the best, which can be attributed to its well-maintained 18 holes and beautiful ocean views. This course in Caleta de Fuste is ideally situated right next door to some of the best holiday rentals on the island. It’s also a former host of the Spanish Open, so you can be assured of its quality.

Las Playitas another sublime golf club. This scenic course has several waterways, transforming into a challenging green for any golfer regardless of their handicap. There is also a superb 9-hole course in Corralejo which is surrounded by holiday rentals, a viable and enticing option if you’re looking for a golfing holiday.

Things to do for kids

There’s no shortage of great bars, delicious restaurants and mellow beaches for grownups to have the perfect break on the island, but Fuerteventura comes into its own with its child-friendly and family-friendly activities.

With lots of things to keep kids of all ages entertained, you’ll have no worries about the little ones getting bored. Take them to Crazy Golf at the Baku Waterpark in Corralejo, or just let them run wild in the waterpark itself. If they fancy something a little faster paced, then there’s go karting available in the island’s capital, Puerto del Rosario. There’s also a horse riding school for equestrian-minded children. Alternatively, just let them have fun on one of the long beaches on the island.

Fuerteventura Watersports

Fuerteventura is well known as one of the best destinations out there for watersports. The coastline is varied, with peaceful bays for easy relaxation and more blustery stretches that serve up some fantastic waves. It’s no coincidence that the island has been home of the Windsurfing World Championship for the past 30 years!

The consistent wind speeds on the island create excellent conditions for windsurfing, surfing, and paragliding. With equipment hire available in most of the towns and resorts, you can make your holiday as you like.

Thanks to the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island is also a handy place to try your hand at some snorkelling or scuba diving. The diverse marine life of the Canaries is even more impressive up close, and exploring the environment in the warm waters is immensely invigorating. There are PADI instructors in Caleta de Fuste and Corralejo, and snorkelling equipment is available for hire across Fuerteventura.

The northern trade winds in the seas around Fuerteventura provide fine conditions for sailing as well, and by taking a sailing trip you have the chance to see the marine mammals that live in the waters. There are yachts available for chartering from the harbour in Corralejo.

No matter what type of holiday you want, you are likely to find it on this inviting Canary Island. If you’ve never been to Fuerteventura before, then it’s time to start planning your adventure!

By Arianne Fabrice, a travel journalist who specialises in the popular resort destinations in and around Europe. Having worked for some of Paris’ premium travel mags, she’s recently moved into English-language publications.