Does it always blow on Fuerteventura?+
Almost. The trade wind blows year-round and is strongest in July and August, when afternoon speeds regularly top 20 knots. In the north and on the Sotavento coast, that's the whole point and the reason surfers come here; if you want to lie in peace, pick a sheltered bay like Caleta de Fuste, the lagoons at El Cotillo, or the beaches on the south of the Jandía peninsula.
Which beach is best for families with children?+
The lagoons north of El Cotillo, where the water is knee-deep and there's no wind, and the artificially sheltered bay at Caleta de Fuste with its breakwater. In the south there's a great shallow lagoon at Risco del Paso at low tide. Cofete and the west coast, by contrast, are completely unsuitable for swimming with children — the currents there are dangerous.
Do I need a car on Fuerteventura?+
Unless you're staying in Corralejo, pretty much yes. Buses run along the 2 main roads, but they don't reach the beaches, Betancuria or Ajuy. A car costs from €25 a day, and petrol is the cheapest in Spain. Just watch out for dirt tracks, which most rental firms ban in the contract, with no insurance cover there.
How far is it from the airport to the hotel?+
It depends on the resort, and the difference is big. Caleta de Fuste is 10 minutes, Corralejo 35, Costa Calma an hour, and Morro Jable 90 km and roughly an hour's drive. Factor this in when choosing a hotel — for stays in the south, the transfer alone eats up almost half a day each way.
Can you swim on Fuerteventura in winter?+
Yes. The sea runs 18–19°C from December to April, cooler than in summer, but swimmable. Air temperatures during the day are typically around 22°C. Because of the wind, though, it feels cooler than that, and you'll feel cold getting out of the water — for a winter trip, it's worth choosing a hotel with a heated pool.
What is the calima?+
A dry, dusty air mass blown over from Africa that covers the island for a few days several times a year. Visibility drops, the sky turns yellow, and temperatures can spike to around 40°C. Asthma sufferers and allergy sufferers cope badly with it, and flights sometimes run late. It usually lasts 2 to 3 days and is most common in February and in summer.
Is Fuerteventura boring?+
If you're expecting sights, nightlife and greenery, then yes — the island is flat, dry and has almost no historical monuments, since it has always been poor. Its value lies in what isn't here: crowds, high-rises and noise. Come for beaches, space and water sports, and you'll get the best the Canary Islands have to offer.
When is the cheapest time to fly?+
In May, June and the second half of September, when the weather is excellent and European demand drops off. The most expensive periods are Christmas and New Year, and February, when Europe flees the cold for the island. Flight prices between February and May can run double, even though the weather only differs by around 2 degrees.
