Essential information for Fuerteventura

When to go

Like all of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura enjoys a mild subtropical climate, with daytime highs ranging from 20°C in winter to 24°C during summer.

Known for its winds – Fuerteventura roughly translates as strong winds – the island is one of the best places in the world for windsurfing, kiteboarding and sailing. Actually more like breezes than winds, they are strongest in the summer months and closest to the coast. As well as aiding sporting activities, they help to cool in the warmer months. For the warmest sea temperature, visit between August and October, when it averages a pleasant 24°C.

There can be some cool nights in winter but near the coast you won’t find the temperature falling below 10°C. As Fuerteventura is the least mountainous of the Canary Islands even inland temperatures never get too low. This means that the winter months are actually one of the high seasons, which are December to March and July to August. Plan your trip during September or October however and you’ll find that plenty of cheap holidays to Fuerteventura are available.

If you want to experience the Fuerteventuran carnival season, then book during the week of Ash Wednesday.

Health and Safety

Make sure you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before going away, especially if you’re planning on doing hiking, surfing, diving, etc. See our holiday extras page for more information.

It’s also a good idea to get a European Health Insurance Card – or EHIC – before travelling in Europe. While not a substitute for travel insurance, it does entitle you to emergency treatment on the same terms as Spanish nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/health.

Passports and visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Fuerteventura, but you and your party will all have to have valid passports. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements.

Getting around

Fuerteventura’s airport is near the capital Puerto del Rosario on the east coast. There are plenty of options for airport transfer services that will take you straight to wherever are staying. Fuerteventura has a good local bus network serving most parts of the island – except parts of the southwest coast. See the Tiadhe website for timetabling and fare information.

For greatest flexibility you may wish to hire a car. The road network is generally very good. If you are more active, mountain bikes can be hired. If you’re planning to drive in Fuerteventura the main FV-2 road follows the coastline along the east of the island taking in all of the major resorts.

Advice for travellers with children

For the shortest travelling time the resort of Costa Caleta is just 10 minutes’ taxi ride south of the airport and has a beach in a sheltered bay with shallow waters. Corralejo is half an hour north of the airport and is the most lively resort in the area, home to many of Fuerteventura’s All Inclusive hotels and plenty of activities. Both resorts are very family-friendly.

If you don’t mind travelling slightly further, then Costa Calma and Jandia are 40 minutes and an hour from the airport, respectively. They provide a slower pace, close to the Jandia Nature Reserve.

Emergency information

Dial 112 for all emergencies and an operator will put you through to the necessary services.

British Consulate

If you are a victim of crime or affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner, contact the British Consulate. The Gran Canarian Consulate covers the island of Fuerteventura.

Address: Calle Luis Morote 6-3º, 35007 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain Telephone: +34 928 26 25 08 Email: spain.consulate@fco.gov.uk

Health and pharmacy information

Call 012 to contact the Canary Islands Health Service – Servicio Canario de Salud – to get more information about 24-hour clinics and chemists in your area.

Hospitals

Hospital General de Fuerteventura (Virgen de la Peña), Carretera del aeropuerto, Km 1, 35600 Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura.

Tel: +34 928 86 20 20

Airports

Fuerteventura Airport, Carretera Matorral, s/n, 35610 Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura.

Tel: +34 902 404 704. Or click here to visit their website for flight times and information.