10 top plans for your Fuerteventura family holidays
If you are planning your Fuerteventura family holidays, these are the essential plans that are guaranteed to keep kids occupied during your travels
School’s out and it is time to have fun! But, where can you travel to that offers year-round sunshine? Fuerteventura is the second largest island in the Canary Islands and is an ideal destination to visit with little ones in tow. Its strategic location off the coast of West Africa provides it with eternal springlike temperatures ensuring that it is never too hot and never too cold. You could be mistaken in thinking that it is a quiet, sleepy island. Yet, there is so much more to do than just hit the beach. If you are planning your Fuerteventura family holidays, here are the essential kid-friendly plans to add to your list.
When to book your Fuerteventura family holidays
Unless you are travelling with a baby, you will be largely restricted by school holidays. But, not to worry. While the north of Europe is plunged into a deep freeze, Fuerteventura boasts highs of 22ºC. In the summer, temperatures can soar into the mid-30s. If you are keen to delve into the culture of the Canary Islands and enjoy outdoor pursuits such as hiking or cycling, the Autumn and Winter season is the perfect time to visit. Alternatively, if endless beach days are your dream holiday plan, the summer provides back-to-back sunshine. So, now that you know when to visit, these are the plans to bookmark for your trip.
Fuerteventura is a fantastic island for kids
1. Visit the Ajuy Caves during your family holidays in Fuerteventura
Little ones will be thrilled by the idea of being cavemen for the day. Adults, on the other hand, will be fascinated by this natural wonder. Located in the small town of Ajuy, in the Betancuria Rural Park, this cave system is the oldest on the island and contains precious marine fossils. Access to the caves is free and there is a small black sand beach surrounding them. Tell your kids stories about the island’s fiery, volcanic history and the aboriginal inhabitants that once lived inside the island’s caves. Ajuy is also a great spot for trying local Canaria cuisine with many of the island’s top restaurants located here.
Ajuy Caves, Fuerteventura
2. Discover the Corralejo Dunes
In our books, when in Fuerteventura, Corralejo family holidays must all involve a trip to the dunes. If you have been on holiday to Morocco or even to neighbouring Gran Canaria, you may have already experienced the magic of desert-like dunes. Here in Fuerteventura, the Corralejo Dunes are located in the Corralejo Natural Park, offering picturesque surroundings and plenty of photo opportunities. Marvel at the undulating sandy surroundings and combine this outing with a trip to one of the nearby beaches complete with crystalline waters.
Corralejo Dunes, Fuerteventura
3. The best family holidays in Fuerteventura are spent at the beach
While we are on the topic of the best beaches on the island, it is safe to say that there is one beach in particular that kids will love. The Popcorn Beach. Located on the north coast of Fuerteventura closeby to Corralejo, this beach gets its name from the small white algae fossils that cover the coastline. These fossils mimic the appearance of popcorn. But be warned, they are not edible. In fact, the beach is a protected area and no one is allowed to take any of the fossils with them. Let your kids admire this cool natural phenomenon before heading off to one of the nearby beaches for a day of sandcastles and sunshine.
The Popcorn Beach is a must-visit
4. Watersports for all ages
If you are travelling with a brood of daredevils and adrenaline junkies, fill your Fuerteventura family holidays with watersports. Famous for windsurfing, the island also offers plenty of places to enjoy traditional surfing, kayaking, snorkelling and diving among other thrilling adventures. The good news? You don’t need to be an expert to join in the fun. Many beaches have schools close by, allowing absolute beginners to try their hand at various watersports under the safety and supervision of a qualified instructor.
Sotavento Beach, Jandía, Fuerteventura
5. Hike the Calderón Hondo volcano trail
Kids will feel like an intrepid explorer when you take them to the Volcán Calderón Hondo. This is one of the most fun and exciting plans in Fuerteventura with kids, especially if it is their first encounter with a volcano. Located in the small town of Lajares, on the northern coast of Fuerteventura, the volcano reaches 278 metres in height with a crater 70 metres deep. If your kids are not used to hiking, opt for the short route which lasts 45 minutes and culminates in breathtaking views across the whole island.
Calderón Hondo Volcano
6. Become artisans on your Fuerteventura family holiday
If you are looking for something different during your luxury family holidays in Fuerteventura, a craft workshop in the town of Lajares is the answer. Famous for its craft market, this town invites travellers young and old to tune into their creativity and become artisans for the day. Look out for artist workshops that offer classes or initiatives such as Otro Mar which offers dedicated ceramic workshops. What is better than taking home a handmade souvenir from your Fuerteventura family holidays?
Ceramics are very traditional in Fuerteventura
7. Pop into a museum during your family holidays to Fuerteventura
Escape the Fuerteventura family holiday resorts and feed curious minds with a trip to one of the many themed museums on the island. You will be spoilt for choice! Nestled in Salinas del Carmen, kids can discover the salt-making process in the Museo de Sal. Cheese-loving little ones will be fascinated by a trip to the Museo de Queso Majorero, a museum dedicated to the local cheese-making process in the town of Antigua. One that is not to be missed is the Alcogida Ecomuseum which even includes an animal sanctuary.
Goats are a common sighting in Fuerteventura
8. Travel back in time to the Old Mill
When it comes to family holidays, Fuerteventura knows how to pull out the stops and keep kids occupied. The Old Mill, the El Molina de Antigua offers a glimpse into the island’s rural past. This enormous structure will have kids in awe with its impressive engineering and fascinating portrayal of what life was like for Fuerteventura peasants back in the day. Here, the traditional Canarian flour, Gofio, was milled. Don’t forget to take home a bag to try. It is delicious mixed into soups.
The Old Mill, Antigua
9. Cool off at the Acua Water Park
If you are looking for the best family holiday, Fuertevenura’s water parks will provide hours of fun for children of all ages. Located in Corralejo, Acua Water Park offers water slides, themed pools, a lazy river and many other attractions. Spend the day cooling off from the heat splashing in and out of the various rides and leisure areas. There are even places within the park for kids as young as 3 to enjoy some family time.
Waterpark slides © Acua Water Park
10. Island hop to the Isla de Lobos
While you will never have a dull moment during your all-inclusive family holidays in Fuerteventura, a trip to the Isla de Lobos is recommended. Hop on a ferry and venture to the island of wolves. This island gets its name from the large sea lions that once lived in the island’s waters. This uninhabited islet is an ideal getaway from the cheap family holidays in Fuerteventura, offering a unique opportunity to admire untouched nature. Once on the island, kids can pass the time snorkelling, swimming, or paddle boarding on the crystalline waters while adults soak up the sun on a secluded cove.
Isla de Lobos, Fuerteventura