With powdery white sands and turquoise waters, Fuerteventura may not be as popular as Tenerife or Lanzarote, but it’s just as beautiful.
The second-largest Canary Island is a slice of paradise just a four-hour flight from the UK.
And, if you live in Wales, it just got even easier to get there.
TUI is launching new flights from Cardiff Airport, starting on December 20, 2025, perfect for winter sun with temperatures peaking at a pleasant 20°C.
Sometimes described as a ‘mini Maldives’, Fuerteventura boasts 150km of lunar-like beaches, bays and coves.
It’s less crowded than its more popular neighbours – while 2.5 million visitors headed to Fuerteventura in 2024, Tenerife welcomed 6.2 million.
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What to see and do in Fuerteventura
The beaches are the biggest drawcard.
Playa de Cofete on the south west of the island is a tourist favourite, but a word of warning: you can only get there by bus or car.
The journey is worth it, though, as the beach boasts 13km of soft sands overlooked by a mountain in the distance.
It’s a good place for movie lovers, as the 2018 Solo: A Star Wars Story was filmed here.
Another beautiful spot is the Jardinia Peninsula, which is popular with previous visitors on Reddit.
‘The Jardinia coast from Costa Calma down to Morro Jable is beautiful and you can walk end to end (about 12 miles) solely on the beach at low tide easily,’ said @Jonathanio.
‘The Natural Park there, with a few miles of dunes to walk on, is fantastic.’
If you’re more interested in history, head inland and take a stroll around the quaint little town of Betancuria, which was built in 1404. You can also pay a visit to the Museo Arqueológico de Fuerteventura, for a glimpse into the island’s past.
This is the Canaries we’re talking about, so there are all sorts of water sports on offer, including surfing, paddleboarding, diving and windsurfing. Then you can end the day by watching the sunset.
When should you go to Fuerteventura?
It depends what you’re after. If you prefer a balmy 20°C, go in winter between November and February. The perfect place to escape the rain at home.
If you’re someone who likes it hot, then summer is a better option when temperatures reach 30°C.
Hikers and sightseers who prefer to be active rather than lie on the sand might be better suited to spring and autumn, just before the heat gets a little too much.
How much do flights to Fuerteventura cost?
Flights from Cardiff to Fuerteventura take four hours. The inaugural TUI December flight from Cardiff (and the return slot available a week later) costs £576pp in total.
If you want to fly in May 2026, the same return flights will cost you £376pp.
This flight route is only available on Saturdays, so if you prefer travelling midweek, you’re out of luck.
New routes from TUI
Don’t fancy the Canaries? TUI is launching flights from Cardiff to Hurghada, Egypt, on May 2, 2026, and Faro, Portugal, a little later on May 21. You can’t book either just yet, but we’ll tell you as soon as you can.
TUI is also increasing its flying frequency to other popular holiday destinations.
Its Antalya route will increase to four flights a week, while Gran Canaria will become twice weekly. Cardiff to Palma De Mallorca will also increase from five flights to six per week.
Tenerife and Enfidha, in Tunisia, will also get an extra flight each week. You’re spoiled for choice.
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