Fuerteventura suits families well. It has long, safe-feeling beaches, a dry sunny climate, plenty of resorts built around children, and a handful of attractions that keep young ones busy when the wind makes the sand unpleasant. The challenge is the wind and the distances: the island is long, the Atlantic can be powerful, and some of the best sights are a drive away. A little planning, such as choosing the right beach and base and keeping a few windproof backup activities, makes a family trip easy.
Choose the right beach
Not every beach is a good family beach. The calm, shallow stretches in the south at Jandía and Morro Jable have fine white sand, a promenade, rental sunbeds and facilities, and the water is generally sheltered enough for children, though the wind blows most days. On the east coast, the beaches around Caleta de Fuste are shallow and calm. In the north, sheltered lagoon beaches work better than open beaches with surf, and El Cotillo has lagoon pools as well as big Atlantic beaches, so check the flags and choose carefully. Cofete is for looking at, not swimming, because the currents are strong. Always bring a windbreak, sun hats and sunscreen, because the sun is strong even when the wind makes the air feel cool.
Animals and farm visits
Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura is the island’s wildlife park and is open every day, with shows and experiences, restaurants, a picnic area and free parking, so it makes an easy full day for children of all ages. For a quieter animal day, a goat-farm workshop lets children meet the goats and watch cheese being made, and La Alcogida Ecomuseum has farm animals, craft demonstrations and traditional games such as sack races and tug-of-war, aimed especially at children. Both are inland, so you will need a car, but they take a couple of hours rather than a whole day.
On the water
Boats are a highlight for most children. The ferry to Isla de Lobos is short, and the island has calm swimming spots and easy walking, but remember that day visitors need a free access authorization for a morning or afternoon window. Dolphin and whale-watching boats leave from Morro Jable and other harbours, and a wildlife trip is usually a success when the sea is calm, although there is never a guarantee of seeing animals. A half-day sailing trip with lunch suits families with older children who can swim and enjoy being on a boat, and anyone prone to seasickness should take a remedy first.
Lessons and active options
Older children can often try a surf or paddleboard lesson, and the beginner-friendly schools around Corralejo run small-group classes. Check the minimum age and the group size when you book. A buggy safari or an e-bike tour suits teenagers more than young children, and age and licence rules apply, so read the booking details first. A guided stargazing session on the dunes is a good evening activity for older children, with telescopes and stories about the sky, though it involves a short walk on loose sand and finishes after dark.
Easy walks
The Corralejo dunes are free and flat, and children love running on the sand, but keep to the marked trails to protect the dunes. The Calderón Hondo volcano is one of the easiest hikes on the island, about two and a half kilometres uphill on the recommended path, and it is suitable for most families, although you should stay back from the rim in strong wind and supervise children closely.
Where to stay
The all-inclusive resorts are the easiest option for families, because meals, snacks and drinks are included and there are pools and kids clubs. In the north, the large resort on the Grandes Playas road is a minute from the beach. In Costa Calma, a big resort on the Sotavento beach has a children’s pool with slides and a kids club. On the east coast, the resorts around Caleta de Fuste are close to the airport and a calm beach. For a cheaper option, apartment hotels with kitchenettes let you prepare breakfast and snacks, and they work well for longer stays.
Practical tips
Book popular activities a few days ahead, particularly in the winter high season and in July and August. Carry water, a hat and sunscreen all the time. Keep a windproof backup for days when the sea is rough, such as the wildlife park, the ecomuseum or a farm. Hire-car insurance often excludes unpaved tracks, so use a guided 4x4 for Cofete. Child seats for hire cars should be booked in advance, and the roads are good on the main routes. With those basics in place, the island is relaxed, sunny and easy with children.
