With white sands, and turquoise waters, Fuerteventura isn’t 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 away – and now, if you live in Wales, it just got even easier to get to.
TUI is launching new flights from Cardiff Airport, starting on December 20, 2025, perfect for some winter sun, with temperatures peaking at a pleasant 20C during the cooler months.
Dubbed a ‘mini Maldives’ by fans on TikTok, Fuerteventura boasts 150km of white sand coves, bays and beaches along its coastline. And, it’s less crowded than it’s popular Canary neighbours – while 2.5 million visitors headed to Fuerteventura in 2024, Tenerife welcomed a staggering 6.2 million tourists.
Brand new routes from TUI
Don’t fancy the Canaries? The airline also launched flights from Cardiff to Hurghada, Egypt, on May 2, 2026, while Faro, Portugal, flights will launch a little later on May 21. Neither flights are available to book just yet.
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.
What to see and do in Fuerteventura
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The beach here is a non-negotiable, making it a haven for those who like to sunbathe and go for a leisurely dip.
Playa de Cofete on the south west of the island is a popular favourite, but a word of warning: you can only get there by bus or car.
The bumpy journey is worth it though, as the beach boats 13km of powdering sand beach with a mountain view in the distance.
It’s a good one for movie lovers here, as the 2018 Solo: A Star Wars Story was filmed here.
Fuerteventura veterans on Reddit also recommended this stretch of coastline, the Jardinia Peninsula, for its beautiful beaches.
‘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 square-miles of dunes to walk on is fantastic.’
Heading inland, if you’re a sucker for history, take a stroll around the quaint little town of Betancuria, which was built back in 1404. You can also pay a visit to the Museo Arqueologico de Fuerteventura, for a proper glimpse of the islands past.
Of course, there’s all sorts of water sports on offer like surfing, paddle boarding, 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 really. If you prefer mild sun at 20C, head to the island for winter.
Particularly busy between November and February, it’s the perfect place to escape the rain back home.
If you’re someone who likes it hot, then the summertime is a better option for you, with temperatures reaching 30C.
Hikers and sightseers, who prefer to be active rather than lay on the sand, might be better suited to the spring and autumn months, just before the heat gets a little too much.
How much do flights to Fuerteventura cost? And how long does the journey take?
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 opt 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.
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