Jet off to Fuerteventura this winter and you’ll have relaxing beaches, culture-packed towns and bags of history to explore. Plus, it’s much quieter than in summer, and there are fewer crowds, so less queues for attractions. It’s a win-win!

Temperatures are still around the low to mid-twenties throughout winter too, so it’s the perfect place to escape those chilly UK climes and soak up a bit of sunshine.

You can head to Fuerteventura, the second-largest Canary Island, year-round with Jet2holidays, which means pre-Christmas breaks, ‘Twixmas’ holidays and new year trips couldn’t be easier.

Here are just a few of the things you need to know about a winter holiday to Fuerteventura…

The weather

Looking to escape the dreary UK weather during winter? Over in Fuerteventura, they’re basking in temperatures of up to 25 degrees! The island experiences relatively low rainfall too, making it a great time for outdoor activities. Not too hot, not too cold, and barely any rain? Sounds just about right to us!

The beaches

The long and sandy swathes here are just as enticing in winter as they are during the summer months. And with plenty more space to spread out and soak up the sunshine, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The island is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the Canary Islands, boasting powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. In fact, 11 of the island’s shores have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag status! Two of the popular patches are Sotavento Beach and El Cotillo Beach.

Sotavento Beach is a 9km-long stretch of bright white shore with shallow aquamarine water. It’s right on the southern tip of the island, so it’s in the best place to bag those sensational sunsets. Up in the north, it’s all about El Cotillo. This huge beach comes with its own set of lagoon pools too, so it’s ideal if you fancy exploring the rock pools for crabs and sea life. They’re shallow enough to swim in too if you fancy a dip but without the waves.

Many of the beaches in Fuerteventura are superb for water sports too, but we’ll go into that in a bit more detail later...

Our top pick: El Hierro Beach, AKA ‘popcorn beach’, is a must-see! The unusual coral among the grains of sand looks like little pieces of popcorn. You can look and touch this impressive spectacle, but just don’t take any home with you.

Soak up the culture

Winter is the prime season for really immersing yourself in a destination’s culture. When there are less tourist crowds, so more opportunities to take part in these sorts of activities, and a more local, slower-paced and authentic way of life for you to experience.

Museums, churches, farms and many more unique sites tell the story of the island’s unique culture and heritage. Visit fascinating towns like Betancuria, the old capital, to peel back the layers of history. Or head to the modern-day capital, Puerto del Rosario, to explore its whitewashed streets hidden behind the charming port.

Much of the island’s culture is deeply rooted in its indigenous Guanche heritage, Spanish colonial influence and many seafaring traditions. Authentic art, costumes, music and dance can all be experienced.

Don’t miss: Learning about the local agriculture and how much-loved foods like gofio are made.

Gorgeous gastronomy

Bit of a foodie? You’ll be in your element here, indulging in the local Canarian cuisine. There’s everything from net-fresh seafood and locally sourced meat to unique Canarian staples like papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) which make for the ultimate side dish for any meal! We like ours with a drizzle of mojo rojo – a chilli and garlic sauce. Yum!

As we mentioned earlier, gofio is also a huge part of Fuerteventura’s food heritage. This Canarian staple is a versatile toasted flour made from grains like wheat or maize. It's used in soups, desserts or simply mixed with milk for a hearty meal.

Our fave dish: Freshly grilled vieja fish, AKA parrotfish, is delicious!

Walking and hiking

While the temperatures are a little cooler and a bit more manageable for getting your steps in, why not head out on foot and explore your natural surroundings? And with Fuerteventura being the longest of the Canary Islands, you’ve got plenty of routes to explore.

Plan your path to tick off sightseeing spots along the way, including churches or viewpoints. Or even better, as a way to cool off at the end, finish at a beach and go for a well-deserved dip!

Uncover the beautiful landscapes by hiking in the Corralejo Natural Park. The unique dunes and volcanic scenery are breathtaking. If you fancy taking things up a notch, there are also some great routes for trail running, where you can traverse volcanoes, valleys, dunes and more!

A not-to-be-missed route: The Islote de Lobos. It’s just over 7km long, and along the way, you’ll pass ancient salt flats and pretty lighthouses.

Try out the water sports

The Canary Islands are one of the best places in the world for water sports, and right here in Fuerteventura, the conditions are excellent for wind and wave sports.

Surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing – it's all on offer. And you don’t have to be a dab hand at it, as there are plenty of facilities available for beginners.

A top spot: The north shore is your best bet for the best conditions, so stick to the beaches in and around Corralejo.