Sun-shimmered white sands, swaying palm trees, twinkling turquoise waters… think you have to fly far to reach this vision of paradise? A trip to Fuerteventura will make you think again.

This stunning, sand-sculpted Canary island has the best beaches this side of the Caribbean. And the best bit? It’s easily within reach from the UK, with flights under five hours. You won’t even have to adjust your watch – the Canaries are on the same time zone, too.

Wherever you choose to stay, there’s bound to be a gorgeous coastline nearby. Here are eight of the best Fuerteventura beaches!

1. Grandes Playas

The best of all Corralejo beaches, you can actually enjoy two attractions rolled into one along this shorefront. That’s because this series of beaches that stretch seven miles along the ocean are all based in the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park. Conveniently, there’s a sand-swept road that runs right through the dunes with free parking (handy if you have a hire car). Pack up your beach gear, jump out and sink your feet into mountains of fine golden sand. Once you reach the water’s edge, you’ll be treated to fine views of the open expanse, with the Isle of Lobos and Lanzarote in the distant horizon.

2. Costa Calma Beach

Costa Calma is actually set on a sandy strip of land that connects the northern coastline with the south. So as you’d imagine, there’s plenty of potential for a great beach! Holidays here are based around the shoreline, which wraps around the ocean in a curving arc with rugged mountains in the distance. The wind picks up nicely on Costa Calma Beach too, so expect to see windsurfers and kite surfers catching the currents. For something a little more sedate, enjoy a cool drink and papas arrugadas while listening to live music at the local beach bar.

3. Costa Caleta Beach

Based in the popular Costa Caleta resort, this beach isn’t short for space. Sprinkled with golden imported sand, it’s incredibly wide and a great place for soaking up the sun. As an added bonus, you’ll be near to the scenic harbour and plenty of bars that follow the promenade. Just a little further away, you’ll find a mini golf course too! If you fancy visiting, another thing to note about this beach is that it has a trio of names – Costa Caleta Beach, Caleta de Fuste Beach and Castillo Beach!

4. Jandia Beach

Welcome to one of the longest of all Fuerteventura beaches. It stretches for 21km from the resort of Costa Calma, all the way south to the resort of Morro Jable. On this southern part of the island, you can actually see the scenery transform from the dusky, volcanic expanses in the north to a golden blanket of sand as far as the eye can see in the south. One thing to note is that the resort centre of Jandia is actually nearer to Morro Jable, so head that way if you want to make the most of this beach.

5. La Concha Beach

It’s worth making the journey west from Corralejo to reach this gorgeous beach. Also known as El Cotillo (many Fuerteventura beaches seem to have several names!), here there’s often a refreshing breeze on the coast that keeps things from getting too hot. Take the time to check out the shallow saltwater lagoons that form here – their turquoise tones add to the picturesque nature of the scene. The beach’s waves also make it popular with locals from the nearby surfer town, Lajares.

6. Playa de Cofete

It’s quite a trek to make it to this beach and yet the effort is worth it! You’ll be rewarded with some of the best views and landscape of the entire island. Its gilded sand coastline rises into the ruffled peaks of Jandia’s volcanic mountains, culminating at the Pico de Jandia, Fuerteventura’s highest point. Due to the unsheltered winds, the waves are pretty rough here, so it’s more of a place to admire the view and get some incredible photos.

7. Sotavento Beach

Of all Fuerteventura’s beaches, Sotavento Beach is probably the most famous. Its main claim to fame is that it hosts major kitesurfing and kiteboarding competitions every summer. But at any time of year, you can expect to spot the coloured arches of surfing kites casting tiny rainbows in the sun-blazed sky. You don’t need to get active to enjoy this beach though – the shallow sapphire waters and white-gold sands are appealing enough on their own.

Has our collection of Fuerteventura’s best beaches got you dreaming of your next sun holiday? We’ve got the perfect place for you – it all starts with a visit to Jet2holidays.