Fuerteventura – an easy break

We fly from Birmingham as first choice or East Midlands as second choice. Both offer morning flights out and evening flights for the return, perfect for making the most of your break. The flight is around four hours but have always found Fuerteventura airport to be a very quick process on arrival.

We tend to base ourselves in Caleta de Fuste, which is a very easy 15-minute drive from the airport. During these holidays we made use of the car visiting Jandia, Costa Calma and in the other direction Correlejo. All reached within a 45 mins to an hour drive on straight forward routes.

Our first visit, back in 2012, Joe, my son, was just two and a half. We stayed in Caleta de Fuste, in a two-bedroom apartment, with use of a pool. Having separate bedrooms and a proper kitchen was ideal with a toddler. Following this first visit, we were hooked – this became our go to destination with a young family.

The next visit was in 2018. We now had Millie, just 3 months old. This time we opted for a 3-bed villa with a hot tub and a spacious gated garden. The destination was an easy decision, knowing how simple it would be with the little ones. My mum also travelled with us. A villa was ideal, giving us two bathrooms, plenty of room and the ability for the children to be inside in the shade and have sleeps as needed. Travelling with a baby was easy. We took our own buggy system, allowing the use of our own car seat and the pram adaption for sleeping. Having a car made it simple for trips out or stocking up at the supermarket. Baby essentials could be bought at the supermarket; therefore, we just took the basics with is. All in all, perfect for travelling with a young family.

In 2016, knowing how easy the trip to Caleta is, we ‘popped there for 2 nights. (Yes, 2 nights - fab flight times - no kids - extra leg room seats so first off the plane - taxi = easy!) By now a fair amount of modernisation had taken place along the front. The Marina is a lovely place to enjoy lunch and watch the world go by.

The last time we visited as a family was Eater 2018. Just the four of us, Joe now 8 and Millie now 5. We opted for a Barceló hotel along the front. Priorities had now changed. The kids liked more freedom, the closeness to the beach and evening entertainment. We had fun playing crazy golf, dipping in the pool and exploring. The highlight this time was hiring scooters (mopeds). Millie took a little persuading but once we on and moving she loved it. We each rode with a child – right up along the path to see the chip monks and around Caleta de Fuste. Great fun!

Finally, just last October (2018) I travelled to Correlejo with 7 girlfriends for 4 nights. This time we had a private transfer which was seamless. We were at our Lambranda hotel within 45 minutes. We opted for all-inclusive to keep things easy. The main purpose was just to chill and catch up. The hotel was pristine and rooms, restaurant and pool all a stone’s throw from each other. We didn’t venture out much but did find time for a few cocktails on that beautiful beach.

Caleta de Fuste is very family friendly – the actual resort area is very flat making pushing a buggy effortless. We tended to walk into the town and eat in one of the many restaurants in the evenings. Taxis were on hand for the trip home.

My memory of Jandia is limited, so unable to comment fully. As a passing visitor, not much to see other than hotels and the normal tourist shops. It appeared a more hotel-based resort, mainly all-inclusive of varying standards.

We visited Costa Calma on two separate occasions. Beautiful, sweeping beaches but can be windy. Sean was quick to mention that it was living up to its name. However, it is stunning and well worth a visit.

Tip - Don’t try and have a picnic on the beach unless sand sandwiches are your thing!!

Corralejo was the biggest resort. Home to Fuerteventura Water Park. I haven’t visited but from the outside it looks like a good selection of slides, should you fancy a waterpark day. There is a good mix of hotels and apartments. The beach again is stunning. Perfect to sit back and relax, sangria in hand, whilst the kids play safely on the beach in front of you.

We don’t yet have another visit planned but I guarantee, we will be back!