Cheap holidays and trips to Costa Calma

Welcome to Fuerteventura, known around the world as the 'The Beach of the Canaries'. A coastline stretching one hundred and fifty kilometres has plenty to attractions to unearth. On Fuerteventura you have an amazing choice. Secluded and unspoilt beaches where serenity and pure nature reign supreme; sweeping seafronts where you can find lively entertainment and all the best services and facilities; stunning beaches located at the foot of picture-postcard fishing villages; small coves flanked by cliffs and volcanic landscapes; beaches frequented by athletes keen to enjoy one of Europe's best surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations, and much more.

Fuerteventura's beaches are famous the world over for their beauty and quality. Appearing in any self-respecting travel brochure, they are chosen every year by travellers looking for great weather and by lovers of water and wind sports. The array of stunning stretches of coastline include Las Grandes Playas (La Oliva), Costa Calma, Butihondo and Matorral (Pájara), and Playa Blanca and Puerto Lajas (Puerto del Rosario). Once on the coast, take a leisurely stroll along the fishermen's docks, a reflection of centuries of history, and savour the best fish dishes and local cheeses in quaint fishing villages. A real treat.

You can start preparing your trip to Fuerteventura right now. We've got all the information you'll ever need to make your stay on the so-called 'beach of the Canaries' simply perfect.

WHEN TO GO

Do you prefer coast or inland? Choose the date of your trip according to what you want to do during your stay on the island. Even though Fuerteventura's climate is mild all year round and it's always a good time for outdoor activities, you may prefer to travel in the winter months if hiking is your thing and you consider yourself a nature lover. Meanwhile, from May to October, you'll be blessed with a perfect temperature to enjoy its spectacular beaches.

And make sure you get to see the famous Carnival! In La Oliva and Corralejo it is celebrated with performances by Canarian artists. In Puerto del Rosario the party lasts for more than ten days as musical theatre, water-going floats and dancing take over the streets of the capital. Travel during the months of February and March to soak up the frenzied passion of these fiestas. If you want to discover Fuerteventura at the best price, head there in low season. Prices tend to go up on specific dates such as Christmas, Carnival, Easter, Spanish public holidays, and in the summer months.

DOCUMENTATION

Besides your official ID or passport, essential for travelling, don't forget your driving licence if you plan to rent a car, and your Spanish or European health card. Young people, students and pensioners can also benefit from discounts on public transport, museum tickets and other tourist attractions. The ISIC International Student Card, the Euro 25 and the GO 25 will give you a whole host of discounts.

TIME ZONE

Remember that the Canary Islands are one hour behind mainland Spain. Like in the rest of the country, clocks go forward one hour on the last Sunday in March and back on the last Sunday in October

BY PLANE

There are flights from mainland Spain and major European cities. Most visitors use this mode of transport. Fuerteventura International Airport, located five kilometres from the capital, Puerto del Rosario, connects the island with several cities in Spain, as well as more than thirty destinations across Europe. Recently refurbished and extended, this airport has a 1,200-space car park, pharmacies, restaurants, newsagents, gift stores, boutiques, wine stores and tobacconists, as well as outdoor areas for smokers.

BY FERRY

There are ferries from the Spanish mainland (Cádiz), Portugal, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Lanzarote (Playa Blanca) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This is the perfect option for sea lovers and car drivers, as well as for people who prefer not to travel by plane. Ferry companies operate in the ports of Morro Jable, Corralejo and Puerto del Rosario. What's more, some cruise ships also call at the island's ports. Naviera Armas, Fred Olsen and Acciona (formerly Trasmediterránea) are the three companies that make these crossings.

PACKAGE TOURS

Many visitors opt for package tours that include flights, airport transfers and accommodation.

Fuerteventura boasts a huge range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. There are large complexes, modern hotels, renovated and tastefully decorated villas, and Canarian-style boutique hotels with beautiful wooden balconies and peaceful inner courtyards, with views of the beach, manicured gardens, the Dunes of Corralejo or Islote de Lobos.

The island's incredible natural beauty has led to a surge in characterful rural hotels, ideal for visitors looking for relaxing stays or for lovers of hiking, nature and traditions. There are also some excellent hotels and impressive resort complexes along the coast of Fuerteventura.

Make sure to check whether your stay at the hotel includes breakfast. If it does, it will tend to be a buffet with a wide variety of cheeses, cold cuts, cereals, yoghurt, fruits, juices, breads and pastries. Most hotels also serve breakfasts with eggs, sausage and bacon. What's more, they usually have local products and dishes on offer. Bon appétit!

You can take out an insurance policy that covers medical treatment during your trip. There are travel insurance policies that cover you against cancellation or theft, as well as medical expenses. Several private healthcare companies provide medical services and treatment in the towns on the island.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

To request medical care at any public centre or hospital, you will need your Spanish or European health card. The Red Cross (Cruz Roja) has first-aid stations in many towns and on beaches. In the event of an emergency close to the capital, we recommend the highly renowned Hospital General de Fuerteventura (Puerto del Rosario). As in the rest of Spain, call 112 in the event of an emergency. The police forces and fire brigade have direct phone numbers.

HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Hospital General de Fuerteventura (Puerto del Rosario): Switchboard: 0034 928 862 000 / Emergencies: 0034 928 862 093/94

Puerto del Rosario Healthcare Centre: 0034 928 859 550 // Emergencies: 0034 928 531 029

Cruz Roja/Red Cross (Puerto del Rosario): 0034 928 852 222 // 0034 928 858 064 // 0034 928 858 255

Antigua Healthcare Centre: 0034 928 878 012

Betancuria Healthcare Surgery: 0034 928 878 726

Vega de Río Palmas Healthcare Surgery: 0034 928 878 455

Corralejo Healthcare Centre: 0034 928 535 969

La Oliva Healthcare Surgery: 0034 928 868 005

Lajares Healthcare Surgery: 0034 928 861 731

Pájara Healthcare Surgery: 0034 928 161 760

Costa Calma Healthcare Surgery: 0034 928 875 564

Morro Jable Healthcare Centre: 0034 928 545 070 // Emergencies: 0034 928 545 071