As the UK continues to trudge through its winter months with cold, grey and wet weather, many Brits will be in desperate need of a winter holiday destination that gives them a chance to top up their Vitamin D levels. Luckily, there is a beautiful island that is often described as the “best place for winter sun”, and it’s only a four-hour flight away.

The Canary Islands are a year-round holiday hotspot, but particularly at this time of year. A Spanish archipelago, but located off Africa’s northwestern coast, its seven main islands are heralded for their year-round warm climates, diverse beaches and volcanic landscapes. However, most tourists only ever seem to flock to the most famous, like Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. In fact, last year, Tenerife led the way with an incredible 7.3 million visitors, followed by 4 million in Gran Canaria and 3.4 million in Lanzarote. Overall, approximately 85% of the Canary Islands’ nearly 18 million total tourists visited these three islands.

Meanwhile, Fuerteventura, despite being the second-largest of the Canary Islands, welcomed only 2.5 million tourists in 2024.

Primarily known for its white-sand beaches and year-round warmth, Fuerteventura covers 640 square miles and boasts an impressive 189 miles of coastline. It’s also a popular destination for watersport enthusiasts, particularly surfing, windsurfing and waterskiing.

Playa de Sotavento is one of the most famous and unique beaches on the island. Located on the southeast coast, during low tide, the beach boasts two shores. When the tide recedes, seawater gets trapped between the main beach and sandbanks, forming a second shoreline of golden sand. The beach is divided into five main areas: La Barca, Risco del Paso, Mirador, Malnombre and Los Canarios, each offering something unique.

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it ticks all the boxes for those craving a laid-back atmosphere. Boasting diverse landscapes, ranging from dunes to volcanic areas, it’s ideal for relaxation and exploring nature. Popular spots like Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste offer resorts, dining and activities suitable for all ages.

Its capital is Puerto del Rosario, while other popular towns include the family-friendly Caleta de Fuste with its chic harbour and markets and lively Corralejo with extensive beaches and dunes. El Cotillo is also a must-see, a picturesque fishing village known for its lagoon and surf.

Even in the winter months, average daytime highs are around 21–23C, with average lows at night typically falling to between 13C and 18C. January in Fuerteventura offers mild, pleasant weather, perfect for escaping winter, with average daytime highs around 20-21C and six to seven hours of sunshine with little rain. Sea temperatures also remain warm, at around 19C, perfect for comfortable beach days.

Fuerteventura is easily accessible by ferry or plane. According to Skyscanner, January is the cheapest month to fly to Fuerteventura (FUE). Brits can fly direct from the UK, from airports like Gatwick and Luton, with easyJet for as little as £79 return in early January, with a flight time of just four hours and 20 minutes.

Thanks to its three ports, it’s well-connected to the rest of the Canary Islands by ferry throughout the year. For example, the route between Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura takes as little as two hours, with tickets starting from €50 (£44) to €60 (£53), depending on your destination.