As Brits battle through another dreary winter of cold, grey skies and relentless rain, many will be desperately seeking a winter getaway to soak up some much-needed sunshine. Fortunately, there's a stunning island often hailed as the "best place for winter sun", and it's just a four-hour flight from the UK.

The Canary Islands have long been a year-round favourite, but they're especially appealing during the colder months. This Spanish archipelago, situated off the northwestern coast of Africa, comprises seven main islands renowned for their consistently warm weather, varied beaches and dramatic volcanic terrain.

Yet, the majority of holidaymakers tend to gravitate towards the most well-known destinations such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Last year alone, Tenerife attracted a staggering 7.3 million visitors, whilst Gran Canaria drew 4 million and Lanzarote welcomed 3.4 million. But there's one true treasure of an island that many are overlooking.

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Remarkably, around 85 per cent of the Canary Islands' nearly 18 million annual tourists chose these three islands. By contrast, Fuerteventura, despite being the archipelago's second-largest island, received just 2.5 million tourists in 2024, reports the Express.

Best known for its pristine white-sand beaches and consistently balmy temperatures, Fuerteventura spans 640 square miles and features an extraordinary 189 miles of coastline. The island is also a magnet for watersports lovers, particularly those keen on surfing, windsurfing and waterskiing. Playa de Sotavento, one of the most renowned and distinctive beaches on the island, is situated on the southeast coast. During low tide, the beach reveals a unique feature - two shorelines.

As the tide pulls back, seawater becomes trapped between the main beach and sandbanks, creating a secondary shoreline of golden sand. The beach is split into five key areas: La Barca, Risco del Paso, Mirador, Malnombre and Los Canarios, each with its own unique charm. As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it's a dream come true for those seeking a tranquil atmosphere. With diverse landscapes that span from dunes to volcanic regions, it's perfect for unwinding and immersing oneself in nature.

Popular locations like Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste provide resorts, dining options and activities suitable for all ages. The capital is Puerto del Rosario, while other popular towns include the family-friendly Caleta de Fuste, known for its stylish harbour and markets, and the vibrant Corralejo, famed for its expansive beaches and dunes. El Cotillo is another must-visit spot, a charming fishing village celebrated for its lagoon and surf.

Even during the winter months, average daytime temperatures hover around 21-23 °C, with nighttime lows typically dropping to between 13 °C and 18 °C. January in Fuerteventura offers mild, pleasant weather, ideal for escaping the winter chill, with average daytime highs around 20-21 °C and six to seven hours of sunshine with minimal rainfall.

Sea temperatures also remain warm, at around 19C, making for comfortable beach days. Fuerteventura is easily reached by ferry or plane. Skyscanner suggests that January is the most affordable month to jet off to Fuerteventura (FUE).

Brits can hop on a direct flight from UK airports such as Gatwick and Luton with easyJet, bagging return tickets for as low as £79 in early January, with a mere four hours and 20 minutes of air time. Boasting three ports, it's well-linked to the rest of the Canary Islands via ferry all year round. For instance, the journey between Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura can be as quick as two hours, with fares ranging from €50 (£44) to €60 (£53), depending on your final stop.

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