Welsh holidaymakers seeking a slice of paradise have a new direct route to sunshine, as TUI launches flights from Cardiff Airport to the Canary Island of Fuerteventura. The inaugural service to this so-called 'mini Maldives' begins on December 20, 2025, providing a convenient four-hour escape to balmy winter temperatures.
Your Gateway to a Canarian Paradise
Often overshadowed by its neighbours Tenerife and Lanzarote, Fuerteventura is the second-largest Canary Island and boasts a stunning 150km of pristine, often deserted, beaches. With its powdery white sands and vivid turquoise waters, it's a compelling alternative for travellers. While Tenerife welcomed 6.2 million visitors in 2024, Fuerteventura received a more manageable 2.5 million, promising a less crowded experience.
The new Saturday-only flight from Cardiff is perfectly timed for winter sun, with temperatures in Fuerteventura peaking at a pleasant 20°C. The inaugural December flight and its return a week later cost £576 per person for a return ticket. For those planning ahead, the same route in May 2026 drops to £376 per person.
Exploring Fuerteventura's Lunar Landscapes and History
The island's dramatic coastline is its biggest attraction. On the south-west, the remote Playa de Cofete stretches for 13km of soft sand, backed by mountains and accessible only by bus or car. This breathtaking location was used as a filming site for the 2018 Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Another highly recommended area is the Jardinia Peninsula. As noted by visitors on Reddit, the coast from Costa Calma to Morro Jable offers a stunning 12-mile beach walk at low tide, alongside a natural park featuring miles of walkable dunes.
For a change from the beach, head inland to the historic town of Betancuria, founded in 1404, or visit the Museo Arqueológico de Fuerteventura. As expected in the Canaries, water sports are plentiful, with surfing, paddleboarding, diving, and windsurfing all on offer.
More New Routes and Increased Frequency from Cardiff
TUI is significantly expanding its programme from the Welsh capital. Alongside the new Fuerteventura service, the airline will launch flights to Hurghada, Egypt, on May 2, 2026, and to Faro, Portugal, on May 21, 2026. Bookings for these are not yet open.
The carrier is also boosting frequency on several other popular routes from Cardiff:
- Antalya will increase to four flights per week.
- Gran Canaria will become twice weekly.
- Cardiff to Palma de Mallorca rises from five to six flights weekly.
- Extra weekly flights will also be added for Tenerife and Enfidha in Tunisia.
For Welsh travellers, the message is clear: escaping the winter rain for a sunny coastal retreat has never been easier.
