Brits dreaming of aqua waters, white sand and rum punch needn’t fork out hundreds for a trip to the Caribbean, as Spain offers a tropical alternative for a fraction of the cost.
Set along Fuerteventura’s southeastern coast is Sotavento Beach – one of the longest in the Canary Islands.
Spanning nearly nine kilometres, the beach is a postcard vision, renowned for its famous shallow lagoons, vivid blue-green seas, powder white sand, and palm trees – a rare sight in Europe.
Fuerteventura boasts 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, and daytime temperatures average around 22 degrees in May while sea temperatures sit close to 21 degrees – making it warm enough for sunbathing and swimming before summer travel kicks off.
While the Caribbean is a bucket-list destination for many, trips to the likes of Jamaica, Barbados and the Dominican Republic can be costly, often ranging from £1,000 to £1,500 per person for a week-long break at a cheaper resort.
However, holiday experts at First Choice have highlighted how a package holiday to Fuerteventura can cost considerably less, with seven-night trips starting at just £396 per person at Eurostars Las Salinas, a beachfront escape with modern suites.
For an upgraded experience, holidaymakers can opt for a stay at the all-inclusive R2 Pajara Beach from £593 per person.
Offering spacious sea view rooms, a range of dining options and multiple pools, the resort is a stone’s throw from only a five-minute drive to Sotavento Beach.
Sotavento Beach – one of the longest in the Canary Islands – is Fuerteventura’s answer to the Caribbean with its aqua waters, shallow lagoons and powder white sand
The beach offers a tropical paradise for a fraction of the cost, boasting palm trees, £2 pints of beer and 22 degree weather in May
Travellers can experience a slice of paradise without the expensive, nine-hour flight to the Caribbean, as Fuerteventura is located just four hours from the UK, with one-way Ryanair flights costing just £44 in May.
Away from the resorts, there are plenty of waterfront bars, cafés and restaurants within a 15-minute drive of Sotavento Beach that offer cheap eats and bargain tipples.
While a pint of local beer averages €2.50 (£2.18), a two-course meal typically costs less than €25 (£22). Experts recommends El Bar de Marko for its gourmet seafood and grilled fish tapas.
Sotavento Beach might be renowned for its crystal-clear waters and white sand, but it’s also an ideal destination for water sports due to its shallow lagoons and high Atlantic winds.
Top activities include windsurfing and kitesurfing, with international competitions regularly held along the coastline and private surfing lessons offered for as little as £75.
Kevin Nelson, Managing Director at First Choice holidays, commented: ‘Many people assume lagoon-style beaches mean flying halfway around the world and paying long-haul prices.
‘But Sotavento offers that same combination of vast sand, shallow clear waters and warm sunshine – all just four hours from the UK.
‘When you combine the shorter flight with package holidays that can cost hundreds of pounds less than many Caribbean trips, it becomes a very appealing option for travellers looking for tropical-style beaches without the long journey.’
Fuerteventura offers an abundance of waterfront bars and restaurants, with pints costing as little as £2 and two-course seafood meals around £22
Another Caribbean-like island that’s even closer to home near is Corsica, known for its pretty coastal towns, dense forest and green scenery.
While Corsica is located close to Sardinia in Italy, and has ties to Italian culture, it is officially part of France.
It’s popular among French holidaymakers due to its mountainous landscape and clean beaches, even drawing in celebrities and high society.
Beaches in the region bring to mind images of exotic destinations further afield, with visitors saying the island is ‘like the Caribbean’.
There’s good news for Brits, as flights from London to Figari on the island start from as little as £74 with easyJet – and it’s just a two hour and 20 minute hop.
Pietracorbara is a favourite destination, a busy beach that’s one of the island’s best sandy options – as is Rondinara, which has a unique round shape.
Saleccia is another alternative, hailed for its ‘dream’ beauty, with one Tripadvisor review saying: ‘Dream beach. Beautiful fine sand, turquoise sea.’
Another wrote: ‘The Caribbean… in Corsica! We knew it was one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica. This is confirmed. A very large sandy beach, very nice underfoot. Even in very high season, no difficulty to find room on the beach without touching.’
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