Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, the two eastern islands of the Canary Islands archipelago, are increasingly popular destinations for relocations: exceptional climate (300+ sunny days a year), established international communities, world-class wind sports, attractive tax conditions and a reasonable cost of living compared with mainland Spain. This guide covers prices, areas, specific features and formalities for moving to either island.
Fuerteventura: areas and characteristics
Puerto del Rosario (capital)
A services city, home to many civil servants and professionals:
- Population: approx. 42,000
- Full range of services (hospital, secondary school, shops, offices)
- 2-bedroom flat rental: 500–850 €/month
- Location of the main commercial port
Corralejo (north)
Classic tourist hub with a large international community:
- Natural dunes, unspoilt beaches
- Well-established Italian, British and German communities
- Higher rents: 700–1,300 €/month
- Digital nomads and sports enthusiasts (kitesurfing, windsurfing)
Caleta de Fuste
Residential-tourist hub, ideal for families:
- Close to the airport (15 minutes)
- New developments with good accessibility
- Rents: 650–1,100 €/month
- Medical services, supermarkets and schools nearby
Costa Calma, Morro Jable, Jandía (south)
The southern part of the island, dominated by tourism and European residents:
- Spectacular beaches (Sotavento, Playa del Matorral)
- Costa Calma: strong German community
- Morro Jable: traditional fishing village with local character
- Widely varying rents: 600–1,500 €/month
Lanzarote: areas and characteristics
Arrecife (capital)
Administrative and commercial centre:
- Population: approx. 64,000
- Full range of services, hospital, public institutions
- Main commercial port (Los Mármoles)
- Rents: 550–950 €/month
Costa Teguise
Residential-tourist area designed by César Manrique:
- Well-planned streets and carefully maintained aesthetics
- Large British community
- Good international schools
- Rents: 650–1,200 €/month
Playa Blanca (south)
Highly sought-after tourist-residential hub:
- Facing the Los Lobos channel, ferry to Fuerteventura (Corralejo)
- Rents: 700–1,400 €/month
- Steady population growth, new housing developments
Famara and La Caleta (north)
Surf and nature area, home to bohemian communities and sport enthusiasts:
- Famara beach: a world-class wave
- Small villages with authentic charm
- More affordable rents: 550–900 €/month
- Limited services (longer distances for shopping and healthcare)
Tías, San Bartolomé, Tinajo (inland)
- Traditional villages with authentic local life
- Affordable: 450–750 €/month
- Well connected to the rest of the island
Removal prices to Fuerteventura and Lanzarote
From mainland Spain
- Studio flat (≤15 m³): 1,400–2,000 €
- 2-bedroom flat (20–30 m³): 1,900–2,800 €
- Large property (40–60 m³): 2,900–4,600 €
- Including a car: +1,500–1,900 €
Prices are slightly higher than for Tenerife or Las Palmas because containers are transhipped through those islands, and because the volume of removals is lower.
Between the Canary Islands
- Tenerife → Fuerteventura/Lanzarote: 1,000–1,500 €
- Gran Canaria → Fuerteventura/Lanzarote: 900–1,400 € (shorter crossing)
- Fuerteventura ↔ Lanzarote: 700–1,100 € (daily ferry, Corralejo–Playa Blanca)
- Within the same island: 400–800 €
Specific features
Ferry connection between the islands
Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are connected by a frequent ferry service (Corralejo–Playa Blanca, 30 minutes, multiple daily departures). For removals between the two islands:
- The lorry and container board the ferry directly
- Quick crossing (30 minutes) vs. transhipment by large vessel (1–2 days)
- Lower cost compared with other inter-island moves
Wind as a logistical factor
Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are very windy islands (constant trade winds at 15–30 km/h, gusts exceeding 60 km/h):
- Take care when loading light furniture outdoors
- Keep protective covers and plastic wrapping properly secured
- On very windy days (>50 km/h): the move will be slower and more complex, and delays are possible
- Check the forecast and postpone if there is a yellow or orange wind warning
Traditional houses versus modern developments
In traditional villages (Pájara, Yaiza, Teguise) you will find older properties with narrow streets, small doorways and staircases. Modern developments (Caleta de Fuste, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise) offer very good accessibility.
Formalities after moving to Fuerteventura or Lanzarote
Local registration (empadronamiento)
Available online and in person at each municipal council. The process is the same as anywhere in the Canary Islands. Further detail: local registration in the Canary Islands.
Canary Islands Health Service
- Fuerteventura: Hospital General de Fuerteventura in Puerto del Rosario
- Lanzarote: Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa in Arrecife
- Health centres in each municipality
- Complex specialist care: transfer to Gran Canaria with SCS coverage
Tax specifics
The same tax regime as the rest of the Canary Islands (IGIC, REF). Lanzarote and Fuerteventura also offer an additional regional IRPF deduction for residents of non-capital islands (consult a local adviser for details).
Digital nomad life in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote
These two islands are among the world's top destinations for digital nomads:
- Fuerteventura: Corralejo (Coworking Surf), El Cotillo, Costa Calma
- Lanzarote: Famara (NestCity, Coworking Surf Lanzarote), Costa Teguise, Arrecife
- Active international community
- Networking events, surfing, yoga, retreats
- Fibre broadband in urban areas (not always available in rural villages)
More about remote working in the Canary Islands: moving with remote work.
Frequently asked questions about moving to Fuerteventura or Lanzarote
Which of the two islands is better to live on?
It depends on your preferences:
- Fuerteventura: wilder nature, unspoilt beaches, sports (surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing), tranquillity
- Lanzarote: more cultural appeal (César Manrique architecture), better services network, better connected
If you are a sports enthusiast or love nature, choose Fuerteventura. If you value services and thoughtful design, choose Lanzarote.
How long does the removal from mainland Spain take?
Door to door: 12–18 days. The sea transit takes longer (8–12 days) because of transhipment at Tenerife or Gran Canaria, followed by a smaller vessel to Fuerteventura or Lanzarote.
Do I need a car on these islands?
Yes, practically essential. The bus network (guaguas) is functional but limited (low frequency, does not reach everywhere). A car gives you total freedom to explore the island and travel comfortably.
What about shipping a car from mainland Spain?
Yes, we handle that. The car can go in the same container or as separate cargo by sea. Additional cost: approximately 1,500–1,900 €. More details: vehicle transport in containers.
What is the schooling situation for families?
Good in urban areas (Puerto del Rosario, Arrecife, Corralejo, Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca, Caleta de Fuste). There are state schools, subsidised private schools and international schools (German and British). In rural areas the local state school is usually the only option — generally good, but with fewer specialisms.
Do you handle small removals between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote?
Yes, regularly. The Corralejo–Playa Blanca route has frequent ferries, and our team can complete the move in a single day (load in the morning on one island, unload in the afternoon on the other). Very reasonable cost: 700–1,100 € depending on volume.
Your move to Fuerteventura or Lanzarote
At Horizont Atlantic we have a presence and extensive experience on both eastern islands: we know the ports, the areas, the peculiarities of the wind and the local formalities. Request a quote, specifying the island and destination area, and we will respond within 24–48 hours with a personalised proposal.
