Corralejo es un pueblo situado en el extremo norte de Fuerteventura, en el municipio de La Oliva, que combina playas paradisíacas, dunas impresionantes y una mezcla de gente local con turistas, creando así un ambiente muy acogedor.
We are Guacimara and Pedro, born in Tenerife, and through our Tenerifelicidad project we’ve been telling you about our experiences living in the Canaries, and now our journey around the world in a campervan. And in this article we want to reveal the best of Corralejo.
The charming town of Corralejo
Corralejo, once a small fishing village, is now an ideal tourist destination boasting vast beaches and a landscape of sand dunes, as well as plenty of tourist activity and local life. It has grown into the second most populated area on the island, with a wealth of history dating back to the early 19th century.
The town has seen extensive development since the 70s, when it started to become a tourist resort due to its attractive beaches and dunes.
We’d recommend you go on this free tour of Corralejo to discover the scenic highlights and main points of interest.
How to get to Corralejo
Corralejo is easy for tourists to get to, thanks to the numerous transport options. Most visitors fly in to Fuerteventura Airport, not far from the island’s capital, Puerto del Rosario, or arrive by boat into the Port of Morro Jable, in the south of the island.
You can take a taxi, hire a car or take a bus to get to Corralejo, which is 40 minutes from the airport and 1 hour and 40 minutes from Morro Jable.
Another popular option is to take a ferry from Lanzarote, offering a picturesque crossing and the chance to enjoy some stunning views of the ocean and neighbouring islands.
The Corralejo Dunes: a spectacle of nature
The Corralejo Dunes form part of the Natural Park, covering more than 2,650 hectares. These dunes, created by the erosion of mollusc shells, vary from 0 to 50 metres in height and shape the almost desert-like landscape that stretches along the coast for some 8 km.
This natural park is also a noted natural film set and home to the International Kite Festival every November, taking advantage of the region’s trade winds. It also boasts a rich biodiversity, with endemic species of flora and fauna. These include birds such as the Canarian houbara and mammals such as rabbits and hedgehogs, which have adapted to the aridity of the environment. The area is also ideal for spotting pilot whales and dolphins.
The wonderful beaches of Corralejo
Corralejo is famous for its stunning beaches. With the perfect combination of crystal-clear waters and golden sands, these beaches offer peaceful spots for relaxing, as well as areas suitable for water sports. Here are some of Corralejo’s most iconic beaches, where natural beauty and leisure activities combine to offer unforgettable experiences to all who visit them.
Playa del Moro: Part of the Grandes Playas de Corralejo, this beach has fine sand and transparent waters, ideal for a day out with family or friends.
Playa Alzada: Another part of the Grandes Playas de Corralejo, but not as busy and favoured for its wild and peaceful setting, perfect for naturist bathers.
Playa El Bajo Negro: About 4 km from the centre of Corralejo, this beach is known for its calm, clear waters, ideal for relaxing all year round.
Playa Dormidero: Known for its peaceful atmosphere, this beach is an excellent option, even in the height of summer.
Playa del Pozo: Approximately 2 km from the centre, this beach is great for water sports and lies between Playa El Viejo and Playa de El Médano.
Water activities: thrills in the sea
Corralejo is a paradise for lovers of water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. With schools for all levels, it’s an ideal spot for both beginners and experts.
Here are three exciting activities that we’d recommend:
- Surf courses on Fuerteventura: Learn to surf or improve your skills on the Atlantic waves with a surf course. Ideal for enjoying the exceptional setting of Fuerteventura.
- Windsurfing course on the El Cotillo lagoons: become an expert windsurfer on the idyllic lagoons of El Cotillo.
- Kayaking trip to Isla de Lobos: explore the island of Lobos in a kayak, enjoying its crystal-clear waters and exceptional scenery. This trip offers an unforgettable experience and a different view of the island.
These suggested activities provide you with an exciting opportunity to admire the natural beauty of Corralejo from the sea and are ideal for anyone seeking a bit of adventure and contact with nature.
Corralejo markets: seek out some local treasure
The markets in Corralejo are an authentic and colourful experience, perfect for finding local products and souvenirs. The two main ones are:
Traditional Canarian Market: Located in the El Campanario shopping centre, this market is held every Thursday and Sunday. Here you’ll find Majorero cheeses, arts & crafts and a range of local products in a vibrant setting.
Baku Water Park Market: This market is held every Tuesday and Friday by the Corralejo water park. It’s ideal for buying unique handicrafts, local delicacies and aloe vera products, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
These markets are not just somewhere to shop, but also an opportunity to soak up the local culture, enjoy some live music and savour the island’s cuisine.
Walking in Corralejo: exploring nature
Corralejo has some amazing walking routes that allow you to discover the natural beauty of Fuerteventura. From the climb to the impressive Montaña Roja volcano to the circular route around the Calderón Hondo crater, there are walks for all levels.
The Montaña Roja trail is one of the most popular on Fuerteventura. This stunning volcanic cone is close to the Corralejo Dunes and has a horseshoe-shaped crater that can be seen from the road. At a height of 312m, Montaña Roja offers amazing views of the Corralejo coastline and the island of Lobos.
The circular route around Calderón Hondo lies between Lajares and Corralejo and can be accessed via a short and easy route of about 2.5 km. At a height of 278 m at the top and 222 m at its base, where there’s a lookout point, it offers stunning views of the crater, which is 65 m deep and 1.3 km around its perimeter.
These trails not only offer spectacular views, but also the chance to discover the local flora and fauna. Whether you’re looking for a challenging adventure or a relaxing stroll, walking in Corralejo is a must for nature lovers.
So as you can see, Corralejo is a unique blend of natural beauty, exciting activities and an interesting local culture, making it the perfect destination for your next holiday. If you do decide to come, here’s a mini-guide for a 4-day visit to Fuerteventura.
