Corralejo

Holiday information about Corralejo, Fuerteventura

At the northern end of the island is Corralejo  where the first few self catering apartments and hotels launched the island into tourism in the mid 1960s. Now the holiday industry has taken off in a big way.

This large resort is famous for the massive sand dunes which lie on the outskirts of the town. Here the monochrome landscape gives way to immense shimmering dunes, reminding you of Saharan Morocco, just 60 miles to the east.

The famous Corralejo dunes, which have featured in a number of films and TV shows, are now a protected national park. The hot sand can toast your toes, so wear sandals. The light reflected from it can bring a quick tan, or sunburn, so whether you fly a kite or just laze sheltering in the stone nests beside the sea, take care to use a high factor sun bloc. The constant cooling breeze can be deceptive, making it seem just comfortably warm when in reality you could be almost frying!

Getting about in Corralejo

Many people hire bikes to get to the outskirts of Corralejo and visit the massive sand dunes.

Taxis are also cheap. A mini-train servce used to run about the town of Corralejo but this has sadly been suspended although there is a campaign to bring to back.

Corralejo town centre

Corralejo town itself still retains some of the charm of it's early days. Here you can see spectacular views of Lanzarote and the Isle of Lobos from the old harbour area.

Several boats make the short journey to the Isle of Lobos every day. Originally called "the Island of Wolves" because of the colonies of sea wolves that set up home on the island until the 19th century, it is virtually uninhabited and has a beautiful sandy beach with crystal clear water.

Development in Corralejo

In Corralejo there is a water park, a host of restaurants, bars and shops and something for all the family.

More and more apartments are springing up in Corralejo every year and today, it is a forever growing, lively and colourful town. However, in the centre of it there is still a white golden sandy beach where you can sprawl out.

Most of the shops, bars and restaurants are spread along Corralejo main street which leads eventually to the harbour.

Apartments are continuously being built on the outskirts of Corralejo which can be some considerable distance away from the "action".

The latest development is Tamaragua - also known as La Capellania - is virtually a mini town in itself but is about 15 minutes drive from Corralejo. Sme places have a private swimming pool otherwise there is a social club where for 3 Euros a day you can use the local social club's pool and facilities.

Sport in Corralejo

Although there is a sports stadium in Corralejo, most sport revolves around the beach - challenging winds makes it a popular venue for windsurfers, surfers and kite boarders.

Off road bikers can find plenty of challenging tracks around Corralejo and there are opportunities for scuba divers and deep sea fishing.

The old town of Corralejo

The original town of Corralejo is centred around the old harbour which was used by local fishermen and fishing from the harbour wall is still popular. There is a small sheltered beach that provides safe bathing called La Clavellina. This beach is popular among shoppers and workers as quick sunbathing spot but for serious sunbathing sessions, most tourists prefer the other beaches.

Corralejo Marina

The marina in Corralejo is used by pleasure craft and by the ferry services to Lanzarote and Lobos, a small island a 15 minute ferry ride away. There are various trips that run from the harbour to the island and others for dolphin trips and glass bottomed boats. Bookings for these can be made at one of the many booths around the marine.

Two ferry services ply between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote and leave every 30 minutes.

Beaches and dunes of Corralejo

South of the old port is a larger sandy beach that offers splendid views of the Island of Lobos.

But the main reason people go to Corralejo is to visit the sand dunes situated on miles of sandy beaches. Parts of these beaches are a natural for water sports being exposed to the wind.

Circular stone structures provide a windbreak for those that just want to lie in the sun the more isolated areas are popular with naturists.

No building is allowed in this area apart from the two hotels which stand on the dunes. The current president of Fuerteventura even wants to pull these down.

The main beach is known as Flag Beach which is a series of beaches that run between  Punta de Tivas and the Tres Islas hotels, called Playa del Pozo, Playa del Medano and Playa de Viejo.

Exposed to the wind, these beaches are popular among water sports enthuisiasts. They are also popular with naturists, especially Playa del Pozo,  but even though the attitude to nudity on Fuerteventura is quite relaxed, naturists don't tend to "flaunt it" in your face preferring their own areas and leaving plenty of others for families.

Getting to Corralejo

If arriving at Fuerteventura airport, transfer time by taxi will take about 40 minutes.

From the airport to the resort of Coralejo takes about 40-45 minutes. By bus from the airport involves a ten minute journey into Puerto del Rosario on the number 3, then the number 6 bus to Corralejo. From Caleta de Fuste, it takes about a 15 minute bus ride into Puerto del Rosario before transfering to the number 6.

As you approach Corralejo on the left you will see the Caderilla de Roja, which is one of the extinct volcanoes that created these islands, and to the right some lovely sandy beaches that stretch up most of the coast to Corralejo.

A different bus service operates from El Cotillo and the section on timetables will give you details.

. Market days in Corralejo

. The market in Corralejo is one of the biggest on the island. It is held on Mondays and Fridays with the Friday market being the most popular with tourist trips from other parts of the island.

It is held by the water park and some excursions combine a trip to the market with entrance to the water park.

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