Corralejo
Corralejo is a beach-town on the northern tip of Fuerteventura. It is known for its vacation resorts, beaches, and as with the rest of the island, strong winds.
In contrast to all other towns and villages in Fuerteventura, this northern tourist area and the village have grown together. Corralejo has about 18 000 inhabitants, with 20 000 guest beds available.
Get in
Get around
Corralejo stretches around a bay and is generally small enough to get around by walking. However, numerous places are available to rent scooters, bikes, and other modes of transportation.
See
Beaches
Corralejo is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Fuerteventura. Whether you prefer the more rocky beaches to the north western side of town, or the pure, almost desert-like sand beaches of the east and south eastern side, there is beach for everyone. Be wary though; although not targeted as a nude beach, a large majority of tourists and beach goers here seem to enjoy the beach in the nude (For example El Cotillo).
The beach is only sandy at high tide. Beach life with bars and restaurants is to be found here.
Sand Dune National Park
Just south (bordering) of Corralejo, this large open space is dedicating to preserving the large, almost desert like dunes that hug the coastline. Feel free to walk up them, get a dune buggy ride, or just go and get that "walking in the desert" feel. And when you are done and get too hot, the ocean is right there.
Do
The nightlife of the city takes place on both sides. One can experience live music in the evening, but also go shopping.
Isla de los Lobos
More commonly known as Lobos Island, this Canary Island nature reserve has been without permanent human population since 1982. The island is accessible to tourists via a short ferry ride Corralejo harbour, and it has day facilities and weekend homes of local fishermen. It is easy to make a day trip to the island, which has many trails and wildlife for walkers, hikers and nature lovers. You can walk right round the island in around 2-3 hours. There is an old lighthouse on the northern tip of the island, providing spectacular views. From the old lighthouse on the island's northern tip, you will have a beautiful view of the bays around the Punta de Papagayo of Lanzarote. Glass-bottom ferries leave from Corralejo harbour and take just 15 minutes.
Kite Surfing
As the name of the island implies, the beaches of Corralejo are constantly bombarded with strong winds. While sometimes providing a nuisance or relief on a hot day, it is also an extremely well known spot for Kite surfing and wind surfing. Stands and rental shacks dot the town and island, most of which will provide private or group lessons.
Buy
Downtown Corralejo is host to many souvenir shops, as well as a small market area. There are grocery stores, pharmacies, and every other amenity required for an excellent stay. The big shopping centre El Campanero has a lot to offer, including a Canarian market every Sunday.
Eat
There are several bars and restaurants in Corralejo, esp. in the old town (usually Spanish cuisine - tapas etc.). Be aware, though, that some of them are Smoking, and while non-smokers are of course welcome, Non-Smoking sections aren't often found here.
The Bedrock Bar just down from the major shopping center El Campanero is excellent (although again, it is a Smoking bar) with a wide variety of food and beverages at very reasonable cost (the burgers in particular are delicious). If you don't fancy eating in the bar itself, they're always willing to cook you something to take away with you, although since the food is cooked to order and takes longer than the chippy down the high street, you might want to order a drink while you wait. For all you Brits, they also do a very good Sunday roast now and then (not as heavy as you might think in this weather!); the slight downside is that you have to book this in advance.
- Avenidas, Bristol Playa area opposite the Pancho Villa. Excellent seafood restaurant, featuring giant seafood paella platter, which easily feeds 2. US $21-30.