Stepping off the ferry at Corralejo is like letting out a deep breath. There’s a chilled out vibe on Fuerteventura that’s deeply seductive, but there’s also plenty to keep you stimulated in this buzzing resort.
On the ferry from Lanzarote, you can often see flying fish leaping from the waves and you’ll also pass the strange, charming Isla de Lobos on the left. If you want to explore Lobos further, you can board one of the ferries that regularly operates from Corralejo – but this is definitely worth planning as a day trip in itself.
Otherwise, just head into the resort along the pretty promenade to the left. What you’ll find is Fuerteventura’s oldest resort, and the one with most character. Corralejo was a fishing village before it became a resort, and traces of its heritage are still evident. But it’s also a cosmopolitan residential zone, with plenty of interesting shops tucked away down its charming side streets.
If you want to eat, don’t just grab the first table you see. There’s so much on offer in Corralejo that it makes sense to shop around first. The biggest concentration of eateries is just behind the seafront in the pedestrian zone around C/Iglesia, but there is much, much more, and the Plaza de Félix Estévez – known to residents and tourists as Music Square because of its live entertainment – is always buzzing.
Corralejo’s main street, the Avenida de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, is usually busy and full of things to do. It’s also worth heading to the Campanario Shopping Centre, where you’ll find craft markets on Thursdays and Sundays, and a second-hand market on Saturdays. At the end of the Avenida is the Aqua Park – the only waterpark on Fuerteventura.
If you fancy sunbathing, Corralejo has plenty of golden beaches, and the famous dunes and windsurfers paradise of Flag Beach are just a short taxi ride away. In the other direction, you can go west, walking along wild shorelines past perfect surfing beaches to the Instagram phenomenon known as Popcorn Beach.
Take your time in Corralejo – there’s no hurry at all – and enjoy the return voyage on the ferry as you leave those mystical volcanoes and golden beaches behind you. Don’t worry – they’ll be there when you return.
GETTING THERE
Ferries run between Playa Blanca and Corralejo all day. Foot passengers on the car ferries run by Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas will pay around €60 return (€15 for residents), while the smaller ferry run by Lineas Romero costs around €40 (€10 residents). If you fancy staying a night or two in Corralejo, you’ll find plenty of hotels to suit all budgets.
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