Planning your trip to Fuerteventura? Wondering what to do in Corralejo?
Here’s our complete guide to all the best places and things to do in the area, to make the most of your stay:
- beaches and lagoons to visit in Corralejo
- boat tours
- excursions around the island
- fun activities in the water or on land…
This is our personal selection of the 15 must-do activities in Corralejo.
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Downtown beaches
You can find several beaches right in the center of town. These small sandy coves are easily accessible, with clear waters, showers and restaurants all around.
We loved the atmosphere on these beaches at different times of the day and with the changing tides. There are 3 main ones.
On the old town side, just south of the port, lies Playa de Corralejo. It’s a fairly small cove with a ramp or staircase down to it.
It’s a little long but not very wide, so it fills up quickly.
A little further south, you arrive at Playa de Corralejo Viejo.
It’s a very small beach, with only a short stretch of sand. But the main attraction is the lagoon.
You can walk quite far from the beach and only be knee-deep or waist-deep in water (depending on the tide). With a view of the volcano on the island of Lobos, it’s really very pleasant.
And to the south-east, not far away, is the most popular beach: playa de los Verilitos.
You’ll come up with several names for this beach: La Goleta, Waikiki…
This is the slightly wider beach in the continuity of Viejo.
The sandy area is larger, ideal for relaxing.
This is where you’ll find water sports activities such as paddleboarding, windsurfing and so on.
Some sections have sandy access and others are rocky.
Find out more in our article on Corralejo’s most beautiful beaches.
2. Jump into the waves at Playas Grandes
If you’re looking for even bigger sandy beaches, and the waves are fun, take your car or rent a bike and head down to the Corralejo dune park.
Around the Riu Palace Tres Islas hotel, you’ll find very long sandy beaches that are also wide: the Playas Grandes. Sections near hotels are supervised. But if you want a little more peace and quiet, it’s possible to go further afield.
The most popular is just south of the Riu palace.
But we also loved the views from Playa del Pozo, further north of the hotels and really right opposite the volcano on the island of Lobos.
It’s a bit of a walk to get to the seafront from the road, but we loved the atmosphere with the waves, the colors and the views.
3. Visit the island of Lobos
The island of Lobos is one of our favorite places to visit in Fuerteventura. The small island is fascinating with its volcano and small cones, as well as its different ecosystems.
The natural pools “Las Lagunitas” are less than a 30-minute walk from the landing stage. But we’d advise you to tour the island first and finish by taking a dip in the lagoon, to cool off before setting off again.
Here, coves are protected by numerous volcanic rocks, creating large natural pools with calm waters.
Access from Corralejo:
- The crossing from Corralejo is made on small ferry boats or cab boats – save time by booking your ticket.
- Wear good walking shoes to explore the island
- Wear swimming shoes to enter the water
- Be sure to bring your own water for the day.
See our article on Lobos Island.
WHERE TO STAY IN Corralejo
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the old town, with small beaches and restaurants.
Hotel La Marquesina, small hotel above the beach – see prices, photos and availability
Around the central beaches, the big resorts.
Secrets Bahia 5-star luxury hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Further from the center, towards the dunes.
Hotel Tao Caleta Mar if you prefer direct access to the very long beaches – see prices, photos and availability
4. Admire the sunrise
Corralejo is a very lively town, and we enjoyed its atmosphere in the evening, but it’s worth getting up early to see the sun rise, changing the colors of the water and illuminating the fine sand of the beaches and the white buildings.
5. Getting lost in the dunes of Corralejo
One of Fuerteventura’s main attractions is the Corralejo Dunes Park.
This is a fascinating protected natural park with sand dunes right next to the beach.
Contrary to popular belief, the sand does not come from the Sahara desert.
It was formed naturally on the island.
It’s a fascinating world of contrast with turquoise water, dark volcanic rock and golden/white sand.
Access from Corralejo:
- 10min drive south of Corralejo
- Several parking areas along the FV1 road
- Make sure you know where you are so you don’t get lost in the dunes.
More photos in our article on the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Fuerteventura
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
6. Stroll through the old town and along the seafront promenade
The atmosphere in Corralejo is very pleasant indeed. We really enjoyed it. It’s one of our favorite places to stay in Fuerteventura(see our guide).
We recommend taking the time to stroll through the streets of the old town, discovering the church, the houses with their colorful doors and windows, and the many restaurants and cafés.
Then enjoy the seafront promenade, starting at the port with its fish sculptures, then discovering a few other statues and magnificent views over the town and the island of Lobos.
When visibility is good, you can also admire the island of Lanzarote and its volcanoes a little further on.
And take time to stop off at one of the many blue benches. Relax, breathe and admire the colors and sparkle of the water!
7. Fun at Acua Water Park
Looking for some thrills and refreshment at the same time?
Fuerteventura’s only water park is located in Corralejo, in the center of town: Acua Water Park
It’s very easy to get to.
There’s a river where you can float on a buoy, and a whole series of slides with different speeds and sensations.
We also loved the view from the top of the slides with Montana San Rafael in the background, the start of the series of volcanoes.
Buy your tickets to get in line faster (it’s very busy when it opens!).
8. Go on a buggy or e-bike adventure…
The Fuerteventura region is also ideal for off-the-beaten-track adventures and lunar landscapes.
Be sure to bring a bandana or other piece of cloth to cover your mouth, as a lot of dust will be flying around you.
But it’s great for getting your adrenalin pumping, having fun and discovering more remote corners of the island: desert hills and dry riverbeds.
The options are:
- buggy: see program and availability – book now! (Please note that to drive a vehicle, you must be at least 18 years old, but young people can be passengers).
- by eBike: see program and availability – book now!
- Segway: see program and availability – book now!
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9. Try out a water sport: surfing, windsurfing…
Fuerteventura is also known for its water sports.
If you’ve always wanted to discover an activity in the sea, go for it!
This is a great opportunity to discover new sensations and maybe find your new passion.
- Surf lesson – see availability
- Windsurfing lessons – see availability
- Jet ski trip – see availability
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- …
10. Go shopping… or visit El Campaniaro
There are several shopping centers in Corralejo for those who love shopping.
At weekends, you can also enjoy live music.
The most beautiful is Centro Comercial El Campaniaro.
It owes its name to its Canarian colonial-style bell tower.
We really enjoyed the cobbled streets with all their colourful buildings. You feel more like you’re walking through a small village than a shopping mall.
And for the best-known brands and a more classic shopping experience, there’s the Las Palmeras shopping center.
11. Looking for popcorn on the beach
Haha, yes it’s a funny idea.
Near Corralejo are several beaches with what looks like popcorn on the sand. They’re actually corals. The smaller ones look like popcorn and the larger ones like cauliflower heads. But it’s the popcorn that’s chosen, surely because it’s more inspiring…
The best-known, Playa del Bajo de la Burra, is the so-called “popcorn beach” just outside town (15min unpaved road).
But if you wander south of Corralejo’s main beaches, you can also find them. Like in front of the Secrets Bahia hotel.
12. Excursion around the island: mountains and dunes
If you’re prepared to spend a slightly longer day on the road, we highly recommend taking the time to explore the island, one of the best excursions from Corralejo.
- The panoramic mountain road with its superb views
- The ancient capital, village of Betancuria
- The famous Corralejo dunes
- Ajuy caves
- And perhaps also the Jandia lagoon
See program and availability – and book!
13. Enjoy the many restaurants
There’s a wide choice of restaurants in Corralejo, from Mediterranean to international in style
Some offer beautiful sea views, while others transport you more with your taste buds.
For a light lunch, we really liked the charm of the family-run Baobab restaurant.
In the evening, consider D Vales Bay, with its lovely views from the terrace and its pretty decor.
14. Enjoy the evening atmosphere
Corralejo is a very lively and vibrant town.
In the evenings, the restaurant terraces fill up, with everyone enjoying the fresh air and the warmth of the kitchens.
There are also bars of different styles, depending on what you’re looking for: Irish Bar, Belgian Beer House, Karaoke and Disco bar…
15 to 17 – Other activities for children
In addition to the beaches and water park, here are a few more suggestions to discover with your children.
15. Minigolf Fantasia
Next to the water park, you’ll find a miniature golf course overlooking one of the slides.
It’s a bit old-fashioned for our taste, but it’s always great fun to play a round of miniature golf.
It’s great fun for all the family.
This one has 18 holes.
But beware, there’s no shade.
Depending on how many people you are, allow 1 to 1.5 hours.
16. Board the tourist train
The Wally Trolley is a small yellow, white and red tourist train. You can’t miss it. It offers short tours of the town lasting 30 minutes.
For adults, this is not the most fascinating, as Corralejo is not known for its architecture, but young children love the experience.
17. Playroom – what to do when it’s raining or too hot…
And if conditions outside get too hot, you’ll find air-conditioned games rooms, like the one pictured above: Gambito Games.
18 to 21 – Excursions from Corralejo
You can also plan other excursions, guided or by car, from Corralejo. Discover them all in our article on excursions. Here’s a short introduction
18. Excursion to Lanzarote
Another good option when staying in Corralejo is to visit the neighboring island of Lanzarote.
They are both very different, as many of the landscapes of Lanzarote are quite recent compared to Fuerteventura (eruption in the 18th century).
It’s actually a short ferry ride from Corralejo to Playa Blanca (south of Lanzarote).
If you don’t want to organize everything yourself, you can book a full tour with pick-up, boat and bus, or a walking tour to the other end.
- The volcanoes of Timanfaya National Park are impressive. A single road crosses it, with limited access. It’s surreal
- This tour combines the park with a visit to the famous vineyards. Despite the lack of rain and the hardness of the soil, wine production is high. We’ll show you how.
19. Excursion to the West Coast
If you rent a car in Fuerteventura, we recommend that you explore the northwest coast of Fuerteventura with, for example:
- El Cotillo, a pretty little town with a very different atmosphere. You’ll discover lagoon beaches, a lighthouse and a fort.
- The charming fishing village of Puertito de los Molinos, one of our favorites with its black sandy beach.
- Aguas Verdes, only at low tide – the most beautiful natural swimming pool on Fuerteventura(see our list)
20. Hiking in Calderon Hondo
If you want to stretch your legs, you can also explore the volcanoes.
One of the best-known short hikes is up Calderon Hondo to its summit at 278m.
If you don’t have a vehicle, you can book an excursion – see availability
21. Excursion to Puerto del Rosario
If you’re looking for a slightly less touristy experience, Fuerteventura’s capital is not a main attraction. Here you can see how the locals live.
Among the city’s points of interest, we liked:
- The large number of sculptures
- Street art
- Lime kilns along the seafront promenade
- Notre Dame del Rosario church
- And there’s also the Miguel de Unamuno Museum, but it was closed when we visited.
See our article on the best things to do in Puerto del Rosario.
Access from Corralejo: 25min drive. Bus line 6.
Practical tips for visiting Corralejo
Where Corralejo is – map
Here is a map to help you find your way:
The town of Corralejo is very easy to reach, in the north of the island.
- Fuerteventura airport in Corralejo = 30min drive
- Corralejo to Caleta de Fuste = 45min
- Corralejo to Morro Jable = 1h40
- Corralejo to Costa Calma = 1h20
- Corralejo to El Cotillo = 20min
Getting around Corralejo
It’s easy to get around the city center on foot. It’s not very big.
However, to get to the Playa Grandes beaches or to explore the surrounding area, you need to take a cab, an excursion or rent a car.
There are also electric scooters, but we saw far fewer of them than in other Canarian towns.