One of our favorite areas to visit in the north of Fuerteventura is Corralejo. It is one of the most charming villages in the country. FuerteventuraIt is not yet very crowded and offers a much more local atmosphere than the southern part of the island, more focused on large hotels and resorts. Besides being a perfect base for visiting the island, this small fishing village also has many things to visit. If you don't want to miss anything about Corralejo, keep reading.
What to do in Corralejo town
Corralejo is usually the option chosen by many people for staying and visiting Fuerteventura. We decided to stay in a aparthotel with very good value for money. It is a complex with swimming pool, bar on the terrace, gym, etc, has everything. The apartments are quite new and all have their own kitchen and terrace. We were surprised that they leave towels and a beach umbrella in the apartment in case you have not been able to bring them on the flight. In addition, now that telecommuting is booming, we saw that they have an offer for digital nomads, with networking options included. We leave you for here the link in case you still don't know where staying in Corralejo.
Here are, from our experience, some of the best things to visit in Corralejo: its beaches, its mills (yes, you read that right, we will tell you later what they are), its promenade or its port, from which you can make some very cool excursions. Most of the plans we tell you about can be done without a car, although we recommend you to rent one to make the most of the time and visit more parts of the island.
Walking along the Bristol promenade
You will find in Corralejo several places with this curious name, Bristol. You should know that its origin comes from the surname of one of the conquerors of Fuerteventura, Monsiur de Bristor. This promenade is newly renovated and its route goes from the Bristol pool to the port of Corralejo. It's a nice walk to do before or after dinner, as it is very close to the restaurant area of the port.
Getting to know the port of Corralejo
The port of Corralejo is located at one end of the promenade of Bristol, so the way to get there is full of benches where you can sit and enjoy the breeze while watching the boats. In addition, it is very close to the area of leisure and restoration so it is also perfect for a stroll at night and dine at one of the fish and seafood restaurants that are in the area.
From there, most of the excursions that can be done by boat from Corralejo: the excursion to the Lobos Islandthe excursion to Lanzarote and the Timanfaya national park from Fuerteventura, different activities of whale watching, o catamaran rides at sunset.
🚗 Where to park in Corralejo
If you have trouble parking your car, just at the end of the Bristol promenade, next to the Bristol Pond, there is an open area where there is plenty of space to park your car.
Taking a picture with the Corralejo sign
From the seaport to the most central area of Corralejo there is still a promenade lined with restaurants If you are interested, we will tell you more about them in detail in this post. In this walk you can find the typical sign that has become very famous in all cities with the name of the site. You can easily find it on google maps by searching for "cartel corralejo". There are also several sculptures in honor of fishermen and sailors, as well as a small pier "chico".
Having a drink at the Plaza Patricio Calero
In high season, there is usually a stage in this square where there is almost always some concert or show. There are many terraces around where you can sit for dinner or a drink and enjoy the show for free. We recommend you to go after dinner because the restaurants in the area looked a little bit for tourists.
Finding mills and millstones
The molinas, or female mills, are typical constructions of Fuerteventura similar to windmills. They differ from them in that the mills have a square floor plan and are lighter and single-storey, thus making the work easier. On the island it has been widely used to grind the grain with which it is made the gofio one of the most typical dishes of the Canary Islands.
In Corralejo you can visit several windmills that are scattered throughout the town center as a historical monument.
Taste the Canarian gastronomy
Don't leave Corralejo without passing by the Church Street Mari and Miguelín Street, the surroundings and the port area. Here you will find some of the best restaurants where you will be able to taste typical Canarian dishes. Our favorites are the papas arrugás with mojo (we can't tell if we like red or green better!), the gofio The local goat meat and fish.
Enjoying the beaches of Corralejo
In the same town of Corralejo there are several beaches that you can easily walk to if you do not want to take the car. Some of the best beaches are:
- Corralejo or Corralejo Beach Muelle Chico Small beach located just behind the sign "Corralejo" and next to the pier. It is not one of the best but it is one of the most central.
- Beach of Corralejo Viejo
- Playa de los Verilitos
- Playa del Medium
- Bristol Pond Small beach that owes its name to the pool of sandy bottom and turquoise waters that is formed at low tide. Perfect to go with children as it does not cover anything. It is not crowded at all because it has no surveillance and is a little away from the center of town.
If you are interested in the best beaches of Corralejo take a look at our article to make sure you don't miss any of them.
If you have a car, we recommend you to visit the beaches in the area Corralejo Dunes Natural Park The most of them are quite more spectacular. Most of them have incredible views of Lanzarote and the island of Lobos. Some of the best beaches are:
- Great Beaches of Corralejo
- Playa del Moro
- Playa del Donkey
Another typical beach, although difficult to access, is the one known as Palomitas Beach. Relatively recently it has become known through social networks for its curious "sand" in the form of popcorn. Although it is not yet overcrowded, many people come to take the typical photo for instagram.
Try some aquatic activity
Fuerteventura is a perfect island to try or improve some aquatic activity. The winds that characterize the island make it perfect for practice surf, windsurf, kitesurf o paddle surf.
If you have never tried any of them, we recommend that you start with surfing or paddle surfing It's a lot of fun, you have to try it!
Visit the traditional Canarian Market
Twice a week, in the El Campanario Shopping Center located in the center of the village, is held the traditional canary market. The mall square is full of typical stalls selling handicrafts, gastronomy and a little bit of everything.
Even if you don't want to buy anything, it is a recommended visit just to see the atmosphere of the area. We were there last summer and it was held every Tuesday and Sunday from early in the morning until lunchtime.
Questions about Corralejo
Is Corralejo worth a visit?
Corralejo, in the north of Fuerteventura, is definitely worth it. It offers an authentic experience with lots of local life, movie beaches, its delicious Canarian gastronomy, historical heritage such as its windmills and a variety of activities and excursions available such as the wolf island. If you are looking for a less crowded environment and a true island essence, Corralejo is an excellent choice.
What to do in Corralejo without a car?
Corralejo is one of those places that you can enjoy perfectly without having a car. Here are some ideas:
Stroll along the Bristol Promenade This newly renovated promenade offers beautiful views and is close to a variety of restaurants.
Explore the Port of Corralejo Enjoy the views from the boats and the option of various boat excursions.
Posturing a little Take a picture with the popular Corralejo sign and discover the various sculptures dedicated to the local marine life.
Enjoy the local ambiance at Plaza Patricio Calero Where you can attend free shows and concerts, and taste the local gastronomy in the surrounding terraces.
Discover Corralejo's historical heritage Visit the mills and mills, representative of the local history and architecture.
Taste the Canarian Gastronomy Taste the papas arrugás with mojo, gofio, goat meat and fresh fish in some of the best restaurants in town.
Relax on the local beaches You can reach several beaches on foot, such as Playa de Corralejo or Muelle Chico, Playa de Corralejo Viejo, Playa de los Verilitos, Playa del Medio, and Charco de Bristol.
Practice water sports Corralejo is an ideal place for surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing or paddle surfing.
Visit the Traditional Canarian Market El Campanario Shopping Center hosts this market twice a week, a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts and gastronomic products.
Visit the island of lobos. You will only have to walk to the port and cross by hiring one of these excursions. If you are interested you can see other activities to do on the island by clicking on the button below.
👀 Excursion on your own to the island of wolves!
Ferry to Lobos Island from Corralejo
Ferry to Lobos Island + Snorkeling from Corralejo
What to do in Corralejo at night?
Corralejo offers the typical nightlife of a surf town. You could start with a walk along the Bristol Promenade enjoying the quiet atmosphere and the sea views. Then, you could head to the Port of Corralejo There is a wide variety of restaurants serving delicious fish and seafood dishes.
You could also choose to visit the Patricio Calero Square. During the high season, they usually organize concerts and live shows. There are many terraces around the square where you can sit down for dinner or a drink while enjoying the show.
Another option would be to visit the bars and restaurants on the Church Street, Mari and Miguelin's Street and in the surroundings of the port. Here you can taste typical dishes of the Canary Islands while enjoying the local nightlife.
If you like the party you can go to the most touristy area where you will find nightclubs near the beach. We leave you the exact location below.
Discotheque area in Corralejo
What to do in Corralejo with children?
These are some of the best plans to do with children in Fuerteventura, especially in the Corralejo area:
- Visiting the Acua Water Park This is an ideal place for a day of family fun. The park has slides, pools and playgrounds that will delight all children and not so children as well.
- Excursion to the Experimental Farm of Pozo Negro A little further away from Corralejo, but well worth a visit. Here children can learn about life in the countryside, the cultivation of vegetables and the care of animals.
- Canary Art Center Located in La Oliva, a short distance from Corralejo, is a space that promotes art and creativity. They regularly organize workshops and activities for children.
- Stargazing Given the low light pollution in some areas of Fuerteventura, you could take the opportunity to teach the children something about astronomy. Find a quiet place away from the city lights and enjoy the view of the night sky.
- Family beaches Beaches in Corralejo are ideal for families, as they are calm and shallow waters. A good example is Playa del Charco de Bristol, perfect for children due to its shallow depth.
- Surf Lessons Fuerteventura is known to be a great surfing destination. There are surf schools that offer lessons for kids and beginners, making sure they have fun in a safe way.
- El Campanario Shopping Center This mall offers not only stores, but also a variety of activities for children. You can go to the movie theaters, the bowling alley or even the children's playground.
- Dolphin watching tour Organize an exciting boat excursion to see dolphins and other marine life. This can be an unforgettable experience for children and will allow them to learn about marine life first hand.
- Corralejo Dunes Natural Park A walk in this park can be a great adventure for children. They can play in the dunes, fly kites and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.
Which island can be seen from Corralejo?
From Corralejo located on the northern tip of the island of Fuerteventura, you can enjoy breathtaking views of two nearby islands: Lanzarote and the Lobos Island.
Lanzarote, the easternmost island of the Canary Islands, is visible to the naked eye from almost anywhere in Corralejo. This island is famous for its geography, with impressive volcanic landscapes and black and white sand beaches. The most famous spots are the National Park of Timanfaya the Jameos del Agua and the Cave of the Greens. There are numerous day trips available from Corralejo to Lanzarote, making it easy to visit this stunning island.
Lanzarote on your own by ferry from Corralejo
Excursion to the island of Lobos by catamaran from Corralejo
The Lobos Island although smaller, offers an equally enchanting experience. This small islet, located between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, is a natural paradise, ideal for those who are looking for peace of mind and contact with the nature. The island has beautiful beaches and hiking trails hiking as well as a historic lighthouse. From Corralejo, you can also hire excursions by boat or even kayak to Lobos Island. We leave them here for you to take a look.
Ferry to Lobos Island from Corralejo
Excursion to the island of Lobos by kayak
Where to see squirrels near Corralejo?
On the island of Fuerteventura, it is common to find squirrels, in particular of the species known as Moorish squirrel. You will see them several times in your tour around the island, especially in rocky areas, near volcanoes and sometimes in the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park especially very early in the morning or at dusk.
Remember that, although they are very friendly animals, squirrels are a invasive species on the islands so you will see signs prohibiting them from being fed to avoid their reproduction. We also do not recommend touch them They could bite you and ruin your vacation by having to go to a health center to get the rabies vaccine.
Where is the popcorn beach in Fuerteventura?
The popcorn beach o popcorn beach is just a few minutes drive from Corralejo. You can also visit it by bike or on foot since the access is by a dirt road (about 5Km from the village).
If you go walking we recommend you to do it at sunset because there is no shade and it can be quite hard 5 kilometers under the sun. We leave you the exact location so that you can arrive using Google Maps.
How to get to popcorn beach
Where to see the sunset in Corralejo?
The sunset in Corralejo is one of those kind of experiences that you can not miss if you are going to spend a few days in the area. Below we leave you a series of ideal places to see it although our recommendation is that you choose the last option that we propose:
Bristol Promenade This recently renovated promenade offers a fantastic view of the sea and, therefore, the sunset. You can take a nice walk before or after dinner, enjoying the orange colors of the sky.
Port of Corralejo Located at one end of the Bristol Promenade, the harbor offers an unobstructed view westward toward the Atlantic Ocean. Here you can sit on one of the many benches and enjoy the sea breeze as you watch the sun set behind the boats as they hurry through the last minutes of the day.
Corralejo town beaches Corralejo's beaches are also an excellent place to watch the sunset. You can choose between Playa de Corralejo or Muelle Chico, Playa de Corralejo Viejo, Playa de los Verilitos, Playa del Medio or Charco de Bristol. You only need a towel or a beach chair to enjoy the show.
Great Beaches of Corralejo If you have a car, you can drive to the Great Beaches of Corralejo, located at the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park. Here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea and the sky, which makes the sunset even more spectacular impressive.
The popcorn beach This is the best option of the sites we have mentioned, as it is oriented towards the west so you will be able to see the sunset in all its splendor. In addition there will probably be less people so you will enjoy a more intimate moment.
Map of Corralejo town
In this map of Corralejo We leave you marked the most important points of the area as well as our gastronomic recommendations that we tell you in detail in this article:
👇 You may also be interested in:If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement What to see in Corralejo town you can visit our posts about Fuerteventura.
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