Corralejo - Introduction

Corralejo, the biggest tourist resort on Fuerteventura, is a happy blend of old port and new low-rise resort which attracts a mixed bag of holidaymakers. The old part of town, a tiny warren of narrow whitewashed alleyways behind the port, really comes to life in the evenings. But it is the magnificent broad white-sand beach, where kite surfers now catch the eye, that has put Corralejo firmly on the tourist map.

Who Goes There
Corralejo's resort hotels are a magnet for families of all ages and couples, particularly from Britain. The older part of town, the undeveloped beaches, the watersports opportunities and the fact that it is a port also attracts a more bohemian style of traveller including many surfers.

Where in the World
Corralejo sits on the north eastern tip of the Canarian Island of Fuerteventura (Spain), staring across at the tiny island of Isla de Lobos, some 3km (2 miles) offshore. The island capital, Puerto del Rosario, lies some 30km (18 miles) south with the airport another 8km (5 miles) beyond. The resort is completely flat.

When to go
Fuerteventura benefits from year-round sunshine and very little rain, with average daytime temperatures varying between 16°C (60°F) in January/February and 25°C (77°F) during July and August.

Beach
Corralejo has several beaches. The small sandy Town Beach, by the port, is handy for keeping the children occupied while parents eat or shop. From here a narrow sandy strip, Playa Galera, follows the bay for some 500m (545 yards) around a small headland to the main beach, Grandes Playas. This is a fabulous broad long soft white stretch of sand reaching for over 7km (4.5 miles). Flag Beach is the place for kite surfing and wind surfing. Opposite, on the other side of the coastal road, is the Parque Natural de las Dunas, virgin white sand dunes covering an area of 27 sq km (10.4 sq miles).

Beyond the Beach
Baku Water Park (Avenida Nuestra Señora del Carmen), featuring a variety of flumes and slides plus a large swimming pool area, is a good half day out for all the family. More adventurous types can go diving or big-game fishing with the operators who can be found at the port.

Boats run daily to the little island of Los Lobos which is a beautiful castaway-type desert island measuring 4.4 sq km (1.7 square miles). You can walk around it in a couple of hours, have a meal in the island's one and only rustic restaurant and enjoy the panoramic views from the top of its mini mountain.

Family Fun
The resort is child-friendly. Baku Water Park (see Beyond the Beach) is great for little ones with a special children's area. A soft play area and a mini golf course are also planned.

Retail Therapy
Corralejo's main shopping street is Avenida Nuestra Señora del Carmen with several modern shopping malls (centro commerciales) selling a mix of standard resort fare. At the port end of the street are several decent fashion shops and surf wear is ubiquitous. Around the port are some attractive little individual boutiques, many selling ‘ethnic' and ‘world' products.

The island market comes to the Avenida Nuestra Señora del Carmen every Monday and Friday morning and features local leatherwork, clothes, linens, lace, ceramics, embroidery and African goods. Bartering is the norm.

A Night on the Town
‘Music Square', a little square amid the bars and restaurants in the narrow streets behind the port, is the centre of Corralejo's nocturnal activities. Here, an informal stage is set up every evening and local bands and artists perform to a lively crowd. Spreading out from here is an animated music scene. Live acoustic music nightly plus rock music features at the Rock Island Bar (Calle Cruceros Baleares) while Irish bands and local musicians play at Rosie O'Grady's (Calle Pizarro) and at the Dubliner (Centro Commercial Atlantico).

Eating Out
Ignore the international style restaurants and fast-food joints on the Avenida Nuestra Señora del Carmen and search out the characterful little restaurants around the port and old town, many serving good quality Spanish and Canarian food.

Getting Around
Although the centre of Corralejo and the old port are quite compact and easily covered on foot, a bicycle comes in handy for getting to and from the main beach. A car is required to explore the rest of Fuerteventura.

Exploring Further Afield
The easiest and possibly the best excursion is to the Isla de Lobos (see Beyond the Beach). A short drive 16km (10 miles) south to the quiet little village-like town of La Oliva is worthwhile for its Centro de Arte Canario (Calle Salvador Manrique de Lara), a contemporary gallery devoted to modern Canarian art. Continue south for another 12km (7.5 miles) to the excellent Eco Museo Alcogida, set on the main FV 207 at Tefia. This is an entertaining open-air museum recording rural island life some 50 to 100 years ago.

A ‘must visit' is the ancient island capital, Betancuría, another 15km (9.5 miles) further south. Founded in 1404 by the Spanish island conquerors, today it is no bigger than a village. Many of its houses date from the 17th and 18th centuries. In the centre the Casa Santa María (Plaza Iglesia) is a beautiful Spanish-Colonial house which showcases the island's crafts, culture and history. It has an atmospheric bar, a charming outdoor café-restaurant and a more formal restaurant which is one of the best on the island.

Splashing Out
Pamper yourself at the spa of the five-star hotel Kempinski Atlantis Bahía Real (Avenida Grandes Playas) (www.kempinski-fuerteventura.com), where they use the very latest technologies in health and beauty care. Or choose from one of their three gourmet restaurants offering the finest Japanese, Spanish and Italian cuisine.

Flying In
Fuerteventura Airport (FUE)

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