Overview: Once just a tiny fishing village on the north coast of
Fuerteventura, Corralejo's harbour now receives ferries full of
day-trippers from Playa Blanca in Lanzarote every day and the town
plays host to hundreds of visitors who are drawn to spend a sunny,
sandy holiday in the island's tourist Mecca. Although tourism is
booming and development is keeping pace, the little port still
retains its charm. The waterfront promenade flanking the small,
sheltered town beach boasts numerous restaurants and cafes, most in
converted historic houses. Corralejo's restaurants offer a wide
choice, from good old English fish and chips to Mexican tacos or
Indian curry. There is even a smattering of eateries serving up
Canarian cuisine and fresh seafood. The main street, Calle General
Franco, is flanked with shops selling everything from radios to
surfboards, and suntan oil to luxury watches. Just outside the town
is a protected nature reserve festooned with miles of sand dunes,
and the surrounding beaches are more than inviting. Among the
activities to keep holidaymakers busy are a variety of watersports,
tennis, glass-bottom boat trips, ferry trips to Lanzarote, jeep
safaris, island tours, mountain biking and motorcycle tours.
Attractions
Beacheson Fuerteventura : One does not need to go far on Fuerteventura to find a perfect
beach, even if you are intent on seeking out solitude away from
other holidaymakers. The best can be found around Jandia, on the
southern tip of the island. Juan Gomez is one of these, with a
stretch of golden sand, reached by turning off of the Morro
Jable-Punta de Jandia road. In the same section of the island is
the pebbly black volcanic beach of La Pared, with right next door
the beach of Viejo Rey, a long stretch of golden sand flanked by
dunes. For real peace and quiet the black volcanic sand of
Giniginamar is recommended, surrounded by palm trees and other
indigenous plants. For remote beaches tourists can hire a 4WD and
explore the tracks leading to the sea on the west coast. Nudism is
tolerated on all the island's beaches.
LaLajita Zoo : The little fishing village on the east coast of Fuerteventura
has been put on the tourist map because it offers one of the
island’s main attractions, the ‘Oasis de Los
Camellos’ zoo. The zoo is home to a small selection of
animals, but the main activities offered are parrot shows, horse
rides and camel safaris. While waiting their turn visitors can
relax under the palm trees at the zoo’s bar, or try out one
of a few seafood restaurants that have sprung up in the
village.
Opening time: 9am to 7.30pm
LaOliva : The village of La Oliva was formerly the home of the military
governors of the island between the 17th and mid-19th centuries.
The Governor’s townhouse has been restored and is open to the
public. Also in the centre of the village is the pretty church of
Parroquiade Nuestra Seiiora de Candelaria, with a square bell tower
and finely carved wooden door. The interior of the church features
a painting of the Last Judgment, a baroque altar painting by Juan
de Miranda and some wonderful trompe l’oeil work. The village
also has an art centre exhibiting the work of Canarian artists.
Puertodel Rosario : The main town of Fuerteventura, Puerto del Rosario on the
western side of the island was once called Puerto de Cabras (goat
harbour), and even today it is said that goats outnumber people in
this whitewashed town. Only recently capitalising on the tourist
trade, the streets in charming Puerto del Rosario have been
resurfaced and the harbour promenade rebuilt. The main street
provides some good souvenir shops and the old harbour area features
some attractive examples of Canarian architecture. The home of
exiled poet Miguel de Unamuno, which has been turned into a museum,
is situated in the harbour area.
Betancuria: The original capital of the island Betancuria was founded in
1405 by Norman conqueror, Jean de Bethencourt, but suffered
repeated raids by pirates who eventually totally sacked the city
and caused its citizens to move elsewhere. Today it has a small
population of a few hundred, and relies mainly on day visitors who
come to admire the restored Santa Maria church and explore the
Museo Arqueológico y Etnográfico, an interesting
museum documenting the history of the island. Visitors can also
watch local artists at work at the Casa Santa Maria, and pick up
some local handcrafts at a quaint shop. There is a good restaurant
beside the church, and cheese and wine tasting is offered
nearby.
Opening time: The church is open from 10am to 6pm. The museum is temporarily closed for works
Ronnie and caroline; Nov 2007:
Me and my girlfriend went to Corralejo in February 2007 and I was dubious. I'd heard it was too quiet and too windy. What a load of rubbish. The wind is a good thing because whilst it doesn't blow a... more
Travel Companies
Explore Spain on foot or by bike with a small intimate group of
like-minded adventure seekers.
Research hotels in Spain at Tripreport.com. Thousands of impartial tips and
reviews from fellow travellers.
Planning a holiday in Spain? Visit Alpharooms for the best deals on hotels and
apartments.
Looking for a cheap holiday in Spain? Visit thomson.co.uk. £100 online booking discount at
their website.
Intrepid Travel, one of the world's leading suppliers of small
group adventures focused on getting off the beaten track,
interacting with the locals and having real life experiences
throughout Spain.
Subscribe to Word Travels Professional: Email and print off customised travel guides for your clients.
Brand this guide with your logo and contact details.
Word Travels includes authorative and reliable information on thousands of destinations.
More info Apply for a free trial
