Things to see: Corralejo Fuerteventura
Corralejo: A Complete Guide to the Pearl of the North of Fuerteventura
Corralejo, located in the far north of the island of Fuerteventura, is a charming and dynamic town belonging to the municipality of La Oliva.
The latter has a population of about 34,000 inhabitants and is one of the six municipalities that make up the island.
How to reach Corralejo:
From Fuerteventura Airport (Puerto del Rosario):
- By car: The airport is about 40 km from Corralejo. Take FV-1 road northbound; The journey takes about 35-40 minutes.
- By bus: Line 3 connects the airport to Puerto del Rosario. From there, line 6 continues to Corralejo. The total cost is about €4.
- By taxi or private transfer: Taxis and transfer services are available at the exit of the terminal; The cost varies according to the company and the time.
From other locations in Fuerteventura:
- By car: The island’s road network is well-developed, making it easy to reach Corralejo from anywhere. For example, from Morro Jable (south of the island), the route along the FV-2 and FV-1 is about 125 km and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- By bus: The Tiadhe company offers connections between the main cities of the island and Corralejo. You usually arrive in Puerto del Rosario and then from there you will take Bus 6
From Lanzarote:
- By ferry: Corralejo is connected to Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) by ferry services operated by companies such as Naviera Armas and Fred Olsen Express. The crossing takes about 30 minutes.
The Origins of Corralejo
The name “Corralejo” comes from two Spanish words, “corral” and “lejo”, which mean “the furthest enclosure”. This refers to the ancient enclosures used to collect livestock. Corralejo began as a village of ranchers and fishermen, with a historic center known as “Casco Viejo”, where the Majoreri, the original inhabitants of the island, resided. Since the 70s, with the opening of the new airport of Fuerteventura in 1969, the town has experienced a rapid tourist and commercial development, culminating in the 2000s.
The Importance of the Airport
The opening of the new airport, located in the El Matorral area, just 5 km from Puerto del Rosario, was a turning point for the island. International flights began in 1973, with a continuous increase in air traffic that necessitated subsequent renovations and expansions, including a new passenger terminal in 1994. This development has brought an increasing number of visitors to Corralejo, stimulating the growth of shops, tourist activities and residences.
The Areas of Corralejo
Corralejo is divided into several main areas, each with its own unique characteristics:
Bristol Area: Located at the northern tip, it is a quiet residential area with the charming “Paseo del Bristol” promenade leading to the port. From here ferries depart for Lanzarote and the island of Lobos.
City Centre: Bordered by two major streets, Avenida Nuestra Señora del Carmen and Avenida Juan Carlos I, the centre includes the Casco Viejo, with the Plaza de la Música, Calle Iglesias and Muelle Chico, full of bars, restaurants and shops. The Paseo Marítimo offers a pleasant walk along the sea. Shopping centres include La Menara, La Plaza, El Atlántico and Las Palmeras.
South-East Zone: Dominated by the El Campanario Shopping Centre, it offers shops, bars, a supermarket and weekly craft markets. The residential area, with the Avenida Grandes Playas, is home to prestigious hotels such as the Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahía Real.
South Zone: It includes the Papagayo and Tamarindo oases, the residential area of the Parque Natural and the last urban areas towards the dunes of the Corralejo Natural Park.
Beaches and Activities in Corralejo
Corralejo is a paradise for water sports, offering opportunities for surfing, kiting, windsurfing, snorkeling and much more. You can rent all kinds of transportation, from bikes to quads, buggies to canoes. The city beaches, along with the stunning Grandes Playas of the Natural Park and the beaches of El Cotillo, are must-see destinations for visitors.
Nightlife and Gastronomy in Corralejo
Corralejo offers a wide choice of restaurants and pubs. In the city center and along the main streets, many clubs offer live music, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
The Traditional Fiestas of La Oliva and Corralejo
Corralejo is also the heart of the celebrations of the municipality of La Oliva. Among the main holidays are:
The Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria (February)
Carnival, with a large masked parade on Calle Nuestra Señora del Carmen (February, March)
The Festa del Carmen and other celebrations in honour of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores and San Miguel Arcángel, in Caldereta. (July)
Why choose Corralejo?
Corralejo is the ideal place for a relaxing, sporty and fun holiday. Whether it’s exploring nature, enjoying the sea, attending local events, or just relaxing, this small town has something to offer everyone.
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