Corralejo, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands – 10 things to do besides surfing

Corralejo offers more than ´only´ Surf & Board Vibes

The ancient fishing village of Corralejo, on the Canary Island of Fuerteventura, has turned into a surfers’ paradise over the last decade. It has grown into a medium-sized tourist destination but it hasn’t lost its charm. You might fall in love with this place as a non-surfer, or you could be a surfer wondering what to do on a ‘day off’  from surfing. Surfer or not, either way, you will enjoy the ´board vibes´. It’s one of these places where you might see a waiter in uniform on a skateboard, simply because that’s his way of transport around town or to his job. Being in Corralejo reminds me a lot of my time living in Byron Bay, Australia, with many surfers and conscious people regarding the environment and especially ocean conservation.

 

Corralejo Fuerteventura
View of Corralejo – photo by Ellis Derkx

 

Many things to do in Corralejo and on Fuerteventura

Most people come for a one-week holiday to Corralejo, but a week is actually not enough. Corralejo is definitely a destination that a lot of people come back to, just because they got hooked on the relaxing vibe, and the surfing or they want to try another type of surfing (like wind surfing or kite surfing). Another reason might be that they couldn’t do all the things they wanted to do while they were travelling o Fuerteventura. Corralejo has something to offer for an active as well as for a passive day, with its stunning beaches, a huge selection of water sports activities and its nice bars and restaurants. You can use ´Get your Guide´ to book most of the activities mentioned in this post:

 

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Corralejo is completely different to all other tourist places in the Canary Islands

 

Harbour View Corralejo
Corralejo Harbourview – photo by Ellis Derkx

 

Corralejo never lost its authentic charm as a local fishing town. Obviously, there are tourist areas with shopping centres and restaurants, like you find in all Canary Islands. But in Corralejo, there’s still a local part of town with local places to hang out. Here you still find typical Canary bars to drink a ´cortado´ and children are playing on the squares in the evening. This part is behind the harbour ´Muelle Chico´. If you´re looking for more touristy bars and restaurants, just keep on walking along the seashore where you also find some live music artists playing in the street. Within a short walk or bike ride, you´re on the more remote beaches with no, or only a few, tourists. Next to the old part of town, you find the main street which is more touristy with the common shops, bars and restaurants. A bit further away from all this, in the Southern part of Corralejo, you can find more hotels and the shopping centre ´El Campanario´.

The type of tourist in Corralejo is different too

For me, as a 30+ female single traveller, I made many new friends over here. People come to surf rather than to chill at a swimming pool. I can say that the average visitor is a traveller rather than a tourist. There are not many luxury hotels or package holidays but lots of budget accommodations like surf camps which attract another type of tourist. Also, in contrast to many other tourist places in the Canary Islands, where there’s a split between the tourists staying in hotels or dining in fancy restaurants and the local people mainly living away from that, in Corralejo you can find a mix of locals, tourists and overseas workers all sharing good times together.

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Corralejo is one of my favourite places in the Canary Islands

Corralejo is one of my favourite places in the Canary Islands. I remember coming here for a few days on my first visit, but getting hooked. Since I have been around here for almost 2 years now, on and off, I became motivated to share some information for people who are looking for a nice, safe and not-too-expensive holiday in Europe away from the mass stream. Or maybe you have been to Corralejo before and now it is one of those places to come back to yourself and do other things than the ´usual surf´.

So what are these “other things” to do during my holiday in Corralejo?

1) Cycle to El Cotillo

Rent a bike at Volcano Biking and prepare yourself for a bike ride through a volcanic landscape. There are two ways to get there. I recommend taking the route crossing straight overland for the morning when it’s not too hot. This route gives you partly a bike path. Stop for a coffee and treat yourself to a pastry at the famous bakery ´El Goloso´ in Lajares to recharge before continuing your trip. Another biking route from Corralejo to El Cotillo is the off-road dirt track along the north coast where you can stop at some smaller lagoons for a refreshing swim and pass the tiny village of Majanicho. You might like to save this route for the way back when it’s much warmer. Each route is about 20 km (12,5 miles).

 

El Cotillo is a small local fishing village, much smaller than Corralejo. It was an important harbour town for exporting goods during the 18th century but has turned into a charming small town. It is well-liked among the surfing community due to its enormous white surf beach. There are 2 harbours in the village. The old one, ´Muelle de Los Pescadores´ is located in the middle of the village, and a newer one, ´Puerto Commercial´ is located in the South. There are bars and restaurants in El Cotillo and if you don´t like the waves on the huge beach, you can enjoy small lagoons with quiet water in the northern part of the town. At the end of the dirt track along the shore, you can find the Cotillo Light House with a small museum inside.

Tips for biking from Corralejo to El Cotillo

 

Surf Beach El Cotillo
El Cotillo view on Fuerteventura – photo by Ellis Derkx

 

 

  • Make sure to take enough water with you for your bike ride!
  • If you´re very exhausted, you can always take the bus back and put your bike in the lower storage part of the bus. Keep in mind that at certain times they use a smaller bus which will not fit bikes, therefore you have to wait another hour. A bus ticket Corralejo – El Cotillo costs €3,10 one way.
  • Come back to El Cotillo or stay for the amazing sunsets at this side of the island!
  • Find prices and contact information for Volcano Biking in the break-out box. There are many more shops where you can rent a bike in Corralejo
  • Book a package tour of 5 hours including bike & hike with Get your Guide by clicking on this link. I receive a small commission on your purchase through this link)

2) Snorkel the island of Lobos

 

snorkelling Lobos
Snorkelling Lobos Island – photo by Kendall Cochrane

 

If you need a day of peace and tranquility, go snorkeling on the island of Lobos. Lobos is located between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. located only 2 km (1,2 miles) away from Corralejo, you´re there within a 20-minute boat ride. On Lobos, you can spot certain endangered bird species and some rare fauna. You can hike the ´Montaña la Caldera´ which has its peak at 127 meters. But the best thing to do is go snorkelling and try to spot a ray or other fish: this area has been a natural reserve since 1982. Lobos Island has almost 14 km2 of coastline so you will definitely find a nice, quiet spot all to yourself.

You can either go to Lobos by the regular ferry boat or you can get a ´private taxi´ which is usually a zodiac boat. The price for both services is the same, but the private taxis offer a discount for Canary residents. Book your ferry to Lobos with Get Your Guide below, I receive a small commission on your purchase.

Tips for visiting and snorkeling Lobos:

  • Most private boats provide you with a mask and snorkel but if you take the ferry or are not able to check before, make sure you take a set with you. Ask your hostel where to rent or borrow.
  • There´s only 1 restaurant on Lobos, serving paella or fresh fish for lunch. If you would like to eat here you should make a reservation in the morning, upon arriving. There are no shops or other places for food or drinks, so make sure you bring plenty of water!
  • Upon arriving on the island, most people walk down to the left where you have a sandy, white beach, which provides an easy entrance to snorkel, however, the beach might get a bit crowded, especially in the high season. In my experience, snorkelling is much nicer if you walk down the other side. I would recommend going there if you don´t mind a rocky entrance.
  • Find information and prices for boat rides to Lobos in the break-out box below

 

3) Go shopping or sightseeing on the island of Lanzarote

 

La Graciosa Island
View of La Graciosa, picture taken from Lanzarote. Photo by Ellis Derkx

 

NEW! Book a full-day excursion to Lanzarote from Fuerteventura with Get your Guide! ( I receive a small commission on your purchase through this link)

Located only 30 minutes by ferry from Corralejo there is another Canary island: Lanzarote! The ferry arrives in a touristy place called ´Playa Blanca´ where many people entertain themselves shopping. However, I can recommend doing an island day tour. Make sure to visit the Timanfaya National Park where you can eat your barbequed meal prepared on the natural fire of the volcano. If time lets you, go and visit César Manrique´s creation ´Jameos del Agua´ in the north of the island. Nearby is also an amazing viewpoint on the small island of La Graciosa.

Tips for visiting Lanzarote:

 

TImanfaya Park
Active volcano heat at Timanfaya National Park Lanzarote, photo by Ellis Derkx
  • In high season, there can be a long line of cars waiting to enter the Timanfaya National Park, so it would be much better to book an organized tour and you will appreciate the bus passing by all the waiting cars.
  • Other than the two big ferry companies Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas there’s a cheaper and more adventurous option to go with Lineas Romero´s big catamaran. It takes approximately 45 minutes one way.
  • Find information in regards to all boat options and prices in the break-out box below

4) Go scuba diving during your holiday in Corralejo

Of course, as a dive instructor, I won´t leave that one out. Most dive spots are around the island of Lobos and there are plenty! Because of the volcanic origin, the dive sites vary and there are reefs, swim through’s and overhangs. Check what’s underneath the overhangs and keep your eyes out in the blue. Things to see include rays, moray eels, barracudas, spider crabs, damselfish, octopus, cuttlefish and much more. The Canary Islands are home to the endangered Angel Sharks with the most chances to spot one in winter from November until March. The water temperature varies from 18 degrees Celsius in winter to 23 degrees Celsius in summer.

 

Tips to scuba dive Lobos island from Corralejo

 

Photo of Ellis diving
Ellis Scuba Diving Enriched Air Nitrox, free at Punta Amanay, Corralejo
  • Extend your bottom time with free Enriched Air Nitrox offered by ´Punta Amanay´ diving centre (if you´re a certified Nitrox diver). Book in advance during the high season. Sometimes they are fully booked.
  • If you´re not a certified diver yet, take your PADI Open Water Diver Course with Dive Center Corralejo, they have their own indoor swimming pool which is very comfortable and warm, especially during winter.
  • If you don´t like to do your full beginner’s course, book a ´Discover Scuba Dive´. This includes a part of the theory, skills in confined water and an open water dive up to 12 meters. It credits as the first part of your Open Water course.
  • Find more information in regards to opening hours and prices for both dive centres in the break-out box

5) Hike the Volcano ´Bayuyo´, South West of Corralejo

Volcano Hike Corralejo
´Abyuyo´ Volcano Hike in Corralejo, Fuerteventura

 

The track starts as a side street from the outer ring of Corralejo. If you walk down south on Avenida Juan Carlos I, away from Corralejo, you can start the track by going off-road on the right once you´ve left Corralejo. Use the name of the volcano on google maps to find the exact route. Depending on your hiking speed, you can reach a nice viewpoint within 30 minutes to 1 hour. It gives you a beautiful view of Corralejo, Lanzarote, and Lobos. The total distance is about 4,5 km (3 miles). If you´re into hiking, there are more volcanoes with longer hiking routes around Corralejo.

Tips for hiking the Volcano Bayoyo in Corralejo

  • Plan your hike for sunset or sunrise because otherwise, it may be too hot (especially during summer).
  • Make sure to wear either hiking boots or sneakers, since you might slip wearing flip-flops, especially going down.
  • Take enough water with you on your hike!

6) Enjoy other watersports like stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking at Flagbeach

 

If there is not enough wind for kite- or windsurfing at Flagbeach, you can still enjoy the day over there. The beach is beautiful and there are many other things to do. Even if your travel partner goes surfing and you´re not into that, you might as well come along to try out some other water sports. But especially on one of those less common days with no or little wind, and if the conditions are good, you can sometimes stand up paddle or kayak to Lobos from there. You can also go sailing or book a catamaran tour in Corralejo!

Flagbeach is situated southeast of Corralejo. You can walk to Flagbeach just by following the path along the seaside and it will take you around 20 to 30 minutes. It’s located 3km (1,9 miles) from Corralejo Centre. You can also bike or take a taxi up there.

Around Waikiki beach and the other smaller beaches, closer to Corralejo, you can also rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. Or you can go sailing! Book here with Get your Guide. I receive a small commission on your purchase through this link.

A view from Flagbeach in Corralejo

 

 

Tips for doing stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking:

  • Although the stand-up paddle looks very easy, even as a surfer you might have to get used to finding your balance with a board at no speed to start with. It might look boring, but the challenge can be more fun than you expect.
  • There´s a new hype about doing yoga on a stand-up paddleboard. Google it to see what they offer in Corralejo!
  • Make sure to put a lot of sun protection, especially on your face! If it wasn’t enough, the Canary Aloe Vera will help to cool your sunburn.
  • Find more information in regards to Flagbeach Watersports in the break-out box.

7) Rent a car or book a day tour to see other places on the island of Fuerteventura

 

Cofete Beach, Morro Jable, Fuerteventura
An impression of playa Cofete Beach on Fuerteventura Island, photo by Kendall Cochrane

In the south of Fuerteventura, you can visit Morro Jable, another charming fishing village with a harbour from which the ferry leaves to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. You can visit the sea turtle farm or climb the hill for a spectacular view. Close to Morro Jable is Jandia which is very touristy with big hotels and resorts. A worthwhile visit is a spectacular beach in the national park of Cofete. You can drive up there or take the 4-wheel drive public bus, which looks a bit funny for a public bus (see picture). Also the bus stop, in the middle of the national park, is worth taking a picture of. Whilst discovering the south you might as well check out the lagoon in Sotavento, famous for wind- and kite surfing.

 

Playa Cofete Beach Bus
Guagua Cofete Playa, Fuerteventura

 

In the middle of the island, you can visit the old capital of Betancuria with its old houses and restaurants. The town got founded in 1404. Betancuria once was the capital of the ´Kingdom of the Canary Islands´ and later of Fuerteventura, till 1834 when Antigua became the capital. You can visit the Santa Maria church and museum too. Combine Betancuria with a visit to Ajuy. Ajuy is a small village on the west coast and is famous for its old rock formation, which is said to be more than 170 million years old. There’s a small black sand beach, a restaurant, and interesting caves.

You can use Get your Guide to book an island tour by minibus, by clicking on this link. I receive a small commission on your purchase through this link.

Tips to road trip around the island of Fuerteventura

 

 

Isla de Fuerteventura
Ellis Derkx, Fuerteventura, photo by Kendall Cochrane during road trip Fuerteventura

 

  • If you would like to see a lot of places in 1 or 2 days, I can recommend renting a car and going at your own pace. Almost all of the places are reachable by public transport but you have to keep in mind that sometimes the buses go not that often and if you miss a connection you end up waiting for a long time in Puerto de Rosario.
  • If you decide to go by public transport to the south, keep in mind that the public bus to Cofete only leaves at 10.00 am and 02.00 pm from Jandia / Morro Jable and returns at 12.00 am or 04.00 pm from Cofete.
  • Find more information in regards to transport around the island in the break-out box
Break Out Box with useful travel information Corralejo
Practical Travel Information Corralejo, updated 2019

 

Canary Islands, Fuerteventura
Isla de Fuerteventura, Islas Canarias

 

Other activities, sports classes & entertainment around Corralejo

8) Skateboarding in Corralejo

For skateboarding, Corralejo is the perfect spot! There are many bike paths where you can practice your longboard skills. If you’re brave enough you can start performing stunts! There is a skate park when you drive into Corralejo, just behind the Guardia Civil. I have been longboarding on a skateboard and just learned it myself, but if you like to get a longboard class you can book that too in Corralejo.

9) Sandboard the dunes – D.I.Y.

Sandboarding Corralejo
Sandboarding the dunes in Corralejo

 

This is at your own risk and please use your own judgment for safety! My friend and I tried it with rubbish bags which was an epic fail. We didn’t go down at all and were just stuck at the top of the sand dune. It was a good laugh, though (see the movie below).  We did decide that it will work with a bodyboard or a part of a broken surfboard, however, we never tried it so far. But why not pick a nice sand dune in the national park and give it a go? As always, please make sure to take all your rubbish with you upon leaving.

10) Take Salsa dancing classes and go practising at night!

I have been taking salsa classes with Chantal Montaldo, and I think she is amazing. She taught and explained to me everything from the beginning with the very first steps, including finding the rhythm of the music. She teaches classes to advanced dancers too and is an excellent dancer herself. If you don´t need classes and just like to practice, then go to one of her organized evenings. I used to go to the salsa evenings in the kiwi bar on Wednesdays, usually from 10.00 pm they start to put salt on the floor and you can warm up with the Bachata beats. Please check her Facebook pagina to find her information up to date and where she´s organizing these evenings right now. You can also contact her directly to book a (private) class.

Here you can see a short (not very clear) video of my results after only 2 lessons. Didn’t get the steps right, yet!

 

Other entertainment & sports in Corralejo

 

 

Markets in the North of Fuerteventura

I´m not a big market fan, but I´m sure there are people looking for this! And I have to say that the craft market in the ´El Campanario´ shopping centre on Thursday and Sunday morning (10.00 am – 02.00 pm) is nice. Furthermore, there is a craft market in Lajares on Saturday morning and there’s a flea market in Corralejo, at the parking space next to the ´Aqua´ water park on Saturday from 10.00 am until 02.00 pm. For all updated market information, please visit the website of Fuerteventura´s tourism board

Corralejo Tennis court
Tennis court Corralejo

Sports classes in Corralejo

Other things to do around Corralejo include Pilates, Zumba, Jiu-Jitsu, spinning, and many other sports. You can go to the Barcelo hotel and use the gym, the spa and take a class. I used to go to Zumba there and enjoyed it a lot! For yoga, there are many yoga classes and some of them are taught on the beach. A professional studio is called ´It’s yoga Fuerteventura´, offering 3 classes for € 20,- (all levels welcome). Tai Chi is offered by Hotel Fuentepark, close to Waikiki Beach, on Tuesday morning and Thursday evening. There’s also an option to go horseback riding in Cotillo, which can be nice for sunset. And you can even rent tennis courts in Corralejo.

If you need to relax your body after such an active day, book in a massage or do a Reiki session to recharge with Luisma and Karuna Wellness.

Practical travel information for your holiday to Corralejo

I will now give you some travel information for your travels to Corralejo. Find some practical travel information regarding flights, accommodation and transport from and to the airport below.

Transfer from the airport in Puerto de Rosario to Corralejo: local bus transfer vs airport transfer

Before I go into accommodation and flights for your trip to Corralejo, it might be good to know that Corralejo can be reached by public bus from the airport, but not directly. You can take a bus from the airport to the central bus station in Puerto de Rosario, but from there you have to take another bus to Corralejo.

 

Where to stay in Corralejo?

I recommend staying at Flagbeach´s surf camp ´Sol y Mar´, book here with booking.com Or, you can click here if you prefer to book through Agoda. (I receive a small commission on your purchase through this link). This has become my ´home sweet home´ away from travelling! For me, it’s one of the best hostels I have ever stayed in during all my travels around the world. It´s budget accommodation, super clean, and with an amazingly good vibe. There are many single travellers of all ages and because you share the included breakfast together at a big table, you get to know each other pretty soon. Most of the guests are surfers, so it´s normally quiet during the daytime but in the evening you make many new friends! You can cook or join other guests for dinner, most of the time there´s one group going out together. I have never seen a place with so many repeating customers so I think that says enough. Additionally, they are located in the old part of town, which means that you are within walking distance of bars, restaurants, the harbour, and small beaches.

solymar surfhostel Corralejo
Bedroom in Sol y Mar Surfhostal Corralejo
Surfhostal sol y mar Corralejo, Fuerteventura
Common Room Sol y Mar Surf Hostel Corralejo

 

Tips for choosing your holiday accommodation in Corralejo!

There are many different types of accommodation including private apartments, hotels, and more. Furthermore, Corralejo is full of surf camps and hostel-style accommodations.

I do recommend booking your stay in Corralejo in advance. Sometimes places are fully booked or you end up with another type of accommodation than you were looking for ie with a more expensive place or a shared room while you wanted to have a private room. Also, it saves you from wasting many precious hours in Corralejo searching for a place whilst carrying your luggage around.

If you use booking.com, you´ll get the same price as when you book directly with your accommodation. Almost all accommodations in Corralejo are now listed on booking.com so make sure to book your preferred accommodation in time. Many times you can cancel free of charge within a reasonable time. Similar conditions apply to Agoda, which also offers a low-price guarantee. With both companies, I receive a small commission on your purchase through the links.

 

Tip & news for your flight to Fuerteventura or between the Canary Islands

With an average flight time between 4 and 5 hours from most European countries, and only 2 hours from Madrid, it’s a very suitable destination for a one-week escape. Low-cost airlines like Ryan Air, fly from most European countries. The sun and lovely weather can almost be guaranteed all year round and in combination with excellent wave- and wind conditions, it might become one of your favourite destinations too. Be prepared, once you´ve been here once, you will probably want to come back afterwards to try out all the other things you didn’t try on your last visit.

Extra flight tip to Fuerteventura

If you can´t find a cheap flight directly to Fuerteventura, you might find one to the island of Lanzarote. From here, you can catch the local bus to Playa Blanca where you can hop on a ferry to Corralejo. Please make sure your flight times connect to the ferry and bus times or combine your holiday with a stay on Lanzarote.

New – scan all airlines to find your cheapest flight

Use 12go.co to find your cheapest flight to Fuerteventura from anywhere around the world or for your flight from the other Canary Islands. They scan all available airlines for you to find the cheapest flight. Use the link above or the search table below. I do earn a small commission but you won´t pay extra for it. You can book boat tickets as well with them.

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Splashpacker receives a small commission on your purchase through the link above.

Where to eat during your vacation in Corralejo

Last but not least, foooood! After your active day around Corralejo, whether you have been surfing or not, you will be hungry! I have now written a post about the evening life and my favourite places to eat in Corralejo, please click here

I am a vegetarian and a budget traveller looking for places off the beaten track, so my choice might differ from other people’s. However, in my experience, most recommendations in the post got appreciated very well by other people or tourists. I recommend vegetarian as well as a non-vegetarian choice. For more information about my style of travel, please click here.

Link to places to eat and evening entertainment in Corralejo:

https://www.splashpacker.com/travel-information/enjoy-your-evening-in-corralejo-food-drinks/

See you soon in Corralejo!

 

Surfhostel sol y mar Fuerteventura
Entrance Sol y Mar Surfcamp

 

 

About Splashpacker and how to follow

Splashpacker is a travel and scuba dive blog focussed on sustainable tourism and a healthy lifestyle. If you like what I´m doing you can follow me on Instagram, stay up to date through the splashpacker Facebook page or check out or subscribe to my Splashpacker youtube channel.

Happy Travels!

* Prices and contact details are subject to change over time. Last updated 2019

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4 thoughts on “Corralejo, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands – 10 things to do besides surfing”

  1. @Copenhagen Bike Rental Hi there, thank you very much for your nice feedback. Good luck with your bike rental service. All the hest, Ellis

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  3. Thank you Neil!! Sorry I only realised now I have to approve the comments, so still figuring out Blogger I guess 🙂

  4. Some great tips and advice in this article, I can visualize the holiday before I've even arrived and can plan my activities for when I get there. Local knowledge is key to getting the best on your travels, thanks Ellis for sharing your advice and experience. I look forward to reading about more destinations and who knows what more I might have missed out on without seeing this blogg ? ?

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