Is Corralejo a good place for a beach holiday?
Yes, Corralejo is a popular beach holiday destination in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands. It offers a variety of beaches, from sheltered town beaches ideal for families to the expansive Grandes Playas within the Corralejo Natural Park, known for its sand dunes and turquoise waters. The area caters to different preferences, whether you're looking for relaxation, family fun, or water sports.
What are the beaches like in Corralejo town itself?
The town beaches in Corralejo, such as Playa de Corralejo Viejo and Galera Beach (also known as Waikiki Beach), are generally smaller, sheltered coves with calm, clear waters and golden sand. They are easily accessible and often have amenities like restaurants, bars, and sun lounger rentals nearby. These beaches are popular with families and those staying in the town center.
Can you swim in the sea in Corralejo?
Yes, you can swim in the sea in Corralejo. The waters are generally clear and inviting. Town beaches often offer calmer conditions, resembling a swimming pool, making them ideal for families and less confident swimmers. The Grandes Playas can have more wave action, so it's always advisable to check local conditions and be aware of any flag warnings, especially if venturing further out or with children.
Is it very windy on Corralejo beaches?
Fuerteventura is known as a windy island, and Corralejo is no exception. However, the wind can be a welcome refreshment, especially during warmer months. Some town beaches, like Corralejo Bay, can be quite sheltered. The Grandes Playas and Flag Beach are more exposed and popular for wind-dependent water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing. Many beaches have stone circles (corralitos) built by visitors to provide shelter from the wind while sunbathing. The wind is generally most intense between June and August, with September and October often being less windy.
Are there any hotels directly on the beach in Corralejo?
Yes, there are hotels with direct beach access in Corralejo. The two large Riu hotels (Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas and Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort) are famously located right on the Grandes Playas within the Dune National Park. Some hotels in Corralejo town are also very close to the town beaches, offering easy access. For example, the H10 Ocean Suites is about 550m from a white sand beach.
Are Corralejo beaches good for families with children?
Yes, several beaches in Corralejo are well-suited for families. Playa de Corralejo Viejo, located near the port, is particularly recommended for its calm waters, resembling a swimming pool, and easy accessibility with ramps. The town beaches generally offer safer swimming conditions and nearby amenities. Some of the Grandes Playas, like El Bajo Negro, also have lifeguards and calmer sections suitable for children, but it's always important to check conditions.
How do you get to the Corralejo Sand Dunes beaches (Grandes Playas)?
The easiest way to reach the Grandes Playas and the Corralejo Sand Dunes is by car, driving along the FV-104 road (also referred to as FV-1) which runs alongside the Natural Park. There are numerous free parking spots along the road, allowing you to stop and walk to the beaches and dunes. Public bus line 6 also runs from Corralejo town to the dunes area, taking about 10-15 minutes. Taxis are another option. Some people also choose to walk or cycle from Corralejo town, though it's a longer journey (around 1.5 to 2 hours on foot).
Are there naturist or nudist beaches in Corralejo?
Yes, naturism is common on many beaches in Corralejo, particularly within the Corralejo Natural Park (Grandes Playas). While not always officially designated, areas south of the main Riu hotels on the Grandes Playas are popular with naturists. You'll often find naturists in more secluded spots and among the dunes. Some smaller coves like Playa Alzada are also known for nude sunbathing. Generally, naturism is accepted on most beaches outside of the main town resort areas.
What's the difference between Corralejo town beaches and the Grandes Playas (Dune beaches)?
Corralejo town beaches (e.g., Playa de Corralejo Viejo, Galera Beach) are smaller, more sheltered coves directly within or adjacent to the town, offering calm waters and easy access to amenities like restaurants and shops. The Grandes Playas are a long stretch (around 7-10km) of wider, more exposed beaches backed by the famous Corralejo Sand Dunes, located south of the town within a Natural Park. These beaches are more natural, less crowded in parts, and popular for water sports and experiencing the unique dune landscape. Some sections of Grandes Playas have facilities near the hotels, while others are more wild.
Are the beaches in Corralejo crowded?
Crowd levels vary. The town beaches, being smaller and more central, can get busier, especially during peak season. The Grandes Playas, due to their extensive size, generally offer plenty of space, and even when parking areas seem full, the beaches themselves often feel uncrowded, particularly if you walk a bit further from the main access points or hotel areas. Quieter spots can always be found, especially in the more remote sections of the dunes or smaller coves.
What is Popcorn Beach in Corralejo?
Popcorn Beach (Playa del Bajo de la Burra or Playa Vista Lobos) is named for its unique 'sand,' which is actually composed of small, white, fossilized algae (rhodoliths) that resemble popcorn. It's a quirky and photogenic spot. While interesting to see, it's important not to take the 'popcorn' from the beach as it's part of the natural environment. There are a few locations near Corralejo where you can find these formations.
Are there sunbeds and umbrellas for rent on Corralejo beaches?
Yes, many of the main beaches in Corralejo offer sunbed and umbrella rentals, particularly the town beaches like Galera Beach and Playa de Corralejo Viejo, and some sections of the Grandes Playas, especially near the hotels like El Bajo Negro. However, availability can vary, and some of the more natural or remote beaches within the Dune Park may not have these facilities.
What is the best time of year to visit Corralejo for beaches?
Corralejo is a year-round beach destination due to its mild climate. Summer months (June-August) are the warmest and busiest, with stronger winds ideal for water sports. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures, often with less wind, and fewer crowds, making them excellent for a relaxing beach holiday. Winter (November-March) is cooler but still mild enough for sunbathing, with minimum temperatures around 18°C.
How do Corralejo beaches compare to El Cotillo beaches?
Corralejo offers a mix of lively town beaches and vast dune-backed beaches, often with more amenities and a bustling atmosphere. El Cotillo, on the west coast, is generally quieter and known for its beautiful lagoons with calm, clear waters (ideal for families and swimming) to the north of the village, and wilder, surf-oriented beaches to the south. El Cotillo has a more laid-back, old fishing village vibe compared to the more developed resort town of Corralejo. Both have stunning beaches, but offer different experiences.
What are the stone circles I see on some Corralejo beaches?
The stone circles, often called 'corralitos' or 'nidos' (nests), are small, semi-circular walls built from volcanic rocks by beachgoers. They serve as windbreaks, providing shelter from the Fuerteventura breeze and offering a bit of privacy for sunbathing. You'll find them dotted along many of the beaches, especially on the more exposed Grandes Playas.
