Travel spotlight: Corralejo

We are not going to compare Corralejo with the likes of St Tropez or Marbella, but it does offer a certain charm compared to other resorts on the Canary Islands. We found stunning white sandy beaches, really cool hotels, great restaurants and lots of exciting things to keep you busy.

Eating out
There are plenty of great restaurants serving local dishes and one of the best is ‘Gilda Casa de Pinchos y Tapas’. With it’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere and delicious range of dishes, you can see why this place is so popular with locals and tourists alike.
Mi Casa is another wonderful choice with an unbeatable location right by the beach, where you can enjoy a tasty meal overlooking the ocean. We recommend the sea bass (it’s divine).
If you like a more elegant and refined experience, then we suggest ‘La Cúpula de Carles Gaig’ at the five star Atlantis Bahia Real hotel – where gourmet meals are designed by Michelin starred chef, Carles Gaig.

On the town
Corralejo has a fairly lively nightlife, packed with British and Irish pubs offering live sports and happy hours. If that’s not your thing, then get down to the waterfront and sip mojitos on the roof terrace of the ‘Banana Lounge Bar’. Or chill out at the friendly and funky ‘Agua Bar’ to sample the best cocktails in town.

To the beach
There are several small sandy beaches in and around the resort, but it’s worth heading to ‘Flag Beach’ just outside of town. It offers a vast stretch of powder white sands sandwiched between the Azure ocean and the Dunes National Park – it’s considered one of the best beaches in Europe. Get there by bike or hire a car (there’s plenty of parking available). Lounges are available for a few euros and have lunch at its cool little beach bar.

Getting active

The Canary islands are known as ‘The Hawaii of Europe’ and surfers come to Fuerteventura, particular the north, from all over the world.
Corralejo has a cool surfy vibe with numerous surf shops and schools. Surfing is great fun, and Corralejo is probably one of the best places to learn in Europe – with year round sunshine, plenty of waves and top quality coaching. You can join a class for a day or book a course (get ready to unleash your inner surfer).
The island is also well known for wind sports. The ‘Flag Beach Kitesurf and Windsurf centre’ is the go-to place for equipment and expert coaching. Sailing boats and paddle boards are also available to hire, while kitesurfing has become increasingly popular.For something a little slower paced, take yoga classes on the beach or spend a day at the fabulous ‘Bahia Vital Spa’ located at the Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real. This is the island’s top spa with a wide range of treatments for a day of pampering.

Getting around
Hire a car for easy access around the resort – you can then visit all the best beaches and see the island’s picturesque landscape.
Make sure you head up to the pretty little village of Betancuria, set in a lush oasis up in the hills. The ‘Casa Santa Maria’ coffee shop is a perfect pit-stop to unwind on the terrace, surrounded by lush gardens overlooking the dramatic scenery.
If you’re an animal lover, spend a day at the Oasis Park. Feeding giraffes by hand and pet the sea-lions after the live show. The zoo and safari park is situated in the south and is a good 1-2 hours drive, or you can enjoy a complimentary coach ride from Corralejo.

Where to stay
We love the hip and chic ‘Avanti Boutique’ hotel with its stylish and sleek design. Its whitewashed walls and designer furniture create a contemporary feel. It’s adults only and situated in the heart of town, and a stone’s throw away from the ocean – which is best viewed from the rooftop jacuzzi.
If you prefer something more private, stay in the ‘Royal Villa’ at the ‘Bahiazul Villas & Club’. A small and select collection of exclusive villas just a few minutes drive from the centre.
The ‘Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real’ is the premier hotel in Corralejo, and arguably the most exclusive five-star hotel on the island. The hotel is set on its own sandy beach, offers a world class spa and fine dining experiences (as previously mentioned). It boasts luxurious rooms and suites, a chill out beach club where you can relax on a Balinese bed while sipping cocktails by the ocean. Bliss.

How to get there
Fly direct to Fuerteventura from airports all over the UK. If you don’t book a package with a coach transfer, hire a car from £20 a day or jump in a taxi to Corralejo. The drive along the coast takes about 35 minutes. Visit worldtravelplanner.co.uk for more details.