Corralejo (Spain)

Originally a fishing village, Corralejo is a well-planned modern resort which still retains a breezy, small-town charm, especially down at the harbour. Holidays to Corralejo are centred around the great beaches, lively nightlife and excellent, duty-free shopping opportunities. In short, Corralejo manages to encompass the very best of Fuerteventura within its low-rise, white-washed limits.

Beaches

As you'd expect, Fuerteventura's leading resort hugs a chunk of the coastline particularly blessed with fine, soft-sand beaches. Great for watersports enthusiasts, sun worshippers, and active kids, Corralejo's sands are a real sunny slice of heaven, all year round. The Trade Winds have, over the years, blown the silky soft Saharan sands over here. So you really can say you've strolled across the desert after a day on Corralejo's safe, clean beaches and dramatic dunes (which form part of a protected nature reserve).

Eating Out

The old quarter of Corralejo is the place to head, to wander through tightly packed, restaurant-lined streets. They all, eventually, lead to the harbour, where seafood restaurants jostle for your attention. The cuisine is varied and international - so you could find yourself enjoying authentic Italian, Spanish and English, Indian and Chinese, Thai and American in a week. You could, however, stick to the delicious local dishes, such as crinkly, salty Canarian potatoes served with spicy Mojo sauce, or a hearty Canarian stew. Or, for lunch, a simple plate of local goat’s cheese with cured ham.

Shopping

There are plenty of commercial shopping centres dotted around Corralejo's neighbourhoods - they're all similar, with good bargains to be had on clothes, electrical items (buy with caution), perfumes and jewellery. Surf shops along the main Avenue hint at why this resort is so popular with sporty types. Fashionable types can rest easy, too, as all the high street names are here, from Benetton to, even, C&A!

Nightlife

Corralejo has, by far, the best nightlife on the Island. And everyone's invited. Avenida General Franco is the place to head for cheap and cheerful bars, neon-bathed Discos and, for clubs, head to Centro Atlantico. Surprisingly, there's a good percentage of Irish themed bars here (actually, there's a large Irish ex-pat community here, so maybe it's not too surprising after all!) Look out for 'La Placita' square: a hidden playground lined with open-air restaurants and bars where, thankfully, you can hear your conversation over the music!

Attractions and Activities

Holidays in Fuerteventura are ideal for surfers, windsurfers and sailors. Corralejo and water sports go hand in hand, so if you're inclined, you can try your hand at surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving and paragliding. On land, you have the opportunity to enjoy quad biking, mountain biking and tennis and bowling. There's a swish new water park just to the south of the resort, and, of course, this fascinating island is just made to explore: and there are tours aplenty taking you into the dramatic interior. Be sure to visit the ancient capital of Betancuria: the prettiest settlement on the island.