Anyone who’s had the pleasure of visiting Spain knows that it’s a nation synonymous with sun, sea, and sand. One of the best examples of this is the island of Fuerteventura, the second largest in the Canary Island archipelago, which boasts over 300 km of pristine coastline and more than 150 beaches. Directly translating to “great fortune”, the origins of the name Fuerteventura remain a subject of debate, with some believing it refers to the persistent and strong winds that sweep across the island. Sitting in the Atlantic Ocean just 100 km off the coast of North Africa, the island enjoys a mild climate year-round, with annual temperatures averaging 24.5°C. In particular, the town of Corralejo has become very popular with visitors looking to take advantage of the brilliant windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions.
Contents:
- Introducing Corralejo
- Wave the Flag at Flag Beach<
- Raise a Glass to Glass Beach
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Introducing Corralejo
On the northern tip of Fuerteventura in the municipality of La Oliva is the town of Corralejo, a former fishing village surrounded by rolling dunes and cobalt blue waters. Corralejo combines its past as a fishing village with its present as a popular tourist resort brimming with beaches, a thriving urban centre, and a port that connects it to the island of Lanzarote.
Traces of the old town can still be found in Corralejo, such as the small restored windmill along Calle Pizarro, in Plaza de la Molina de Juan Morera. Due to the consistent trade winds, the town is renowned as one of the most sought-after destinations for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Planning a trip to Fuerteventura and unsure how to fill your itinerary? Check out the guide below on the best places to visit in Corralejo for water sports aficionados.
Wave the Flag at Flag Beach
In the northeast of Fuerteventura, opposite the Isle of Lobos, you’ll find Flag Beach, a Mecca for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Part of the Corralejo Natural Park, Flag Beach sits in a protected area, which helps preserve its unique ecosystem of dunes. The trade winds, known as “alisios”, paired with the calm, shallow waters, make it a hotspot for both beginners and experienced water sports enthusiasts.
On the beach you’ll find several equipment rental centres and schools offering lessons in windsurfing and kitesurfing, so whether you’re a novice or a pro looking to brush up on your technique, Flag Beach has got you covered.
If you decide to take to the water, it’s recommended that you wear surf shoes, as you’re likely to encounter occasional rocky areas and marine life. In summer, a shorty wetsuit is preferable, while a full lightweight wetsuit is better suited for the cooler winter months. The summer months often bring flatter water with light chop near the shore, making the conditions perfect for practising your craft and freeriding. Meanwhile, during the winter months, Atlantic swells are more prominent, creating larger waves. This period is ideal for advanced surfers looking to incorporate wave-riding techniques into their repertoire.
Raise a Glass to Glass Beach
Glass Beach, also known as Playa del Burro, is another beach located within the Corralejo Natural Park, stretching over 700 metres. In the summer, Glass Beach becomes a haven for windsurfers and kitesurfers due to the north-easterly trade winds, which are frequent and consistent.
The waters at Glass Beach are also generally calm, with steady winds and small waves making it an ideal spot for beginners and intermediate windsurfers and kitesurfers. The best conditions are at low or mid-tide, as there’s more exposed sandy beach, providing a safer and more convenient area to set up and launch kites and boards.
It’s important to note that there’s a volcanic reef at Glass Beach, created by ancient volcanic activity in Fuerteventura, which can pose challenges to water sports enthusiasts. Take care at low tide when the reef is more exposed, as it can damage equipment or cause injuries if not navigated carefully. Glass Beach is easily accessible and parking is available. However, there are no facilities nearby, so visitors should come prepared and make sure to bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.
It should now be abundantly clear that Corralejo is a paradise for tourists with a penchant for water sports. The warm climate and reliable winds create the optimum conditions for a spot of windsurfing or kitesurfing. Now that you’ve nailed down which beaches to visit, the next step is to figure out where you’re going to stay.
Where to Stay
Vivienda Vacacional Casa Lina: This centrally located apartment provides splendid sea views, which you can enjoy from the sun terrace. It’s the perfect base for reaching the local beaches, as it’s only 100m from Corralejo Beach and 300m from Corralejo Viejo Beach. Each unit is air-conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, dining area, and private bathroom with a walk-in shower. A minimarket is also conveniently close by, so you can purchase supplies ahead of your day trips.
La Clavellina: This spacious apartment is located in the epicentre of Corralejo, only 350 yards away from Las Clavellinas Beach. Guests have access to a furnished roof terrace with panoramic views of the pretty palm-lined promenade. There’s also a solarium on site, so you can relax and soak up the sun in your own private sanctuary. For coffee and pastries, head to That’s Amore, which is 30 yards away; for a barbecued brunch check out Restaurante Grill Don Pepe, at 40 yards away; and for cocktails and karaoke, Discoteca Persia offers a lively atmosphere to end your night on a high note.
Eloisa I: Guests of this beachfront apartment will not only wake up to a gorgeous vista of the Atlantic Ocean, they’ll also have access to practical facilities such as a washing machine and a fully equipped kitchen. The apartment is less than half an hour’s drive away from Ecomuseo de la Alcogida, a living museum in the town of Tefía where you can learn about local crafts and the life of farmers in Fuerteventura. Eloisa I is also a similar distance away from Casa Museo Unamuno, a museum that honours Spanish writer and philosopher Miguel de Unamuno.
How to Get There
Getting to Corralejo is simply a matter of booking a flight from the UK to Fuerteventura Airport (FUE) and then pre-booking a transfer with Shuttle Direct. This will take the hassle out of navigating public transport in unfamiliar territory, and means that you can get to your accommodation swiftly and in a straightforward way.
Several airlines offer direct flights from the UK to Fuerteventura Airport including Ryanair, Jet2.com, TUI, Iberia, British Airways, BA Euroflyer, and easyJet, so you’re spoilt for choice. The average flight time is just over four hours and 20 minutes, and the drive to Corralejo takes approximately an hour. With Shuttle Direct, you’re guaranteed a prompt service that will get you to your destination safely and comfortably.
Overview
UK to FUE flight time: 4 hours 23 minutes
FUE to Corralejo distance: 43 kilometres
Shuttle Direct transfer time: 58 minutes
Types of Transfer
At Shuttle Direct, we never paint travellers with the same brush, as we know that everyone has their own personal wants and needs. That’s why we offer a comprehensive suite of services that cater to every traveller’s style and budget.
Taxi: If you’re looking for a stress-free transfer from Fuerteventura Airport to Corralejo, a pre-booked taxi is a great choice. You can forget standing around in a long taxi queue after a tiring flight. Instead, you’ll be greeted at the airport by a friendly, local driver who knows Fuerteventura like the back of their hand, and will take the quickest route to your accommodation in Corralejo so you can start your holiday on the right foot.
Shuttle bus: The most economical airport transfer is a shuttle bus. You can count on us to provide a bus service that’s punctual and will get you to your destination without costing a fortune. You’ll meet your driver and fellow passengers at the terminal, then hop on board a clean and modern shuttle bus. Given that this isn’t a door-to-door service, the cost is lower than a taxi or private transfer, but this doesn’t mean that the quality is ever compromised.
Private transfer: If you’ve got cash to splash and you’d rather not travel with strangers, I’d recommend a private transfer from Fuerteventura Airport to Corralejo. You’ll be picked up promptly and dropped off at the doorstep of your accommodation without any stops along the way, making it a direct and faster journey. You’ll also be able to schedule your pick-up time to suit your itinerary, so you’ll receive the benefit of a personalised service.
Minibus transfer: If you’re travelling with family or a group of friends, the most cost-effective option is to book a minibus transfer from Fuerteventura Airport to Corralejo. You’ll avoid the trouble of having to arrange and pay for multiple taxis as you’ll travel in a large multi-passenger vehicle that’s roomy enough to fit your whole party, along with suitcases and any equipment for windsurfing or kitesurfing.
Choosing the Right Transfer
At Shuttle Direct, we’re specialists in ensuring our clients receive the best possible travel experience, tailored to their needs. The decision of which airport transfer is the best option is a personal one that only you can make, but it comes down to cost and convenience, and which one is more important to you.
Cost: If value for money is your priority and you’re searching for a surefire way to keep costs down, a shuttle bus is the most suitable option. Since the cost is split between multiple passengers, the price per head is lower than a private service. Although you won’t be delivered to the door of your accommodation, the drop-off point will be in central Corralejo, making it easy for you to get the short distance from your stop to your apartment.
Convenience: If, however, money is no object and your primary concern is privacy and comfort, a pre-booked taxi or luxury private transfer will suit you down to the ground. The ride will be dedicated solely to you and your travel companions and will get you to where you need to go without any stops or delays along the way. This will ensure that from the moment you step off the plane, you can relax, knowing that your transportation is taken care of.
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct, our range of shared and private transfers are the best in the business. When you make a booking via our user-friendly online booking system, you can rest assured that your travel arrangements will be handled with professionalism and care. Whether you opt for a shared shuttle bus or a best-in-class private transfer, when you book with us, you book with the best.