If you’re planning a trip to Corralejo, you are probably seeking some, or all of these: sun, sand, good weather, great windsurfing, and dramatic nature. And you’ll be heading in the right direction. What you might not be expecting, are the fantastic opportunities to explore new foods. Beyond the beaches and boardwalks lies one of the island’s most underrated pleasures: its food. The culinary scene in Corralejo is a vibrant mix of Canarian traditions, Spanish influences, and global flavors brought by travellers and expats who’ve fallen in love with the island. All that sunshine, surf and crystal-clear fresh air works up an appetite, and this Fuerteventura gem is the perfect place to sate it.
Contents:
- Tapas with a Canarian Twist
- Sample the Freshest Catch
- Timing is Everything
- Do Your Own Market Research
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Get to Know the Food Scene in Corralejo
Unless you’re travelling with young children, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t eat like a local in Corralejo. So, what should you be looking out for? What should you order? When should you be dining? In this blog post, we’ll explore the essence of Corralejo’s food scene to offer timeless advice for discovering the best meals in town, no matter when you visit.
Tapas with a Canarian Twist
Tapas isn’t just a tourist attraction – it’s a way of life across Spain, and Corralejo is no exception. What sets this town apart, though, is the island’s unique take on traditional small plates. Alongside the classic Spanish tapas – think chorizo in red wine, tortilla española, or marinated olives – you’ll often find Canarian specialties that reflect Fuerteventura’s heritage.
One of the must-try local dishes is papas arrugadas – small wrinkled potatoes boiled in heavily salted water and served with mojo sauce. Mojo rojo (red) has a kick, made with garlic, peppers, and paprika; while mojo verde (green) is milder and herbier, often made with coriander or parsley. They’re both a staple on nearly every menu, and often served as a complimentary snack when you order a drink in more traditional bars.
Grilled cheese with mojo, often made from local goats’ cheese, is another simple but delicious choice. The cheese is usually lightly grilled or fried until golden and served warm with mojo – a perfect mix of salty, creamy, and tangy.
Sample the Freshest Catch
Being a seaside town, Corralejo is a paradise for seafood lovers. The key to eating like a local here is to keep it simple. Fresh fish is often grilled whole, seasoned only with sea salt, olive oil, garlic, and lemon. You won’t find heavy sauces masking the flavour – just the clean, natural taste of the sea.
Look for catch-of-the-day boards, often hand-written and updated daily. Popular local fish include vieja (parrotfish), cherne (grouper), and sama (a type of sea bream). Many locals go for grilled squid or octopus as well, often served with papas arrugadas or salad on the side.
Insider’s tip: When in doubt, ask what’s fresh or ‘del día’ and go with that. You’ll often be pleasantly surprised by what turns up.
Timing is Everything
Exploring new cuisines isn’t just about the ingredients. To enjoy the local cuisine you need to eat like a local for the enhanced experience. Pay attention to when people eat. Lunchtime is usually between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm, and dinner doesn’t start until around 8:00 pm or later. Many eateries close between lunch and dinner, so plan accordingly.
Residents often enjoy a leisurely lunch as the main meal of the day, sometimes opting for a set-price lunch menu that includes a starter, main, dessert, and drink for excellent value. These menus typically feature homestyle dishes and give you a glimpse of what people actually eat on the island.
Dinner, on the other hand, tends to be lighter and more social – perfect for ordering a few tapas and sharing with friends over a drink.
Do Your Own Market Research
To really understand the flavours of Corralejo, take time to explore a local food market or grocery shop. Fuerteventura has a strong tradition of agriculture and dairy, despite its dry landscape. Look for:
- Gofio: A toasted corn or wheat flour that has been a dietary staple in the Canary Islands for centuries. It’s often added to soups, mixed with honey as a dessert, or used in stews.
- Queso Majorero: A semi-hard goat’s cheese from Fuerteventura, often coated in paprika or gofio. It is rich, slightly tangy, and makes a great addition to a picnic or cheese board.
- Local honey: Especially from palm trees or cactus flowers – ideal as a souvenir (just make sure you put it in your hold luggage so it’s not confiscated by airport security), or to enjoy with breakfast during your stay.
- Tropical fruits: Including bananas, papayas, and mangoes grown in the Canaries’ mild climate.
To fuel your shopping trip in the markets, find a street vendor selling barraquito – a Canarian layered coffee with condensed milk, liqueur, espresso, milk foam, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and lemon zest. It’s both dessert and caffeine fix in one.
Ultimately, eating in Corralejo isn’t just about the food – it’s about the pace. Meals here are meant to be enjoyed slowly. Whether you’re tucking into tapas with friends, savouring a sunset dinner by the sea, or sipping coffee at a quiet cafe, the best dining experiences come from embracing the moment. So, skip the tourist menus. Wander down a quiet side street. Follow the aroma of garlic and grilling fish. And let Corralejo show you how locals really eat.
Where to Stay
O7 Aloe Corralejo: Near to the beach, this club resort houses guests in comfortable and well appointed apartments arranged around a set of swimming pools. You’ll have your own kitchenette, lounge and a terrace or balcony. On site you can make use of the communal gym and table tennis facilities. All meals are provided by the Club’s buffet restaurant and there’s a poolside bar for snacks and drinks.
Labranda Bahía de Lobos: At only 800 metres from the beach, this hotel is perfectly situated for water sport aficionados to enjoy a range of surfing opportunities, including board, kite and paddle surfing. The hotel boasts a restaurant, two outdoor pools, tennis courts and a lush garden. If the heat gets too much, guests can retreat indoors for billiards, table tennis or darts. Each room is air-conditioned and includes a seating area with a sofa bed and balcony.
Miramar Boutique Apartments: Enjoy the undisturbed tranquillity of an adults-only resort. You won’t have to share the public bath, outdoor pool, tennis courts or sun terrace with any unruly children. A 5-minute walk will bring you to Las Clavellinas Beach, and if you want to venture slightly further you’ll find Corralejo Viejo Beach a mere 700 metres away.
How to Get There
Getting to the Canary Islands from the UK is relatively cheap and easy. With direct flights from multiple airports operated by a range of carriers, Fuerteventura is no exception. There are around 120 flights per week with Jet2, easyJet, Ryanair, TUI, Iberia, British Airways and BA Euroflyer. The flight takes just under 4.5 hours, and when you land, one of our reliable and convenient Corralejo airport transfer services will be waiting for you. Pre-book from a range of reasonably priced options.
Overview
UK to FUE flight time: 4 hours 23 minutes
FUE to Corralejo distance: 43 kilometres
Shuttle Direct transfer time: approx. 1 hour
Types of Transfer
Shuttle Direct has a range of Fuerteventura airport transfers operated by helpful drivers renowned for their great communication and friendly service. We take pride in knowing that our customers can choose from transport options that suit their individual needs.
Taxi: Our airport taxis from Fuerteventura to Corralejo can be booked at the same time as your flight, ensuring that you won’t wait in any queues when you arrive. A professional driver will whisk you off to your final destination in a comfortable, modern vehicle. You can even pre-book the return journey to the airport.
Shuttle Bus: Save yourself some money, without compromising on a reliable, prompt service, by reserving a seat on one of our shuttle buses that will take you from Fuerteventura airport to a central drop-off point in Corralejo.
Private Transfer: We also have a fleet of vehicles that can be reserved for private transfers. Fuerteventura airport to Corralejo is a journey of about an hour, so if you want to travel in style, book your professional driver and high end vehicle for a door-to-door service.
Minibus Transfer: Corralejo is a destination for family groups and for committed practitioners of watersports. If you’re travelling with several passengers or large items like surfing boards, we can arrange to pick you up and return you to Fuerteventura airport in a minibus airport transfer vehicle.
Choosing the Right Transfer
As you can see, there are plenty of options for your Corralejo transfer. If you’re wondering which one suits you best, we recommend that you consider whether your priority is cost or convenience.
Cost: If you’re looking to minimise the airport transfer costs then the shuttle bus offers an efficient service at a lower price. You’ll board outside the Arrivals lounge and alight at a designated spot situated for convenient access to the accommodation on offer in Corralejo.
Convenience: For those on a tight schedule, or who want the maximum convenience of a door-to-door Fuerteventura transfer, then the taxi or private vehicle options will be best. Still offering value for money, these services cost a little more but provide you with your own vehicle and driver.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is one of the market leaders in airport transfers to Corralejo from Fuerteventura. Pre-booking your onward travel with us means you can sit back, relax and leave the logistics to our experienced and friendly drivers. We operate globally, so wherever you land you can rely on Shuttle Direct for your transfer requirements.
