On an island known for its phenomenal beaches, Parque Natural Corralejo is the place you cannot miss on your visit to Fuerteventura.
Vibrant turquoise water against golden sand and black lava rock flanks one side of the road, while vast desert of dunes seem to stretch for an eternity on the other.
Located on the northeastern side of the island the natural park stretches 2,600 hectare with over 6 miles of coastline. The road FV-1 divides the ocean from desert and to explore you must set out on foot, plenty of free parking is available.
Corralejo Beach
Depending on your taste, you can find a populated beach with amenities near the resorts or a sparsely visited natural environment – regardless of choice this is one of the most gorgeous tracts of beach in the Canary Islands.
Some coves are perfect sandy platforms, while others are more rugged landscapes with patches of beach and plots of lava rock.
The typical day on the island is windy, so there are areas where windsurfers flock to and many zuccos which are semi-circle piles of lava rock which help to protect you from the wind. Most beaches in the archipelago are nudist friendly, so don’t be surprised if you encounter bathers sans-suits.
Corralejo Dunes
Interesting fact: The sand that makes up the dunes is not your typical sand comprised of weathered rocks and minerals. This sand is formed by the disintegration of organic materials such as coral, mollusks, and microorganisms.
Some of the dunes are so tall, you’ll have to take a running start to get to the top. There are no set trails that go through the dunes, always be aware of your surroundings and don’t lose sight of the road while exploring. Certain sections are spotless others are dotted with shrub vegetation.
Following animal tracks can tell a story, or you might spot some wildlife in action.
This is the home of the largest colony of houbara bustard birds on the island, a vulnerable species found in North African deserts.