01 CORRALEJO

The surroundings of Corralejo rest on a volcanic base more than 20 million years old. Just outside the town, you can still find black lava formations—remnants of ancient eruptions that stand in striking contrast to the area’s bright sandy beaches.

The sea near Corralejo is part of a protected marine zone with a high population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Visitors often take boat trips to observe these intelligent mammals swimming freely along the coast or near the boats.

Since the 1990s, Corralejo has become a windsurfing hotspot. Thanks to constant trade winds and wide open beaches, the area is home to several sports schools that welcome both experienced athletes and first-timers from around the globe.

Corralejo plays an important role as a resting point for migratory birds. Each spring and autumn, species like herons, plovers, and bee-eaters stop at the area’s shallow coastal waters and lagoons during their long journeys between continents.

Corralejo sits on one of the oldest sea routes between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. For centuries, it was a vital trade point. Today, it remains an important harbor for ferries and tourist boats connecting the two neighboring islands daily.

To the north of Corralejo lives the beetle Crypticus canariensis, which collects moisture from the morning dew. Its shell is adapted to condense water from the air—an extraordinary example of survival in the Canary Islands’ arid climate.

Unlike desert dunes, those in Corralejo are made of marine remains: fossilized plankton, crushed shells, and organic particles carried by Atlantic winds. These coastal dunes form a unique ecosystem shaped by the ocean rather than the desert.

In Corralejo’s old town, some houses were built using volcanic tuff and seashells. This local material provided thermal insulation and was easy to shape. Today, these homes offer a glimpse into the island’s sustainable building traditions.