Corralejo beaches

Corralejo, the biggest tourist resort on Fuerteventura, is a happy blend of old port and new low-rise resort which attracts a mixed bag of holidaymakers. The old part of town, a tiny warren of narrow whitewashed alleyways behind the port, really comes to life in the evenings. But it is the magnificent broad white-sand beach, where kite surfers now catch the eye, that has put Corralejo firmly on the tourist map.

Beach:

Corralejo has several beaches. The small sandy Town Beach, by the port, is handy for keeping the children occupied while parents eat or shop. From here a narrow sandy strip, Playa Galera, follows the bay for some 500m (545 yards) around a small headland to the main beach, Grandes Playas. This is a fabulous broad long soft white stretch of sand reaching for over 7km (4.5 miles). Flag Beach is the place for kite surfing and wind surfing. Opposite, on the other side of the coastal road, is the Parque Natural de las Dunas, virgin white sand dunes covering an area of 27 sq km (10.4 sq miles).

Beyond the beach:

Acua Water Park (www.acuawaterpark), featuring a variety of flumes and slides plus a large swimming pool area, is a good half day out for all the family. More adventurous types can go diving or big-game fishing with the operators who can be found at the port. Boats run daily to the little island of Los Lobos which is a beautiful castaway-type desert island measuring 4.4 sq km (1.7 square miles). You can walk around it in a couple of hours, have a meal in the island's one and only rustic restaurant and enjoy the panoramic views from the top of its mini mountain.

Family fun:

The resort is child-friendly. Acua Water Park (see above) is great for little ones with a special children's area. There's also crazy golf, trampolines and a kids' play area near the harbour.

Exploring further:

The easiest and possibly the best excursion is to the Isla de Lobos. A short drive 16km (10 miles) south to the quiet little village-like town of La Oliva is worthwhile for its Centro de Arte Canario (Calle Salvador Manrique de Lara, www.centrodeartecanario.com), a contemporary gallery devoted to modern Canarian art. Continue south for another 12km (7.5 miles) to the excellent Eco Museo Alcogida, set on the main FV 207 at Tefia. This is an entertaining open-air museum recording rural island life some 50 to 100 years ago. A 'must visit' is the ancient island capital, Betancuría, another 15km (9.5 miles) further south. Founded in 1404 by the Spanish island conquerors, today it is no bigger than a village. Many of its houses date from the 17th and 18th centuries. In the centre the Casa Santa María (Plaza Iglesia) is a beautiful Spanish-Colonial house which showcases the island's crafts, culture and history. It has an atmospheric bar, a charming outdoor café-restaurant and a more formal restaurant which is one of the best on the island.

Splashing out:

Pamper yourself at the spa of the 5-star hotel Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real (www.atlantisbahiareal.com), where they use the very latest technologies in health and beauty care. Or choose from one of their three gourmet restaurants offering the finest Japanese, Spanish and Italian cuisine.

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