White sand dunes stretch across 7 kilometers of protected coastline, forming a desert-like landscape next to turquoise waters and volcanic rock formations.
Parque Natural de Corralejo covers 10 kilometers along Fuerteventura’s northeastern coast, with white sand dunes rising beside dark volcanic hills and clear ocean waters. Walk barefoot on beaches like Playa del Médano, climb the red slopes of Montaña Roja to see views stretching to Lanzarote, or watch surfers near rocky coves. Declared a natural park in 2002, this area protects both unusual landforms and beaches you can reach easily, all a short drive from Corralejo’s town center.
Stretching over 2.6 square kilometers, these white dunes form the Canary Islands’ largest sandy area. They developed from crushed seashells carried by wind over thousands of years, creating a habitat for plants and animals adapted to sandy ground. Move away from the busiest beaches to find paths where the sand alternates between loose hills and firm ridges. Wear shoes with good grip if climbing higher dunes—the effort pays off with wide views of the coast and ocean. Visit before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid strong midday sun and see how light shapes the dunes’ curves.
South of the dunes, Montaña Roja’s red-brown slopes rise 312 meters above sea level. A rocky trail takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit, passing gravelly sections where careful footing matters. From the top, you’ll spot the entire dune field, the island of Lobos, and layers of blue in the ocean. The crater’s exposed rock shows bands of ash and hardened lava from ancient eruptions. Time your hike to reach the peak near sunset for vivid colors as the sun drops behind nearby volcanic ridges.
Corralejo’s coastline includes broad sandy areas like Playa del Moro, popular with families, and smaller coves surrounded by volcanic rock. Calm waters near the dunes suit swimming, while steady winds draw kiteboarders to spots such as Glass Beach. Bring your own snorkel to see fish around submerged rocks, but avoid areas with noticeable currents. Most beaches south of the main hotels have no shops or shade, so pack essentials like water and a sun umbrella. Some quieter southern stretches allow nude sunbathing, though signs don’t officially mark these zones.
Drive to the park via the FV-1 highway, which connects Puerto del Rosario to Corralejo. Free parking near Playa del Médano fills by 11 a.m., so arrive early. If taking the ferry from Lanzarote, taxis or local buses from Corralejo’s port go to the park’s northern entry points. Public buses on Fuerteventura run limited routes, so renting a car or booking a guided 4x4 tour works better for reaching remote volcanic zones.
Apply sunscreen with high SPF and wear a hat—sun exposure here is stronger due to reflection off the sand. Bring one liter of water per person for hikes, especially on Montaña Roja where no shade exists. Stick to marked trails to avoid damaging plants like sea lavender, which survives in the dunes’ harsh conditions. Check weather apps for wind speeds; gusts above 25 km/h can blow sand uncomfortably. Photographers should note that cloudy days emphasize the dunes’ shapes, while sunlit days make the ocean’s blues more vivid.
Take a 15-minute ferry from Corralejo to Isla de Lobos, where trails cross salt pans and lava formations in a marine reserve. The inland village of Lajares has white houses, small cafes, and bakeries selling local goat cheese. Skip visiting the park on Wednesdays and Saturdays if possible, as cruise groups often crowd key areas during these days.
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