Corralejo Surf Guide – Fuerte’s Main Surf Hub
We think Corralejo is best viewed as a gateway to the whole of the island of Fuerteventura. Yes, there are surf spots right on the doorstep, but it would be a shame not to pack up the board and venture out west and south to everything else that’s on offer here.
The surf options that are within reach of the town are the mainstay breaks of the Fuerta east coast. They string along miles and miles of beachfront within the jaw-dropping Corralejo Natural Park (the locals call that the Grandes Playa), but also break on reefs just beside the local harbor.
NW winds – dominant in winter -are the best on Corralejo’s corner of the island, since they blow straight offshore here. Summer can bring in hot easterlies from Africa that aren’t great for glasiness.
Don’t despair if that happens, though, for El Cotillo – out on the west side of the isle – and the separate Isla de Lobos have more consistent surf where offshores are at opposite angles. Corralejo is within easy reach of both by ferry or car.
As a town, Corralejo has plenty of life. Whitewashed Spanish casitas and salt-washed fishing shacks still roll down to the harbour. There are quaint tapas bars with al fresco tables overlooking the ocean. You’ll see bobbing boats and palm-speckled promenades.
It’s just an all-round lovely place to based for a surf trip, so long as you don’t mind a few crowds here and there.
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This guide is just one part of our complete guide to surfing in the Canary Islands
Corralejo surf at a glance
The good:
- Great for beginners – lots of surf schools
- Beautiful beaches in the area for when you’re not surfing
- Good after-surf scene
The bad:
- Can be windy
- Beautiful beaches in the area for when you’re not surfing
- Pros might get bored because of summer flat days
Where is Corralejo?
Corralejo sits on the far north-eastern side of Fuerteventura. The town hugs a sort of natural harbour that looks over a narrow strait to the small Isla de Lobos.
The smaller Canary Island of Lanzarote is situated to the north. Meanwhile, the main FV-1 roadway (the main roadway on the whole of Fuerta) runs southwards, linking up lots of the top Corralejo surf spots and, eventually, the airport past Puerto del Rosario.
You’ll also be about 20 minutes’ drive across the island from El Cotillo, which is the second most popular spot for surfers in Fuerte.
Surf spots in (and around) Corralejo
Corralejo is surrounded by all sorts of surf breaks. There are the Grandes Playa beaches to the south of town where most people go, but you can also switch over to the west coast to discover more in El Cotillo.
Punta Elena
Reef / Intermediate+
Some people call Punta Elena the outside of Rocky Point (see below), but I’ll use the name that the local surf guides tend to. It is literally 200 meters past the take-off for Rocky, a touch further into the channel between Corralejo and Los Lobos.
That makes it more sensetive to swell, so usually a few feet bigger and more powerful than its bro. It can hold size too – I’ve seen it barreling on big winter storm days.
Becuase of the long paddle and the heavy take off, plus a reef that gets super shallow on lower tides, this one’s very much a more advanced wave.
Rocky Point
Reef / All levels
The closest surf spot of all to Corralejo proper, Rocky Point (which sits just off the beach of El Bajo Medio) breaks on the reefs just south of the town.
It works best on heavy N swells (so it’s one to watch in the height of the winter), which wrap in and hit this east coast with some good power. But it also can do well with some E windswell, just it won’t be all that clean
It gives a pretty fun right-hand wall that can get hollow on sections when it works. Rocky Point also includes a left that’s harder to reach on the paddle out but is a cruisy longboard spot that can rival any on the island.
Generally, it’s a great all-level break that’s used by surf schools on small days and favored by advanced surfers when big. It’s only a walk from the center, which is easy.
Downsides here include big line ups since it’s the go-to spot in the town, and a fav among the local surf schools. Oh yea, and the walk out to begin the paddle at low tide can be hell on the feet – booties are a real save.
Flag Beach
Beginner/Intermediate
Beach break
Flag beach is one of the first ports of call for surf schools in Corralejo. It’s a couple of kilometres to the south of the town, but still easy to access. The main problem here is wind. Kiteboarders won’t complain but if it’s just you and the fibreglass a lot can be blown out. Winter is best when the prevailing offshores kick in. Also – wear booties! The ground is rocky and quite sharp at points.
Playa Los Matos
Beach break
Intermediates
So long as you can judge a rip and check the tide, there’s a chance you’ll catch a wave down on this section of the Grande Playas. Generally speaking, this area is less busy than the options closer to Corralejo town. Mix reef and sand bottom with stunning views of Los Lobos in the distance.
El Burro
Beginner/Intermediate
Beach break
Lending itself mainly towards improving beginners, but also decent for intermediates on a bigger day, El Burro (also called Glass Beach) is a great spot at the end of the Grande Playas strip. The great thing here is that easterly kick up some decent waves in the summer months, so it’s a regular with Corralejo surf schools and surf guides. The wave itself is a wedge with left and right sections, although the left is the longer and main ride. Best on a lower tide. Always watch out for the reef underfoot.
Playa del Moro
Beginner
Beach break
One of the best-known spots on any surf map Fuerteventura can muster, Playa del Moro brings us right to the end of the main beach strip south of Corralejo. Needs big N-NW swells to get kicking, so winter is usually flat. Summer it’s a hubbub of surf schools who enjoy the little chest-high breakers with their lefts and rights and lots of whitewash. Few hazards underfoot and a gorgeous view to the north-east looking over the Isla Lobos. Basically, if you’re starting out surfing in Fuerteventura, this one’s a great pick!
Los Lobos
Pros only
Point break
Pros on the search for a little surf guiding Fuerteventura style might want to ask about Los Lobos. It’s easily the most challenging break in the region, but boy is it worth it if you’ve got what it takes. The day will start with a ferry over to the Isla Lobos from Corralejo (they go a couple of times each morning and get you there around 10am). Then, you make for a paddle out at a point on the north-west side of the island. That’s the take off for what’s considered the longest wave in the Canaries. It can run for half a km or more down the side of the isle. Sectiony and very fast with parts that wall and barrel. Again: Pros only!
Other nearby surf spots to Corralejo
Majanicho
20 minutes drive from Corralejo on the far northern tip of Fuerte, the little fishing hamlet of Majanicho (and it is a hamlet), offers access to a lovely right hand point break that fires in winter N swells, along with a couple of the island’s very best reef breaks – I’m talking big, beefy, barrels that work on the most exposed rocks of all.
It’s a great place to stay because it’s total seclusion. There are some salt-washed cabins by the shore where you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
The downside to Majanicho is that it’s not got loads of shops or cafes, so lacks infrascructure, including surf infrasctructure. Also, the breaks here are more suited to advanced surfers than learners, so look elsewhere if you’re starting out.
>>We have a complete guide to Majanicho
El Cotillo
Ell Cotillo is the main surf town on the western side of Fuerteventura. It’s a bit more chilled and boho than Corralejo; less of a family resort, more of a Sagres-style surfer hangout.
It has a beach that stretches southward from the (rather pretty) town to offer a series of welcoming peaks that are typically waist to chest high in the summer months. So, it’s hardly a wonder that oodles of surf schools make their way over to give lessons.
Winter swells might be more inviting to more advanced riders but rips do occur because of shifting sandbanks. There are also stacks of other beach breaks stringing south where the crowds dissappear but bear in mind those rips – you’ll also likely need a car to get to them.
>>We have a complete guide to surfing in El Cotillo
Where to stay when surfing in Corralejo?
Surf camps in Corralejo
One area where Corralejo really does stand out is when it comes to surf camps. This town is actually one of the epicenters of the learn-to-surf scene in the Canaries and it has some of the best all-round surf lodges to show for it.
We focus in on quite a few of them in our full guide to the very best surf camps in Fuerteventura and our guide to the best surf camps in the Canary Islands as a whole.
Here’s a sneak preview of the ones we think are the best of all…
- Surfintrip Surf Camp – Just on the outskirts of Corralejo, these guys run surf-packed week-long packages that are among the best on the island. You’ll stay in a lodge with its own pool, do up to 24 hours of surfing throughout the week, and almost be certain to make new buddies.
- Surfescape Fuerteventura – These guys are the luxury choice. Bear with me, cos’ their surf lodge isn’t actually in Corralejo. Instead, it’s in a town midway between the east and west coasts. That offers more peacefulness and relaxation, and allows for extra space (the pool here is very nice). It also means you’ll get to surf beaches and spots on multiple coasts more easily. Worth checking if you want something a bit plush.
Top hotels (for surfers) in Corralejo
Corralejo has some cracking surf accommodation, designed specifically for those looking to get on the waves, organise their first surf lessons, and explore this lovely part of the Fuerta coast…
Dreamsea Surf House Fuerteventura – is a ridiculously nice surf stay, but then what would you expect of a brand that’s got pedigree in Ericiera, Sri Lanka, and Uluwatu. Yep, this new iteration of the global surf hotel chain keeps the boho style and the gorgeous chillout spaces. You can organize lessons on site and get board rental too.
- Surfers Retreat – A great option for those on a tight budget, this hostel-surf-camp mashup is right in the thick of the town. It’s got a super-social vibe, a shared kitchen and lounge, and bargain bunk rooms.
When to surf in Corralejo?
The good news is that there’s usually waves in Corralejo all year round. You only need to take a glance at the orientation of the surf beaches Fuerteventura has to see that some face west, some face east, others point north and south. That means there’s usually a swell direction that’s working. As a general guide:
Summer (May-August)
Summer swells tend to be smaller and more manageable across the whole island of Fuerteventura. Trade winds coming from across the Atlantic out of Africa kick into action, creating steady streams of swell in the N-NE direction. That’s why the Grande Playas beaches directly south of Corralejo are at their best in this season. Meanwhile, the protected beach breaks of Cotillo on the west coast get way smaller and more suited to beginner schools.
One warning for pros: Summer might be great for starters and improvers, but there are flat days. If you’ve been drawn to this corner of the Canaries by the promise of seeing Europe’s Hawaii in action, it’s not the time of year to do it. Hold off for the powerful northerlies of winter instead.
Wear: Shorties cut it, 2mm is usually enough
Winter (October-March)
The winter months are actually considered the high season in the Canary Islands. Pleasant daytime temperatures in the 20s and hardly a speck of rain mean that the Spanish archipelago is a doozy for snowbirds fleeing the mainland Europe winter. It’s also a great time to plan a Fuerteventura surf holiday if you’re a seasoned surfer.
The reason? The winter gets good dominant swells from the North Atlantic. The winds, meanwhile, switch to southerlies, relieving the onshores on both coasts of Fuerteventura and adding a little extra shape to the waves. The ocean can be a tad cooler, so we’d usually recommend a 3/2mm for this time of year. Locals will often wear shorties throughout.
Wear: 2mm full suit or a 3/2 for longer sessions
Surf shops in Corralejo
Because Corralejo is one of the main points on the surf map Fuerteventura, it’s hardly a surprise that there are plenty of places to bag some gear. A few of the top picks would be:
Paradise Surf
On the north side of Corralejo’s downtown is the excellent surf emporium of Paradise Surf. Visitors are greeted with several racks of fibre and epoxy boards that go from high-volume to nifty fish-tail shorties. Sandals, flipflops, boardshorts, rash vests – the whole lot is there. Pretty nice selection of surf wear to boot!
Homegrown Surfshop
Funky colours and funky folk await at the Homegrown Surfshop. Honestly, the spot looks more like a jerk shack on Jamaica than an outlet for gear and surf lessons – check out that mural of waves and hibiscus out front! Inside it’s wall to wall with gear. Home-printed surf tops and aloha bags all stack up next to skate gear and some crazy tie-dye boards. Cracking place.
Where to eat in Corralejo
There are tons of great places to chow down in Corralejo, from pubs that do full English breakos (Brits simply CANNOT go without em) to Spanish tapas joints with nice wine lists and small plates. We have a few little boltholes we will always go back to…
- Casa Manolo ($$) – Once you’re done with the Corralejo surf, why not reward yourself with a hearty meal that’s real Canaries. Cue Casa Manolo. This lovely little joint just back from the promenade serves spicy rice and potato croquettes, huge steaks and uber-fresh seafood. Still, it’s the family service that really makes it what it is!
- Citrus Surf Café ($) – Start or end a day on the waves at Citrus Surf Café – both are a doozy (although it’s not for dawnies with that 11am opening time!). Fare is filling and casual. We’re talking big burgers with chips and Tex-Mex. In the earlier hours are some great breakfast deals that offer coffee and croissant at speed. Limited outdoor seating.
- New Bakery Café ($) – Crepes, mocha, latte and more in this downtown cafe, along with fantastic people watchin from the terrace out front. It’s a morning chill spot for us when the swell isn’t good.
Things to do when you’re not surfing in Corralejo
There are loads of ways to break up your Fuerteventura surf holiday. In Corralejo, you’ve got shimmering beaches (some of the best in the Canaries) and rugged mountains. Take a look at what to do when the waves aren’t pumping…
Dolphin watching
Drive down to Morro Jable to join a dolphin watching tour. It’s impressive stuff, with regular sightings of bottlenoses and turtles and loads of other cool creatures! Cost is about $40-50 per person and the tour lasts 1.5 hours. It’s one of the bucket-list activities of Fuerte.
Isla de Lobos
Regular boats leave for the Isla de los Lobos each morning. Aside from being the home of one of the most gnarly Corralejo surf spots of all (see above), it’s a beautiful place to explore for the day. Hiking trails crisscross the entire isle and you can discover some azure natural rock pools next to isolated lighthouses. Pretty cool stuff.
Laze on the beaches
Corralejo has its own top beaches, true. However, they tend to be among the most popular on Fuerteventura. To escape the crowds and see something special, head over to El Cotillo. It’s a small whitewashed clutch of tavernas and cottages in the west. And boy does it have some beaches! The best of them are right in the town centre, sporting cotton-white sand and water that’s pure turquoise blue.
We’re always looking for more info on the Corralejo surf and lifestyle. If you want to add anything to this guide or think we’ve got anything wrong – be sure to get in touch!
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
