Those looking for a quick escape from Britain’s dull and dreary skies this month needn’t look any further than this sunshine resort in the heart of this certified island paradise.

With sparkling turquoise waters, white sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, and mouthwatering cuisine at every corner, this resort town is a traveller’s dream destination — especially if you’re after bustling, lively nightlife.

This once-tiny fishing village has developed into an out-and-out tourist hotspot offering some of the best beaches and watersports found around the world.

Despite the tourism boom it has experienced over the last few decades, this vibrant resort has managed to retain its original charm and unique character, making it the ideal destination for those hoping to hop, skip, jump, their way to an effortless getaway that won’t empty pockets.

Situated on the northernmost tip of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, Corralejo makes for a sunny and upbeat holiday destination with fun activities galore.

In the municipality of La Oliva, Corralejo’s surrounding terrain is unusual and breathtaking in spades — white-and-golden sand dunes, rocky volcanic landscapes and coastal vibes coupled with old-town charm.

Corralejo combines its traditional seafaring atmosphere with a young and electric aura, giving visitors the best of both worlds.

Reaching this resort on Fuerteventura’s north coast is easy — and cheap. Direct one way flights from London Stansted Airport and London Luton Airport to Fuerteventura Airport in early March cost just £27 with free allowance for one cabin bag.

It’s not just the flights that are cheap — a crisp pint will only set you back £1.70 on this gorgeous tropical paradise. All this coupled with Fuerteventura’s toasty 21C March temps may be just what you need for that early spring holiday.

Located just opposite the stunning (and tiny) island of Los Lobos, the resort town of Corralejo is as picturesque as they come. The fact that it’s loaded with top-tier eateries, charming shops, and vibrant bars is only the cherry on top of an already delicious cake.

A resort town with humble beginnings

Corralejo was once merely a traditional fishing village with a modest number of inhabitants and not much to do. In fact, up until the 1950s, Corralejo had only about 11 surnames in the whole town — and a humble population of a little more than 100 people.

From then to now, this resort has grown by leaps and bounds as it stands today: Fuerteventura’s most popular tourist town.

The area which holds Corralejo and its surrounding dunes was where conqueror and crusader Gadifer de la Salle and his expedition first landed on Fuerteventura back in 1402.

As per local lore passed down from generation to generation, Corralejo was founded around 1810, although some dispute that the town didn’t see any proper settlement until the 1850s at least.

Its first inhabitants were known to have constructed their homes by using the stone and easily accessible materials found nearby.

From there on, Corralejo remained a humble fishing cove until the mid-20th century and its economy and townspeople were largely dependent on the surrounding municipality of La Oliva and imports from abroad.

For much of its modest history, Corralejo has existed as an undistinguished fishing village in which a handful of poor fishermen worked arduous hours to provide for their families.

It was in the early 1970s when Corralejo began to see a tourism boom, its outstanding beaches and jaw-dropping dunes (finally) attracting visitors to its stunning shores.

Things to do in Corralejo

This Fuerteventura resort is the perfect place for watersports, particularly windsurfing and kitesurfing, owing to the area’s consistent winds and ideal waves.

Scuba diving, water skiing, jet skiing and snorkelling are also popular activities with travellers thanks to Corralejo’s excellent crystal-clear waters.

Near the harbour, Town Beach (Playa del Viejo) is perfect for those staying in or near the town centre, while the Galera Beach area and Waikiki Beach situated in the heart of the town are best known for their calm waters, lively beach bars, and social atmosphere.

Playa Vista Lobos is another must-visit, famous for its unique ‘popcorn’ shore and stunning views of Lobos Island across the water. Flag Beach and Glass Beach are ideal for those who want to squeeze in a spot of windsurfing or kitesurfing.

The Corralejo Dunes or Grandes Playas situated within the 11-kilometre long Corralejo Natural Park is perhaps the resort’s most well-known attraction — and for good reason.

The pristine white sand dunes create an untouched beach paradise like no other, making it a must visit pitstop for anyone visiting Corralejo.

Breathtaking views of Los Lobos and the island of Lanzarote only add to the area’s charm. Exquisite plant and animal species found natively within the Natural Park are an added bonus for wildlife enthusiasts.

The old town in Corralejo is considered to be the spiritual heart of the resort, with its charming narrow streets crammed to the hilt with seafood joints and top tier eateries — a food lover’s paradise.

Corralejo Old Town is brimming with traditional whitewashed houses, small bars and local shops, and a harbour which still sees active fishing.

Avenida General Franco, also popularly known as Main Street, starts from the old town and is home to some of the resort’s most famous international restaurants, shopping centres, and the thriving Music Square.

Travellers can also set off from Corralejo’s port to explore the nearby volcanic islands of Lobos and Lanzarote via glass bottom boat tours or traverse the length and breadth of the Canaries through the regularly scheduled ferries.