Photography - The Sand Dunes of Corralejo

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The Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo is one of the most-visited natural areas in Fuerteventura and boasts the largest sand dunes of the Canary Islands. With miles of near-white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, huge dunes and a contrasting red and black volcanic landscape, it is real natural gem of the Canary Islands.

The Natural Park covers around 24 km², including the beaches, the large shifting sand dunes and the volcanic landscape to the south. Known locally as Grandes Playas
(big beaches), the 10 km stretch of coastline is actually made up of a number of smaller beaches. These pale sandy beaches have few rocks and clear turquoise waters. Contrary to many guides and newspaper articles, the sand here has not “blown over from the Sahara”, but is in fact composed of the shells of marine creatures.

The area was designated as a Natural Park in 1982 together with the small island of Los Lobos, located just off the coast of Corralejo. Unfortunately two large hotels were built before the area was declared a protected space. These Hotels are rather a blot on such a stunning landscape, however on the plus side, if you stay in either of the hotels, the dunes and turquoise waters really are on your doorstep.

Access to the park by road is via the FV-1. Motorists should exercise caution and be aware of pedestrians and shifting sands when driving along this road. There are kilometres of parking spaces along the road, although those nearest the most favoured areas, like Flag Beach often fill up first. Even if you have an off-road vehicle, you cannot drive in the Natural Park other than on the FV-1 road – driving on the dunes is strictly forbidden.