The blanket of white sand and Canary Island badlands on one side and turquoise blue waters on the other, open the way to the most emblematic road of the island, the road that crosses Las Dunas de Corralejo.
As we climb towards the north of the island along the FV-104 road, the arid rocky terrain gives way to the white sand after leaving behind the Red Mountain.
The road enters fully into a desert that, despite having a small size, covers the view to the horizon on one side and until it abuts the blue Atlantic on the other. A sign on the side of the road reveals our singular whereabouts: the Parque Natural Dunas de Corralejo.
Over the years, mollusks and other pulverized marine organisms were dragged by the ocean to this area of the municipality of La Oliva. They piled up to form a sand field parallel to the coast of more than 2,600 hectares and about 8 kilometers long. Here you can find the largest dunes in the Canary Islands and is an ideal destination for sports, swimming and wildlife watching, as the park is a Special Protection Area for Birds or SPA.
There is no better place for swimming. This place offers long beaches of white sand and clean, warm water that envy little to the Caribbean.
The ‘Great Beaches’ are at the foot of the Hotel Riu Tres Islas and Oliva Beach, the only buildings within the Natural Park, hence they are also known as ‘Beaches of the Hotels’. Although many people visit them, they are not usually very busy thanks to the 3.5 kilometers long they occupy. They have nudist areas and small stone buildings for shelter.
Sports lovers will be surprised by this natural treasure. Its beaches are ideal for water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing and diving. In fact, the hundreds of kites that are often seen soaring through the sky while dragging athletes jumping over the water are a sight to behold. It is also a place for those who enjoy challenges, as every year the Fuerteventura Dunes International Marathon is held. For 21 kilometers, athletes from all over the world take on the sand of the dunes in a demanding race. The numerous runners that can be seen near the road are a sign of the passion for the sport here.
Another event that takes place every year is the International Kite Festival. During the month of November, professional kite flyers gather in the dunes to practice their skills.
The dunes of Corralejo are a must and easy to add to the travel route, as it is located near another of the attractions of the north of the island. A few kilometers away we have Corralejo, a fishing village with a great tourist activity. From here you can also sail to the island of Lobos, the second natural park of Fuerteventura. Just 2 kilometers from the coast of Fuerteventura is located this islet, which is home to more than 130 species of plants and several marine animals.
– Antonio Rubio Martínez –
