Winter Sun
Winter sun is something that most people want in the mid winter slump after Christmas and New Year. Fortunately for Mr Fitz and myself we have been fortunate enough for the past 10 years to be able to have a weeks holiday for a bit of winter sun in January. It has become a habit that we have chosen Corralejo in Fuerteventura every year.
Over recent years we have enjoyed regular holidays and short breaks several times a year, one of our favourite summer destinations is Croatia, read my review of it if you haven’t already.
About Corralejo and Fuerteventura
Corralejo is a town on the northeast coast of Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands of Spain. It’s known for Corralejo Natural Park, featuring windy, dune-backed beaches like Playa del Moro. The park is home to endangered wildlife and Montaña Roja, a volcano with panoramic views. The town, a former fishing village, is dotted with eateries and bars. Nearby Lobos Island is a nature reserve with rare birds.
Like all the Canary Islands it is a Volcanic Island, but fear not they are all dormant. The official average temperatures for Fuerteventra in January are Highs 21 and Lows 15 with 2 days rain per month. Over the years we have found daytime temperatures to reach quite a bit higher. Plenty of hours for winter sun. At night it can be cool and windy so a light jacket and jeans is recommended. We have also experienced days of heavy rain, but it is often at times when other parts of Europe and mainland Spain are also experiencing downpours.
Daytime has enough sunshine to sunbathe by the pool or on one of the many fabulous beaches. It’s great to feel the winter sun on your face.
Feeling warm sun on your face in January
Things to Do
It must be said that it is a very chilled, relaxed resort. Perfect for recharging your batteries in the dark months of Winter. If you want disco’s, Karaoke and rowdy English bars then it is not for you. That doesn’t mean to say you cannot find these but they are the exception rather than the rule.
During the day many people gently stroll around the resort and beach fronts. During the years we have been visiting tourism to the Island has increased and it is obvious that much of the income has been reinvested. The shops, hotels and facilities have improved and are of a high standard. There is a good bus service that can be used to access many if not all areas of the Island for sightseeing.
Shops selling designer items
One of the most stunning features are the beaches , no visit to Corralejo is complete without a trip to the famous Dunes. Miles of pure white sand and clear blue sea. A playground for fans of water sports and Kite surfing. A great opportunity for winter sun.
Kite surfing at the dunes
Mr Fitz enjoying the white sand at The Dunes of Corralejo
At night there are many fabulous restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, especially sea food. Plus there are many great quality takeaway’s and coffee shops.
Not forgetting the usual variety of Irish bars and bars showing football. There is an area in the Old Town known as the Music Square. It is a square surrounded by bars and restaurants and at night there is regular free musical entertainment and has a fabulous atmosphere. Three of our favourite bars are The Blue Rock in the Old Town, The Smiths Arms tucked away off the main street and O’Neils Irish Bar in the Atlantico Centre.
Some of our favourite haunts and restaurants are La Luna and Fado Rock close to the harbour. We ate at Fado Rock on the Saturday night of our stay. The food and service is exceptional. John had a fabulously fresh and tasty tomato and onion salad followed by a Fado special kebab, I loved my pork fillets with Roquefort sauce and canarian potatoes.
La Luna also has a lovely bar frequented by the locals. A perfect place for breakfast lunch or coffee is Bistro Cafe Latino on the sea front heading towards the harbour. A fabulous spot with great sea views by the sea
Enjoying coffee at Bistro Cafe Latino
Another great spot with sea views is the Bar Anno 2011 – serves fabulous cocktails and has a 2 for 1 happy hour between 5pm and 6pm. Great hosts and hospitality
Anno 2011 bar
The Harbour
Corralejo has a bustling harbour where ferries run regularly over to Playa Blanca on Lanzarote. A great suggestion for a day trip for lunch at the fabulous Rubicon harbour in that resort. You can also book a trip for a day trip with a picnic on a Catamaran, trips to Lobos to simply study its beauty and tranquility and soak up the sun. The water is extremely clear and you can see the fish feeding and the rocks on the sea bed.
El Cotillo
This is another beautiful old fishing village which is easily reached by bus, car or taxi from Corralejo. Much smaller than its neighbour it is really quaint but with another long quiet stunning beach. It is surrounded by beautiful lagoons where you can find the ultimate i peace and tranquility.
The beach at El Cotllo
Both the dunes in Corralejo and the Lagoons in El Cotillo have areas frequented by naturalists but this is well known and well respected by all.
The only word of caution I would give about the resort is the pavements hold many potential trip hazards, even the newly relaid block paved areas. Take care walking especially when visiting bars and restaurants around the side roads, particularly after dusk.
Do you have a favourite resort you return to regularly or a favourite Winter sun destination? I love to hear about other people’s travel recommendations.
Thank you for stopping by to read I really appreciate I would love you to leave a comment or email me.
I am desperate for some sun this January, and Fuerteventura looks right up my street! xxx
Yes as you can tell it comes highly recommended from me. Sunshine in January is great for the soul
Wow! I haven’t been to Corralejo in years! Thanks for the trip down memory lane. We went to Paris for our January break. I bet it was much warmer in yhe Canaries though!
Paris is lovely, I think any break after Christmas is great. Corralejo is changing continually and for the better