We joined a days excursion from Lanzarote to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura to discover the beautiful sand dunes and resort of Corralejo.
The group met in the old harbour of Playa Blanca in time for the 09:30 ferry to Corralejo, bus transfers were available from the resorts of Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen for anyone requiring transport. As we departed the harbour, the boat stopped along the harbour wall for a few minutes of fish gazing through the glass bottom of El Graciosero. Our guide for the day was Jens, who is an amusing character what ever your language or age. During the boat trip across the Bocaina Straits that separates the two islands, Jens explained the programme for the day and paparazzi took photos of individual groups without any obligation to buy.
There was an air conditioned double decker coach waiting for us at the harbour in Fuerteventura, we headed for the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo. Our route took us along this beautiful section of coastline where the blonde white sand drifts across the road which contrasts beautifully with the aquamarine sea and deep blue sky. We took approximately half an hour to explore the largest of the dunes, leaving our footprints in the sand to enjoy the view and a photo opportunity before rolling, running or simply walking back down the sand dune to board the coach again.
It was fascinating to learn that these sand dunes are the coolest in the world. Normally sand in the Canaries is quite hot under foot in the summer months, we’ve all made that mad dash from our sunbathing spot on the beach to the water’s edge trying not to burn the soles of our feet in the process, not so with the dunes in Corralejo. We left our shoes at the bus and walked barefoot over the dunes, it really is cool underfoot. The reason is that around 70% of this sand is actually crushed white shells, which reflect the heat rather than absorbing it.
We returned to the holiday resort of Corralejo where we were free to explore until lunchtime, some opted for a spot of retail therapy, others enjoyed the hospitality of the cafe bars situated along the beachfront. Our lunch was provided at the Restaurante Tio Bernabé in the old town, there were tables set out for the group on the shaded terrace and inside. We were served a starter of fresh bread, mojo sauces and papas arrugadas, those small wrinkly & salty potatoes. The main course was a choice of fish or chicken breaded fillet with French style fries and salad. Bottles of white and red wine as well as water were served as drinks and the meal was rounded off with a taste of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry or coconut icecream.
Now that we were nicely stuffed, it was time for a siesta on the beach, the group returned to the stunning Playa Grande by the dunes where we had two hours to relax on this gorgeous 8km long beach. Around to the left of our drop off spot is Flag Beach where kite surfers and wind surfers hang out, further along to the bay to the right is a naturist section. The beach has toilet facilities, a beach bar and sunbeds available.
All too soon, it was time to drag ourselves away from the beach to return back to the harbour in Corralejo to catch the 17:15 ferry back to Lanzarote. The paparazzi photos were available for viewing and available to purchase at €5 in a presentation folder.
The Sand Dune Discovery excursion is a great day out from Lanzarote and a lovely way to get a taste of Corralejo and those white sand dunes we can see from the east coast of our island.
The price is €49 per adult and €30 per child which includes the ferry, bus excursion to the dunes / beach and lunch. This excursion is available each week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday. You can book online here: Videocosta Excursions