The shortest inter-island ferry crossing in the Canary Islands, connecting Lanzarote's southern tip to Fuerteventura's northern town of Corralejo. Perfect for a beach day — Fuerteventura has the finest white sand beaches and largest dunes in the Canary Islands.
The crossing from Playa Blanca in southern Lanzarote to Corralejo in northern Fuerteventura is the shortest inter-island ferry link in the Canary Islands — just 25 minutes over the Bocaina Strait, a channel barely 11 kilometres wide. Fred Olsen operates the route with multiple departures throughout the day, from around 08:00 until early evening, making this the most flexible of all Canarian inter-island day trips. Return tickets cost approximately €35 per adult. Tickets can generally be purchased on the day outside peak season, though advance booking is advisable in July and August.
Fuerteventura is the oldest of the Canary Islands geologically and the flattest, with a landscape of golden dunes, ancient volcanic lava fields, and some of the finest white sand beaches in Europe. Corralejo in the north is the most accessible entry point for a day trip. The Parque Natural de Corralejo protects a 10-kilometre stretch of spectacular dunes and beach extending south of the town — fine pale sand carried from the Sahara by trade winds over millennia, rivalling Caribbean beaches for colour and texture. The main beaches within the park — Playa del Moro, Playa de la Clavellina, and the vast Grandes Playas — are all accessible and free.
From the Corralejo ferry terminal, the town centre is a 10-minute walk. Cafés, surf shops, dive centres, and a small market fill the streets near the harbour. Local bus route 6 connects the terminal to the dune park beaches, or visitors can hire a bicycle, scooter, or car at agencies near the port. The northern beach at Playa de la Bandera is Fuerteventura's most popular windsurfing and kitesurfing spot — trade winds accelerate through the Bocaina Strait and produce reliable conditions throughout the year, with equipment rental and lessons available on the beach. For those seeking calmer swimming, Playa del Moro on the southern edge of the dune park has flatter, more sheltered water.
Seafood restaurants in Corralejo town serve fresh fish at reasonable prices. The streets around the old harbour are the best area to find local Canarian restaurants serving lapas (grilled limpets), papas arrugadas with mojo sauces, and fresh fish of the day. The return crossing to Lanzarote offers views of Lanzarote's volcanic ridgeline and, in calm conditions, the craggy outline of the Chinijo Archipelago to the north.
Highlights
- Corralejo Natural Park sand dunes
- Playa del Moro and Playa de Corralejo (pristine white sand)
- Corralejo town centre and market
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing at Playa de la Flag
Tips for visiting
- Multiple ferries daily — very flexible. Hire a car or take the local bus from Corralejo port. Sunscreen essential on Fuerteventura beaches.
When to visit
October to May offers the most pleasant conditions, with lower temperatures and smaller crowds. July and August bring peak season to Corralejo beaches. Trade winds are strongest in summer — ideal for wind sports but breezy for sunbathing.
Frequently asked questions
How frequently do ferries run between Playa Blanca and Corralejo?
Fred Olsen operates roughly eight to ten crossings daily in each direction, with sailings from around 08:00 until early evening. The high frequency makes same-day booking feasible outside July and August peak season.
Is there an entrance fee for Corralejo Natural Park?
No entrance fee is charged for the Corralejo Natural Park dunes and beaches. The area is freely accessible on foot from the main road or by local bus (route 6 from Corralejo port).
Is Fuerteventura suitable for children on a day trip?
Yes — the shallow, sandy beaches at Corralejo are ideal for families. The calm waters at Playa del Moro are particularly good for young children. Sunscreen, hats, and water are essential as shade is limited in the dune park.
Can visitors hire a car or bicycle in Corralejo for the day?
Several hire agencies near the Corralejo ferry port offer bicycles, scooters, and small cars by the half-day or full day. Hiring transport allows visitors to explore the quieter southern sections of the dune park and the beaches beyond walking distance of town.
What is the best beach for calm swimming near Corralejo?
Playa del Moro, inside the natural park about 4km south of Corralejo, offers sheltered, calm water well-suited to swimming and snorkelling. Grandes Playas is longer and more exposed, making it better suited to windsurfers and kitesurfers.