• Canary Islands,  Corralejo,  Fuerteventura,  Spain

    Corralejo – Fuerteventura’s longest sand dunes


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    Corralejo is a very popular small town and fishing village located at the northern tip of Fuerteventura. In Corralejo, you can find large hotel areas as well as a local atmosphere in the streets of the old town and in cute little cafes. Four kilometers from the center of Corralejo are Fuerteventura’s longest sand dunes and beautiful beaches with turquoise sea water shining as far as the eye can see.

    Corralejo has been growing its reputation among tourists for several years and has long been especially popular with British and Central European tourists. This can also be seen and heard in the street scene. In the center of Corralejo, you can find many different boutiques and clothing stores, from small local shops to well-known chains. Cafes, bars and restaurants can be found for every style and price level. The further you go from the tourist areas, the cheaper and more local you get. Accommodation is offered by large hotel resorts as well as smaller boutique hotels and private holiday apartments. So if you want something from your trip where you can get everything easily, quickly and effortlessly, from shopping to wonderful sandy beaches, lively restaurant and night life and good daytime activities, then Corralejo is definitely your choice!

    Corralejo
    The small local beach of Corralejo village
    The main street of Corralejo


    ISLAND HOPPING IN THE CANARY ISLANDS BY FERRY

    From Las Palmas, Gran Canaria we traveled by ferry to Fuerteventura. We had easily purchased the ferry trips in advance through Omio and everything went really smoothly. The journey took only two hours and the ferry was very comfortable. Ferry connections are available from Las Palmas to both the capital Puerto del Rosario and the southern tip of Fuerteventura, Morro Jable. We chose the shorter route, i.e. Morro Jable. However, this was a mistake, as Fuerteventura is a surprisingly long island. The bus trip on local buses took 3-4 hours from end to end, including a change in the capital city of Puerto del Rosario. So we didn’t win anything with this choice, so I recommend choosing the most direct ferry connection instead of going on a bus trip adventure. A road trip on a local bus here is long and hot, and the scenery along the bus route is not worth all this effort on this dry sandy island.

    ARE YOU INTERESTED IN ISLAND HOPPING ON THE CANARY ISLANDS? BOOK YOUR FERRY TICKETS THROUGH OMIO WITH THE BEST PRICES!



    A very relaxing ferry ride


    ACCOMMODATION WITH SEA VIEWS

    In Corralejo, a lovely holiday apartment was waiting for us right by the sea, with great sea views. Here we spent three nights relaxing and enjoying the apartment’s wonderful swimming pool. On the first day, we had spent almost the whole day traveling, so we were already quite tired when we got there. We went to the store to get some food for the apartment and my husband wanted to stay and rest, while I, being a big water beast, headed to the pool for a while to refresh myself.

    Our apartment was in a central location, from which it was easy to walk everywhere. The main pedestrian street became very familiar every day, but we also got to know a lot of different places a little further away from the core. We had given ourselves permission to indulge in good restaurants while here, so we tested a lot of different places to eat and we totally ate a lot of fish dishes while we were in this nice fishing village.

    CHECK OUT THE BEST HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION IN CORRALEJO AND FUERTEVENTURA HERE!



    Our pool area
    So calm and quiet <3
    Views from our rooftop terrace


    FUERTEVENTURA’S LONGEST SAND DUNES

    Fuerteventura’s longest sand dunes are located only about four kilometers from Corralejo. The dunes are part of the Corralejo Natural Park (Parque Natural de Corralejo) and are no less than 2,600 hectares in size. You can get to the sand dunes by bus from Corralejo’s pedestrian street, for example, or you can also take a taxi, which is not very expensive in the Canary Islands. The most sporty ones can also rent a bike or some other fun ride.

    The sand dunes of Corralejo strongly reminded us of the island of Sal in Cape Verde. In fact, the whole of Fuerteventura is a very similar island to our home island Sal, but only a much more touristic and “European” version, and of course not as exotic. We still really liked the sand dunes and it was wonderful to spend time in the sun and the sea in our own peace, because there is plenty of space on the dunes!

    Cozy views
    Corralejo sand dunes


    DAY TRIP TO LOBOS ISLAND

    A day trip to Lobos Island, or Isla de Lobos, was definitely worth experiencing. Lobos island (Isla de Lobos means island of wolves in English) is really small, only 4.6 km in area. It is located two kilometers north of Fuerteventura. Wolves has never lived on the island, but the name comes from the seals that were once on the island, which according to the story were called sea wolves. There are no more seals on the island either.

    Lobos is a completely uninhabited island. The island is of volcanic origin and its highest point is the caldera of a collapsed volcano, which rises to 127 meters. The charm of Lobos is definitely its charming little beach coves, which can be found along the island’s walking route.

    You can get to the island quickly and conveniently by ferry or in the form of various excursions from the port of Corralejo to spend the day. We bought the ferry trips in advance online and spent one whole day getting to know the surroundings of this dry but charming little island. We walked around the island along its well-marked routes and finally relaxed on a beautiful beach by the clear sea water. In the next article I will tell you more about our day at Lobos, so stay tuned.

    CHECK OUT THE BEST ACTIVITIES AND TRIPS IN CORRALEJO:

    Isla de Lobos
    The only seals on the island

    HAVE YOU BEEN TO CORRALEJO AND/OR FUERTEVENTURA? OR ARE YOU PLANNING ON YOUR TRIP SOON? SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS, EXPERIENCES AND QUESTIONS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW! 🙂

    <3: Tiina Johanna

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  • Cape Verde,  Ilha Do Sal

    SAL CAPE VERDE – BEST HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION TIPS


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    Sal Cape Verde is a popular holiday destination. The best hotels and accommodation tips all consist of wonderful beach hotels and amazing pool accommodations, because there are plenty of these in Cape Verde. Sal is always a sunny destination and there are plenty of turquoise sparkling ocean water and beaches along the entire length of the island. Sal is also full of magnificent hotels and different accommodations for every need and every budget, from luxury hotels and large resorts to affordable hostels, cute bed & breakfasts and private apartments.

    Living in Sal for a long time, I have also had time to get to know several of these hotels and places myself and to gain my own experience, good local knowledge and also the experiences of my friends.

    HERE ARE THE BEST HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION TIPS IN SAL!


    FIVE STAR LUXURY BY THE SEA

    Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort offers five-star luxury right by the sea. The Hilton has a beautiful large pool area with red sunbeds and wonderful palm trees and a direct sea view. At Hilton, the quality of services is always quaranteed! The Hilton is also just a short walk from the cozy center of Santa Maria.

    BOOK HILTON CABO VERDE SAL RESORT HERE!


    Oasis Salinas Sea is a popular five-star hotel with two swimming pools on the same coastline as the Hilton. The services of this hotel are also amazing and the location couldn’t be better: Right on the beach and walking distance to everywhere!

    BOOK OASIS SALINAS SEA HERE!


    GOOD QUALITY HOTEL FOR A RELAXING TASTE

    Hotel Morabeza is a beautiful and stylish hotel located right next to the center of Santa Maria, which also suits a more quiet taste. There is no entertainment services in Morabeza and entertainment can be found only outside the hotel. The hotel has no less than three swimming pools and is located right next to the beach in the best parade spots. If you want to relax in peace but close to everything. choose this!

    BOOK HOTEL MORABEZA HERE!


    Oasis Belorizonte is a nice good quality four-star hotel, where you can get everything you need, from good food to an entertaining program and just relaxing by the pool. Even many famous people have stayed here and loved it!

    BOOK OASIS BELORIZONTE HERE!


    Halos Casa Resort is a bright and beautiful four-star hotel with a large swimming pool in the center for relaxation. Halos’ evening entertainment is highly praised by customers. The hotel is only a short road crossing to the beach and only a short walk to the services of the city center.

    BOOK HALOS CASA RESORT HERE!


    Hotel Dunas de Sal is a modern beautiful hotel close to the city and close to the beach. It has all the priviledges of a wonderful holiday resort combined with a tasteful style. You will not go wrong with this choice and the staff is so amazing.

    BOOK DUNAS DE SAL HERE!


    ADULTS ONLY QUALITY RELAXING

    Robinson Club Cabo Verde is a cozy and beautiful adult-only hotel with all amenities, right on the beach and within walking distance to everything. Also this hotel has been the perfect choice for many celebrities and it really is a wonderful hotel to stay in!

    BOOK ROBINSON CLUB CABO VERDE HERE!


    Melia Llana Beach Resort & Spa is a wonderful five-star luxury resort that consists of several beautiful swimming pools and pool restaurants. The nearby Bikini Beach beach area is a great place for swimming even on a windy day thanks to its more sheltered coves, and the Bikini Beach Club found on the beach offers entertainment every day and night for every taste. Melia Llana is for adults only.

    BOOK MELIA LLANA BEACH RESORT & SPA HERE!


    Design Suites Boutique Hotel is quite new in Sal’s accommodations. The modern and cozy boutique hotel is an adult-only accommodation right in the center of Santa Maria. The rooms are stylish and on the roof terrace you can enjoy sea views from the infinity pool!

    BOOK DESIGN SUITES BOUTIQUE HOTEL HERE!


    BEST POOLS

    Hotel Odjo D’Agua is a local, high-quality, beautiful and cozy hotel right by the sea. The food in the hotel’s restaurant is so delicious and the hotel is the only one whose infinity pool is a seawater pool. The hotel has its own small beach coves with beach chairs on both sides of the pool, where you can swim without worries even on windier days. Tip: Locals also prefer Odjo D’Agua’s seawater pool and the restaurant’s delicacies when they want a little pampering, just like us as well!

    BOOK HOTEL ODJO D’AGUA HERE!


    Hotel LIVVO Budha Beach is located near the beach of Antonio Sousa, a little further from the center of Santa Maria, but still within walking distance. The hotel is bright, relaxed and peaceful, and in its center is an attractive swimming pool, from where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset or go and admire the big seashells of Shell Cemetery Beach in front.

    BOOK HOTEL LIVVO BUDHA BEACH HERE!


    Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa is located in the Melia hotel resort area next to the previously mentioned Llana. Melia Dunas’ swimming pools are large and you can enjoy them even a long day of swimming and chilling. You can get delicious refreshments directly in the pool from the pool bars. There are boutiques and several different restaurants in the hotel resort area. Entertainment can be found both in the hotel area and at the nearby Bikini Beach Club. We spent our wedding weekend at Melia Dunas in a private villa and totally enjoyed ourselves!

    BOOK MELIA DUNAS BEACH RESORT & SPA HERE!


    SMALL HOTELS AND BED & BREAKFASTS

    Hotel Da Luz is a nice small hotel a bit outside of the main pedestrian street of Santa Maria in a nice area. The hotel always has great happy hour offers at the pool bar and the small swimming pool offers an opportunity to refresh yourself in the middle of a hot day.

    BOOK HOTEL DA LUZ HERE!


    Ocean Suites offers stylish and original accommodation right next to the beach, along the main street and in the heart of everything. The rooms are modern and the main asset of this place is definitely the central location. The popular Ocean Cafe restaurant downstairs always has good food and evening entertainment that attracts both tourists and locals who love the fresh dance rhythms.

    BOOK OCEAN SUITES HERE!


    Sakaroule B&B is a small and colorful bed and breakfast in the center of Santa Maria, a short walk from the main street and the beaches. The service is friendly and the breakfast is always delicious. Totally recommend, if you are looking for something a bit more special and charming!

    BOOK SAKAROULE B&B HERE!


    PRIVATELY IN YOUR OWN APARTMENT

    Misturod is a basic, but good apartment hotel a little further from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Misturod’s apartments include everything you need and each apartment has its own small terrace with hammocks. This is where we spent the first couple of months after I moved to the island!

    BOOK MISTUROD APARTMENTS HERE!


    Villa ao Mar is a wonderful apartment hotel right on the beach. All apartments are of good standard and quality, each one has everything you need. The absolute best is the large and comfortable terraces and the seaside location, you literally step out of the hotel door directly onto the beach! I myself spent a week here for the first time on vacation and I can warmly recommend it.

    BOOK VILLA AO MAR HERE!


    Porto Antigo Hotel B&B is a nice apartment hotel also right by the sea. There is a private swimming pool and a private small beach cove where it is nice to swim even on a windy day.

    BOOK PORTO ANTIGO HERE!


    Branco Suites is a bit further from the beach area, but a very great choice for accommodation. The apartments are of a good standard and it’s nice to look at the sceneries from the terrace. The breakfast is excellent and one of my friends often walks here for breakfast just because!

    BOOK BRANCO SUITES HERE!


    Aguahotels Vila Verde is a good basic apartment hotel a short distance from the center of Santa Maria. The apartments are modern and have everything you need. The hotel has its own swimming pool, with a pool bar for those who are hungry and thirsty. Vila Verde Resort has its own convenience store and restaurant. Vila Verde also offers apartments for longer-term rental. The nearest beach is Bikini Beach and there is a free shuttle bus from Vila Verde to Santa Maria several times a day. We ourselves lived here for a while, because we wanted to enjoy the pleasures of our own swimming pool and get a little change in our everyday life.

    BOOK VILA VERDE HERE!


    There is also much more accommodation in Sal than just these and there are also various private holiday apartments for rent in every price range. Due to its wide range of accommodation, Sal is suitable for both luxury lovers and budget travelers, so pick your favorite from the list or find out more and find the best accommodation on Booking.com!

    SAL CAPE VERDE BEST HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION ON BOOKING.COM



    <3: Tiina Johanna

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    *Photos: Tiina Johanna, blogger and Booking.com*
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