Lobos Island

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A day trip to the Islet of Lobos is a guarantee of tranquillity, crystal-clear waters and incredibly beautiful volcanic landscapes. This small island, which takes its name from the sea lions and seals which lived along its coast until recently, has 4.5 square kilometres, 127 metres high and not a single road. Just 15 minutes by boat from the extreme northern part of Fuerteventura, its valuable landscapes and natural fauna and flora have seen it be declared a Natural Park.  

To get to this island of volcanic rock and white sand we will take a small ferry or boat from the port of Corralejo. During the journey you can see the incredible clarity of the turquoise waters, perfect for snorkelling, and you can easily imagine the quality of the fresh fish they serve in the small village of Puertito de Lobos.  

Once we arrive, we will follow the trail, which allow you to visit our first spot: La Concha, a beach to disconnect from the world and contemplate eternal themes. This bay has a semi-circular shape and water that has a thousand different shades of blue. Also, alongside there is an archaeological site dated from the Ancient Romans who established a settlement in the island, related with the obtention of purple dye. 

Hikers will enjoy a fabulous experience (though good footwear is needed). The path then goes through Salinas del Marrajo before pausing at the volcano mountain of La Caldera, an ancient volcano with a peak of 127 metres. From the summit there are views to enjoy over the islet of Lobos and the Dunes of Corralejo. After the mountain the route moves to the Martiño lighthouse which hasn’t been inhabited by a lighthouse keeper since 1968. 

Finally, the path arrives to Las Lagunitas which is a wide stretch of land with volcanic rocks that is covered in amazing reddish plants.  Our final stop will be at El Puertito, which is a small group of blue and white fisherman’s huts which constitute the only human settlement on the islet. There, we will enjoy a delicious paella in a beautiful local restaurant with amzing views of the sea. 

This route allows us to walk around the Escanfraga Mountain, which is not only the highest on the island of Fuerteventura, at 533 metres high, but also one of the oldest volcanoes as it was created  around 1 million years ago.

The toponymy of Escanfraga is probably due to the union of the word Escan, a dye lichen that was collected in the area, and the word Fraga, a Latin term that among other meanings refers to broken and steep land.

Challenge yourself to the adventure of climbing the rim of the volcano, rewarding yourself with breathtaking views over the north of Fuerteventura. As you walk, you will learn how the local people, in the past, used the land of the crater to survive, taking advantage of the low rainfall to grow cereals and with the help of the camels. In fact, this pathway is called as "The Camels Trail".

After a well-deserved rest and some photos to immortalise the moment, we will start the return to the restaurant to enjoy a full tasty brunch.

The Calderón Hondo is one of the best-preserved craters in Fuerteventura. The volcanic formation lies to the east of the road that leaves Lajares, (municipality of La Oliva) in the direction of Majanicho. Fuerteventura is 23 million years old, so the eruption on the Calderón Hondo – which occurred around 135,000 years ago – happened relatively recently in the island’s past. Calderón Hondo – together with Bayuyo, Las Calderas, and La Caldera de Lobos – is arranged in a direction northeast to southwest in Fuerteventura. Evidence of volcanic eruptions are found in the island badlands, terrain which can’t be cultivated to this day. The volcanos also created geographical features such as the Lobos islet, the town of El Cotillo, and the sandy extension south of Lajares.

We will walk in about 15 km to 7 emission centers and the circuit’s ascent takes place along an easily accessible cobbled path. At a height of 278 metres, at the top of the climb, there is a viewpoint next to the edge of the volcano with majestic views of the crater, the surrounding badlands, the Dunes of Corralejo and Lanzarote. 

All this volcanic area is a place of great geological, landscape and cultural interest, since in its surroundings you can find archaeological remains from the pre-Hispanic era, such as circular dry stone constructions that served as housing and corrals for livestock.

Enjoy the natural pools of La Playa del Valle, also known as Aguas Verdes, a geological wonder on the west coast of Fuerteventura whose lavas were formed about 30 million years ago by the eruption of the underwater volcano that gave rise to the island. 

Fuerteventura is synonymous with endless beaches of fine white sand. However, the west coast with its rougher seas hides some incredible treasures for those seeking something entirely different. Aguas Verdes, in Betancuria, is one such treasure, and is a perfect example of the many unspoilt natural pools found in the Canary Islands: six kilometres of pools dotted along the coastline, where the priority is relaxing and escaping from any traces of the human rat race.

Please note that it is not always possible to swim in these waters due to the tides and their large waves. However, watching the force and roar of the sea crash against those rocks is a perfect way to relax and is also the icing on the cake of this alternative excursion. We will finish with dinner at a local restaurant with spectacular views of the sunset over the sea.

Located in Pozo Negro, in the middle of the impressive protected volcanic landscape of Malpaís Grande, we find this historical gem: the archaeological site of La Atalayita Settlement, Centre of Interpretation and Research.

The aborigines of Fuerteventura, also known as Mahos, settled in this area because of its proper conditions for shepherding and founded a settlement that still preserves more than one hundred constructions of diverse nature, accessible through a guided interactive tour.

Most of the constructions forming the settlement are small circular rudimentary rooms semi-buried, known for that as “casas hondas” (deep houses), which were used as dwellings. But there are some others, like circular enclosures without tops, used to store the cattle, and other more complex buildings. An exquisite sample of the organitation and architectural style of the Mahos in prehistory, worthy of being known.

Before that, we will stop nearby in a Cheese Factory where to taste the famous majorero cheese and in a Aloe Vera Farm. Finally, time to have a bath at the beach and eat wnjoy a paella.

Let's inmerse yourself into the flavours of Fuerteventura in a half-day amazing experience that will lead you to taste some of the typical products of the island.

Along the route we will stop at some local farms to see the live process to obtain the world awarded Majorero cheese made by raw goat milk, an Extra Virgen Olive Oil and Aloe Vera Bio Farm where to learn about the myriad properties of this plant, which is cultivated, produced and processed in Fuerteventura. Then, we will visit a small vineyard and winery, so we can drink some wines accompained by handmade bread, fresh tomatoes and gofio.

The importance of gofio on the island of Fuerteventura dates back to times before the conquest of the Canaries by Europeans. The indigenous cultures already toasted grains of wild plants that later ground. After the conquest, this technique evolved developing a tendency to agriculture, which was what modelled the rural landscape of the island. Over the years, this became stronger, getting to know the island of Fuerteventura as “the granary of the Canary Islands.”

The gofio is the super food par excellence of the area, and used to be made of corn (knows as millo), wheat, barley or other grains, which were roasted and ground. The gofio is a product very well valued, among other things for its satiating capacity, the amount of carbohydrates and its low calories. Another benefit is its high fibre level. It is therefore a healthy and nutritious product, quality, source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. Its presence in the Canarian diet and pantry has been indispensable, both in good times and in shortages.