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Fuerteventura beaches, What to see in Fuerteventura ?
ISLOTE DE LOBOS
Sep
From almost anywhere in the municipality of La Oliva you can see the islet of Lobos, about 2 kilometers from Fuerteventura.
Wandering the almost 4.5 square kilometers of this paradise overflows the imagination.
Fantasizing about following the same dusty trail that the Romans left behind, or gazing at the same landscapes that the Normans saw, more than six centuries ago, is quite an experience.
Come, follow us and find out!
How to get to the island of Lobos?
Navigating is the only way to access Lobos. You can get on one of the boats that covers the Corralejo-Lobos line, or you can hire a private catamaran trip. Well, for those who like speed and strong emotions, the water taxi service is available.
Either way, before stepping on the island you will have to get a permit. And it is that, to preserve the islet of Lobos, it was decided, in 2019, to restrict visits to the natural park to 200 people simultaneously, and a maximum stay of 4 hours a day.
If you want to know the island in all its essence, your thing is to come several times.
What can you see in the Islote de Lobos?
On the island of Lobos you will have the opportunity to refresh yourself in its transparent waters and immerse yourself in its history.
Although there are those who think that this lonely island so barren and empty cannot offer us much, the truth is that it brims with history and natural heritage on all four sides.
Walking through the enabled trails is a good option to discover impressive beaches and charming corners. We propose a circular route through the islet of Lobos.
Leaving the pier to the left, you will find Playa de la Calera , also known as La Concha, the best known beach on the islet. It is a fairly wide cove, with fine sand, and calm waters. Ideal for snorkelling. This beach is sheltered from the wind and waves so characteristic of Fuerteventura. It is one of the best enclaves to practice nudism.
Behind the Calera beach is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Canary Islands. Here the Romans, more than 2000 years ago, established a workshop to extract the purple dye.
Purple is one of the hardest colors to come by. It was highly valued since ancient times. The Romans extracted it from the cañailla, an abundant mollusk in the seas of Fuerteventura. Orchilla was also used, a dyeing lichen that we can see covering many Majorero walls.
In the surroundings of the archaeological site, and following the path north towards Lanzarote, there are some old salt flats, exploited in the last century. In its surroundings you will see remains of lime kilns, which helped build the Martiño lighthouse.
Our steps in these first kilometers will always be under the watchful eye of the Caldera, the largest volcanic cone on the island. It has a horseshoe shape and rises up to 127 meters above sea level. If you have the opportunity, take advantage and raise it to the top. From there you have great views of much of the island.
The road to the next landmark: the Martiño lighthouse, is one of exceptional visual contrast. Here are mixed sand, volcanic rocks, and vegetation that does not exceed one meter in height. You will always be animated by tarabillas and shrikes.
The Martiño lighthouse is the northernmost point of Lobos. Its simple and functional architecture can make us pass by. But wait a minute. Let me tell you that two great writers of Castilian literature were forged around this lighthouse: Josefina Plá and José Rial.
Josefina Plá was born in the Martiño lighthouse, at the dawn of the 20th century. Considered one of the most influential women in Latin American literature, she was a poet, playwright, storyteller, essayist, ceramicist, art critic, painter, and journalist.
On the other hand, José Rial, after working for several years as a lighthouse keeper in Lobos, discovered that literature was her passion. Novelist and playwright, he was one of the directors of the newspaper La Provincia.
The return, along the east coast, is perfect to discover the rich biodiversity of the islet, which has its greatest exponent in the salt flats. Isla de Lobos has two salt marshes. One at the foot of the Martiño lighthouse and the other, more extensive, Las Lagunillas.
These small brackish-water wetlands are ideal for awakening the little ones’ interest in nature and excursions. Here is concentrated a varied ecosystem that houses more than 130 plant species. Some of these plants, such as the Siempreviva of Lobos, are endemic to the islet. Also, if you are lucky, you can see the Guincho feeding in the salt marsh. Guincho is how the osprey is called in the Canary Islands.
Before returning to Corralejo, you cannot miss the Puertito de Lobos, the only inhabited nucleus on the island. Its charm does not lie so much in its fishermen’s huts , as in its charming pier, its beach and a small beach bar where you can have a well-deserved snack.
Frequently asked questions about the islet of Lobos:
Why is this islet called Lobos?
The name of Islote de Lobos is due to the fact that in the past it was inhabited by monk seals, also known as sea lions. They were depleted centuries ago. The only specimens that remain on the island are the replicas that welcome visitors to the Park’s Interpretation Center, on the Puertito dock.
How to get permission to see the Islote de Lobos?
The authorization to visit the Islote de Lobos can be obtained online at www.lobospass.com
Can one stay on Isla de Lobos?
Although holiday accommodation is not allowed in this area, Lobos is a paradise near Corralejo, and a visit that you cannot miss.
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