Excursion to Isla de Lobos from Fuerteventura
15 April 2015
Lobos Island is a small paradise located off the coast of Fuerteventura. This islet, declared a Natural Park, stands out for its beauty and rich biodiversity, making it the perfect refuge for anyone looking to lose themselves among dirt tracks and unspoilt beaches.
From ancient Roman and fishing settlements to legends of pirates and sailors, many have been attracted to this islet throughout history.
This Protected Natural Area of volcanic origin is a Biosphere Reserve. It has a surface area of 2.3 sq miles and approximately 9 miles of coastline made up of impressive cliffs and white sandy beaches. Despite its small surface area, this islet is home to incredible places. Would you like to discover them? We'll help you plan your visit.
How to get to Isla de Lobos?
There are several options available to visit the Lobos Island. The most common way is to take a ferry from Corralejo Harbour in Fuerteventura. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes. It is also possible to arrive by catamaran or book a tour that will allow you to enjoy the island from a different perspective.
Another option is to take a water taxi from Corralejo or experience the crossing by kayak.
It is very important to remember that, in order to conserve the island's natural environment, anyone wishing to visit Lobos Island must apply for a special permit on the Fuerteventura Cabildo website, so don't forget to plan ahead.
Tips for travelling to Isla de Lobos
The majority of Lobos Island is unspoilt. The islet has only one restaurant, located near the harbour. Here you can eat paella or fresh fish while enjoying the breathtaking views. As this is the only restaurant on Lobos Island, it tends to be very busy, which makes it worth booking in advance. There is also the option of taking food with you to enjoy lunch at the viewpoints or on the beach.
Apart from the restaurant, there are no other shops in this natural environment. Remember to take everything you need to enjoy the island in your bag, not forgetting sunscreen, a hat, a parasol and water. Lose yourself in its wild nature!
What to see and do on Isla de Lobos?
Lobos Island owes its name to the large number of sea lions that once lived there. Nowadays we do not find this animal on the island, however, it has a great variety of fauna, flora and underwater life, from native cacti to migratory birds and endemic reptiles. Every step you take will bring you closer to a world of unique nature.
This natural and wild environment offers many places to see and activities to do, especially for nature lovers.
One of the most popular places is El Puertito de Lobos. Its crystal clear turquoise waters surrounded by arms of volcanic rock make Puertito one of the most photographed spots on the islet and a perfect environment for snorkelling.
Right next to the Puertito de Lobos is the Visitors' Centre. Thanks to its panels and maps, this place will give you a first-hand understanding of the history of the islet, as well as its natural and environmental peculiarities. This is why this place is considered the best starting point for your excursion on the island.
Another emblematic landmark is the Punta Martiño Lighthouse. Inaugurated in 1865, the lighthouse has impressive panoramic views. The lighthouse keeper Antonio Hernández, who gave his name to the only restaurant on the islet, was also based there.
Playa de la Concha is the most famous beach on Isla de Lobos and one of the main beaches of Fuerteventura. Thanks to its characteristic shell shape, this beach is sheltered from the typical wind of Fuerteventura, creating an atmosphere more like a lake than the ocean. This is why this beach is ideal for families.
But not everything revolves around the beaches and the sea. Thanks to the good signposting of its paths and their low difficulty, hiking is one of the most popular activities on Lobos Island in its own right. For this, it is advisable to follow the Camino del Faro,(Lighthouse Way), a circular path that allows you to get to know the most renowned places on the island.Starting at the above-mentioned Playa de la Concha beach, you can visit the Caldera Mountain, from where you can catch a glimpse of the neighbouring islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, with the dunes of Corralejo in the foreground. To finish the route, on the way back to the starting point, you can stop in the area of Las Lagunitas, a lovely enclave where the water invades small areas of the coastline.
This is one of the most impressive attractions on Lobos Island, as the islet is a key destination for birdwatching. Along with Fuerteventura, this islet is a magnet for birdwatchers, due to the great diversity of species, whether endemic to the Canary Islands or migratory birds. Being on one of the main Atlantic migratory routes, it is very common to observe birds coming from colder areas to the north of the islands, in order to spend the winter in a warmer environment.
Last but not least, one of the most intriguing chapters in the island's history was the discovery of a Roman site in 2012. This archaeological finding provided a new perspective on the history of the island and the archipelago in general. The remains found to date point to the existence of a purple dye laboratory as the main purpose of the Roman settlement. This was a space for processing marine molluscs typical of the area, from which the colour purple was obtained and used for tunics and other objects, a symbol of prestige and power. The settlement is located right on La Concha Beach and is visible from it, although it is not accessible at the moment.
Come and explore the wonderful Isla de Lobos and live an unforgettable experience in the Canary Islands! Book your car hire with TopCar and we will help you feel the freedom of movement you need to make the most of everything Fuerteventura has to offer, as well as the ease of getting to Corralejo comfortably, from where your excursion to one of the most wonderful islets of the archipelago will begin.