When taking a trip internationally, get protection from one of the top travel insurance carriers. You can get a 5% discounton Heymondo, the sole insurer that pays doctor bills up front for you,HERE!
Drake Bay was an absolute gem we happened upon during our trip to Costa Rica. If you haven’t heard of it yet, allow me to tell you, it’s a paradise for nature lovers, boasting 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. In short, it’s one of the most fascinating places you’ll ever find on Earth.
Additionally, some of the volcanoes currently active in Fuerteventura create a unique tourist experience unavailable in many other places. I truly appreciate the geothermal features here, and whenever I visit, I aim to do a Fuerteventura volcano hike. The stark contrast between the basaltic sand beaches and the turquoise waters is something you must witness yourself.
To help you plan your visit, I’m sharing the 8 best volcanoes on Fuerteventura, as well as everything you should know if you want to do a Fuerteventura volcano tour.
Table of Contents
1. Calderón Hondo, the most famous volcano in Fuerteventura
In the first place, Calderón Hondo is arguably the most renowned volcano in Fuerteventura, rendering it indispensable to see. It is believed to be approximately 50,000 years aged, and at nearly 985 feet tall, it represents a huge attraction on the island. Calderón Hondo actually constitutes portion of a cluster of volcanoes in the northern section of the island, so many visitors opt to undertake a Fuerteventura volcano hike to behold them altogether. For myself it comprises one of the finest hikes in Fuerteventura.
As one of the best places to visit in Fuerteventura, Calderón Hondo has one of the most well-preserved craters, and it’s notably impressive since it’s 230 feet deep. From the top, you’ll have panoramic views of other Fuerteventura volcanoes like Bayuyo and Las Calderas.
To arrive there, start at the trailhead in Lajares and pursue the route, which is nicely marked with signposts. Traversing Calderón Hondo takes about an hour, and it’s not very troublesome to complete the three-mile path. Certainly, if you favor going with a guide, you can book this hiking tour for assistance and fascinating facts along the way.
2. Bayuyo Volcano, another Fuerteventura volcano you should visit
The Bayuyo Volcano represents another volcano inFuerteventura’s northern territory, specifically in the municipality of La Oliva. Bayuyo erupted 10 millennia ago, in one of the most significant geological occurrences on the island, as its lava spread across 38 square miles of surface area.
Moreover, the volcano provides two routes to reach its summit. One path commences in the town of Corralejo, another location on the island worth exploring. Among the attractions in Corralejo, I suggest visiting the Great Dunes or taking this buggy tour across Corralejo National Park. It’s also worthwhile seeing Playa del Moro, one of the top beaches in Corralejo.
The other trail begins in a nearby town and winds around the edge of the western crater. It presents a somewhat easier path since it starts near the base of the volcano.
Both of these Fuerteventura volcanic mountain treks cross three miles of lava fields, so you will observe a variety of striking colors. As the trail ascends, you’ll see gorgeous island and beach views, and if skies are clear, you can even see Lanzarote and Isla de Lobos.
3. Volcán de la Arena, one of the best active volcanoes in Fuerteventura
Another volcanic site on Fuerteventura that I suggest visiting is the Volcán de la Arena. This is the youngest volcano on the island, and within its preserved craters. It’s particularly striking as it’s encircled by 4.5 square miles of solidified lava, where a series of breathtaking caves can be found, some measuring several feet in height.
Additionally, these caverns hold significance beyond their geological features since inhabitants of the island utilized them as places of refuge during pre-Hispanic times. Remains such as bones, pottery fragments, and other artifacts found within confirm the past human presence.
In the present time, you can find local flora and fauna here, like seabirds,owls, lizards, and rabbits, as well as various indigenous plants and fungi.
The volcanic caldera is approximately 650 feet from the base, so to reach the top requires taking the dirt path from the center of La Oliva. This route is part of the Fuerteventura Nature Trail Network, meaning it is clearly marked and easily navigable. Upon arriving at the summit, 360° views can be enjoyed, including seeing the Corralejo Sand Dunes and Isla de Lobos.
Bear in mind that should you partake in this Fuerteventura volcano hike, you have the option to descend the mountain along the same trail, or travel down to Corralejo and explore the attractions found in the town.
4. Las Calderas Volcano, a Fuerteventura volcano with a unique landscape
The Las Calderas Volcano is part of the Bayuyo chain of volcanoes that I cited earlier, and they all erupted simultaneously. This particular Fuerteventura volcano has an open uneven crater, where you can see little caves and geothermal pockets.
If you choose to contribute this region to your volcano tour in Fuerteventura, you should start at the trail head in Lajares. Many travelers opt to proceed with the hike by checking out some of the neighboring volcanoes, like the Volcán de la Arena or Calderón Hondo, but you’ll still appreciate the route if you only examine Las Calderas.
Furthermore, the trail is clearly marked with signposts and it’s a fairly easy 4.3-mile hike through one of the oldest volcanic fields on the island, so I recommend it.
5. La Caldera Mountain (Isla de Lobos), another spectacular volcano in Fuerteventura
La Caldera Mountain lies on Isla de Lobos, so visitors will need to take this ferryboat to access it. This volcano in Fuerteventura stands over 415 feet tall and was responsible for forming this Canary Island around 130,000 years ago.
What appeals to me about this hike is its simplicity, allowing you to enjoy it as a family. Furthermore, the stunning landscapes are breathtaking, particularly when viewed from an elevated outlook.
Again, in order to experience La Caldera, you must take one of the ferries to Isla de Lobos that depart from the town of Corralejo, and you’ll need to request a permit to access the island. However, if you book your ferry here, the permit is included in the cost of the ticket, so it’s extremely convenient.
Once you’re on Isla de Lobos, look for the hiking trail near the pier, which should be to your left. After a few feet, you’ll reach La Caleta Beach, and you can start climbing the mountain. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as this Fuerteventura volcano tour provides you amazing panoramic views.
6. Gairia Volcano, an amazing volcano in central Fuerteventura
Back on the mainland, one of the excellent volcanoes is directly in the center of Fuerteventura. The Gairia Volcano (Caldera de Gayria) is one of the largest volcanoes on Fuerteventura, and it’s easy to distinguish. Surrounding it is a sizable plain, which makes the 1,500-foot-tall volcano look even more prominent.
Bear in mind that this volcano is located within a protected region that focuses on breeding and preserving the bird population. Therefore, access to the trail is only permitted from August to March, so you`ll need to plan your trip accordingly.
To climb this volcanic mountain on Fuerteventura island, begin at the trailhead at Casilla de Morales then pursue the route to Tiscamanita. The path involves some steep sections so reasonable physical fitness is advantageous to complete the hike. Nevertheless, the remarkable views from the summit warranted the effort expended.
While it’s free to ascend this volcano, I particularly enjoy this tour since it combines Gairia with a tasting afterward, in which you can sample local wines and typical Canarian products. It’s one of the best tours in Fuerteventura, so I recommend checking it out.
7. Sacred Mountain of Tindaya, a historic volcano in Fuerteventura
Additionally, the Sacred Mountain of Tindaya (Montaña Sagrada de Tindaya) is a spectacular volcano in Fuerteventura. What makes this one so unique is that it’s 18 million years old and is believed to be one of the first geological formations to emerge on the island.
In addition to its antiquity, the mountain served as a focal point for numerous religious rites performed by the indigenous Majorero people. You can even see hundreds of preserved rock carvings around the peak of the mountain, making this a valuable archaeological site.
The volcano is at times called “The Mountain of the Witches” since it has several mysterious places like the Bailadero de las Brujas, a spot where witches are said to have practiced their craft.
This prominent Canary Islands volcano rises over 400 meters high, necessitating some effort to traverse the path up and down. To embark on this hike, begin in the town of Tindaya, then follow the clear signage including interesting facts about the various bird and plant species along the trail.
If you aren’t an experienced hiker but still want to explore this Fuerteventura volcano, I suggest this guided trip, which will take you to the Sacred Mountain as well as Betancuria Natural Park, the Dunes of Corralejo, and several beaches.
8. Montaña Roja, a must-see Fuerteventura volcano in Corralejo
Finally, Montaña Roja is another volcano in Fuerteventura’s town of Corralejo located in the center of the dunes which creates a striking view rising from the reddish-brown mountain. If you visit Corralejo National Park, you’ll see this mountain appearing from the heart of the sand hills, fabricating a breathtaking sight.
The volcanic elevation towers over 1,000 feet above sea level, and one can ascend to the peak by tracing the trail commencing in Villaverde. Along the five-mile route, breathtaking perspectives of the island will impress, so spend time appreciating the scenery and capturing gorgeous imagery.
For those seeking more adventure, starting hikes very early in the mornings is recommended so sunrises from peaks can be witnessed. Regret will not be felt!
No matter when you undertake this Fuerteventura volcano hike, you’ll likely see one of the island’s most iconic birds: the Canarian houbara. Be cautious during the descent since the terrain contains a lot of gravel, making it easy to slip. As a reward for your efforts, treat yourself to a refreshing swim at one of the top beaches in Fuerteventura, such as Playa del Moro in Corralejo.
That’s everything for the best volcanoes on Fuerteventura. I’m leaving you with a map so you can readily locate each one and plan your hiking expedition around Fuerteventura’s volcanoes.
If you have any inquiries or would like to share your experience exploring this remarkable Canary Island, feel free to provide a comment below. And finally, I hope you delight in discovering the volcanoes of Fuerteventura!
