Islote of Lobos

Trekking along volcanic cones to the north of Fuerteventura

The pathway in Lobos, one of the best preserved areas in the Canary Islands which is just under five square kilometres in size, allows visitors to enjoy a wide variety of attractions: from salt marshes to small volcanic cone formations called “hornitos”. The route which goes around the island in a circle takes you from the harbour to Martiño lighthouse. The trek on the way back goes through the Puertito, a former temporary settlement for the island’s fishermen and shellfish farmers who worked in the area.

Historic saltpans among reminders of the monk seal

The route in Islote de Lobos, which can only be reached by sea from the harbour in Corralejo, in the north of Fuerteventura, has many interesting elements along its seven kilometres such as the saltpans of Marrajo and Martiño lighthouse which in 1865 marked the first permanent human presence on the islet. It still preserves ancient ovens, washing places, animal pens and water tanks in a very interesting patrimonial combination rounded off by the reproductions of monk seals in homage to the extinct colony of seals from which the islet takes its name.

Length
7,4 km
Localidad
La Oliva
This activity must be reserved at least 5 days in advance. You can book it here: lobospass.com
Downloadable files selection
Archivos
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Título Fichero
Islote de lobos
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TENERIFE

TENERIFE

GRAN CANARIA

GRAN CANARIA

FUERTEVENTURA

FUERTEVENTURA

LANZAROTE

LANZAROTE

LA GRACIOSA

LA GRACIOSA

LA GOMERA

LA GOMERA

LA PALMA

LA PALMA

EL HIERRO

EL HIERRO
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Islote de Lobos, Fuerteventura
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The quay

This sixty-metre stone jetty at the extreme south of the islet is the maritime access to Islote de Lobos and also the starting point of the trail. This is the main entrance to the Nature Park and boats bringing visitors from Corralejo all dock here.

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Islote de Lobos, Fuerteventura
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Playa de la Concha

This beach is named after its conch-like shape and is a small, sandy cove at the foot of La Caldera, the main elevation on Islote de Lobos. In this idyllic bathing spot, there is also a small theme park dedicated to the monk seal - also known as the lobo marino and the namesake for the islet.

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Islote de Lobos, Fuerteventura
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Marrajo salt pans

The trail takes a small detour that leads to the Marrajo salt pans, located a the end of La Caleta beach. These new salt pans are unique because there are no annexe structures - you only have the reservoirs, the evaporation pans and a well. They are well-preserved and lend a special charm to this corner of the island.

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Islote de Lobos, Fuerteventura
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Salt flats

Just before climbing up to the lighthouse, you have a salt flat that is made up of small lakes that are filled periodically. The vegetation here is very interesting as it can survive the sea water and includes endemic species like Limonium ovalifolium canariensis found exclusively on the islet. In addition, it is an excellent place for bird-watching, especially waders.

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Islote de Lobos, Fuerteventura
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Martiño lighthouse

The Martiño lighthouse is the main building on the islet and dates back to the second half of the 19th century. Together with the Pechiguera lighthouse at the southern point of Lanzarote and the facing El Cotillo lighthouse at the extreme north of Fuerteventura, this lighthouse plays an important role in ensuring safe navigation in the Bocayna Strait between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

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Islote de Lobos, Fuerteventura
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Llano de los Labrantes

The remains that you see in this area are of the dry-stone houses of the Portuguese labourers who built the Martiño lighthouse. The paths the stretch across this islet were created during this construction project that lasted five years because of, among other reasons, supply difficulties.

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Islote de Lobos, Fuerteventura
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Jable de la Cocina

You will walk along this beautiful, sandy flatland on your way to El Puertito. The sand adds a white and gold touch to the landscape dotted with the mounds and small cones as also vegetation typical to these coastal areas.

Sustainability
Sostenibilidad
  • Never leave waste of any type lying around, including cigarette butts. Leftover food leads to a proliferation of rats and wild cats, which pose a serious threat to the fauna.
  • Respect the animals. Do not bother them or feed them. If you see an injured specimen, you can call the emergency number: 112. Do not pick flowers or plants.
  • Do not pick up or take away stones or any other item from the natural environment. And do not move them to pile them up into sadly famous 'towers'.
  • Respect the signposting along trails. Leaving the set paths causes damage to the environment and could also be dangerous for you and anyone with you.
  • It is safer to keep your pet on a lead.
  • Try not to alter the peace of the environment with excessive noise (loud music, yelling, etc.).
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