Cuevas de Ajuy

The oldest rocks in the Canary Islands

The oldest rocks in the Canary Islands are located in a cave network in the town of Ajuy, north of Pájara. The geological wonder, that has been declared a national monument, consists of sedimentary substrates formed in the deep ocean during the Cretaceous period, between 100 and 150 million years ago. The dating of the caves is astonishingly far in the past when it is considered that the island of Fuerteventura was formed 30 million years ago. During a trip to the cave site, tourists can also visit a local fossilized dune and some old lime kilns located very close to the ocean.

Dark sand and a sailor vibe

The town of Ajuy is a fishing village with only a few dozen houses and a dark sandy beach that is a great swimming spot. The local area has restaurants with fresh fish. Close by, there is also the Madre del Agua Canarian palm grove and the Barranco de Las Peñitas, an immense rocky landscape with a historic ravine famously crossed by the conquerors of Fuerteventura 600 years ago.

Height

260 m

Flora interest

Catering

Parking

Trekking routes

Wildlife interest

Ajuy

Sustainability

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'.
Do not walk in areas where it is not allowed and 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.
Do not light fires outside the permitted areas and be especially careful during the summer months.
Try not to alter the peace of the environment with excessive noise (loud music, yelling, etc.).