Walking Fuerteventura

Walking in Fuerteventura is different from hiking in any of the other Canary islands. The landscape often resembles Mars and the rocks get redder as they get hotter. Inland, the landscape is barren and thirsty. Peace and quiet engulfs the walker and in its own strange way, the countryside has a bleak beauty.

But the island excels in its beaches and climate. The island's beauty spots are often tucked a good walk away out of sight of any main road - not that there are many main roads on the island!

There is plenty of walking to be enjoyed on Fuerteventura to suit all tastes and levels of hiking skills. They range from seaside walks to fairly easy mountain climbs and steep rocky ascents.

There is also plenty for the walker to discover from deep blue lagoons to hidden mountain streams. The island is littered with Guanche settlements although some are hard to distinguish.

Caleta de Fuste is a good base for the walker as it allows access to both ends of the island by local bus service.

Walking boots broken in or good trainers

Long sleeved top for sun protection

Small rucksack

Camera

Suncream

Bandages

Small picnic

Plenty of water

Sun hat

Spare laces

Insect repellent

In the tourist centres, English is widely spoken although in the countryside, a few words of Spanish can be handy.

For those who are not hiking enthusiasts but enjoy a good walk, a day out on the Isle of Lobos is recommended.

Turning right as you get off the ferry will take you on a circular tour of the island. Places to look out for nclude La Hoya de Las Lagunitas (the valley of the little lagoons), Salador de El Faro (the lighthouse saltmarshes), Los Hornitos (the little ovens), el Jable de La Cocina (sand of the kitchen), el Malpais del Interior (the badlands of the interior) and delapidated Los Edificios Volcánicos (volcanic buildings) on the north coast and Casas El Puertito which is a picture postcard setting. There is a restaurant on the island at El Puertito (little port).
The climb up the Caldera de la Montana is quite steep but the views worth it. The beach at Playa de la Concha forms an arc around a cove.
 

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