Things to do in Isla de Lobos

What to do in Isla de Lobos? Before answering this question, it is necessary that we tell you about the location of that wonderful place. It is located just two kilometers from the Canary Island of Fuerteventura and also only eight from Lanzarote.

It barely has an area of ​​six square kilometers and is surrounded by fourteen of coastline with spectacular cliffs, beautiful coves and rivers of solidified lava. It is also located in the Strait of the Bocaina and its highest point is La Caldera, with just 127 meters high. But, without further ado, let's show you what to do in Isla de Lobos.

What to see and do in Isla de Lobos

This magical place owes its name to the fact that, in the past, the area was inhabited by monk seals, also called sea ​​lions. Its history dates back to Roman times. Recent studies of the University of La Laguna they have shown that the Latinos established a settlement on the island, at least temporarily, to obtain purple dye.

Later, it was used as a refuge by pirates and a fishing ground by fishermen. Already in 1865 the Punta Martiño lighthouse, which we will talk about later. In fact, the lighthouse keepers would be its only inhabitants from then on.

However, there were several projects to build in Lobos that were doomed to oblivion when the island was declared a natural park in 1982. It was called Natural Park of the Dunes of Corralejo and Isla de Lobos and, in addition, it was classified as a Special Protection Area for Birds integrated into the Natura 2000.

After this necessary introduction, we are going to tour the Isla de Lobos with you. We will begin by telling you about its natural wonders and then about its monuments, which also have them.

A privileged nature

The only way to get to Isla de Lobos is by boat that makes several daily trips from Corralejo, in Fuerteventura. It only takes twenty minutes and its price is around fifteen euros for an adult. In addition, you must request authorization from the Cabildo a few days before making the trip.

Upon disembarking on the island, you will find an information cabin next to which you will see a statue that reminds of the sea lions that inhabited it in the past. Almost six square kilometers of wild and spectacular nature await you.

Walking its well-marked trails is one of the best things to do in Isla de Lobos. Also the points of greatest interest are delimited. Keep in mind that, as it is a protected area, you will not be able to get off these trails.

The most outstanding route begins in the south of the island and crosses it through the interior until it reaches its north face. But the highlight of the tour is the La Caldera volcano, which we have already mentioned to you and which, with its eruption, was the origin of Lobos. You can climb to the top and observe the beautiful views of Lanzarote and the dunes of Corralejo that it offers you.

Other outstanding natural wonders that you can see on your tour of the island are the bad country of the interior and the basin of the lagoons. In case you don't remember, we explain that a bad country is a set of slightly eroded volcanic rocks found in arid landscapes, while a hole is a wide cavity in the ground. Finally, you can also appreciate the jable of The kitchen. In turn, this is the name given to a set of volcanic sands.

On the other hand, as we were saying, Isla de Lobos is a special protection area for birds. Among the most abundant and that you can see are the shearwaters, the cloths and the Bulwer's petrel. Likewise, there is an endemic plant species on the island. It is the call of Lobos everlasting.

Beaches with a special charm: El Puertito

There are many beaches and coves that the island has and whose beauty you can see from afar. Because only one of them is allowed free access. It's about the Puertito cove and its crystal clear waters are perfect for scuba diving.

This cove is a dreamlike landscape. It is made up of long arms of volcanic earth that frame the clean waters of the Atlantic creating turquoise blue lagoons. In addition, next to it, you can see the old fishermen's houses that are the only buildings on the island apart from the lighthouse which we will talk about later.

El Puertito is a kind of natural pool and is located in the south of the island. But equally precious is the La Concha or La Caleta beach, located in the same area and much larger. Its white sands stand out, although it also has rocks, and its horseshoe shape.

Isla de Lobos Interpretation Center

We have already mentioned in passing the cabin that you will find when you disembark on the island. It houses the interpretation center, where you have a small sample of everything that you will find in this magical place. We recommend that you visit it before starting your tour of the island.

Lime kiln and old salt pans

The remains of the old kiln where the necessary lime was made to build the fishermen's houses that we have mentioned are still preserved on the island. And you can also see the small salt flats from where the salt was extracted to preserve, precisely, the fish. On the other hand, near the above, you can see two archaeological sites that belong to the Jandiense and Erbanense periods.

The Punta Martiño lighthouse, an emblematic visit to do in Isla de Lobos

The most emblematic monument on the island is the Punta Martiño lighthouse, built by Portuguese workers in 1865. Currently, it works automatically, that is, it does not have a lighthouse keeper. However, as an anecdote, we will tell you that the popular Antonio, whose relatives run the only restaurant on Isla de Lobos. In any case, from the lighthouse you have spectacular views of the Atlantic coast.

The Isla de Lobos restaurant

After touring the island's trails and bathing in El Puertito, there is something else you can do before catching the ferry back. We are talking about trying the delicious gastronomy of this part of the Canaries.

To do it, you have the restaurant we were talking about. There you can eat the majorero stew, a stew that is made from goat meat and vegetables. It is precisely from these animals that milk is obtained to make the magnificent cheese from Fuerteventura, made in the traditional style.

On the other hand, the diet of the zone has fish as one of its main ingredients. It is prepared in many ways, but one of the tastiest is the sancocho. It consists of pieces of the fish itself accompanied by potato, sweet potato, gofio and mojo picón.

Although it is not only typical of Fuerteventura, but also of the other Canary Islands, we have to tell you about these two preparations that we just mentioned. The gofio It is a puree of toasted corn and wheat flour. For his part, spicy mojo It is a sauce made with garlic, salt, oil and pepper. It can be red or green depending on the color of the latter ingredient. It serves as an accompaniment to many dishes, but, above all, to the wrinkled potatoes.

As for desserts, we advise you to try the francollo. It is a flan made with eggs, sugar, milk, flour and raisins. Finally, you can finish your meal with a Barraquito. It is a coffee accompanied by condensed milk, some liquor, cinnamon and lemon.

Tips for traveling to Isla de Lobos

To finish the tour that we propose to you around Isla de Lobos, we are going to give you some tips so that you take them into account before traveling to this magical place. First of all, you must get the permit to be able to do it.

But, in addition, once you are on the island, it is necessary that you respect the signs and the rules that are required on it. Remember that it is a protected space and you must contribute to conserving it.

For example, it is forbidden to walk outside the authorized trails, make fire or hunt. But you can't collect biological or heritage materials either. Likewise, you cannot take your pet with you or bury waste.

Instead, Fishing is allowed, but only in designated areas. You can practice it both in its sporting modality and in shellfish shellfish suitable for bait. Specifically, the coastal area where fishing is allowed is the one that goes from Los Roques del Puertito to Punta El Marrajo.

It is also recommended that you bring some food and drink in abundance, as well as comfortable shoes to walk around the island. Also, bring sun protection cream. The climate presents moderate temperatures, but many hours of sun and you could burn yourself.

In conclusion, we have proposed everything what to do in Isla de Lobos. It is a wonderful place by its nature, but it is also one of the least known of the Canary Islands. If you are going to travel to Fuerteventura or to Lanzarote, do not forget to visit it. It will only take a few hours and you won't regret doing it.