Best hikes and accomodation in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is the easternmost island of the Canary Islands and the second largest of the archipelago regarding its size (not population). Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and very close to Africa, this island is the perfect combination of arid landscapes and turquoise, crystal clear waters. Its red colour from its soils, its blue water, its volcanoes, mountains and its perfect temperature and weather all year round keep attracting and inviting many tourists who seek adventures and exotic places. In the following story, you’re about to find out about the best hikes and accommodation within the island.

Accommodation

To start with, let me give you some recommendations in terms of accommodation in Fuerteventura, considering different types of budgets and likes.  There is a very wide range of options, from big resorts, villas, to cute apartments. The island is not too big, which means the location is not so important if you aim to exploring the entire Fuerteventura, which I highly recommend. For this you need at least 4 or 5 days. 

This Ocean View Apartment would be my first choice if you like feeling the independence of being at home and if your budget is not too big. Also, it has been highly rated in Booking. Another great option would be this spectacular and private villa, which features a huge garden, views to the mountain, a beautiful pool and lots of rooms and space. This is the perfect option for big groups. However if you want some more luxury, the very popular Fuerteventura Princess features several outdoor pools, tennis courts and a restaurant offering an international buffet and evening entertainment. Fuerteventura Princess features a gym and a sauna with steam room, as well as a games room and a children's playground.

Hiking to Calderon Hondo

In the north of Fuerteventura, in the village of Lajares, is one of the best preserved volcanoes to visit in Fuerteventura: Calderón Hondo. The large diameter of its crater with the sea in the background is one of the most stunning images of Fuerteventura. The highest point of the crater is 278 metres above sea level and can be reached by a simple path, suitable for everyone.

The best thing to do is to go by car and mark on Google maps the point "Start of Hiking Lajares". I recommend parking your car there start this simple but spectacular hike. You will see two paths, one on each side, but the one on the right is much easier: about 2.5 kilometres to the top of the crater, about 40 minutes walking.

Calderon Hondo Volcano, in Fuerteventura

Volcán Calderón Hondo, 35650 La Oliva, Las Palmas, España

Once you reach the top you will get fantastic views of Fuerteventura and even Lanzarote, but what will impress you the most are the 70 metres deep crater. You should walk around the crater to see it from all possible angles. One of the most interesting things that attract visitors’ attention when exploring the Calderón Hondo volcano is the sight of countless squirrels, which blend in perfectly with the environment, outside and inside the crater. According to the tourist info, these squirrels were introduced to Fuerteventura in the 60's but have adapted perfectly and have now become a plague and it is estimated that there are more than a million of them. They are not scared of people since visitors keep feeding them, but do not feed these funny little animals as they are wild and could bite you.

Hiking to Tindaya

Although the island is full of volcanic mountains, Tindaya Mountain is undoubtedly the most popular mountain to visit in Fuerteventura. It is said to have magical properties, but what is not in doubt is its important historical value. The ancient Canary Islanders carved some areas of the mountain in the shape of rectangular human feet, known as "podomorphs".These engravings look towards the Teide on Tenerife and the Pico de las Nieves on Gran Canaria and it is believed that they are directly related to the stars. It is possible that Tindaya was an astronomical clock, which allowed them to know when the solstices and lunar phases would occur.

But beyond its history, Tindaya is one of the best places in Fuerteventura for hiking. The less sporty ones can contemplate it from its base, the village of Tindaya, or from further away from La Oliva. And for those who love hiking, you can follow the path that will take you to the summit, 400 metres above sea level, from where you will be able to enjoy beautiful views of the whole of Fuerteventura.

Tindaya Mountain, in Fuerteventura

Montaña Sagrada de Tindaya, 35649 La Oliva, Las Palmas, España

Fuerteventura is a unique island which offers its visitors amazing experiences in exotic places, incredible hikes to volcanoes and volcanic mountains. Due to its close location to the African continent, people can enjoy red colour from its soils, as well as blue water, and perfect temperatures and weather all year round. Stay tune to find more about this Atlantic gem!