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Fuerteventura’s volcanoes are the main protagonists of this island’s landscape, and one of its most impressive attractions. In total, there are 22 volcanic areas scattered across the island, so no matter where you spend your vacation, you’ll be able to visit at least one of them.
Plus, some of the volcanoes in Fuerteventura are still active, creating a unique tourist experience that you can’t get just anywhere. I absolutely love the geothermal features of this place, and whenever I come here, I make it a point to do a Fuerteventura volcano hike. The contrast between the basaltic sand beaches and the turquoise waters is something you must see for yourself.
To help you plan your visit, I’m sharing the 8 best volcanoes on Fuerteventura, as well as everything you should know if you want to do a Fuerteventura volcano tour.
1. Calderón Hondo, the most famous volcano in Fuerteventura
First, Calderón Hondo is the most popular volcano in Fuerteventura, so it’s a must-see. It’s said to be about 50,000 years old, and at nearly 985 feet tall, it’s a huge attraction on the island. Calderón Hondo is actually part of a group of volcanoes in the northern part of the island, so many visitors choose to do a Fuerteventura volcano hike to see them all. For me it’s one of the best hikes in Fuerteventura.
1. Calderón Hondo, the most famous volcano in Fuerteventura
As one of the best places to see in Fuerteventura, Calderón Hondo has one of the best-preserved craters, and it’s especially impressive since it’s 230 feet deep. From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of other Fuerteventura volcanoes like Bayuyo and Las Calderas.
To get there, start at the trailhead in Lajares and follow the path, which is well-marked with signposts. Climbing Calderón Hondo takes about an hour, and it’s not very difficult to complete the three-mile route. Of course, if you prefer to go with a guide, you can book this hiking tour for assistance and interesting facts along the way.
2. Bayuyo Volcano, another Fuerteventura volcano you should visit
The Bayuyo Volcano is another volcano in Fuerteventura’s northern region, specifically in the municipality of La Oliva. Bayuyo erupted 10,000 years ago, in one of the most important geological events on the island, as its lava spread across the surface for 38 square miles.
Moreover, the volcano has two craters, so you’ll find two trails leading to its summit. One of them starts in the town of Corralejo, another place on the island that’s worth visiting. Among the attractions in Corralejo, I recommend going to the Great Dunes or taking this buggy excursion through Corralejo National Park. It’s also worth visiting Playa del Moro, one of the best beaches in Corralejo.
2. Bayuyo Volcano, another Fuerteventura volcano you should visit
The other trail starts in a nearby town and winds around the edge of the western crater. It’s a slightly easier path since it starts close to the base of the volcano.
Both of these Fuerteventura volcano hikes cross three miles of lava fields, so you’ll see a range of striking colors. As the trail ascends, you’ll see beautiful views of the island and its beaches, and if the skies are clear, you can even see Lanzarote and Isla de Lobos.
3. Volcán de la Arena, one of the best active volcanoes in Fuerteventura
Another Fuerteventura volcano that I recommend you go to is the Volcán de la Arena. This is the youngest volcano on the island, and it has two well-preserved craters. It’s particularly attractive because it’s surrounded by 4.5 square miles of lava, where you can find a series of breathtaking caves, some measuring several feet high.
In addition to their geological importance, the caves also hold a lot of history since they served as a refuge for the island’s inhabitants in pre-Hispanic times. Skeletal remains, pottery pieces, and other artifacts have been found here that confirm the presence of humans.
3. Volcán de la Arena, one of the best active volcanoes in Fuerteventura
These days, you can find native flora and fauna here, including shearwaters, owls, lizards, and rabbits, as well as various plants and fungi.
The volcanic crater is about 650 feet from the base, so to reach the top, you’ll have to take the dirt path from the center of La Oliva. The route is part of the Fuerteventura Nature Trail Network, so it is well-marked and easy to follow. At the top, you’ll get 360° views, and you can even see the Dunes of Corralejo and Isla de Lobos.
Keep in mind that if you do this Fuerteventura volcano hike, you can descend the mountain on the same trail, or go down to Corralejo and visit the attractions in town.
4. Las Calderas Volcano, a Fuerteventura volcano with a unique landscape
The Las Calderas Volcano is part of the Bayuyo chain of volcanoes that I mentioned earlier, and they all erupted simultaneously. This particular Fuerteventura volcano has an open uneven crater, where you can see little caves and geothermal pockets.
4. Las Calderas Volcano, a Fuerteventura volcano with a unique landscape
If you decide to add this place to your volcano tour in Fuerteventura, you should start at the trailhead in Lajares. Many travelers choose to continue the trek by visiting some of the neighboring volcanoes, like the Volcán de la Arena or Calderón Hondo, but you’ll still enjoy the route if you only check out Las Calderas.
Moreover, the path is well-marked with signposts and it’s quite an easy 4.3-mile hike through one of the oldest lava fields on the island, so I recommend it.
5. La Caldera Mountain (Isla de Lobos), another spectacular volcano in Fuerteventura
La Caldera Mountain is on Isla de Lobos, so you’ll have to take this ferry to get there. This Fuerteventura volcano is over 415 feet high and was responsible for this Canary Island’s formation about 130,000 years ago.
What I like about this hike is that it’s quite simple, so you can enjoy it as a family. Not only that, but the dreamy landscapes are breathtaking, especially when you can view them from an elevated lookout point.
5. La Caldera Mountain (Isla de Lobos), another spectacular volcano in Fuerteventura
Again, to visit La Caldera, you must take one of the ferries to Isla de Lobos that leave from the town of Corralejo, and you’ll need to request a permit to get onto the island. However, if you book your ferry here, the permit is included in the ticket price, so it’s super convenient.
Once you’re on Isla de Lobos, look for the hiking trail near the pier, which should be to your left. After a few feet, you’ll get to La Caleta Beach, and you can start climbing the mountain. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as this Fuerteventura volcano tour grants you amazing panoramic views.
6. Gairia Volcano, an amazing volcano in central Fuerteventura
Back on the mainland, one of the best volcanoes is right in the center of Fuerteventura. The Gairia Volcano (Caldera de Gayria) is one of the largest volcanoes on Fuerteventura, and it’s easy to recognize. Surrounding it is a large plain, which makes the 1,500-foot-tall volcano look even bigger.
Keep in mind that this volcano is in a protected area that focuses on breeding and conserving the bird population. Therefore, the trail to access it is only open from August to March, so you’ll have to plan your trip accordingly.
6. Gairia Volcano, an amazing volcano in central Fuerteventura
To hike this Fuerteventura volcano, start at the trailhead in Casilla de Morales, then follow the path to Tiscamanita. The route is somewhat steep, so you should be in good physical condition to do it. That said, the effort is worth it, thanks to the incredible views at the top.
While it’s free to climb this volcano, I really like this tour since it combines Gairia with a tasting afterward, in which you can try local wines and typical Canarian products. It’s one of the best tours in Fuerteventura, so I recommend checking it out.
7. Sacred Mountain of Tindaya, a historic volcano in Fuerteventura
Next, the Sacred Mountain of Tindaya (Montaña Sagrada de Tindaya) is a spectacular volcano in Fuerteventura. What makes this one so special is that it’s 18 million years old and is believed to be one of the first geological formations to emerge on the island.
In addition to its antiquity, the mountain served as a centerpiece for many religious rites performed by the aboriginal Majorero people. You can even see hundreds of preserved rock engravings around the peak of the mountain, making this a valuable archaeological site.
7. Sacred Mountain of Tindaya, a historic volcano in Fuerteventura
The volcano is sometimes called “The Mountain of the Witches” since it has several mysterious places like the Bailadero de las Brujas, a spot where witches are said to have practiced their craft.
This Fuerteventura volcano is over 1,300 feet high, so it takes a bit of effort to get up and down the path. To do this hike, start in the town of Tindaya, then follow the signs, which are very clear and include interesting facts about the different bird and plant species along the trail.
If you aren’t an experienced hiker but still want to tour this Fuerteventura volcano, I suggest this guided excursion, which will take you to the Sacred Mountain as well as Betancuria Natural Park, the Dunes of Corralejo, and several beaches.
8. Montaña Roja, a must-see Fuerteventura volcano in Corralejo
Finally, Montaña Roja is another volcano in Fuerteventura’s town of Corralejo. If you visit Corralejo National Park, you’ll see this reddish-brown mountain rising from the center of the dunes, creating a stunning sight.
The volcano is a little over 1,000 feet above sea level, and you can reach the peak by following the trail that starts in Villaverde. Along the five-mile route, you’ll get impressive views of the island, so take your time to admire the landscape and capture gorgeous images.
8. Montaña Roja, a must-see Fuerteventura volcano in Corralejo
For those who are more adventurous, I recommend starting your hike very early in the morning so you can watch the sunrise from the summit. You won’t regret it!
Regardless of when you do this Fuerteventura volcano hike, you’ll be able to see one of the island’s most important birds: the Canarian houbara. Just keep in mind that the descent can be tricky since the terrain has lots of gravel, so it’s easy to slip. Be careful, then reward your efforts with a refreshing swim at one of the best beaches in Fuerteventura, such as Playa del Moro in Corralejo.
That’s it for the best volcanoes on Fuerteventura. I’m leaving you with a map so you can easily locate each one and plan your hiking tour around Fuerteventura’s volcanoes.
If you have any questions or you’d like to share your experience traveling around this amazing Canary Island, feel free to leave me a comment below. And finally, I hope you enjoy exploring the volcanoes of Fuerteventura!
