Lobos Island in Corralejo is a fascinating little islet of the Canary archipelago which, in the past, served as a refuge for pirates and for centuries was an important spot for local fishermen. Today it is one of the most interesting excursions you can take in Fuerteventura and one of the ideal places for surfing, thanks to a right-hand wave famous for being one of the longest in Europe (for advanced surfers only).
Lobos Island in Corralejo: a perfect idea after surfing
Your surf school in Fuerteventura, Surfintrip, is located in Corralejo, and from here it’s very easy to reach the port and board the boats heading to the island. That’s why we know that a visit to Lobos Island is an excellent plan.
You can get to Lobos Island from Corralejo by catamaran or watertaxi. On the island, there is a restaurant and also a visitor center worth seeing as soon as you arrive. Since it is part of a Natural Park, access is limited to 400 visitors per day, so it is advisable to plan your excursion in advance. Normally the ticket from local operator includes this entry authorization.
Lobos Island in Corralejo, a natural landscape full of history
The history of this island is fascinating: despite its little more than 5 km², over time it has attracted the interest of many travelers. Interestingly, even during Roman times, as evidenced by an archaeological site at Playa La Calera dedicated to the production of purple dye and home to the southernmost Roman remains ever found to date.
Berbers, Normans, conquerors from the Iberian Peninsula… many passed through here. It was a refuge for pirates and one of the best places for hunting sea lions, animals prized for their meat, fat, medicinal uses, leatherwork production, and more.
Its name comes from the once abundant presence of these animals. However, they were not appreciated by fishermen of the time, as each specimen could eat up to 40 kg of fish per day. This, combined with the construction of a lighthouse inaugurated in 1865 after five years of work, led to the near extinction of the species. The neoclassical Punta Martiño lighthouse is the oldest in the Canary Islands and is one of the must-see spots on Lobos Island, in Corralejo.
Lobos Island: an islet for lovers of sport and nature
Lobos Island in Corralejo has been part of the Natural Park of the Dunes of Corralejo and Lobos Island since 1982. It is a perfect place for surfing, cycling excursions, and trekking along routes set in a semi-wild volcanic environment, unspoiled, undeveloped, and surrounded by pristine nature with breathtaking views. At Playa La Caleta, during swells, you can enjoy a right-hand wave between 300 and 500 meters long.
You can wander around the islet without a fixed destination or follow charming small routes. There is actually a circular path that goes all around the island’s coast, perfect for exploring it and enjoying panoramic views in all directions, with highlights such as the La Caldera volcano, 127 meters high, the highest point on the islet.
You can also climb up to the aforementioned lighthouse or head to El Puertito, a charming spot where you will find old fishermen’s cottages and surprising volcanic rock formations that create small turquoise-water lagoons.
Another beautiful walk leads to the lime kiln and the old salt pans, where in the past the salt needed to preserve fish and other foods was extracted. All these sites can be visited.
A natural paradise for photographers, with virgin beaches and enigmatic landscapes
If you love photography or want to capture spectacular memories of your surf trip to Corralejo, an excursion to Lobos Island will enchant you. You can take endless photos both on the island itself and of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote on clear days.
The contrast between the colors of the sea and the volcanic terrain, the enigmatic appeal of its ancient remains, and beaches such as La Concha, La Caleta, and La Arena —where you can also swim— are absolute must-sees for any visitor.
In addition, the island is home to 130 different plant species and dozens of bird species can also be observed.
