Fuerteventura is a volcanic island that has been shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity. The island’s unique geology and stunning landscapes are a testament to the power of nature, and exploring its volcanic history is a fascinating and educational experience.
The earliest volcanic activity on Fuerteventura dates back around 23 million years when underwater volcanoes began to form the base of the island. Over time, these underwater volcanoes grew and eventually broke through the surface of the water, forming the island we know today.
Are there active volcanoes on Fuerteventura?
The most recent volcanic activity on Fuerteventura occurred around 4000 years ago, when the island’s last active volcano, Bayuyo, erupted. This eruption was relatively small compared to some of the island’s earlier eruptions, but it still had a significant impact on the surrounding area. The lava flows from the eruption created new land, and the ash and debris from the eruption fertilized the surrounding soil, making it ideal for agriculture.
Despite its history, Fuerteventura is not currently considered to be an active volcanic island. However, there are still several visible signs of the island’s past volcanic activity, including the impressive mountain ranges that dominate the island’s interior and the black sand beaches that line its coast.
Exploring the volcanic history of Fuerteventura is an unforgettable experience, and there are several ways to do so. One option is to hike to one of the volcanic cones. Another option is to visit the Centro de Interpretación del Geoparque de Fuerteventura, a geological museum that offers fascinating insights into the island’s history and geology.
Amazing volcanoes of Fuerteventura: Bayuyo vs Calderon Hondo Volcano
Bayuyo Volcano and Calderón Hondo Volcano are two of the most popular volcanoes on the island of Fuerteventura, each with its own unique features and characteristics.
While both volcanoes offer stunning views of the island, they are quite different in nature. Bayuyo Volcano is known for its panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby island of Lanzarote and Isla de Lobos and the stunning Corralejo Natural Park. Calderón Hondo, on the other hand, offers a more intimate view of its own unique crater and the tranquil lagoon that fills it.
In terms of hiking difficulty, Bayuyo is considered a relatively easy hike, with a well-defined path that takes around 45 minutes to reach the summit. The trail is accessible to hikers of all levels, including families with children. Hondo Calderon, on the other hand, is a slightly more challenging hike, with a steeper incline and some rocky terrain. The hike takes around 1.5 hours to reach the summit, but the views and the unique lagoon make it a worthwhile and memorable experience.
Volcan Bayuyo hiking trail from Corralejo – our choice
During our workation in Fuerteventura, we weren’t lucky with the weather. During the 4 weeks we spent there, we endured calima (dust and sand brought by the wind from Sahara) almost every day. So we didn’t have time to check all of Fuerteventura’s hiking trails but wanted to climb at least one volcano in Fuerteventura. We’ve chosen Bayuyo for several reasons:
- It’s located in the north of Fuerteventura and we could hike there directly from Corralejo (municipality of La Oliva), where we stayed. It’s sometimes even called a “Corralejo volcano”, as it’s the closest one to the town and you can spot it from different parts of the town.
- The hiking trail was relatively easy and well-marked.
- We wanted to see Dunes of Corralejo Natural Park (read more here) and the nearby Lanzarote and Lobos Island from the top of the volcano. But because of the weather, we didn’t. 🙂
Practical information
After hiking for approximately 2.5 kilometers from Corralejo, we reached the base of the Bayuyo Volcano. The ascent up the volcano is moderately challenging, with some steep inclines and rocky terrain. However, the views from the top are well worth the effort, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes and the nearby islands of Lanzarote and Lobos visible in the distance.
After reaching the summit of the Bayuyo Volcano, we descended along the northern slope of the mountain and continue on toward the village of Lajares. This section of the trail is relatively easy, with a gentle downhill slope and plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery.
We passed by the base of the volcano Calderón Hondo but didn’t have time to climb it. Probably if you leave Corralejo early enough and your physical condition is good, you can do both volcanoes in one trip. Definitely worth it.
We finished our walk in Lajares, where we ate a great dinner and then took a bus back to Corralejo.
The entire trail is approximately 10 kilometers long and took us almost 5 hours to complete, but we took several long breaks. Probably it can be walked within 3-4 hours if your pace is good. The hike is considered to be moderate-level, suitable for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness and experience and I’d agree with that.
It’s important to note that hiking in the volcanic Fuerteventura landscape requires proper planning and preparation. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast before setting out and to let someone know your intended route and estimated return time.
The other Fuerteventura hiking trails
if you’re interested in hiking, there are several other scenic routes and trails to explore on the island. Some popular options include:
- Montaña de Tindaya – Located in the north of the island, near the village of La Oliva. This hike is a short but steep climb up the sacred mountain of Tindaya, which was considered a holy site by the Guanches, the island’s original inhabitants. The hike offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline, as well as the opportunity to see some of the carvings that were made by the Guanches in the mountain’s rock face.
- Montaña Cardón – Located in the southeast of the island, near the village of Gran Tarajal. This is a moderate hike that takes you up a hill with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. Along the way, you’ll pass through fields of cardón, a type of cactus that is native to the Canary Islands.
- Pico de la Zarza – Located in the central part of the island, near the village of Betancuria. This is the highest point on the island, at 807 meters (2,648 feet) above sea level. The hike is more challenging than the previous two, but the panoramic views from the top are worth it. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the neighboring islands of Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.
- Malpaís de La Arena – Located in the northwest of the island, near the village of El Cotillo. This hike takes you through a volcanic landscape with unique and rugged terrain. You’ll see fields of black lava rocks, as well as sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
- Cueva del Llano – Located in the central part of the island, near the village of Villaverde. This is a cave system that is open to visitors, with several chambers and passageways to explore. Inside the cave, you’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, and other interesting rock formations.
Alternatives to hiking the volcanoes in Fuerteventura
If you hiking is really not your cup of tea, you still can visit the most popular Fuerteventura volcanoes. The first option will be renting a car (preferably 4×4) as you’ll need to drive a dirt road.
You might also want to consider renting a bike or taking part in one of many quad biking off-road tours, that are organized by professionals. Some of them, located in the northern part of Fuerteventura, combine the volcano and dunes experience, so it might be a good option if you’re short on time.
Another alternative is to take a guided bus tour, which will take you to the main volcanic areas and provide you with interesting information about the history and geology of the island. Some tours even include stops at local wineries or other attractions.
Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try paragliding over the volcanoes. This will give you a bird’s-eye view of the island and an incredible adrenaline rush. You can find many local companies that offer this type of activity, and it’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Whatever you decide, for us Bayuyo or Calderon Hondo Volcano in Fuerteventura are must-see while visiting the island. Even if you decide not to reach the top of any, the views from their base are breathtaking and truly capture the rugged beauty of the island. Both volcanoes offer excellent hiking trails, and you can enjoy a leisurely stroll or a more challenging climb depending on your fitness level. Along the way, you’ll encounter a diverse array of flora and fauna, including rare desert plants, lizards, and birds of prey.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, as the sun can be intense during the day. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a deeper appreciation for the island’s unique geology and culture.
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