An Intimate Trip to the Small Island of Lobos

Lobos is a small island close to Fuerteventura. This largely uninhabited islet is a picture of calm and tranquillity with little to no development. To reach the island it takes 15 minutes by boat from the port of Corralejo in the north of Fuerteventura. In Spanish “lobo” means “lion”, so “the island of Lobos” means “the island of wolves”. This name originates in the distant past when a colony of sea lions once lived in the waters around the island.  Lobos is a great getaway for lovers who want to go to a place where the power of nature hasn’t been lessened by humans.  

The island, which is 4.5 square kilometres in size, has been declared a Natural Park thanks to the variety of flora and fauna that inhabit the area. To minimize the impact from tourists, since 2019 permits are required to visit the islet. This policy, designed to limit the number of day trippers, has benefitted the visitor experience as well as the local environment. Today Lobos is a picture of calm and quiet.  The water around Lobos is crystal clear and the volcanic landscape has a rugged elegance. On the island, there are a variety of things to do depending on whether visitors want their trip to be frenetic or relaxing. There is, for instance, the chance to practice water sports, but many visitors come just to lie on the beach and listen to the waves lap against the shore.  

Ten minutes by foot from the arrival pier, visitors will find el Puertito de Lobos which is a small group of blue and white fisherman’s huts which constitute the only human settlement on the islet. Around the huts is a paradisiacal setting of white sand and volcanic rock. There are natural pools with transparent water which are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. 

Playa de la Concha is another fascinating place to visit on Lobos. It is a spot to disconnect from the world and contemplate eternal themes. There are wonderful views of Corralejo, which can be observed while the ocean twinkles in the sunlight. This bay has a semi-circular shape and water that has a thousand different shades of blue. Playa de la Concha makes real the dream of a desert island. 

On Lobos there are opportunities for water sports such as snorkelling. There are also signposted trails around the island which allow hikers to have a fabulous experience (though good footwear is needed). There is an interesting route which starts in Playa de la Concha. The path then goes through Salinas del Marrajo before pausing at the mountain of La Caldera, an ancient volcano with a peak of 127 metres. From the summit there are views to enjoy over the islet of Lobos and the Dunes of Corralejo. After the mountain the route moves to the Martiño lighthouse which hasn’t been inhabited by a lighthouse keeper since 1968. Finally, the path arrives to Las Lagunitas which is a wide stretch of land with volcanic rocks that is covered in amazing reddish plants.  

Nature lovers will really appreciate Los Lobos. This small island is an absolute treasure. It is a haven of calm that allows visitors to marvel at the beauty of nature. 

To keep Lobos special, measures have been taken to protect the island. There have been awareness campaigns directed by government bodies and legislation has been applied to penalise people who walk off with the precious natural resources of the islet. Tour operators have also been asked to inform their customers of the restrictions in place to protect Lobos’ natural beauty. It is essential that the integrity of Lobos is maintained so that the island remains a place for people to enjoy well into the future.