The island of Lobos is an interesting tourist destination, characterised by its dreamlike landscapes, virgin beaches and great natural wealth. It is located just 2 kilometres off the north coast of Fuerteventura and 8 kilometres from Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands archipelago. Visit Isla de Lobos if you want to get away from the modern world and connect with nature.

Isla de Lobos, a wild destination for hikers and lovers of the sea

This is a small uninhabited island in a completely wild environment. It has an extension of 6 square kilometres and 14 kilometres of coast. It has been declared natural park since 1982 and it is considered Biosphere Reserve of Fuerteventura by the UNESCO due to its high environmental value.

Isla de Lobos is home to a variety of birds and protected species such as herons, gulls, cormorants and shearwaters. It is the ideal destination for nature and adventure lovers. Hiring an excursion to Isla de Lobos is a pleasure not to be missed.

Accessibility

You can reach the island quickly by ferries and taxiboats available from Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. The boats arrive at the pier of Isla de Lobos, from where you can access the rest of the island on foot. Book organised excursions to Isla de Lobos to enjoy its charms and beautiful scenery.

Permission to enter

Lobos Island is protected to avoid the tourist impact on its natural environment. The current regulation establishes that each visitor must obtain a permit to access the island and only 200 visitors are allowed at the same time. The permit is requested a few days before the visit and is valid for a 4-hour shift per day. The permit is usually already included in the excursions.

Paradise Beaches

The Isla de Lobos offers exuberant beaches to relax, sunbathe and play in its waters. The coastline has shallow waters that also offer a marine environment rich in biodiversity. Marine species swim peacefully close to the shore, making swimming and snorkelling more pleasant. Due to the protection of the natural park, bathing is only allowed at the following beaches:

Puertito de Lobos

The beach has white sand and waters so blue and crystalline that they look like fantasy. The wooden pontoon that appears in the pictures of the web, is there for you to dive with more emotion into the water.

In Puertito de Lobos you can see old fishermen’s cottages, which are the only buildings on the island. The Visitor Centre is also located next to Puertito de Lobos, where you will find tourist information, as well as panels and maps with interesting facts about the islet.

Playa de la Concha

It is also known as Playa de la Calera and it is another charming cove of Isla de Lobos from where you can see the Natural Park of the Dunes of Corralejo. Shaped like a shell, it is characterised by its crystalline waters and the presence of many birds. As it is protected from the waves, it is perfect for the whole family and small children.

Hiking in Isla de Lobos

Hiking lovers find in Isla de Lobos a natural paradise with many well signposted routes. Visit Isla de Lobos to walk along interesting trails with beautiful landscapes and panoramic views towards the sea and the rest of the island.

Faro de Martiño trail

Taking the path of the Faro de Martiño of about 11 kilometres long, you will be able to walk around the island in only 2 hours. Following the path, you will reach the highest point of the island, the top of the Caldera Volcano. From this point you can see a large part of the island and on the horizon, the Corralejo Dunes. The ascent to the volcano is steep and full of loose rocks, so you should wear hiking boots.

Once at the lighthouse, you will get an overview of the interior of the island and the south of Lanzarote. In this part, you will find some shade so it would be ideal to enjoy a picnic. In addition, the island has different rest areas where you can stop to eat and contemplate the volcanic landscapes of the island.

Salinas del Marrajo

The salt flats are another of the island’s most attractive points of interest. They are located on the hiking route, close to La Calera beach. They were created artificially during the mid-20th century to exploit the island’s resources. But due to advances in fish conservation, the use of salt was no longer necessary, so the Salinas de Lobos never came into operation.

Gastronomy

If you get hungry while strolling and enjoying the island, don’t worry. In Puertito de Lobos you will find the restaurant Casa Torino, where they serve delicious local fish and seafood. There you can rest and recharge your batteries.

Curiosities of Isla de Lobos

Isla de Lobos takes its name from the monk seals, also known as sea lions. These fantastic animals inhabited the island en masse until their extinction in the second decade of the 20th century. Monk seals became extinct in the Canary archipelago due to fishing activity, as fish are their main food. Today, it is an endangered species with few colonies in the world.

On the island of Lobos there is an archaeological site of Roman origin, left by the Romans during the first century AD. Excavations are currently being carried out near Playa de la Calera in search of Roman artefacts and utensils. Similarly, the island served as a refuge for pirates who found it a pleasant place to rest and shelter.

Surfing enthusiasts will also find their place on Isla de Lobos. On the west coast the longest wave of the Canary Islands is formed, with more than 300 metres in length. It is known as “The right wave of Lobos”.

Isla de Lobos captivates with its charm, natural beauty and biological diversity. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit it during your holidays in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Enjoy with your loved ones its radiant beaches and beautiful natural landscapes with special charm. We invite you to respect the regulations to keep the island and its life intact.