Ancient Fuerteventura

The original Canary Island
 
Just 62 miles off Morocco, Fuerteventura boasts starkly beautiful, desert-like scenery. This self-guided, single-centre walking holiday offers a choice of fascinating routes across the island, revealing its rich history and culture, and unique flora and fauna.
Ancient Fuerteventura. 7 nights
Ancient Fuerteventura. 7 nights
 

Holiday information

 

A walking holiday on Fuerteventura

Famed for its expansive, windswept sand dunes and starkly beautiful rolling desert landscapes of burnt amber, the dramatic island of Fuerteventura is the oldest of the Canary Islands. It floats just 62 miles off the coast of Morocco, giving it a far more African feel than the rest of the archipelago – and therein lies its beguiling charm. Indeed, it is the proximity to the Sahara that gives Fuerteventura its special character.

The island is often referred to as the island of eternal spring, as the hot winds blowing in off the desert are cooled by the sea, keeping the island pleasingly warm and dry all-year round.
Unlike the western Canary Islands, you will find no laurisilva here, no deep ravines – instead there are miles of empty rolling hills and silent valleys that are home to a unique flora and fauna, including inquisitive Barbary squirrels, varied birdlife, and myriad lizards and skinks. 20 million years ago, this is where the Canarian Archipelago began. Such is the tranquillity of the island's less populous interior, where rural tourism is still relatively under-developed, you will almost feel like 'pioneers' venturing into a little-known land.
 
Gallery

 

Walking & more

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights. There’s no fixed itinerary, so take your pick of our suggested walking routes as the mood takes you.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.

    The best time for flowers is February to April.
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 27 25 23 20
    mm 24 21 14 7 2 0 0 0 3 6 16 24
  • Choice of routes: 5km to 9km

    Montaña Arena: 9km, 3hrs; ascent/descent 145m
    This first option takes you out into the heart of the distinctive landscapes of Montaña Arena where the white, wind-borne sands contrast sharply with the black, eruptive lava from the volcano. As well as being greeted by splendid views over the dunes of Corralejo and the island of Lanzarote beyond, you are likely to meet the ubiquitous Barbary squirrel.

    Lajares to Calderón Hondo: 5km, 2hrs; ascent/descent 160m
    Trails circumnavigate Montaña Colorada and Calderón Hondo, home to cheeky and perpetually peckish Barbary squirrels.

    Isla de los Lobos: 8km, 3hrs; ascent/descent 90m
    Take the boat from Corralejo to explore the fascinating nature reserve on the small island of Los Lobos, 'Wolf Island'. Discover the tiny settlement of El Puertito, and the lighthouse with its splendid views to Playa Blanca on Lanzarote. Spend time on the beach, swimming and relaxing, before catching the boat back.

    Barranco de los Molinos: 5.5km, 2hrs; ascent/descent 110m
    Starting from a secluded beach, head into the fertile Barranco de Los Molinos where a stream permanently flows, creating a carpet of rich flora. See goats grazing the rich pickings of salt marsh plants on the ravine floor and clinging to the cliff sides with gravity-defying ease while overhead, ravens and the occasional Egyptian vulture (if you're lucky enough) soar.

    Cliffs & palm groves of Ajuy: 8km, 3hrs; ascent/descent 140m
    Starting and ending at the small coastal village of Ajuy, the oldest part of Fuerteventura, this walk takes in a beautiful flower-strewn ravine, a cliff-top walk to a secluded beach, and some impressive caves which stretch deep into the cliffs from the sea.
    Lajares to Calderón Hondo
    Montaña Arena: 9km
    Lajares to Calderón Hondo: 5km
    Isla de los Lobos: 8km
    Barranco de los Molinos: 5.5km
    Cliffs and palm groves of Ajuy: 8km
  • Choice of routes: 11km or 19km

    La Oliva to El Cotillo: 19km, 6.5hrs; ascent 104m/descent 315m
    Follow a twisting linear route through the wide canyon river bed of the Barranco Esquinzo towards the distinctive outline of the sacred Montaña Tindaya, before reaching the pretty cove of Playa Esquinzo. Keep an eye out for hoopoe, curlew, kestrel, plover and sandgrouse before walking along the impressive cliffs into the lively harbour of El Cotillo. Return to La Oliva by bus (pay locally).

    Llanos de la Concepción: 11km, 4hrs; ascent/descent 285m
    From the hamlet of Los Llanos de la Concepción, you walk to the largest body of water on Fuerteventura, which attracts a wide variety of bird life, including noisy African shellducks, little egret, grey heron, kestrel, plover and teal. You may even be lucky enough to catch sight of an Egyptian vulture soaring above this tranquil landscape.
    Llanos de la Concepción goat herd
    La Oliva to El Cotillo: 19km
    Llanos de la Concepción: 11km
  • Choice of routes: 7km or 13km

    In and around Betancuria: 7km, 3hrs; ascent/descent 385m
    This circular route around the former capital of Betancuria begins with a climb to a viewpoint dominated by the two imposing statues of the Mahoh kings who ruled the islands before the Spanish conquest. You then walk on to a viewpoint which commands vistas across the volcanic landscapes of fiery African soil stretching all the way to the coast. You return to the town in time for lunch along a path lined by agave plants. 

    To the Ermita: 13km, 5hrs; ascent 370m/descent 495m
    From Betancuria, this fabulous walk takes you out into almost Biblical landscapes of ridges and dramatic ravines to reach the beautiful Ermita de Las Peñitas – a tiny, white chapel tucked into the rock face – a real 'wow' discovery. You catch the bus back to town.
    Around Betancuria and town
    In and around Betancuria: 7km
    To the Ermita: 13km
  • Explore by car
    The island as a whole is relatively new to the idea of rural tourism and, after the coaches have gone, you will often have the cobbled streets to yourselves. We therefore recommend that you make the most of your hire car, particularly around the island's more developed coastline.

    We provide directions for a trip to the south to visit the glistening salt pans at Las Salinas and to the clifftop lighthouse at Entallada, the closest point to Africa. Explore the immense sand dunes of the Parque Natural de Corralejo; visit Cotillo and its lighthouse, which is home to the island's Traditional Fishing Museum; or spend a day in the small capital, Puerto del Rosario, a friendly and authentic Canarian working town with pretty beaches, plenty of restaurants and an open-air art gallery with more than 100 sculptures adding a mix of whimsy and culture to the town's streets.
    La Entallada Lighthouse
 

Accommodation

We work with two hotels on Fuerteventura, as shown below. Both are hand-picked by us and, unless there is a price implication (in which case we will contact you to discuss your options), we will tell you which one we have booked for you on your booking confirmation.

Wherever you stay, we thoroughly recommend adding extra nights to enjoy more walking.
 

Extend your stay

 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 7 nights: 01 January 2024 - 31 May 2024 & 01 September 2024 - 31 December 2024

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    1 - 7 Jan 2024 £725 £185
    8 Jan - 23 Mar 2024 £675 £190
    24 Mar - 3 Apr 2024 £730 £215
    4 - 15 Apr 2024 £705 £185
    16 Apr - 24 May 2024 £745 £185
    1 Sep - 31 Oct 2024 £745 £190
    1 Nov - 17 Dec 2024 £700 £200
    18 - 24 Dec 2024 £775 £225
    1 - 7 Jan 2025 £730 £185
    8 Jan - 23 Mar 2025 £700 £200
    24 Mar - 3 Apr 2025 £750 £220
    4 - 15 Apr 2025 £730 £200
    16 Apr - 24 May 2025 £770 £200
    1 Sep - 31 Oct 2025 £770 £200
    1 Nov - 17 Dec 2025 £725 £210
    18 - 24 Dec 2025 £805 £230
    3rd & 4th person discount -£90 to -£95
    Single traveller supplement £90 to £95

    Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    Price includes: 7 days' category C car hire (eg Opel Corsa or similar with manual transmission)
    NB Due to high demand car hire availability is limited, please call for details

    Driving time to/from the hotel: 0h40

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Hotel Rural El Cabo, Villaverde
    Superior double: 01 Jan - 31 May 2024 £9
    Superior double: 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2024 £9
    Superior double: 01 Jan - 01 Jun 2025 £10
    Superior double: 02 Sep - 08 Jan 2026 £10

    Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Hotel Rural El Cabo, Villaverde (B&B) Double room Single room
    01 Jan - 09 Jan 2024 £82 £146
    10 Jan - 05 Apr 2024 £75 £132
    06 Apr - 11 Apr 2024 £82 £146
    12 Apr - 31 May 2024 £75 £132
    01 Sep - 30 Nov 2024 £75 £132
    01 Dec - 31 Dec 2024 £82 £146
    01 Jan - 09 Jan 2025 £85 £150
    10 Jan - 06 Apr 2025 £80 £140
    07 Apr - 12 Apr 2025 £85 £150
    13 Apr - 01 Jun 2025 £80 £140
    02 Sep - 01 Dec 2025 £80 £140
    02 Dec - 08 Jan 2026 £85 £150
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Fuerteventura

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  you may need to fly to an airport not listed. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Outward route Airline
    Belfast Intl. - Fuerteventura easyJet,  jet2 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Fuerteventura jet2,  Ryanair,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Fuerteventura easyJet,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Nottingham East Midlands - Fuerteventura jet2,  Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Fuerteventura jet2,  Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Fuerteventura jet2 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow Prestwick - Fuerteventura Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Leeds Bradford - Fuerteventura jet2,  Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Liverpool - Fuerteventura easyJet,  Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Fuerteventura British Airways,  easyJet,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Fuerteventura Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Stansted - Fuerteventura jet2,  Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Fuerteventura jet2,  Ryanair,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Fuerteventura jet2 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  you may need to fly to an airport not listed. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you for any of the options listed above. We charge £35 per person for our flight booking service. Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.

What is included
  • 7 nights
  • 7 breakfasts
    2 dinners
    2 picnics
  • route notes and maps
  • GPS navigation
  • 7 days' category C car hire
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • We’ll send you route notes and maps 2-3 weeks before your holiday. The route notes not only contain directions to get from A to B, but also include practical information about places of interest and eateries along each route, plus cultural information about the area. If/when you are moving between hotels, you leave your luggage in reception as you leave, and it will be transferred ahead to your next accommodation, meaning that all you need to take with you are a camera, sun cream, drinks, food and waterproofs.

    For more detailed information, see our walking holidays in Europe page.
  • Yes, prior to going on holiday you will be able to download GPX tracks so that you can follow your route on your smartphone or dedicated GPS device if you wish. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you use them – our detailed, step-by-step route notes remain the principal means of guiding you from A to B – but we provide them as a secondary means of navigation for additional reassurance when walking.
  • We can book a wide range of routes from the UK with a variety of airlines. As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we’ll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we’ll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. The fee for this service is £35 per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). More information on flights >
  • We can’t book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted to book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that’s appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK >
  • Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it’s the first time you’ve booked with us.
    The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people).
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can incur a five or six-figure bill.

    Many insurers offer travel insurance (you can find details on our insurance page of a policy that you may like to consider if you are a UK resident), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    When you purchase a policy, be sure to check that it covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Spain, but not a visa (please note, however, that a new travel authorisation system is being introduced). If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires).
  • (Castilian) Spanish is one of several official languages; Catalan, Basque and Gallego have equal status in Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia, respectively. The currency is the Euro. Spanish time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • For information on the practicalities of travel now that the UK is no longer part of the European Union, visit www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.

    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
  • You are the best judge of your child’s/children’s capabilities. We are happy to take bookings for families of older children/teenagers if they walk regularly, love the outdoors and are comfortable with the distances and ascent/descent involved. Please note that the bedrooms at most of the accommodation we use will normally only sleep a maximum of 3 people, and sometimes only 2.
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