Discovering Isla de Lobos: A Historical and Natural Gem
For centuries, this small piece of volcanic rock and sand served various purposes: a refuge for pirates, a hunting ground, a factory for coveted dyes in Ancient times, and a seasonal outpost for local fishermen. Despite its limited geography, Isla de Lobos has played a significant role in history. The name comes from a now-extinct colony of monk seals that once thrived on the island, providing sustenance for countless crews over the ages. Today, even though the seals are but a line in the past, the Isla de Lobos continues to captivate many visitors.
Gone are the days of rough sea adventurers or Romans in search of the murex, the marine snail that produced the much-coveted purple dye. While a few fishermen still frequent the waters, most travelers who arrive at this small islet situated between northern Fuerteventura and southern Lanzarote are tourists. They disembark, explore the island, and return to their comfortable hotels. However, there’s much more to Isla de Lobos than its stunning beaches and rugged volcanic landscapes.
The GR131 is a long-distance trail that traverses the Canary Archipelago, part of the extensive G7 European route that exceeds 5,000 kilometers. Although it stretches just 3.5 kilometers across this small island, it offers a profound exploration of the 4.5 square kilometers of terrain. This segment of the European route has been integrated into the network of trails of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, which has marked and developed the entire path, displaying red and white trail markers.
The only way to reach Isla de Lobos is by boat from the nearby town of Corralejo. Your adventure begins at the Casas del Puertito, a quaint village of humble homes that once served as a refuge for fishermen. The coastline here unfolds whimsically with arms, inlets, and expansive pools inviting for a swim. This area is also home to the legendary Casa Antoñito (Tel: +34 928 879 653), the only restaurant on the island, famous across the Canary Islands for its delicious fried fish. Nearby, the Interpretation Center of Isla de Lobos serves as a small museum where you can uncover the island’s hidden secrets before embarking on your hike.
Exploring the History: Romans, Normans, and Pirates
The trail begins near the Interpretation Center, heading north from the outset. A little over 300 meters in, make your first stop at Playa de la Calera, colloquially known as La Concha for its almost perfect bay shape. It’s not only a great spot for a dip or sunbathing but also an ideal place to gain insight into the island’s history. Nearby, you’ll find an ancient lime kiln and remnants of salt pans—used for centuries by northern fishermen as an outpost and a modest salting factory.
Right in this vicinity, an archaeological site under excavation suggests that Romans once inhabited the Canaries during ancient times. Experts assert that the islands were centers for the exploitation of marine resources, especially the murex, a sea snail from which the ancient world extracted the expensive purple dye.
The trail then veers from the coast into the malpaís, a volcanic terrain marked by an abundance of stones and low hills that testify to the island’s fiery origin. For over a kilometer and a half, hikers traverse the island’s interior, with the grand cone of the Montaña de la Caldera to their left. This area offers a chance to discover the local flora, which includes over 130 species. Resilient plants like the Everlasting (Limonium ovalifolium canariense), an island endemic, share space with other hardy survivors such as sea grape, woolly saltbush, ubiquitous gorses, and tabaibas, which flourish dramatically in rainy seasons. The fauna is equally remarkable, featuring seabirds, the occasional bustard, several lizard species, and unwelcome intruders like rabbits that threaten local equilibrium.
The endpoint of the GR131 on this short stage is Punta de Martiño. The trail departs from the central part, weaving between the hills of Pila and El Escarchado. The plains of La Cocina serve as a precursor to the small hill where the Martiño Lighthouse stands, guiding sailors since 1865. From the summit of this volcanic mound, you can see the southern coast of the neighboring island of Lanzarote almost within reach.
Returning to the Puertito area presents two choices: retracing the 3.5 kilometers back along the main trail or taking the left path to explore the eastern coast of the islet. The latter route is equally worthwhile, with virtually the same distance. The highlight of this coastal variant is Las Lagunillas, a series of large tidal pools enticing visitors for a refreshing swim.
GR-131 Stage 1: Casas del Puertito-Faro de Martiño; Distance: 3.5 kilometers (one way); Ascent: 23 meters; Descent: 8 meters; Duration: 1 hour (one way); Difficulty: 1 out of 5.
For additional details, check out the MAP OF THE ROUTE.
IMAGE CREDITS: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Government of the Canary Islands, and Cabildo of Fuerteventura.
