Named after the sea wolves that used to inhabit the island, Isla de Lobos is a small volcanic island with arid an landscape — dry, hot, sandy, with rocky coasts and mounds, and rich in desert flora and fauna. It has been a nature reserve since 1982, and is recognized as a special protection area (SPA) for birds. Carl & I took the long road around the island last December and boy, was it exhausting! But we were rewarded with beautiful scenery and encounters with wild birds and sneaky lizards. What about some scratches from tripping over, and hurting feet from the long walk, for a souvenir? 
The little island with an area of 4.58 km2 is visible from Corralejo, where we were staying. It is part of the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park, which is one of Fuerteventura Islands main tourist attractions. To get there, we had to go to Puerto de Corralejo and aboard a ferry boat. It wasn’t that difficult, because ticket sellers dotted the promenade, and they just pointed which port number we should go, at what time, and to which boat.
We had some time to look around the port. The beach was called La Marquisina, and we saw some people swimming and sunbathing. There were also sand castles, which were elegantly made, but a photo with it comes with a price. There were many restaurants, cafes and bars, but the thing that interested me more was the rocky beach and the salty breeze. Here are some photos of La Marquisina:
The distance from Corralejo port to Lobos Island is only about 2 kms, so the boat ride did not take that long. Important tip: before you board the boat to Lobos, make sure you have lots and lots and lots of water with you! I almost felt dehydrated, and I tipped and fell by the time we reached the other end of the island. 😉 And wear rubber shoes, or comfortable footwear. Yes, it’s only a 6-7 kms walk around the island, but it’s a volcanic island by the equator! It’s hot, hot, hot! And the terrain surprisingly varied – from fine sand to rocks!
When we got off the boat, we instantly noticed the characteristic features of Lobos Island — massive dryness and attractive mounds of volcanic rocks. We saw no commercial kiosks, except for two houses at the port with restrooms and a little convenience store. A bust of Dona Josefina Pla (1903-1999) stands by the port. She is a Spanish literary figure who was born on the island! Well, the island wasn’t a nature reserve at that time, so I could imagine people living there.
We decided to go towards the right, as it seemed to have prettier sights — El Puertito (a little port?), Las Lagunitas (must be wonderful lagoons, right?!), and Faro Martino (a lighthouse, it says). But if you are in for an adventure, I would suggest that you start to the left side: Playa de la Calera is a beautiful fine sand beach! and Montana la Caldera has a height of 123m, the highest point on the island. Faro Martino sits on the other tip of the island. Since we went counterclockwise, we were exhausted by the time we reach the Caldera and so, didn’t have the energy to climb.
Anyway, here are the features of the trip from the port to Montana Caldera and Playa de la Calera. No photos of Faro Martino, because we were literally thirsty and exhausted, that my dear husband dragged me to a little short cut towards the road leading back to the port. haha
First stop: El Puertito. This is just a lovely, picturesque part of the island, with rocky coasts and an old, little settlement of stone houses and colorful old, boats.
The main leg of the island walk was filled with beautiful visual memories. We were togethere with some people in the beginning, but it didn’t take long before we noticed that it was just me and my husband and a long road ahead of us. Luckily, we didn’t lose the will and went back, instead, we went forward and got to know the island very well. Proof?
Second stop. Las Lagunitas.
The journey continued. Here we faced amazing deserts! haha jk Fine sand convering the tracks, and dozens of wild birds roaming around!
The photo above shows the exact road where I stumbled and fell. We were nearing the lighthouse, but we were so thirsty and tired, we rerouted and headed back to the port, but first, the might Montana la Caldera and the chicky La Calera beach. 😉
Third stop: Montana la Caldera. We didn’t get to climb, but I was pretty sure that the views from up there would have been amazing! (Reminds me of our trip to Tenerife Island, where we also didn’t get to climb Mt. Teide because the bus driver got sick.)
Fourth stop. La Calera. I guess this was a hidden gem on the island. Unlike the wavy beaches along Corralejo, this one was quiet, intimate and laid-back. We sat for a while by the beach before heading back to the port and cathing the 2 pm ferry back to Fuerteventura.
The long walk around the island was worthwhile, and I would consider a must-do when in Fuerteventura. I took a couple of photos more while waiting for the boat, and I realized how lucky we were to have the opportunity to visit this beauty!
When we got back to Fuerteventura Island, we made sure to fill our tummy with good food and lots of fluids to make up for the long walk on Lobos. 😉
All in all, Lobos Island has got lots to offer! I was so happy we took the trip. We actually thought of going back to try and climb Montana Caldera, but there was much to see on the main island of Fuerteventura as well, so we will just save it for next time. Another awesome place to visit in Fuerteventura is Oasis Park. Read about our adventure there here. ❤ Thanks and see you again on the next journey! #spreadlove
PinayOdyssey 