Many individuals this summer will have taken the opportunity to enjoy some of the most renowned islands in our geography, as evidenced by the substantial visitor numbers received by Menorca, Ibiza, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. However, few travellers will have had the chance to explore a small islet from the Canary Islands, primarily due to its limited capacity and the necessity of obtaining permission to visit. This is the case for Lobos, a small volcanic island measuring approximately 5 square kilometres, located just two kilometres north of Fuerteventura. In fact, both islands are separated by a strait known as El Río, which reaches a maximum depth of about 15 metres.
Practically uninhabited today, the origin of its name is due to the historic presence of monk seals, also known as sea wolves. Large colonies of these mammals once inhabited the island, particularly on the beach now known as La Calera or La Concha. However, the species was hunted to extinction in the area, mainly by local fishermen who believed their voracious appetite, consuming between 30 and 40 kilograms of fish per day, reduced marine resources. While they no longer inhabit the island, a statue of a seal welcomes visitors. Administratively, Lobos is curiously a village of the municipality of La Oliva, in the province of Las Palmas. Its silhouette is clearly visible from the town of Corralejo in Fuerteventura.
Regarding human presence on the island, a group of researchers from the University of La Laguna have confirmed the existence of a seasonal Roman settlement approximately 2,000 years ago. This settlement was dedicated to the extraction of purple dye, a highly valuable hue sourced from marine snails such as the species Stramonita haemastoma. Evidence of this activity has been found in a shell mound located on La Calera beach, containing remains of thousands of snails, fragments of pottery such as amphorae, and other Roman materials.
Limited Capacity
Throughout the centuries, the island also served as a refuge for pirates, who took advantage of its sparsely populated shores to rest or repair their ships. In more recent times, the islet has been the birthplace of notable figures such as the Spanish writer Josefina Pla, who is commemorated with a statue near the visitor centre. The Martiño lighthouse, located at the northern tip of the island, was inhabited by a lighthouse keeper and his family until 1968, serving as a testament to life in this isolated enclave. Due to its high ecological value, Lobos was declared a Natural Park in 1982, becoming one of the first protected areas in the Canary Islands. To ensure its conservation, since 2019 it has been necessary to obtain the aforementioned permission to visit, a regulation which restricts access to 200 people at a time in two four-hour time slots.
To reach this islet, one can take a boat from the port of Corralejo in Fuerteventura, with a journey lasting approximately 15 minutes. There are various options available, including ferries, water taxis, or catamarans. The visitors arriving on the islet are primarily tourists, bathers, fishermen, divers, and surfers. Lobos also offers several hiking routes to explore its unspoiled landscape. A well-marked circular path covers the main points of interest. The most popular route ascends to the Caldera volcano, the highest point of the islet at 127 metres. From its summit, one can enjoy panoramic views of Lanzarote and the dunes of Corralejo. Another path leads to the Martiño lighthouse at the northern extreme, approximately 5 kilometres from the dock.
Unsurprisingly, the beaches and marine life are among the main attractions of Lobos. La Concha or La Calera beach is an unspoiled stretch of white sand with crystal-clear waters. El Puertito is a small area with the few houses that exist on the island and a jetty from which one can jump into the sea. Furthermore, the islet is regarded as a significant underwater reserve, possessing one of the richest marine environments in the Atlantic, making it an ideal location for diving and snorkelling. With minimal human presence and abundant tranquillity, spending a few hours beneath its waters ensures one can enjoy a diverse marine fauna, living peacefully without any threats.
The terrestrial biodiversity of the island is also remarkable. It boasts over 130 plant species adapted to the high salinity of the environment. Among these is the Lobos everlasting (Limonium ovalifolium canariense), an endemic species found only on this island and regarded as the jewel of its flora. Other representative plants include sea grape and sweet spurge. The fauna is dominated by seabirds, such as the Cory’s shearwater, the small shearwater, the osprey, and the yellow-legged gull. The area known as Las Lagunitas is particularly good for birdwatching.
In any case, for those wishing to visit this historically significant islet, Canary tourism entities remind visitors that there are limited options to purchase food, water, or sun protection on the island. Additionally, it is advisable to wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking along paths and rocky areas, especially if one plans to ascend the volcano. Ultimately, it is far better to be cautious than reckless before embarking from Fuerteventura to enjoy this Canary gem, accessible to very few.
