Here are five hikes I send friends on when they want to explore the island.
I run a pottery painting studio in El Cotillo, so I know the little pivot moves tourists and surfers make when plans change. For example when the swell forecast looks bad. 🥲 So when I'm not in the Studio in El Cotillo and I can't surf I enjoy hiking the volcanoes of Fuerteventura.
These are my top 5 hikes you can reach in 15–60 minutes from El Cotillo, each with a different volcanic mood: the perfectly preserved crater at Calderon Hondo, the beautiful, slot-like Arco de las Peñitas, the red cone of Montaña Roja, the lunar slopes of Montaña de la Arena, and a short coastal scramble near Lajares.
Why I recommend these routes from El Cotillo
All five are great if you want to explore Fuerteventura volcano scenery without driving for hours. From El Cotillo you get quick access plus a chance to linger afterward at La Concha lagoon or the Faro del Tostón lighthouse. I give directions below, plus practical notes so you don’t waste daylight.
1) Calderon Hondo, Lajares (best-preserved crater)
Calderon Hondo sits just east of the road that leaves Lajares. It’s one of the best-preserved craters on the island: a gentle rim-walk with wide views over the north. From El Cotillo it’s about a 15 minute drive. The path is well marked and short enough for most tourists who want a scenic, low-effort hike. You can walk the rim in around 40 mintues and take pictures of the little atlas squirrels that live all around the crater
Tip: early morning or late afternoon light gives the caldera great depth for photos. Wear trainers — parts of the rim have loose grit.
2) Arco de las Peñitas (a striking natural formation)
Arco de las Peñitas is a tougher, more adventurous option. The trail features narrow passages and a dramatic arch carved into volcanic rock — not a casual stroll but one of the most secenic spots in the north if you can handle uneven ground. Bring water and allow extra time if you want to climb around the arch for photos. I recommend this for hikers comfortable with rocky sections and some simple scrambling. All together the hike takes around 1.5 hours.
3) Montaña Roja (red cone and coastal panorama)
Montaña Roja sits closer to the shores of the Corralejo area and gives a classic red-cone silhouette with sweeping views along the coast to Lobos Island and Lanzarote. It’s a short, steep climb to the top; you’ll be rewarded with 360° views across the north coast. For a combined day, pair this with a stop at the Corralejo sand dunes or a quiet coffee back in El Cotillo.
4) Montaña de la Arena (contrasting volcanic textures)
Montaña de la Arena sits between Villaverde and La Oliva. The slopes feel more rugged and desolate — a good pick if you want the island’s lunar side. The trail is less trafficked than Montaña Roja, so you’ll often have the matchstick-dark lava fields to yourself. It’s a short drive from El Cotillo and worth the isolation if you want to explore fuerteventura volcano landscapes away from the crowds.
5) My absolute favourite hike in Fuerteventura
The image itself captures one reason why I love this hike. Not many people come here, a few locals here and there but other than that you have it all to yourself...except for maybe some goats. The views are absolutely stunning and the hike is a 25 minute drive from El Cotillo. The hike is around 1.5 hours and the ascend to the peak has some exposed and quite steep passages towards the end. Yet you are rewarded with stunning views of the north of Fuerteventura and beautiful sunsets on a clear day. Please understand that I can't share the location or name of this gem online, because i want to preserve it's serenity.
However, when you pop-by the studio for a pottery painting session and you're keen on exploring the islands volcanoes I might give you a hint 😇
Insider local hiking tips from El Cotillo - pack water, wear good shoes, and take sun protection even on windy days.
Practical notes and route planning
Basic timing: most of these hikes are 30–90 minutes each, depending on how much you explore. Driving from El Cotillo is short — Calderon Hondo about 15 minutes, Montaña Roja around 30–40 minutes, and Montaña de la Arena 20–30 minutes. The Arco is an hour away.There are no entrance fees for the trails; bring at least 1 litre of water per person, sun protection, and a camera. If you want a quieter experience, aim for early morning or late afternoon.
These five hikes give a range of volcanic scenery - from the well-preserved rim of Calderon Hondo to the dramatic arch at Arco de las Peñitas and the coastal cone of Montaña Roja. Take the short drive, enjoy the views, and pair your walk with a stop at coffee in the afternoon.
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