The Ajuy Caves are one of the most distinctive spots in Fuerteventura: huge caverns carved by the sea into cliffs made of the oldest rocks in the Canary Islands, reached by a short trail from a black sand beach. The visit is free and takes about an hour and a half, but there are a couple of things worth knowing before you go.
It is one of our favorite places in the center-west of the island. We visited in summer and it was an unforgettable day: the walk from the beach, the views from the cliffs and the feeling of stepping into a cave facing the Atlantic.
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What are the Ajuy Caves?
They are inside the Ajuy Natural Monument, a protected area on the west coast of Fuerteventura that is part of the Betancuria Rural Park. What makes the place unique is its geology: these cliffs expose the oldest rock formations in the Canary Islands, more than 100 million years old, remains of the ocean floor that was later left exposed.
The sea gradually carved the rock into several caves, the biggest with a huge mouth opening onto the Atlantic. On the way you will also see old lime kilns and the old Puerto de la Peña, where lime used to be shipped out in the past.
How to get to the Ajuy Caves
First you need to reach the village of Ajuy, in the municipality of Pájara, along the FV-621 road. It is well signposted and the road is good. These are the approximate driving distances:
| From | Approximate distance |
|---|---|
| Costa Calma | About 40 km |
| Puerto del Rosario | About 50 km |
| Morro Jable | About 60 km |
| Corralejo | About 80 km |
As you enter the village, on the right, there is a large free car park. Getting there by public transport is complicated, so the car is the most practical option. If you do not have one yet, we explain how in renting a car in Fuerteventura (in Spanish).
📑 In this guide · 10 sections
- What are the Ajuy Caves?
- How to get to the Ajuy Caves
- The trail to the caves, step by step
- What to see in Ajuy besides the caves
- When to go and opening hours
- Tips for visiting the Ajuy Caves
- What else to see near Ajuy
- Where to stay to visit Ajuy
- Travel insurance
- Frequently asked questions about the Ajuy Caves
The trail to the caves, step by step
- Start at Ajuy beach. Facing the sea, the path leaves to the right, climbing up the cliff.
- Go up the stone-paved path. It is a short, lovely walk with views of the black beach and the village.
- Walk past the lime kilns and the viewpoints over the sea.
- Go down the staircase carved into the rock to the entrance of the big cave.
It is around 1.5 km, with no big elevation changes except the final staircase. It does not take much effort, but wear comfortable shoes, because the rock can be loose or wet near the cave.
What to see in Ajuy besides the caves
The black sand beach
The village beach has black volcanic sand and is surrounded by fishing boats. It is very nice for strolling and taking photos, but be careful if you swim: the water is deep and, depending on the day, there are quite strong waves and currents.
The cliff viewpoints
The views from above over the caves and the beach are among the prettiest on the west coast. Take a moment up there before heading down.
Eating by the sea
On the way back, the plan is to have lunch at one of the village terraces facing the beach. Fresh fish, wrinkled potatoes and majorero cheese: the perfect end to the visit.
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When to go and opening hours
The caves can be visited all year round and have no opening hours. Even so, there are two ideal moments: early in the morning, with fewer people, or late in the afternoon, when the sunset over the Atlantic is spectacular.
An important warning: the Pájara Town Council closes access as a precaution when there is a weather alert, strong waves or a risk of rockfalls, and reopens it once it passes. If the weather looks bad, check social media or the Pájara Town Council website first so you do not make the trip in vain.
Tips for visiting the Ajuy Caves
- Closed, comfortable shoes: the trail is easy, but the cave area has uneven rock.
- Do not get close to the cliff edge or go further into the cave than allowed.
- Check the sea conditions before going down to the cave and respect the closures.
- Bring water and sunscreen: there is almost no shade along the way.
- Do not take any stones: it is a protected area with enormous geological value.
- Combine it with Betancuria: it is about 30 minutes away and together they make a very good day in the center of the island.
What else to see near Ajuy
- Betancuria: the island’s old capital, among the mountains.
- Villages of Fuerteventura: Pájara, Vega de Río Palmas and other corners of the interior.
- Fuerteventura in 5 days: the complete itinerary, with Ajuy on the center day.
- What to see in Fuerteventura: the guide to the whole island, from north to south.
Where to stay to visit Ajuy
Ajuy is a very small village with almost no accommodation, so most people go for the day. The most convenient bases are Costa Calma, about 40 km away, or anywhere in the center of the island. We explain all the options in where to stay in Fuerteventura.
Travel insurance
If you are traveling from outside the European Union, it is a good idea to be covered, especially if you are going to do trails and excursions. You can see our comparison of the best travel insurance for Europe, and with IATI Seguros you get a 5% discount as a reader of the blog.
Frequently asked questions about the Ajuy Caves
How much does it cost to visit the Ajuy Caves?
Nothing: the visit is free and no reservation is needed. The village car park is also free.
How long does it take to get to the caves from the beach?
About 15-20 minutes walking along a trail of around 1.5 km, with no difficulty except the final staircase.
Are they open all year?
Yes, although the Pájara Town Council closes access as a precaution during bad weather alerts or strong waves. It is best to check beforehand if the weather looks bad.
Can you go with children?
Yes, the trail is short and easy. You just need to keep an eye on them near the cliffs and on the staircase down to the cave.
Can you get there by guagua (bus)?
It is complicated: connections are scarce. The most practical way is to go by car, which also lets you combine it with Betancuria.
Why are the rocks of Ajuy so special?
Because they are the oldest in the Canary Islands, more than 100 million years old: remains of the ocean floor that now form the cliffs.
Our final recommendation
If you are exploring the center of Fuerteventura, set aside half a day for Ajuy: the trail is short, the visit is free and the landscape is like nothing else on the island. Arrive early or at sunset, go down to the cave and finish with lunch facing the black beach.
For us it was an unforgettable day, and every time someone asks us what to see in the center of the island, Ajuy is on the list. Have you been already? Tell us in the comments.
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