Surfing, yoga and crafts in Lajares

Lajares is a small village of 1,700 inhabitants at the foot of the Calderon Hondo volcano. It used to be a prosperous village, where the inhabitants produced a red dye derived from the cochineal that lives on prickly pear trees. All these crops have gradually been abandoned due to the arrival of new synthetic products. The same is true of agave sisal fibre. Today, a few inhabitants still survive by raising goats, although they are very rare.

In recent years, Lajares has undergone a real transformation. Abandoned farmland has been replaced by surf shops and yoga centres. Indeed, this is where Fuerteventura's sporty and trendy tourists have made their home. In fact, the streets are full of craft shops, vegan cafés and artists' residences.

Thanks to its proximity to two seaside resorts, Corralejo to the east and El Cotillo to the west, travellers can enjoy both sides of the Atlantic Ocean in just a few minutes' drive. The new public in Lajares has changed the peasant town into a fashionable village. The past and present have blended naturally, and the mujeres of the older generation still produce lace and embroidery that is unique on the island. Lajares is also home to the Canary Islands Crafts School, where the art of traditional embroidery is taught.

Calderon Hondo is a 278-metre-high volcano located a stone's throw from the village of Lajares. It is the neighbour of the Bayuyo volcano, which is 271 metres high. The formation of three volcanoes in a row - Bayuyo, Calderon Hondo and Las Calderas - is thought to have formed the island of Lobos, to the north of Fuerteventura. The impressive plunging crater of the Calderon Hondo volcano is 70 metres deep and can only be seen from the summit.

The craft market

Every Saturday morning, Lajares comes alive with its craft market. On the programme: local food, crafts and art. Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Doing yoga

Whether you're a keen sportsman or an advanced yogi, Lajares is a paradise for both body and mind. Surf & Yoga Fuerteventura invites you to share a moment of serenity in a sober, natural setting during a yoga class.

Climbing the Calderon Hondo volcano

⛰️Difficulté: easy (4.7 km - 176 m - ↘176 m)

The hike to the summit of the Calderon Hondo volcano is accessible to all. This easy loop of around 2 hours takes visitors from Lajares to the panoramic view from the highest point of the volcano. Once at the top, you can admire the 7 volcanic cones of Bayuyo, which appear to be perfectly aligned. In the distance, the island of Lobos comes into view.

There are two possible routes: either you climb to the left of the volcano to reach the summit directly, or you climb to the right and reach the summit via the back of the volcano. Both routes are of similar difficulty. However, the left-hand path is a little slippery, so you need to walk more slowly. If you want to walk as little as possible, you can park your car directly in the car park in front of the volcano, on the road towards Majanicho from Lajares.

Click here for the exact route of the hike!

📍 How do I get to Lajares?

Lajares is located in the north of Fuerteventura, the village can be reached via the FV-10 and FV-109 roads, in 15 minutes from Corralejo or 30 minutes from Puerto del Rosario.

🍴 Where to eat in Lajares?

The quality of the cuisine in Lajares is impressive. This small village is full of delicious restaurants, serving reinvented dishes inspired by traditional Canarian cuisine. Like the people of the village, Lajares' cuisine blends the past and the present. We recommend La Boqueria, Los Pinchitos or La Bodega de Lajares, our favourite place for a glass of wine and tapas.

🌊 Where to swim nearby?

El Cotillo is a village on the west coast, 9 minutes from Lajares. Its white and blue houses and fish stew is famous throughout Fuerteventura. Yet it's a place that's rarely visited by tourists and remains calm and serene. The beaches of Los Lagos, La Concha and El Cotillo Beach are waiting to be explored.

Another option, on the east coast, is Corralejo, Fuerteventura's largest seaside resort. The beaches are full of bars, restaurants, nautical equipment hire kiosks and more. Corralejo is a 15-minute drive from Lajares.