Best Things to Do in Ajuy, Fuerteventura: Caves, Black Sand Beaches & Hidden Gems

Last Updated on 30th July 2026 by Sophie Nadeau

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Nestled within one of the most unique and important geological phenomenon in the Canary Islands, the little fishing port of Ajuy is one of the most popular places to visit on Fuerteventura thanks to its proximity to top tourist attractions. Here are the best things to do in Ajuy, as well as what to know before you go.

It’s worth noting that the name ‘Ajuy’ comes from the Guanche language. The Guanche were the original inhabitants of the Canary Islands, prior to the arrival and subsequent conquest of the Spanish.

If you’re planning a trip to Fuerteventura, be sure to check out our suggested 3 days in Fuerteventura itinerary.

Ajuy is a fairly small settlement with only around 80 permanent residents, though this number swells in high season when all of the tourist accommodation in town fills up. The town is famed for being home to the Cuevas de Ajuy, some of the oldest rock formations in the Canary Islands.

In more modern times (i.e. in the past millennia) Ajuy proved to be an important post due to its position at the mouth of the River Ajuy (known as Barranco de Ajuy in Spanish).

The Puerto de la Peña (port) once served the former capital of the island, Betancuria, and is where Norman Jean de Béthencourt arrived on the island in 1402 with the purpose of conquering the island n behalf of the Spanish crown.

Best things to do in Ajuy

Thanks to its status as one of the most visited towns in Fuerteventura, there’s no shortage of bars, taverns, and accommodation when it comes to Ajuy.

However, as it’s so touristic, I would probably not opt to stay in Ajuy and instead stay in Corralejo, El Cotillo, or even Betancuria. If you’re visiting the island for the first time, here’s a Fuerteventura itinerary.

Beach of Ajuy

Like many towns on Fuerteventura, one of the biggest attractions of Ajuy is its beach, which is known as Playa de Ajuy in Spanish. Characterised by its volcanic black sand, the beach lies in stark contrast to the bright blue waves and limestone cliff faces surrounding it.

The beach is not really suited to swimming due to the torrential surge, but you can wander along the shores and admire the beautiful view onto the cliffs and back towards the town.

Wander the town

One of the best ways to get to know Ajuy is simply by wandering the town of foot and allowing the settlement to reveal itself to you. You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be on your feet a lot.

This is actually the only way to get around the town as it’s almost all pedestrianised and cars are not allowed past a certain point. You’ll also need sturdy shoes if you want to follow the path to reach the sea caves (Cuevas de Ajuy).

Visit the Cuevas de Ajuy

Located on the western side of the island, the impressive sea caves of Ajuy are known in Spanish as the Cuevas de Ajuy and are some of the oldest and most impressive geological formations on Fuerteventura.

While it’s thought that Fuerteventura itself is only 30 million years old, the Cretaceous rocks of the Ajuy Caves themselves date back 100 million years! Visitors to the Ajuy Caves can admire the stunning rock formations, which become visible on the horizon shortly after taking the path which leads from the centre of Ajuy town to the sea caves.

Comprising of deep pools, towering rock formations (some over 40 metres high), and intricate tunnels, as well as consolidated sand dunes, and oceanic sediments, they are some of the oldest geological formations in the Canary Islands.

Indeed, the strangest mystery is that while parts of the Ajuy Caves are thought to date back 100 million years, Fuerteventura itself is thought to only be 30 million years old!

As well as the caves themselves, the Ajuy Caves are surrounded by memorable landscapes and wildlife, making them a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching.

The Ajuy Natural Monument spans an area of 31.8 hectares and was declared a Natural Monument in 1994. It’s included within the Betancuria rural park in the municipality of Pájara.

Things to see at the Caves of Ajuy

The sea caves: This area of rock is from the Cretaceous period, meaning that it is over 100 million years old and contains fossils such as marine gastropods. The caves were formed by volcanic activity and have been hewn out by the crashing waves over the millennia.

Wildlife and plants: Some of the most interesting bird species which can be observed in the area include the common kestrel, the Egyptian Vulture, the common raven, the Canary Islands stonechat, and the Scopoli’s shearwater. Interesting plants you can see along the route include the southern boxthorn and the Canary Island tamarisk.

Remains of Puerto de la Peña: In centuries gone by, the lime was quarried from the caves and shipped to nearby islands. Today, remains of the limekilns, customhouse, the ramp, and the tunnel can still be seen.

The quarried stone, Syenite rock, is still used in the paving of the cobbled lanes of Vegueta in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. What made the kilns so unique is that they were carved into the rock and can still be seen today.

How to visit Ajuy (and its sea caves)

Ajuy is best visited as a day trip from one of the larger towns in Fuerteventura such as Puerto del Rosario (the capital) or Corralejo (where I recommend basing yourself during your trip).

There’s plenty of parking just outside of Ajuy, though you’ll have to pay for it and walk a little way to reach the town. Once in Ajuy, there is a 1.5 kilometre long path which leads from Ajuy town centre to the caves, with the entrance to the path being located at the end of Playa de Ajuy (the town’s main beach).

The start of the path towards the Cuevas de Aujy comprises of a wide stone ramp, though there are steps and uneven surfaces along the way. Almost all of the area is fenced in, making it a pleasant walk to reach various viewpoints from which to admire the sea caves and various rock formations.

You’ll also get to see one of the oldest fossil dunes on the island while wandering along the coastal path. Once you’ve reached the end of the path closest to the sea caves, there’s even a part of the pathway which turns into steps and allows you to access one of the sea caves.

The entire path is free to visit. I wouldn’t personally set aside more than an hour or so to see the sea caves as Fuerteventura has so much to offer and the path is fairly easy to hike in a short amount of time.