Best Things to do in Ajuy, Fuerteventura
Last Updated on 16th March 2023 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.
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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
Truth be told, the true shining star of attractions when it comes to Ajuy are the caves, which are world-famous due to their unique mystery. 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!
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.
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.
How to visit Ajuy
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 a large free car park on the fringes of town which is marked as ‘aparcamiento público’ on Google Maps. Just don’t leave any valuables in your car or on display as break ins are not unheard of.
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