5 Reasons to Visit Ajuy and its Famous Caves

Ajuy is a small fishing village on the western Fuerteventura coast, famous for its caves and a beautiful black sandy beach, in calm conditions also safe enough for swimming. But there’s more!

Although Ajuy is one of the places on Fuerteventura’s “must-see” list, it often stays underrated. People usually go there to see the famous caves, but they rarely fully appreciate what they’re looking at and how special and unique this place is.

Here are six compelling reasons to visit Ajuy and explore its famous caves:

1. It’s where Juan de Bethencourt, the conqueror of the Canary Islands, set foot on this island for the first time in 1402 (some sources state in 1404) to conquer the island for the Spanish crown. De Bethencourt eventually founded Betancuria and named it after himself.

2. Ajuy served as a port of Betancuria, the island’s capital at that time.

3. Ajuy Caves are a natural rock formation made by lava flows from nearby volcanoes carved into the softer parts of the limestone cliffs. Ajuy is one of the few places on the whole Canary Islands where we can still see, on the surface and with the naked eye, primeval basalt materials that compose the oceanic crust, as it was formed about 17 million years ago in the times of the origin of the Canary Islands. The caves, with their extraordinary geological, paleontological, and ethnographic value, are a real gem and a delight for all geology enthusiasts.

4. On the way to the caves, there are the oldest fossil dunes on the island, up to 90% made of organic material; the marine fossils can be seen there with the naked eye.

5. Closer to the caves are the remains of the lime kilns, where the limestone was calcined to obtain the lime, used in construction, and sold and transported to the other Canary Islands until the second half of the 19th century. The limestone from Ajuy was considered exceptionally pure and was in significant demand.

6. The village of Ajuy itself is perched on the edge of the rugged coastline, providing incredible panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an ideal spot to take in the island’s natural beauty, especially during sunset when the sky is painted in vibrant hues.

Arriving in Ajuy, you’ll have no problem finding parking. A small village ends by the beach and is worth a quick stroll. From there, head to the right (direction north) to see the caves and the above-mentioned beautiful sandstone part with the visible fossils, so make sure to give it a moment or so. There’s an easy trail there, and it will take you around 10-15 min to reach the caves.

First, you’ll have to climb some stairs down to the cave; in low tide, the bottom of the caves is pretty dry, and you can roam around easily. If you’re more on the explorer’s side, you can follow them expanding further inland. Saying that, as always on Fuerteventura, use your common sense. The conditions here change from day to day due to the tide, the sea state, and the moon cycle… so make sure to make a safe decision for yourself.

After returning to the village, have a drink or lunch at one of the local restaurants. Then, if you’re still inspired, head south to see the beautiful Ajuy natural pools (accessible in low tide); for that, follow the “Charcones de Ajuy” sign or ask the locals for directions. It’s a short 20-30 min walk from the village, or you can also drive almost all the way there.

Visiting Ajuy and its famous caves is a journey through time and nature. It’s a chance to connect with the island’s geological heritage, explore its historical roots, and soak in the breathtaking coastal beauty. Whether you’re interested in history, geology or simply want to enjoy a day of relaxation, Ajuy has something to offer every traveler seeking an authentic and unique Fuerteventura experience.