ASCEND TO CALDERÓN HONDO? WHERE TO START THE CLIMB TO CALDERÓN HONDO? IS CALDERÓN HONDO IN FUERTEVENTURA WORTH IT?
This post is a full guide to hike to the top of Calderón Hondo Volcano. This is one of the must-sees in Fuerteventura (all 25 must-sees in Fuerteventura here).
Fuerteventura is the perfect destination for all outdoor and sports activities. Whether it is for hiking, surfing, cycling, sailing, swimming, running, stargazing, there is something for everyone. Basically, there is almost nothing you can’t do on the island.
Hiking the Calderón Hondo Volcano, was one of the most memorable things we did in Fuerteventura. And here is all you need to know to hike to the top of Calderón Hondo.
The 50,000-year-old volcano Calderón Hondo is located near Lajares on the north end of the island of Fuerteventura, just a little bit more south of Corralejo. This hilly, volcanic landscape that stretches from La Oliva to Corralejo is one of the most beautiful part of Fuerteventura.
Calderón Hondo is 278 meter high. From the top you have one of the most beautiful view of Fuerteventura. You can also admire the magnificent 70 meter deep circular volcanic crater with its yellowish sulfur deposits. Simply breathtaking!
Here is a glimpse of what Calderón Hondo in Fuerteventura looks like:
ENJOY YOUR HIKE!
HIKING GUIDE TO REACH THE TOP OF CALDERÓN HONDO VOLCANO
How to get to the start of the hike?
While there is different starting points to hike to the top, we chose the northern side to start the ascent of the Volcano. It’s just a few minutes drive from Corralejo. However be aware that the last part of the road is not paved. So better have a good car, although we still managed to get there with our little fiat 500.
There is a small parking at the start of the trail which is well indicated. You can’t really miss it.
Location of the parking (Google map): here
Starting your ascent to the top of Calderón Hondo
The first good news is that the hike is relatively easy. It is suitable for everyone including families with children. Good sneakers is sufficient for the hike. However, we do not recommend using flip flops as some parts of the trail are a bit slippery.
The other good news is that you can reach the top in just 20min from the parking lot. Once you reach the top you can choose to walk around the crater (which we highly recommend), or simply take a few shots at the viewing platform and get back to your car.
However, the landscape itself is fascinating and worth taking your time to fully enjoy the beauty of the volcano and the stunning view of Fuerteventura. From the top you can also see Lanzarote and Lobos island another must-see in Fuerteventura.
Check out the chipmunks
Once you reach the top of the volcano the first thing you will see is the viewing platform and the enormous crater in front of you. However another exciting attraction at the top are the little chipmunks doing their show right in front of you.
They are actually not native to the island, but were brought to Fuerteventura in the 1960s. Today they are many on the islands as they do not really have any predator. Feeding them is prohibited, however many tourists do not seem to observe this rule… As always it is not good for a wild animal to be fed by human. We know it’s really hard to resist as they are super cute, but please refrain from feeding them.
Hike around the volcano
Once you reach the top, we highly recommend to hike around the crater at the top of the volcano. To enjoy the view even more, go there just before sunset. The colors will be stunning. It took us about 45 min with plenty of photo stops to complete the full circle. Then we simply hiked back down to our car.
This was a memorable hike in Fuerteventura.
Useful information about Calderón Hondo
Access: Free
Opening time: 24/7
Location of the volcano: here
Total distance: 5km (including the walk around the crater)
When to visit Calderón Hondo: like the rest of Fuerteventura, you can visit the volcano all year round. However during summer it can get quite hot during the day. Hence getting there just before sunset would be more pleasant.
What to bring: It can get a bit windy at the top of the volcano. Bring a jacket with you just in case and of course some water.
BOOK A GUIDED TOUR: you can hire a guide who will pick you up at your hotel and guide you through the climb of Calderón Hondo. CHECK IT OUT HERE.
OUR IMPRESSIONS OF CALDERÓN HONDO VOLCANO
The northern part of Fuerteventura resemble Lanzarote with its volcanic and dry landscape. You can admire many beautiful looking volcanoes in this part of the island. We loved it. Driving through this part of the island is fantastic and represents well the beauty and diversity of the Canary Islands.
The Calderón Hondo is a volcano straight out of a postcard. The crater is breathtaking with its perfect circular shape. The view from the top is stunning and worth the short hike.
If you are visiting Fuerteventura and you are up for a little bit of adventure, hiking the Calderón Hondo would be a great choice.
READ: 6 AWESOME HIKES IN FUERTEVENTURA
WHAT TO DO NEAR CALDERÓN HONDO
VISIT CORRALEJO
Corralejo is the largest resort on the island of Fuerteventura. The town is very popular due to its beautiful beaches (top 10 beaches here), ideal weather, scenic countryside and festive atmosphere. This is where we set our base for the first week in Fuerteventura.
Corralejo has it all and is for everyone. If you are visiting Corralejo with children you will enjoy attractions like aqua parks, mini-golf and the aquarium etc.
If you are in Fuerteventura for surfing, then Corralejo is probably your best choice. There are many surf school in the town. Also most of the best surf spots are located in the north of the island. However, it can get quite busy, so booking in advance is recommended. You can book your surf lesson here.
Corralejo is also a town where you will find many restaurants along the beach and great shopping experience in town. There is a wide variety of activities you can do in Corralejo, which makes it a great place to stay.
READ: 8 best things to do in Corralejo
VISIT EL COTILLO
We continue on the north of the island to El Cotillo. A visit to Fuerteventura without visiting this old fishing village would be a pity. The village is bordered by 2 of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with golden sand where you can swim in the crystal clear waters.
In the surrounding area, many natural pools and lagoons dot the coastline, as is often the case in the Canary Islands. To the north of the village, Playa Marfolín looks like a tropical Southeast Asian beach: an ideal “spot” for sunbathing in the middle of Winter!
To the south, Playa del Castillo – named after the castle del Tostón which once protected the island from pirate attacks – is a haunt for surfers who come to enjoy the strong waves. Playa del Castillo (photo above) is actually one of our favorite beach in Fuerteventura. When we drove there for the first time, we were in complete awe! Make sure to check it out.
READ:
Top 10 beaches in Fuerteventura here.
Full guide for visiting El Cotillo
WHERE TO STAY NEAR CALDERÓN HONDO
Corralejo
Corralejo is best if you like more actions during your holidays. Plenty of bars, restaurants, a very young crowd, surf school, boat trip to Los Lobos, perfect beaches etc. There are so many things to do. However, it may not be the most romantic gateway.
We stayed at Atlantic Garden Beach Mate hotel. The location was perfect near the main beach and right next to a supermarket. The place was clean and modern. Check it out here.
READ: BEST PLACES TO STAY IN FUERTEVENTURA, FULL GUIDE
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EL COTILLO, a charming village near Corralejo in Fuerteventura: here
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