Last Updated on November 5, 2023
Nestled in the small village of Ajuy along the coast of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands you can find stunning caves and black sand beaches, the perfect destination for your next trip. This Ajuy Fuerteventura Caves and Beach Guide will tell you everything you need to know about planning a visit to this beautiful area. The famous caves in Fuerteventura and nearby black sand beach are a hidden gem of the Canary Islands that are great for lounging, exploring, and taking tons of Instagram photos. If you’re ready to experience some sand and surf, pack your bags and head to the Ajuy Fuerteventura caves and black sand beach!
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Ajuy Fuerteventura Caves and Black Sand Beach Guide
In this travel guide, we’ll be discussing both the caves and the black sand beach that can be found in the village of Ajuy. Fuerteventura, the island on which Ajuy is located, is the second largest of the Canary Islands, a Spanish territory that lies in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Africa. Fuerteventura is known for its picturesque beaches, coastal cliffs, and caves, making it a great vacation spot for anyone who loves adventure. The caves and black sand beach at Ajuy are considered a national monument and therefore protected under Betancuria Rural Park.
Looking for more unique beaches in Fuerteventura? Try Popcorn Beach Fuerteventura!
How to Get to Ajuy Fuerteventura
The easiest way to get to Ajuy, Fuerteventura is by car, whether you drive yourself or catch a ride. Ajuy is located less than 10 km (6.2 miles) from the bustling town of Pajara, so you can reach the village in just a quick ten-minute drive. There are also some taxi and bus options available in Pajara that will take you to Ajuy. Make sure to check the bus schedule in advance since it tends to change seasonally – we recommend talking with locals or employees at the hotel you stay at for the most accurate and up-to-date info.
If you plan to head straight to Ajuy from Fuerteventura Airport, you can expect a 40-minute drive.
Arrival and Parking
Parking at Ajuy beach, Fuerteventura is a breeze thanks to the large parking lot located at the north end of the beach. Parking is free and the lot is dirt with no marked spaces, so parking is first come first serve. From here, the trail to the Ajuy caves and beach is just steps away and clearly marked.
There’s also another free lot located about a five-minute walk from the beach where you can park in case the main lot is full. You will see this lost first as you arrive in Ajuy. Thankfully, the Ajuy caves and black sand beach tend to stay pretty quiet, so you shouldn’t have any issues finding parking.
Entrance to Ajuy Caves and Ajuy Black Sand Beach
One of the best parts about the Ajuy caves and black sand beach is that both are completely free to visit! These beautiful areas are open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you don’t have to worry about planning your visit for a specific time or getting any kind of permit in advance. Sometimes, the caves and beach will close if there are extreme weather conditions like heavy rain or strong winds, though this is rare.
As you begin to head towards the trail to the caves, you’ll probably notice a ton of adorable chipmunks running alongside you. While these little critters are totally harmless and friendly, please don’t feed or touch them as they are considered an invasive species. These chipmunks make a cute addition to photos of your excursion to the Ajuy caves and beach.
How to Find the Ajuy Caves
The trail to the Ajuy caves from the main parking lot is very straightforward and easy to follow. While the caves and black sand beach are definitely the highlights, the hiking path is a fun adventure in its own right. You’ll want to wear sturdy hiking boots since the trail is dirt and has some rocky sections. Boots are also a good choice for walking inside the caves themselves, as the ground is often slick and uneven.
Unfortunately, the path to the Ajuy caves is not wheelchair-friendly, so keep this in mind as you plan your visit. After about 15 minutes, of hiking, you’ll reach the first of the Ajuy caves. As you hike along the trail, you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the caves, beach, and ocean beyond. You can also learn about some local history by catching glimpses of the island’s oldest dunes and some lime kilns, which were used for building homes. The waves are also a sight to behold, and you can really appreciate the power of the ocean.
Getting Inside the Ajuy Caves
Once you reach the end of the trail to the Ajuy caves, you’ll come across a steep, rocky staircase that leads down into the caves. These prehistoric caves are considered the oldest rock formations in the Canary Islands, and they’re truly a spectacle to experience in person!
The first Ajuy cave is the larger of the two and offers views of the Atlantic Ocean. Scramble over the rocks and take in incredible waterfront sights before continuing on to the next cave. The second Ajuy cave is a bit smaller and leads further underground. Both are quite large and spacious, so you can take your time exploring and wandering around. The path through the caves is clearly marked so you don’t have to worry about getting lost, as long as you don’t venture too deep underground! You can expect to spend around a half hour venturing through the caves, depending on how often you plan to stop for photo ops.
Visiting the Ajuy Black Sand Beach
After exploring the Ajuy caves, make your way back up the trail to head to Ajuy black sand beach. This gorgeous landscape is picture-perfect thanks to the contrast between the turquoise water and black volcanic sand. While the sand isn’t completely black in color, it is made up of small rock and sand particles that have a dark gray appearance.
This beach area never gets too busy, so you’ll have plenty of space to spread out and secure your oceanfront spot. Ajuy black sand beach is the perfect place to do some sunbathing and snap some photos for Instagram. The water at the Ajuy black sand beach can get quite rough, but you are welcome to swim if conditions are mild and you’re a confident swimmer.
Ajuy Beach Amenities and Facilities
Thankfully, there are public restrooms and showers available at Ajuy black sand beach, so you can wash off at the end of your adventure before hitting the road. A number of restaurants can be found just minutes from the beach in the village of Ajuy, offering plenty of options for grabbing a pre- or post-hike meal.
Make sure to pack hiking essentials like a daypack with water and snacks, sunscreen, a towel, and a light jacket since the caves and beach can get windy.
Ajuy Fuerteventura Frequently Asked Questions
If this guide to the Ajuy caves and black sand beach is making you want to plan a trip to the Canary Islands ASAP, make sure to read through these frequently asked questions first!
Can You Swim at Ajuy Black Sand Beach?
Yes, swimming is permitted at Ajuy black sand beach. Keep in mind, the waves can get quite rough depending on the weather, so keep a close on conditions before jumping in. We only recommend swimming at Ajuy black sand beach if you’re comfortable in the water – and don’t go too far out into the ocean.
How Long Do You Need for Ajuy?
The amount of time you spend at the Ajuy caves and black sand beach depends on your specific plans and travel preferences. In general, you can expect to hike for around 30 minutes, explore the caves for about the same amount of time, and lounge on the beach for as long as you like. All in all, a visit to the Ajuy caves and black sand beach can take anywhere from two hours to half a day.
Why is Ajuy Beach Black Sand?
The sand at Ajuy beach is black because it’s volcanic in nature, having formed when lava and sediment created the foundation for the island of Fuerteventura millions of years ago. As a result, the sand in Ajuy has a coarse texture and dark appearance that looks black from a distance.
Where is Ajuy in Fuerteventura?
Ajuy is a small fishing town located on the western coast of Fuerteventura Island that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The charming village of Ajuy is about a ten-minute drive from the town of Pajara, and forty minutes from Fuerteventura Airport.
What is the Best Time to Visit Ajuy Fuerteventura?
One of the best parts of the Ajuy caves and black sand beach is they can be accessed any time of day, 365 days a year. The only time that the caves and beach are closed to the public is during severe weather conditions.
If you want the caves and beach all to yourself, plan your visit for early morning, around 8:00 to 9:00 AM. This will give you plenty of time to do some exploring and reserve your spot on the beach before other crowds of tourists begin to arrive.
Thankfully, the Ajuy caves and black sand beach never get too busy, but you can expect to see some groups of visitors depending on what time of day you visit. 10:00 AM to around 1:00 PM is usually the busiest time at the caves and beach, though most visitors don’t stay very long.
Late afternoon is a great time to visit the Ajuy caves and black sand beach since the weather will be nice and warm, and you can enjoy the town’s restaurants before or after your visit.
Ajuy Fuerteventura Caves and Black Sand Beach Guide Summary
We hope this Ajuy Fuerteventura Caves and Black Sand Beach Guide is helpful as you plan a trip to the Canary Islands! Ajuy’s natural landscape is picture-perfect thanks to the striking rock formations, crystal blue waters, and uniquely dark volcanic sand. Visiting the Ajuy caves and black sand beach is a truly unforgettable experience and will give you plenty of chances to snap some Instagram-worthy pictures. Next time you’re headed to Spain, make sure to take a trip over to Fuerteventura to visit the Ajuy caves and black sand beach!
