A visit to Las Cuevas de Ajuy in Fuerteventura ticks a few boxes for an interesting drive during your holiday.

The drive to reach Ajuy is fabulous in either direction! We were travelling up from the South of the island, so took the FV-605 towards Pájara. This road is a biker’s dream, in fact we saw a group of 50+ riders enjoying the twists and turns through the mountains.

FV-605 to Pájara

If starting from the South, you may want to take a break at the Astronomical Viewpoint of Sicasumbre. Aptly named as this is a great spot to see the night sky. It also offers a stunning view and two stone goats for photo opportunities.

At Pájara take the turning FV-621 to reach Ajuy. There is a free car park on your left as you enter the village. Alternatively, there is another car park on the front, at the start of the footpath to the caves.

We enjoyed our stroll down through the seaside village of Ajuy. The seafood restaurants were setting up for a busy Sunday lunch. Locals were enjoying the picturesque black sand beach, with boats and sunbathers.

At the start of Las Cuevas de Ajuy footpath, there is a warning not to feed the Barbary Ground Squirrels. Whilst visitors find them cute, they are considered to be vermin, causing damage to the natural flora & fauna of Fuerteventura. We walked this section in flip flops, however we recommend more sturdy footwear would be better due to the rocks and loose stones underfoot in places.

Starting with a paved ramp, this section of the footpath takes you up to an impressive wave of eroded limestone rock. A popular place for selfies with the black beach in the background.

The next point of interest is the Hornos de Cal. This deep pit was used to produce lime for construction from the 16th century, until phased out in the mid 20th century. Lime ovens were built on the coast so that the product could be transported by boat. There is a footpath to go down to the loading bay area.

Continuing on the footpath forks again, the downward path is to reach a cave at Caleta Negra, the onward path takes you to a viewing platform to see Los Cuevas de Ajuy across the bay. Apparently Ajuy is a spectacular place to watch the sunset in Fuerteventura.

We were observed by one of the Barbary ground squirrels on our way back, sadly for them we observed the rules and didn’t offer up a treat for a close encounter.

We drove out from Ajuy heading North on the FV-30 towards the historic town of Betancuria. It’s another stunning road, again with twists and turns through the mountains.

Mirador Risco de la Peña

It’s worth a pause at the Mirador Risco de la Peña on the municipality border with Pájara & Betancuria to see the panoramic view.

Continue on to the historic town of Betancuria, the former capital of Fuerteventura. Take a break wandering the pretty cobbled streets, adorned with flowers, where you can find a choice of shady garden cafés for sustenance.

Mirador de Guise y Ayose

A short drive on from Betancuria along the FV-30 there’s another viewpoint with Guanche sculptures at the Mirador de Guise y Ayose.

In summary, either route into Ajuy is an interesting drive with view points. It’s a popular place to visit at the weekends, so if you prefer to avoid crowds and traffic, we suggest visiting during the week. This route is highly recommended to experience some of the highlights of Fuerteventura.